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June 27 Belgian Beer Blog: PostscriptAlrighty then.
A couple things to report. Unfortunately, my 15 minutes of fame is up and I am no longer high on the Google search hit list when you enter Paters Vaatje. However, my blog about how I show up in a Google search for Paters Vaatje is now referenced from this site: http://www.technorati.com/tags/Belgium which is number 7 on the list.
Secondly, we have now had a team meeting where we consumed the beer brought back from Belgium and ate pizza. Esteemed colleagues AVA, AW, MO and KR were present for this event. The beer made by our esteemed Belgian colleague J, was voted best of the 4 beers we had available for sample.
This will likely be the last of the Belgian Beer Blogs (unless something really exciting like improved Google searchability happens). So, farewell to Beer in Belgium. It's been a blast.
Stay tuned for my next Europe/Liquor installment, which will be Wine in Italy. My travelling companion thinks I'm nuts for bringing my laptop on vacation, but she just doesn't understand how much fun blogging is. She will be hooked by the time we get home, I guarantee it. And, we have 2 full weeks in Italy, vs. 4 measly nights in Belgium, so think how much I'll have to say then.
Vaarwel. June 21 Belgian Beer Blog: EpilogueExciting news. AVA informs me that if one does a Google search for Paters Vaatje (beer place in Antwerp remember?) my blog comes up as the number one hit!!!
I am Googleable. How exciting. I am almost famous. June 04 Belgian Beer Blog: Final StatsOk, so the tally is in.
AVA and I drank a total of 48 beers (29 each). 38 of these beers were unique. Our cumulative alcohol content exceeded 200% (each). Check out the graph.
Thanks, that was fun. June 03 Belgian Beer Blog: Part 4Well, AVA and I did it up good last night. Big sendoff. We started out by searching for Belgian Waffles. It was the last remaining Belgian institution that I had not tried. After walking around a bit we found a place to get waffles. I had mine with cream and chocolate. AVA had cream only. We ate our waffles and walked down to the river, did a little bit of sight seeing. Waffles were good by the way.
After checking things out by the river, we wandered back to the city center. We meet a guy dressed as a smurf. Apparently he is getting married soon and this is his bachelor humiliation. See picture. Then AVA made me choose a restaurant. I picked In De Schaduw van de Kathedraal. Nice enough place. One of the things we've noticed about Antwerp is that service is not a big thing. Takes forever to get a menu. Then forever to get the food. Then forever to get the bill. Then forever for them to bring back your credit card.
Anyway, for our first beer of the evening, we are kind of stuck because the restaurant doesn't have a great selection of beers. So, AVA has a De Koninck bolleke. He says "it's fine". I have a De Koninck Trippel. It starts sour but blossoms.
After our meal finally ends, AVA proposes that we don't screw around trying to find a place. So we head straight for Paters Vaatje, where AVA starts out with a Maredsous (8%). His feedback: "I like this beer. I like the label, the cold, the dark. Damn good. It's a drinking beer." I take a Piraat (9.7%). It is a nice, full bodied golden beer. Not too sweet, not too bitter. It has a nice picture of a pirate ship on the glass, and I like that.
Up until now, we have been standing at the bar, but now our table (yes, same table every night) has freed up. We sit down and get to picking out our next beers. I choose Delirium Tremens (9%). I choose this based on 1. the name, and 2. the pink elephant logo. I find it has a sour start and a bitter finish. Not a great beer. It's all about the name I think. Meanwhile, AVA has chosen Grimbergen Bruin (6.6%). He says: "I've decided the dark trappist beers are my favourite". By the way, trappist = made by monks.
Onward. Time for beer number 4. AVA choose the Dikke Mathile (6%). He thinks it has the taste of Nen Bangelijke but without the kick. "It's all about the blue naked bronze woman on the label". I choose Barbar (8%). It comes in a very nice mug. It is slightly sweet, but not grossly so. Kind of tropical ... coconut/pineapple?
