Latest

Mussels are the national dish of Belgium and absolutely essential on the table when celebrating the country’s Independence Day, which falls on 21 July. The traditional preparation method is à la marinière, which consists of white wine, shallots, parsley and butter, but the Belgians have added a twist by replacing white wine with their famous Belgian beer. Two other classic versions include à la crème where the stock is thickened with flour and generous proportions of heavy cream, and a vegetable stock with bits of celery, leek and onions seeping into the shells. These bivalves are best paired with a refreshing witbier, but feel free to try a ripe Chardonnay for mussels in red sauce, dry Riesling when they are steamed with white wine and garlic, or a semi-sweet Gewürztraminer when cooked in curry.