In continuation to yesterday’s entry, today I will explore the dietary culture here in Liege and its relevance to the pleasures of life. Being from California, I will be the first to admit that I am often a bit OVER-paranoid about my food and daily caloric intake. However, since my arrival in Liege, the biggest challenge for me has been to learn to think to myself: “What diet?!”
Don’t take me wrong, people on this side of the pond are not fat in the least. On the contrary, they are quite fit. The only difference is that Belgians don’t seem to have restrictions nor a care in the world for what types of food they consume, especially during the holiday season.
As a key example, I would like to point out one of the best gastronomic experiences that I’ve had in Liege thus far. Each year the city of Liege sets up its annual “Christmas Market,” which is quite unique to this part of Belgium. The way that this special event works is that dozens of food vendors and unique artifact booths set up camp in the central square to sell the best food and crafts in Liege.
Here is a list of the all-time favorites that can be found at Liege’s Christmas market:
Vin Chaud – Warm wine with spices that is made to keep you warm. If you are out on -4 Degrees Celsius weather, the way I was, this comes in handy!
Croquettes – Fried little appetizers that are filled either with cheese, shrimps with cheese or creamy chicken.
Sandwich au Cochon – This thing is GREAT! It pretty much is a tender little piggy roasted outdoors, then thinly sliced on to a warm baguette and toped with some kind of gravy sauce. (See Picture Roasting Little Pigs)
Magret de Canard (with a glass of wine on the side) - Grilled duck served on a warm baguette. As Rachel Ray would say, “DELISH!!!!!!!!!”
Lacquemant – This is a very thin waffle filled with syrup. This was a bit too rich for me, but if you have a sweet tooth, it might be good.
Other all time favorites that I did not try, but that I will definitely make the trip to the Market to try out in the next few days:
Tartiflettes – This is a creamy potato stew topped with either pieces of bacon, hams, or other toppings that I cannot really think of right now.
Camembert Chaud – Hot grilled cheese. Litterally just melted and eaten by itself or with sandwich au cochon.
Tarte au Riz – This is a little rice pie. I have not tried it, but it looks good. So, I we shal see.
this is good. you could be a travel writer….