By this time, things are starting to get a little fuzzy. Somebody is smoking a cigar. Which bizarrely seems like a really good idea. And according to my notes I am supposed to point that AVA is very square. Anyway, next beer. I choose Flierefluiter (7%). I like the name. It comes in a glass with a little guy who looks like a leprechaun. But I think he is a lamplighter. This beer tastes like nothing. It's a chugging beer. Meanwhile, AVA has a Houten Kop (6.5%). His feedback: "Kind of a very I wouldn't go out of my way to get the chicken leg on the laptop computer". In order to better understand this comment, take a look at the picture below. AVA thinks that the picture on the glass looks like a beer with a chicken leg on top sitting on a laptop computer.
More beer!!! I choose Cuvee des Trolls (7%) which comes in the cutest glass ever. In fact, AVA buys me the glass (cause he is too square to steal it). I think we left the glass in the bar, but AVA had to back to the bathroom and retrieved the glass. Although I don't know where it is now. Maybe he still has it. Anyway, the beer is a bitter white beer that tastes like trolls. At this time AVA and I are discussing online dating. Basically how my experience has been that it is sex pick up type thing. He suggests that we start a website called iwouldlikesexrightnow.com. I will later check if that domain is registered. At this point AVA has requested new trappist beer, and is presented with La Trappe (6.5%). This turns out to be a Dutch beer. For shame. However, since AVA is a Dutch boy, we decide that it is ok for him to consume a Dutch beer. On this beer, AVA says: "Gentle flavour, creamy head, pronounced bouquet (that's from the label). I like this. It is right in my trappist zone."
We are now sitting with some Belgian people. Bram is giving us some insights on the history of Antwerp. He would be an excellent tour guide. Unfortunately, I cannot hear most of what Bram is saying because he is sitting across the table from me and it is loud in the bar.
Ok, apparently I have done a better job on my notes than I previously thought because they seem to be numbered. So, beer number seven. I have a Witkap Pater Stimulo (6% - again, like the name - stimulo). This is a nice, light beer. AVA has Affligem (9%). He says "it's just a beer, no big deal."
Bram has explained to us that the Hand of Antwerp on the De Koninck glass is from the Antwerp border crossing. It means stop. Google it.
Beer number 8. This is officially out of control. AVA has Gouden Carolus (8.5%). "Smells very nice. Lovely beer. Back to the good dark shit". I taste this beer as well and agree it is very nice. It has a beautiful caramel taste. Meanwhile, I have a Lindemans Faro (4%). This on the recommendation of PY, somebody that Bram went to high school with and happened to meet in the bar. Am apparently too far gone to remember that I do not like sweet beer. This is a very sweet beer that comes in a huge bottle. It is soft. It makes me gag. I give most of it to Bram. AVA also partakes, but only so he can catch up to me in total numbers. This is a lambic beer Bram tells us. Lambic is the process of making beer with water of the river. Used especially for the fruit beers. Lambic is also the name of a famous cartoon character in Belgium.
I now transcribe the following notes from AVA.
1:40am Final Beer. Crap, she going for the Malheur 12% -- she has crossed the line. Bram's wife (Jill) is giving advice. Chimay. We are having Bram's wife decide for us. Now the collective crew is deciding. McChouffe it is. Now the whole row of patrons is in the loop. The collective has decided. Not Mc but La Chouffe (8%). It looks playful. But not a playful beer (so says Bram). Crossing the lijn - Antwerp tram way term. I recall that AVA and I both drink this beer as it comes in a big bottle, but I don't remember anything about it.
However apparently, I feel compelled to respond to AVA's comment about crossing the lijn, and do so in writing, thusly:
Methinks AVA has no idea where the line is.
AVA responds, also in writing (in fact, this entire exchange takes place in writing):
LIJN, we are in Belgium.
Me: excuse me. methinks AVA has no idea where the LIJN is.
AVA: Obviously the xs alcholic contributions are affecting mi'ladies sensibilites and her preoccupation is distracted be'twixt her camera and her pour. although this is a good element. and i believe we have crossed a space where our cooperative efficiencies will both benefit corporate teaming and ... ran out of paper ...
Ok then. That was interesting. I am to note that AVA and I are now equal in the beer consumption states with respect to number of beers. I am to reflect this in the Excel spreadsheet, which I will certainly do.
