Belgium might not be renowned for its coffee, but the dark liquid is indispensable to any grown-up. On average, we drink 135 litres per capita per year, which "boils down to" about 1,7 cups a day. Americans drink slightly higher quantities.
No doubt Starbucks changed American coffee culture profoundly. I remember visiting one of their fist shops in Seattle back in 1995, and reminiscing of Belgian coffee at home. Starbucks has not ventured into Belgium, most likely because of strong local brands, existing 'tea-room' culture (read: waffle and coffee culture) and the increased popularity of Italian coffee brands.
One of the most successful recent innovations in the Northern European food industry has to do with coffee: Dutch companies Philipsand Douwe Egberts joined forces to create the Senseo appliance combining espresso power with handy coffee pads. Strong but silky coffee as only Swiss espresso engines could produce, were in the reach of all households at a democratic price.
Still …
We tend to visit our favourite local brasserie "Zurich" at the Vlaamse Kaai in Antwerp a bit more often than necessary, and the coffee they brew has lots to do with it (… let's not forget the many many dog cookies Louis the Lab gets thrown at him by the waitresses either…). Cfr. the picture I included of their 'Lait Russe', a drink of ½ cup of frothed heated milk, ½ cup strong espresso, a dash of cocoa and some drops of honey. Can't start the weekend without one, so I am off!

Technorati : Belgian, cocoa, coffee, senseo, starbucks, waffle, http://technorati.com/tag/www.belgianwaffle.eu
Flickr : Belgian, cocoa, coffee, senseo, starbucks, waffle, http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/www.belgianwaffle.eu

This entry was posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 at 5:30 PM. Don't hesitate to leave a response!