Day 1: Dinner at Le Cap

This picture cracks me up: L and M watching the world go by from the restaurant window at their first dinner in Europe. 

Even though we landed at 8 or 9 am, we didn't make it out of the apartment til 7:30 pm for dinner.  We went to Le Cap, which was traditional Belgian fare, about a block away.  It was cold and rainy. 

We finally got to savor our first hard-earned Belgian beers. And they were SO good! Full flavor but still very light, unlike the heavy craft beers at home. You would never know they have a high alcohol content from the taste. They're so drinkable.  Another Belgian beer convert is born!

 

We also tried the tiny grey shrimp (I know it's getting lost in translation) in some deep fried hush puppy like rolls, which were rich and creamy and paired perfectly with the beer.  Then I tried the Warerzooi au Poulet which is a very traditional Brussels or Belgian dish.  It was a stew of fall of the bone tender chicken with shredded carrots and leeks in a creamy sauce served over steamed potatoes. Good on a cold wet night. 

Just before dinner, I ran out to the grocery store to get the rest of our needed items.  It was a little overwhelming just finding a grocery store a few blocks away and then finding my way around the grocery store once I got there.  I was reminded what a big task I have keeping both of my kids fed and alive in a foreign country by myself, much less keeping them entertained.  I can't even fit my stroller in the grocery store, which means I don't even think I can shop with 2 kids...

One last shot to share of the Belgian architecture and curvy streets we enjoyed from our dinner window before I say....

"Au revoir!"