
If you find yourself in the small towns of northern Belgium, I suggest you try the specialty…steamed mussels with a side of french fries. And, since I was a tourist, I went right ahead and paid the tourist prices to enjoy them at one of the quaint cafes right in the center of the main town square.
I read in a tourist book that said the biggest complaint about Brugge is that it is just too quaint and cute. It is true that charm is oozing out of every little alleyway and along each canal. If you are ever in the area, it is worth a day visit or a one night stay. Take a boat tour along the canals, stop in a few of the thousands of chocolate shops, drink good beer and eat some mussels.
I must admit that they were not the best mussels I have ever had. But, it was a bit like a hotdog at a baseball game - there were so many other factors including the people watching, horse-drawn carriage taxis clomping by and European-style outdoor seating that helped make the meal more than memorable.

Caroline, Chicago, IL
August 31st, 2007 at 5:50 am
I love moules frites! We always try to eat them at least once when we’re in France and we usually make them at home a couple of times of year.
August 31st, 2007 at 11:52 am
No matter how great living like the locals is, sometimes you just need to do the tourist thing. I wish I were in Brugge.
September 5th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Oooh, this takes me back. Three years in Belgium adds up to a lot of moules, and even more frites! Don’t know what all the celery is doing in there, though…
September 6th, 2007 at 9:30 am
oh i loved brugge when i was there.
and i love how those fries are served!!! brilliant. xo