There is a multitude of places on this earth to go to enjoy great beer. Similarly, there are a great many lands where one can delight in fabulous cuisine. But to my experience, there is only one place where you can do both with equal enthusiasm and be rewarded with equally exceptional results.
That place is Belgium.
I admit it: I am a Belgophile. But that doesn't mean that I view the land exclusively through rose coloured specs. I am well aware that Belgium is not a perfect place, and that it is possible for some of her great beers to grow more pedestrian and some of her most reliable restaurants to let a diner down from time to time. Still, I can think of no nation in the world where I would rather eat and drink for pure pleasure.
My trip back to Belgium in the fall proved this to me once again. I ate simple meals that were in quality well above some high priced restaurants I've patronized in the U.S., Italy, France and Canada; I found near-perfect food and beer pairings in the most unexpected places; and I indulged in frites which even at their worst were still significantly better than all but a few of those I've tried in North America. To say that the Belgians in general care about food or beer or wine is to do them a disservice. The Belgians care about the entire dining experience, whether it is enjoyed at a white tablecloth, on a park bench or at one of the thousands of eccentric cafes that dot the land.
Belgians care about cuisine. If you do too, then I'd suggest you start making travel plans.
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