'Belgium Indulges Chennai' at Hyatt Regency, Chennai

Belgium it seems is one of the 6 founding members of the European Union and until now a nation that only existed in my school history texts. We studied that Belgium is known for its diamond trade and later after watching superb movies like In Bruges, I knew that Bruge at least has some amazing ancient architecture and canals along with beer that's drunk inspite of the chilly weather! So it better be good I assumed! This event was attended on an invite, the food is on-the-house.

Beer Counter!

The Beer!

Vincent Tibau and Consul General Mark Van de Vreken

Now the Consulate General of Belgium has collaborated with the Hyatt Regency to give Chennai its second taste of the best they have to offer namely it's food and beer.  Belgians take their beer very seriously, so much so that the each kind of beer has to be served in its very own custom shaped glass. They've brought in glasses from Belgium to serve the guests! Spotted the Consul General of Belgium to Chennai, Mark Van de Vreken him, correcting the bartender on using the right glass! The event was held at The Arena, at Hyatt Regency, Chennai. There was an outdoor setup adjoining the building while guests could move inside if needed. We were served up some White wine and Processco while waiting for the event to open.

Various kinds of Beer glasses!

The brands brought to Chennai specially for this occasion are Chimay and Delerium which are both world class beers according to a simple Google search. Until now, the only Belgian beer I've tasted is Hoegaarden, an easy to gulp, refreshing wit beer. But Chimay being a Trappist beer brewed by actual monks in a monastery has quite a bit of history to it as well. Belgium houses 6 of the 11 Trappist beer brands produced in the world! And they are known to be excellent brews. 

Chimay 'Rouge' Trappist beer

Belgian Delerium Tremens Beer

Sipping into the Chimay 'Rouge' I was blown away by how smooth this beer seemed to be while packing in 7% of alcohol. Belgians like their beer strong and many of them breach even 10% alcohol. The Delerium came in a pretty ceramic bottle and served into a pale blonde color. They said it ferments in the bottle from the yeast added later on leading to the hazy transparency. With a nice head, this strong beer's (tripel) full flavors and fruity aroma was a delight to have while swaying to the Belgian music being played. People were already starting to dance away in sweet delirium. The second type of Delerium (Nocturnum) was a dark ale and malty with creamy foam topping the beer glass. I've never had a dark strong ale before except stouts so this was enjoyed without much thinking. By now, the Delerium part of the beer made sense! These are great tasting beers that are very strong as well, so you better book that cab to return home cuz you'll be surely sloshed with two or three bottles if drunk quick! 

Chefs Vincent and Ferrari

The Food!

For the food, Master Chef Vincent Tibau has brought in ingredients and knowledge from his wide experience. He's served as the personal chef at the residence of the Belgian vice PM and now has his own food company, Absolutely food. I was eager to try the North Sea Shrimp Croquettes which the Consul General mentioned he loves and makes him less homesick! I could see why, it was perfectly crunchy with a red gooey inside flavored with shrimp. It made for perfect side -eats along with the cold beers! 

 Mussels in Belgian white beer sauce and crunchy celery

The Mussels in Belgian white beer sauce and crunchy celery was also a dish I could identify with since Malayalees love mussels prepared with masala. This one was delicately flavored with the flavor of mussels coming through. I loved the salt profile of this dish served in the shell itself. 

Braised Chicory with creamy cheese truffle sauce

Braised Chicory with creamy cheese truffle sauce 

The only encounter Indians have had with Chicory is in the Southern filter coffee and I was curious about how this dish would taste. Was not aware that Chicory is a flower and I could see it on the cheesy surface. It was cheesy in texture with a smoky flavor and the truffle doing its bit. Definitely a dish that has to be tasted again since it's very different from what I'm used to eating. If you love good cheese, you will probably want to try this one. I think it would go well with some of the dark beers. 

Pommes Pont Neuf (Parisian French fries)

Mussels, Pommes Pont Neuf, Braised Chicory and more on the plate!

These also caught my eye owing to the familiarity. It was basically thickly cut potatoes that have been double fried for even more crunch! Delicious and it was being fried on-the-spot for maximum freshness. 

The Chef has specially made more vegetarian dishes this time for the Chennai audience. There was Parsnip and Mushroom in Belgian Beer and Asparagus a la Flamande (Flemish style) which had egg in it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to try these dishes being almost full with the other food items and the delicious beer.

Dessert

(L-R) Smorf tarts, Chocolate dessert (brownie) 

Dessert was a much awaited section because we Indians are more used to Belgian desserts than the main courses. Waffles being the most famous among them besides chocolates! There was Belgian waffle with raspberry jelly and Ruby chocolate. Nice waffles with a tarty raspberry jelly, Belgian chocoalte and cream on the side. 

There were also Smurf Tarts which are a Cartoony take on the Smurfs, a Belgian comic franchise! They were super crunchy being layered pastry and topped with jelly, white chocolate and cream. Yum. My favorite was the Belgian Chocolate dessert which was pretty much brownie-like but made with coconut flour from the brand Kiriamma one of the sponsors of this event. They make organic coconut based products based out of Sri Lanka. Now this coconut flavor was lovely along with the sticky chocolateyness of the brownie. 

Details: This Belgium Indulges Chennai festival is on till May 6th and pricing for dinner (without alcohol)is 1850++ while the beers are priced at 2250++ for 3 bottles of Belgian beer. Pricey but I would say worth it since these beers aren't available easily in South India.