Crossing the cobblestone pathway, three Belgian flags sway back and forth proudly. It’s certainly not subtle, and why should it be? If I were home to the inventor of the saxophone (Adolphe Sax), Big Bang Theory star (George Lemaitre) and Audrey Hepburn (“caaaattttt”), I’d be waving my Belgian flag loudly and proudly.
Striding across the mahogany floors, your attention will shoot directly to the transparent section of glass flooring directly beneath your feet. It reveals the footings and flagstones of an 1830’s building that was destroyed by a fire. After a few beers, that unique feature would make even the most seasoned beer drinker stumble.
Owned by the Sydney based Gallagher Hotels, The Belgian Beer Café Heritage is one of over sixty Belgian Beer Cafés globally. The venue, formerly named The Heritage Bar and Restaurant, has been launched as a traditional Belgian Beer Cafe. Think high ceilings, mahogany flooring, imported Belgian furniture, oh and beer, lots and lots of beer. If grandeur is a decorating theme, then the Belgian Beer Café Heritage has hit the nail on the head.
Large leather bound booths line the walls and more modest seating can be found towards the back end of the restaurant. It was here we were introduced to Jeroen Demuydt, Global Executive Chef and representative of the Belgian Beer Café chain. His pick on the drinks menu; “beer is my favourite [Stella Artois to be exact], then vol-au-vents”. When it comes to the food side of things he believes “the most important [thing] in every country and every dish is freshness and quality”.
Speaking of freshness, most of the produce used at the Belgian Beer Café is locally sourced with a few exceptions… the beer for starters. Indulge in a citrusy Stella Artois, a sweet and creamy Belle-Vue Kriek or a refreshing Hoegaarden white beer (my personal favourite).
The entire food and drink menu is based on Belgian cuisine, with the meals being matched to their complimenting beer. Try some of their ‘hoppetizers’ to start your evening, before moving on to one of their generously portioned mains. Belgian mussel pots are a star attraction on the menu, being served in five different flavours including ‘traditionelle’ (a combination of Hoegaarden, parsley and garlic), ‘provencale’ and blue cheese.
If you’re feeling for something heartier, the ‘Belgian pride’ menu is for you. Serving Flemish beef stew with a Leffe Brune beer, vol au vents and a Leffe Blonde or Hoegaarden battered fish best enjoyed with, you guessed it, a Hoegaarden beer, to name a few.
If you sign up to their mailing list you get a $25 voucher to spend on your birthday. Yay! The staff are attentive, friendly, and a fountain of knowledge about Belgian cuisine so expect to leave full, well-educated and tipsy.
The Belgian Beer Café Heritage
135 Harrington St, The Rocks NSW 2000
(02) 9241 1775
http://www.bbcheritage.com.au/