It is a land where alcohol is more important than debate, food scores over politics and the king chooses a great meal above his power. Welcome to Belgium, the land of beer, where Asterix and Obelix brewed their magic potion and master painters pictured tables with an abundance of food and alcohol. Even though beer has its roots in West Asia (more precisely Babylonia), the Belgians claimed it and the friars christened beer a ‘divine’ drink.
In Belgium, the pretty city of Brugge has already won my heart with its old world charm, scenic lakes, swans and dainty lace; all that it is famous for. Wandering down an old, cobbled shopping street on a cold evening, I turn a corner to enter this lovely, little, two-storey cottage. I am told the food at the cosy ‘De vlaamsche pot’, though rustic, is delicious, hearty and very traditionally Flemish. It is here in his Beer Kitchen that Chef Mario Cattoor conjures up exotic dishes with his magical recipes, where celebrities come to dine.
Mario personally lights the candles above our table, with affectionate words of welcome. Sheltered from the cold outside, I feel warm and at home. The whole place glows with a homely ambience. Oval frames on the walls display ancestors in sepia tones. Gentry whisper, leaning over round tables.
A divine aroma comes from their freshly-baked bread placed on the table. One after the other, dishes appear….shrimp croquets, shrimp salad, smoked herring, goat cheese salad, rabbit, waffles and finally the irresistible Belgium chocolate mousse.
Mario says with a broad smile, as he sits down to chat, “I am not Italian….my mother had no name ready when I was born, so she named me Mario, a formula racer.” Now he races up and down in his restaurant, making sure every guest is satiated. He beams at their smiles. I was told that Flemish Royalty too dined at his place, but he modestly dismisses me, “When they were prince and princess they came here and ate. Royalty and commoner are the same to me. I served the same food — nothing special — every client is like royalty to me.” These last words make me feel like a princess.
Mario’s speciality is cooking with beer. It is a legacy passed on by his grandparents. His maternal grandmother handed down many a recipe to him, which she had learnt from her great grandmother. Fifth generation into brewing, Mario started ‘De vlaamsche pot’ 30 years ago. The secret behind his popularity is the product control. “We use only fresh, entirely seasonal Flemish products; mussels come from 20 km, beef from 10 km, goat cheese from five km.” He adds “Our clientele come from all over the world!”
As I polish off one more chocolate mousse, he reveals, “Cooking with beer is the key ….it works like magic, giving that perfect taste and an exotic touch.”