Flanders, where dining is a national past-time and Brussels & Bruge are popular bases to explore this area. The compact size and proximity to France, Germany and the Netherlands is the key to the popularity, though admittedly the food and beer certainly helps! Good food and good beer are not seen as indulgences, but seen rather as essential provisions rooted to a time when brewing was a survival skill. Flemish brewing and cooking techniques have benefited from a long period of refinement, evolving over centuries. It is cuisine a la biere, utilizing beer in the preparation of foods, not just the presentation that has existed since the mid-19th century. Every city has its own specialties, ranging from beers to traditional recipes, chocolates and biscuits. Guided walking tours allow visitors to see and taste what makes each so unique. There are upwards of 17,000 restaurants to choose from inFlanders, in fact this area boasts more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere in Europe!

Visitors often start in Brussels and Bruges, with Brussels sitting on top of the pyramid. I would suggest more than two days here, since less than that will hardly scratch the surface. This year, 2012, sees culinary feats with Brusselicious 2012, lively hosted special events all year, such as pop-up gourmet kitchens navigating the city on trams and themed dinners in some of the city’s museums and major landmarks. Even with add this added bonus, Brussels main attractions include; Atominum, bustling Christmas Markets, medieval Guildhalls on the Grand Place and the much-photographed Maneken Pis – all time honored symbols of one of Europe’s most important and visually stunning cities.

In August 2012, the Grand Place trades is 13th century cobblestones for begonias (a yearly event), painstakingly arranged by the hundreds of thousands to form a Flower Carpet that stretches over 300 square meters, illustrating a theme, event or mythical character from Belgian folklore. Between now and then, visitors can still find larger than life characters painted on the sides of 30 downtown building that compriseBrussels’ comic book trail. Beer lovers flock to Delirium Café, nestled a few blocks away from theGrand Place, to find and taste the largest beer list in the world!

Antwerp is a prime destination for Belgian Amber Ales like Duvel and De Koninck – considered two prime examples of “seasonal” beers. What fun to have your beer served up in a fish bowl-shaped glass, known as a “bolleke” when ordering De Koninck. Take a city tour through pedestrianized shopping alog The Meir, stop at the Grote Markt and Groenplaats for Bolleke and frites and sample the artisan chocolates and confections in display windows. I have written earlier about Brussels and you can find more information on an earlier post.

Bruges offers a crowd puller, the city’s most sought-after beer bar, ‘t Brugs Beertje. Tourists also flock to the bustling medieval squares like the swans do to the relative peace and quiet along the banks of the canals. Surrounding by waterways, belfries and steeples, Bruges exudes romance and energy. It is one of my favorite places in Europe. Cambrinus, also in the center of town, has an exceptional beer list and some very interesting beer-based menu offerings.

Ghent can be a secret to some and it is often overlooked. Unlike Bruges, Ghent is a city that is owned by its people, many of them university students, giving it a different kind of vibrancy and the added attraction of many modestly priced dining spots, lively bars and laid-back cafes where you can linger safely away from any crowds that may occur. Ghents waterways and historic buildings are as impressive as any and it is not difficult to be swept up in this city’s warmth and charm.

 All in all, this area of Europe is a favorite of mine and so many other travelers, though admittedly there are parts that are less explored. I can help out together a great itinerary that will allow you to explore this area on your own, but still gently guided. Stress free travel, that’s my motto!