Our Belgian friends have left. I believe that I talk AVA into having one final beer as a big send off to Antwerp. He tells me to write down: last beer of the night and ever. AVA does this only for my amusement, no other reason. He choose Zulte (4.7%), but they are out. So he decides to go for the Jupiler. He's been to Belgium 3 times and never had Jupiler, so this is a big deal. He declares it to be like a Blue Light or Export. I have Blaskop (5.45%) which AVA choose for me. It is light. Nice.
My final notes on the paper say:
THANK YOU ANTWERP, WE LOVE YOU!!!!
After this, we go outside, but AVA needs to use the facilities. So he goes back. I decide to call C, which will probably cost me like 20 euros a minute, but who cares? C answers. Wow. I sit in Antwerp city center talking to C. AVA and I walk a bit. I sit down on a statue near the Cathedral. At some point I see AVA talking to some guy, and then he (AVA) yells over to me "do you want some cocaine?". WTF? Of course I DO NOT want any cocaine. And I know for sure that AVA does not either. A little while later AVA is walking around looking all agitated and asking me if I still have my camera. Apparently somebody tried to rob him. In the meantime, my connection with C is cut off and I try to call him back, but he doesn't answer, which I think is really weird since I was just talking to him less than 5 minutes before. He had been talking about meeting me at the airport. Which I hope he does.
I get back to the hotel, read a very nice email from C, and in a state of misguided drunkeness, answer it. Man.
A fitting send off to Antwerp. Fun place. Enjoy the pictures. You'll have to excuse meI'm not at my best
I've been gone for a week
I've been drunk since I left
These so called vacations will soon be my death
I'm so sick from the drink I need home for a rest
Take me home ...
Shout out to Spirit of the West. Am starting to feel human again. Might be able to write up the last beer blog in a few minutes. June 02 Belgian Beer Blog: Statistics After Day 3Being measurement oriented people, AVA and I have devised a graph of our beer consumption to share with you.
We have sampled 29 unique beers between the 2 of us. We have drank 37 beers total. Cumulative % of alcohol in these beers is about 140% each, or 280% total.
See the graph below. Will update after we finish up our adventure tonight. Beer, Beer and More BeerCourtesy of my esteemed, honest colleague, AW.
AVA and I have NOTHING on this guy. And never, ever will. Belgian Beer Blog: Retractions and ErrataI have received feedback from my esteemed colleague, AW, referred to in part 1 of these blogs as the colleague who told us we could get a 19% beer at Pelgrom. I indicated that he had lied about this.
He has kindly pointed out to me that he did not lie, but in fact was mistaken. This is, of course, an important distinction. One implies malicious intent, the other implies lack of intelligence. In fact, AW has neither malicious intent, nor does he lack intelligence. He was probably just too drunk to remember the alcohol % of the beer he drank at Pelgrom. This I can understand.
So, I do hereby apologize for denigrating his reputation in public. I retract the statement about AW having lied to us.
Mea culpa. June 01 Belgian Beer Blog: Part 3Tonight we are coming to you once again from Paters Vaatje. We like it here because there are many types of beer and they have this unsecured wireless connection.
We are currently consuming Bush beer (12% - me) and Brugse Staffe Hendrick (AVA) - blond (6%). Bush beer is an amber coloured beer with a strong flavour. Sharp I would say. AVA finds his beer very appealing, very drinkable as a 6th beer. Yes, we are each on beer number 6. Last minute update: I have also consumed a Brugse Staffe Hendrick, in an effort to catch up to AVA in alcohol content (graph to come). We are now awaiting our next selection. Our selections have arrrived. AVA has chosen Troubadour Blond (6.5%). AVA delcares it "very, who gives a shit? Nice. Not gonna make me go anywhere". I have chosen Moeder Overste (mother superior). This thing comes in a 75cl (750 mL or a bottle of wine size for you losers that can't translate cl to mL). It is 8%. AVA thinks I should finish typing before I fall under the table from drinking the thing. Now, I am apparently a complete loser at pouring the stuff out of the bottle, because it is still mostly foam and I swear I've been sitting here for 5 minutes. Hey, AVA informs me that there are 102 beers on the menu at Paters Vaatje. Wow! AVA is now helping himself to my MO, in order to save me from myself. Which I think is an excellent idea at this point. He says "this is a much more committed beer. It has some things going on. It is not a finishing beer". I agree. Although, we agreed that we cannot drink anymore beer tonight. I find this beer quite committed as well. It is a very foamy beer, and the foam is quite bitter. But once you get past the foam, it is a nice beer, all in all.
