Second annual Belgian Restaurant Week comes to Washington DC this July, and it’s going to be fantastique!
By Ericha Richards
Brabo Restaurant, Old Towne Alexandria. Photo by Len De Pas
Waffles and Mussels and Beer – oh my! Yes, you guessed it, Belgian Restaurant Week is upon us for the second year in a row. The District’s best Belgian restaurants are teaming up to kick off the week-long event created to pay tribute to the Belgian Independence Day, July 21st. The week leading up to the 21st will be filled with activities and cultural displays to be hosted at a select number of Belgian restaurants dispersed throughout the Washington D.C. Metro area. The roster of restaurants is as follows: Belga Cafe, Brabo, Brasserie Beck, Et Voila!, Granville Moore’s, L O’ocolat, Le Pan Quotidien, Marcel’s, Marvin, and Mussel Bar. On the 14th of July a kick off celebration will be had at the Brew at the Zoo event, where the restaurants will be hosting the ever-important VIP Tent. Determined to showcase their traditional cuisine and culture, participating restaurants will host festivities that allows visitors and guests to get a glimpse of Belgian heritage with the hopes that it will increase tourism and create buzz around the European state. Belgian Restaurant Week was founded by Belga Cafe Chef Bart Vandaele who is working closely with the Ambassador of Belgium and the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that this is a cultural display unlike any other. Chocolate-lovers and Brewski-worshipers will forgo all inhibitions and give into their vices and celebrate with the best Belgium has to offer.
The Run-down:
Thursday, July 14th: Kick Off Preview at Brew at the Zoo VIP Event
Friday, July 15th: Belgium Prix Fixe Menu
Saturday, July 16th: Mussels Throw Down at Eastern Market’s North Hall sponsored by Stella Artois.
Sunday, July 17th: Belgian Waffle Brunch
Monday, July 18th: Chocolate and Champagne, hosted by Veuveu Clicquot, Belvedere & Grand Marnier
Tuesday, July 19th: Seven Course Belgian Beer Dinner featuring Chefs from participating restaurants hosted by Belgium Ambassador Jan Matthysen and Mrs. Mattysen at their Residence.
Wednesday July 20th: Happy Hour Events
Thursday, July 21st: Belgian National Day Celebrations, sponsored by Latis Imports.
For more information, please visit: www.belgianrestaurantweekdc.com
