Eating my way through Europe...

Hello from the Netherlands! I've taken a lot of pictures in the last 5 days, so I thought I'd do my first Euro-Food post before it got out of hand. Joe and I are having a fantastic trip, and as we make our way to Paris tomorrow the food just gets better. I've been dreaming of crepes and brasseries for weeks now, so I'm eager to eat my way through my all time favorite city.

I'm going to focus on pictures more than words now, or else this post will be of epic proportions. Bon Appetit!

This is a cherry Vlaii. It is a fruit and crust dessert that is only made in Limbourg, where my family lives. Don't you love the cruncy sugar crystals on top?

Trapist Beer (9.5%!)

Cheers!

Our Belgian Feast

My parents took us out for a gourmet meal in the Belgian countryside. They eat well in Belgium, and our meal was no exception. If you're ever in the area, the restuarant was Le Pot-au-Feu in the town of Malonne. It's close to Namur, the capital of Wallonia, the french-speaking part of Belgium.

They started us with an amuse bouche, or a little starter to get your taste buds ready to go. The mussles were in a buttery garlic sauce, and the fried cheese on the right just melted in your mouth.

Since it's illegal in Chicago, I had to taste fois gras. It was rich, creamy, and decadent. The rasin filled aspic underneath wasn't my favorite thing, but it was a gourmet treat that I wouldn't find many places.

The rest of our group got this starter-- pot-au-fou with frogs legs and escargot. It was in a creamy sauce with the puff pastry on top, and was such a treat. I love frogs' legs, and was able to overcome my fears long enough to try the escargot, too. As soon as I managed to get the escargot into my mouth (a mental battle), I really liked it! Of course, anything's good in a garlic cream sauce :)

My sister was a little more freaked out when she tried the escargot! Hilarious!