Now, let me recount our adventures from early this evening. We had dinner at 'T Pakhuis (http://www.pakhuis.info) . This is a brasserie. The service was quite horrific (was told by esteemed collegue -- you will die before you get any food here). However, once the food arrived, it was quite good. I myself had beef stew. Guess what it came with? French fries.
Anyway, this being the beer blog, on to the beer. Since 'T Pakhuis is a brasserie, they brew their own beer. Only 3 selections are available, so AVA and I were unable to avoid repeating each other. We ,started with Nen Bangelijke (9.5%). BTW, AVA is currently teaching me to speak Flemish/Dutch. Anyway, I personally was quite fond of Nen Bangelijke. Very nice beer. In fact, I bought some to take home. Smooth, tasty, everything a beer should be. The literal translation of this word from Dutch is "scary one". However, we are told it is also slang for "fantastic" and "stoned good". A most excellent beer. Should I be able to buy this beer at home, it would be my regular beer. So next we sample Antwerps Bruin (5.5%). A nice beer, but not nearly as good. Next, of course, we try the Antwerps Blond (5.1%). This one is a little cloudy, but nothing special taste wise.
After 'T Pakhuis, we try to find a place called Grote O-something which we go on a wild goose chase to find. It apparently has several hundred types of beer. We, of course, don't find it. My shoulder hurts from carrying my heavy-ass laptop bag all over downtown Antwerp (anybody detect a trend here?) Anyway, we decide to head back to Pelgrom. Now, keep in mind, we are about to embark on our 4th beer of the night. AVA chose on our behalf Kriek Belle-Vue (5.1%) and a Keizer Karel Anno 1548 (9%). He says we will decide who drinks what when they arrive. The Kriek Belle-Vue has cherries on the bottle is very fruity. The other is not so much. So, knowing how AVA hates to drink a fruity beer, I offer to consume the Kriek. The Kriek is very fruity. Tastes a bit like cream soda, but slightly sour. I can't decide whether to chug it or savour it. It could make me gag. On the Kaiser Karel (Charles Quint in English, who, by the way was an emperor of Austria), AVA says: "slightly sour, slightly bitter. A millieu of subtle tastes." AVA is very good at this beer review thingy. (Aside: am very drunk. have not been this drunk since first meeting with P. See Online Dating Handbook: Chapters on Cute Flirters and Friends With Benefits. Can't remember which chapters those are now. Oh well).
Ok, we shall press on. Oh, BTW, shout out John Cusack in Must Love Dogs. A good movie for anybody who is doing online dating. Otherwise, you probably wouldn't like the movie. Unless you like John Cusack. Which I do. Find him very funny.
Back to the beer. My next choice at Pelgrom is the Hoegaarden Grand Cru (8.5%). This beer, taste-wise is nothing particularly special. It is pleasant, but not unusual in any way. AVA is disappointed with my choice of adjectives, but you can't make this beer more than it is. However, I would put it in the category of dangerous beers (along with Duvel). Dangerous because it is deceptively light tasting with a high alcohol content. Meanwhile, AVA is sampling Gueuze Bell-Vue (5.5%). It is an amber beer. His first statement: "This is going to be interesting". AVA declares that this beer has a "before taste". It starts out sour but finishes nice. No aftertaste. It has a very malty aroma, smooth finish with a hint of elderberries (huh???). It is effervescent. It tastes a bit like it's past it's prime, but in a good way.
