Belgian Independence Day: Beer, Food, and Did We Mention Beer?
France isn't the only country celebrating a revolution in July. On July 21, 1831 the first king of Belgium was crowned following the Belgian Revolution and the country's split from The Netherlands. For those of you unable to celebrate in Brussels, D.C. has plenty of great places to enjoy Belgian food and, more importantly, Belgian beer. Check out the list below to find out what area bars and restaurants are offering up food and drink specials to celebrate Belgium's independence.
Brasserie Beck
Robert Weidmaier's Belgian bistro is offering 18 draft beers for half-price all day long. Beer specialist Bill Catron has a selection on tap that includes Delirium Tremens, St. Louis Framboise, Gouden Carolus Tripple, Kasteel Tripple, Blanche des Bruxelles, Hoegaarden, Leffe Brune, and Stella Artois. $3-$6 after the discount.
Granville Moore's
Although not a strictly Belgian bar, the Atlas District gastropub has a self-described "healthy Belgian fetish." To celebrate the day, Chef Teddy Folkman will be preparing rabbit stew. Additionally, the bar will be offering the usual Monday special of $1 off draft beers (except for Stella) and $10 moules from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
DCist staff writer Eric Denman contributed
Photo by Samer Farha
Belga Café
Head to Belga after 9 p.m. for an Independence Day party with a DJ, plus 21 featured Belgian beer selections and specials. Word from the staff is that starting after 10:30, select beers are on the house and before 10:30 there will be specials on other beers (to be determined).
Et Voila
Chef Claudio Pirolla, who was named the Best Young Chef in Belgium in 1994, offers District residents a special menu to celebrate the country's independence. The prix fixe dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and includes stuffed tomatoes, steak frites, crepes and a tasting of three Belgian beers. Cost is $68.50 per person.