“Waffles are like pancakes with syrup traps”*
Snaking our way though the B’s on Friday we ended up at Bruges Waffle and Frites in SLC for Belgium. The menu is simple, 2 types of sandwiches, french fries, and waffles. You would think with only a few options many would be left unsatisfied, yet everyone who attended seemed satiated.
The fries were very good and the best part was the 10 or so different dips available for the fries. I particularly like the lemon-pepper dill and brasil flavors. I think Kate could have eaten about 10 orders of fries if they weren’t so pricy.
Sandwich options included the Machine Gun Sandwich (what I ordered) that includes local lamb sausage on a bun with sauce and fries. It was messy and delicious.
Of course, the highlight of the evening were the chocolate stuffed waffles. According to the owner there are 7 or 8 different types of Belgium waffles each with a unique batter and irons (the plates that make the waffle shape). The particular waffles served here are called Liège waffles after the region they were created in. The owner is planning on introducing another type and will need to import new waffle machines in order to get the correct irons. Anyway, they are amazing and delicious. We had our topped with strawberries and some special sauce called speculoos.
Oh, we convinced the owner, Pierre Vandamme, to share with us some information about Belgium and waffles. He was very kind and told us that his waffles and fries are actually better than most you get in Belgium because he makes them from scratch and does not use frozen or processed dough. Pierre said that very few Belgian restaurants in Belgium do their waffles from scratch anymore, because most cater to tourists who don’t know the difference.
Pierre spoke about what his misses about Belgium. He misses that people bike everywhere for transportation, and the great food an cheese. He speaks Flemish and French (and English). He said the Belgian state had the record for the longest run without having a functional government, and that politics are very messy in Belgium, especially when language is involved. There are 3 official languages in Belgium: Dutch, French & German.
Funny enough, he said that one thing he doesn’t miss is that Belgian people are very judgmental. He feels like people here are more open, welcoming and kind. That’s living in Utah of all places… so the Belgians must be really judgmental!
Yet again the best part of the evening was sharing food with friends and family. We were amazed at the turnout, considering it was swelteringly hot and the only seating was outside. The tough-camper awards go to Cherie & Amy for coming out to eat waffles in the street in 104 degree heat while 8+ month pregnant. That’s the true PIG Project spirit. Team Belgium!
*Mitch Hedberg
Themocracy
[...] Belgium [...]
Wow, looks fun! I like this PIG project and all your Belgian factoids.
Love seeing all these friends! How long are you two in Utah? I will be in SLC from July 24-31.