Next, I am sucked into the world of KWAK (8%). In spite of repeated warnings that it is all about the glass, I figure, I must try it anyway. My assessment: KWAK is all about the glass. The beer does not smell nice. I can't decide if it is sweet or bitter. It is foamy on the tongue, has a long finish. KWAK stays with you. AVA's assessment upon tasting my KWAK: "it's bitterness re-assembles it". There is a story about the KWAK glass. Apparently, the glass was designed for stage coach drivers. The wooden holder was mounted to the coach and the glass could be removed by the driver when he wanted a drink, or left in the holder when he was otherwise engaged. KWAK is the last name of a guy who had an inn for stagecoach drivers. There is a bar in Gent where if you order a KWAK you have to give your shoe as insurance because people like to steal the glasses. The KWAK glass itself has a rounded bottom. You can find out all about KWAK at http://www.bestbelgianspecialbeers.be/main_eng.html. I spend a significant amount of time trying to make the glass stand upright on the table without its holder (while empty of course). I am successful, which results in the need to take pictures of my accomplishment.
While I am having KWAK, AVA has chosen Westmalle Trappist Dubbel (7%). This is a nice dark beer. AVA remarks: "This is nice. It's got a bitterness. A classic medium trappist fusion of bitter and matte finish. Very, very nice on the palate. No surprises." At this point, Pelgrom is shutting down. AVA and I contemplate going home, but somehow, it seems too early (only 1:30am after all). We walk around again and decide to return to Paters Vaatje. Which we also end up closing. So now, if you go to the top of the blog, you can read this in order. Hangover = NoIn spite of consumption of many types of beer, neither AVA or I appear to be afflicted with a hangover. I had the foresight to bring extra-strength Advil liqui-gels, but I have not yet had to use them. Tired, yes. In fact, AVA arrived at work this morning at 9:05. This is an unprecedented late hour for him. I actually beat him into work today.
The smell of smoke from the bar has permeated everything. My laptop bag smells like smoke. My jacket smells like smoke. My clothes smell like smoke. My hair and skin smelled like smoke (remedied by shower in hotel bathroom wherein exists the best water pressure in the known universe). I am quite sure that the smell of smoke will be transfered from the clothes I wore yesterday to everything else in the hotel room by the time I return this evening.
I have begun the habit of taking a cab to the office and then walking around the block to get some fresh air first thing in the morning. My hope this morning was that it would help release the smell of smoke from my jacket. Not so much.
Stayed tuned later on this evening when AVA and I continue our review of the beers of Belgium. I will also at some point chart the overall % of alcohol consumed, and if I can figure out how, will post graphs here. May 31 Belgian Beer Blog: Part 2So, tonight we come to you live from Paters Vaatje, which is left of the cathedral in downtown Antwerp. Thanks to AVA we have found an unsecured wireless connection, so can blog in real time.
Our first beers of the night came at the Italian restaurant Verona. We each had Leffe Donker. Not much of a beer selection at Verona. So after eating, we made our way to Paters Vaatje, which was recommended by our host at Pelgrom last night.
On the recommendation of tonight's host, AVA has taken at Rochefort 10 (11.3%) as his first selection. This is a dark beer, which AVA has proclaimed to be "ummmmmm good". Upon being pressed for further details, he tells me it is "not fruity. I don't like no fruity dark beer". It is nicely bitter, smooth drinking, non-carbonation. AVA says it is akin to the subtle beers of southwestern Ontario, such as Waterloo Dark.
My first choice, also recommended by our host, is Karmeliet Tripel (8%). This is a fruity beer (I, unlike AVA, having nothing against fruity) but it is not sweet. It is very smooth and comes in a nice glass (you can tell who the female in this reviewing pair is).
Ok then. Now we are on to Judas and Lucifer. These are chosen just for the names of course. AVA has Judas. It is a medium colour beer. He says "it's ok". Kind of middle of the road. Slightly bitter. It apparently does not live up to its name. I have the Lucifer. It is a cloudy, light coloured beer, slightly bitter. Not bad, but not sure I'd have another one.
Alrighty. The conversation with Dave and Tom the Canadians we have met in this bar has degraded to discussing the ability to smoke hash, weed, etc. in Holland. In the meantime, AVA and I have made our next selections. AVA has chosen Gulden Draak (Golden Dragon - 10.5%). AVA tells me "it's nice, slightly more fruity -- but subtly, therefore acceptable". I have chosen Duvel on the recommendations of the Canadians we are chatting with. I find it -- well, typical. Nothing special.
Now we (well, Dave actually) is talking about seeing naked women on TV. And how this is much more natural in Belgium. Dave and Tom are brothers who were born in Canada to Belgian parents. They have since moved to Belgium. Now we are discussing Karla Holmolka.
My beer is empty. Need a new one. AVA is now checking the menu. I will leave my trust in him as I go to check out the facilities.
So, back from the facilities. Most interesting. Very, very open concept. BTW, AVA is now researching beer on Google. So our next selection is informed. Anyway, the bathroom. So, you walk into the bathroom. Immediately in front of the door is a sink. Behind/beside the sink is a urinal. Then, beside the urinal is a stall with toilet. The stall has a sliding door. This is it. There is no concept of men's/women's. You could exit the stall to see a man peeing at the urinal. Brings me back to the dicks on cam days.
It is now 11:22pm and this place is filling up big time. AVA is still researching beers.
So, resulting from research, AVA has chosen Gildenbier (7%). It is a dark beer in a cute little mug. Says AVA: "It's not too fruity. Not fruity enough to gag on." High praise indeed.
For me, AVA has chosen Brugse Tripel (9%). It is a light/amber coloured beer. Slightly sweet. Comes in a tall, appealing looking glass. The beer itself is nice. However, it is possible that AVA and I have both passed the point of being able to discriminate any longer.
Now AVA has gone to use the facilities. If I look through the window in the facility door, I could probably watch. But I won't.
Now, we have thought it would be advisable to have some food to offset the beer consumption. So we are currently consuming "Portie nachos met saus". This turns out to be chips and salsa. The salsa is nice -- sweet.
This place is a hotspot. There are at least 22 people in this tiny little bar. On the first floor. There is a second floor. Not sure how many people are on second floor. Would probably kill myself getting up there.
AVA wants me to note that at this point, Dave (Canadian guy) is totally sloshed. Dave and Tom have been joined by nameless friend and since been ignoring us. Am back now. Have burned out my computer and am now using AVA's. Dave and Tom have left and congratulated us on our ability to hold our liquor. I have taken pictures of the facilities which I will post shortly. Are now seated beside some British people. We have decided to have one more beer. AVA is trying to wuss out again by getting a Jupiler. However, this is far too wimpy. Beer negotiations are underway. Since AVA is giving me a hard time, I do hereby promise to chart the alcohol content of the beers we have consumed. Tomorrow. Not tonight. Now, we are having a nice conversation with the British people. They have offered me a sample of the Forbidden Fruit beer. Quite nice. They are recommending that we try the KWAK. Mostly for their own amusement. AVA is having a moment. He can't decide. Should we push the limit of 5 beers? Now have many excellent recommendations on how to spend my day in London. I hope I can remember them tomorrow. AVA is getting recommendations on how to spend his day in Paris. Beer is not forthcoming. Apparently AVA should go to the Louvre, the Eiffel tower, Lafayette in Lazarus, la Defense. All in one day. Our British friends have now decided on the beer we should consume. And they're gone! The people, not the beer. The beer hasn't arrived yet. AVA has indicated that he has no comments to add to the blog at this juncture in time. We are considering packing it in for the night. It being 1am now. Update -- from the cold light of Thursday morning. We packed it in at 5 beers. Enjoy the photos. Belgian Beer Blog: Part 1All right, so here is my first in the series of blogs on the beers of Belgium. I expect the consumption of Belgian beer to continue each night that I am here (I leave Saturday morning).
Last night, as mentioned in a previous blog, I spent the evening in a local establishment called Pelgrom. This is a candle-lit, medieval style establishment. I quite liked it. They have a nice selection of local beers. We (my colleage, AVA and I) went there on the recommendation of another colleague who had been there when he visited Belgium. He told us we could get a beer with 19% alcohol at Pelgrom. He lied.
Anyway, for the evening, we decided to go with the beer recommendations of our host. I began the evening with a Nello's Blond, which is a light, fruity sort of beer (7%). AVA had a Troubadour Obscura, quite a dark beer which he said was quite good. One of the notable things about drinking beer in Belgium is that each beer is served in the glass that is particular to that beer. Yes, there is a different glass for each different type of beer.
Anyway, in search of a 19% beer, we asked our host for something stronger. She recommended the Westmalle Trappist Trippel. This was served in a stemmed glass reminiscent of a large wine glass. The beer itself was a light coloured beer with a sweet, fruity taste. Almost like wine really. Quite good. About 9%.
All evening I had been eyeing up the "Special Beers" that came in stone bottles. So we decided to each try one of those for "dessert". AVA had the Poortersbier. This is a dark beer that comes in a 750mL brown stone bottle (6.something%). You get to keep the bottle. I had the Pelgrom Grand Cru, which comes in a 500mL gray stone bottle. This is blond beer (7%). Both of these were quite good (I know this because I helped AVA to finish his large bottle).
No point in stopping the beer consumption at this point (and also, having a goal to pay more for alcohol than we did for food), we decided to go for one more sample. Our host brought me a Kasteelbeir Blond, while AVA had a Kasteelbier Donker. Both of these are 11%. AVA had much difficulty with his last beer of the evening. Took its time going down. I had no such difficulty
At this point we were considering having an Antwerp Speciality. I was game to try the Elixir Pelgrom. However, we did not, because:
It is our goal that we will not drink the same beer twice during our stay here, so I am doing my best to keep diligent notes. On the menu there was a beer called KWAK. We were both attracted to this beer because it was in uppercase and bold on the menu. Thought it must be very special. However, our host recommended we not drink this beer because the beer itself is not very good. It is all about the glass it comes in apparently. This has been confirmed this morning by one of my Belgian colleagues. One other interesting item of note (although it has nothing to do with beer, directly) is that the washroom at Pelgrom is a very open concept type affair. When you are washing your hands in the women's washroom, for example, you can see the men's washroom reflected in the mirror. AVA also advised me that the urinals in the men's washroom were pretty open as well. So, there you have it. First in the series of Belgian Beer Blogs. I am quite keen on doing a Podcast as well. Will keep you posted. Shout out to Pelgrom and our great host for the evening. http://www.pelgrom.be May 30 Things You Should Know About BelgiumHere are some things you should know about Belgium, in case you ever decide to visit.
Spent the evening with my colleague in a candle-lit beer cellar called Pelgrom (http://www.pelgrom.be). Very cool place. Sampled many different beers. Some other interesting things: Right next door to my hotel is an Esso Station. I did not expect to see an Esso Station. Said Esso claims to be open 24 hours, but this is apparently a lie since I just went there for midnight munchies and it was closed. Thus I have once again had to pay exhorbitant prices for snacks from the mini-bar. All the stores close early. You cannot go shopping after work. There are signs all over town for a Bryan Adams concert happening in July. In the cab on the way back from Pelgrom, there was an Avril Lavigne song playing on the radio. So different, but in many ways, familiar. May 29 Greetings from AntwerpenI have arrived in Antwerp. The trip itself, was as smooth as it could possibly be. The flight from Ottawa to London was uneventful. I had an excellent seat -- right beside the emergency exit so no seats in front of me. Leg room galore. Listened to my iPod, slept, read a bit and daydreamed the whole way. I can't believe how quickly the 6+ hours went by. Then my connection to Brussels was on time. Again, slept for that short flight. Went through customs, went outside where the bus to Antwerp was waiting. The bus dropped me off at the front door of my hotel. Possibly the smoothest international travel ever.
My only complaint: yesterday I cut the grass. Using the lawnmower gives me blisters on my hands. Said blisters caused me enormous grief when pulling my heavy-ass carry on luggage through the miles and miles and miles of the huge-ass Heathrow airport. Also, not helping this situation was that at some point, one of the wheels decided to make an exit from my carry on. No idea where that wheel is.
So lessons learned for future travel:
Fun fact of the day: At Heathrow Airport, I bought a sandwich, diet coke and chocolate bar. This cost me around 8 pounds. This is $16.42 Canadian dollars according to xe.com. I know they rip you off in airports, but geez. This wasn't even at a restaurant. This was at the equivalent of a convenience store. A prepackaged sandwich. Amazing. Also, a can of diet coke at the hotel here costs 4 euros. $5.63 Canadian for A CAN OF DIET COKE!!!!!!!! I only bought 100 Euros. Those should be gone tonight at this rate. Well, I am off to see the sights of Antwerp. |
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