Belgian Beer Café Heritage, The Rocks (25 Sept 2010)

135 Harrington Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
http://www.belgian-beer-cafe.com.au

The home of mussels and beer

A surprise birthday for a friend brings me to this wonderful looking Heritage-style restaurant which has a good selection of European beers on tap. Around 50 family and friends were generously treated to a 3 course menu including a selection of entrees to share. The Dip Plate of Baba Ganoush, Tzatziki, Taramasalata and Olives was served with lavosh bread and crackers. Large slices of Garlic and herb bread quickly started to fill the stomachs including the tasty Small meatballs which were actually quite substantial in size. I really liked the Cheese balls with their gooey centres and outer fried casing.

There were three mains to choose from and my Twice cooked crispy pork belly served with mash potato, sauerkraut and apple sauce was enormous — could have easily shared. I struggled to finish it but was so glad it had a really good crispy crackling. The Mussel pot with chips and mayonnaise Provencale served in a tomato, herb and garlic sauce was a popular choice and apparently on their half-priced wednesday special they go through about 400-600 kg and usually a tonne a week — that's very impressive. An easy drinking Hoegaarden ($10.30, 330 ml) or Leffe Blonde ($10.50, 330 ml) is a good way to start of your night and the slightly more expensive Duvel ($12.20, 330 ml) isn't too bad either. Service was pretty efficient considering how busy the restaurant gets and if you're not a fan of lining up at the bar it's a lot easier getting your drinks from the table service if they're available.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Heritage decor, Decent sized portions, Plenty of European beers on tap

CONS: Can get very noisy, Very crowded at the bar when busy, Limited street parking in the area

MUST TRY: The crackling on the twice cooked crispy pork belly, Cheese balls, Any of the beers on tap

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Dip Plate: Baba Ganoush, Tzatziki, Taramasalata, Olives served with lavosh bread and crackers

Garlic and herb bread

Small meatballs — although they're actually quite large

Cheese balls

Twice cooked crispy pork belly served with mash potato, sauerkraut and apple sauce — this was enormous!

Mussel pot with chips and mayonnaise Provencale served in a tomato, herb and garlic sauce

Steak-Frites and salad

Party menu

Hoegaarden ($10.30, 330 ml)

House sauvignon blanc ($9.50), Leffe Blonde ($10.50, 330 ml)

Duvel ($12.20, 330 ml)

Beer menu

Cleaning the beer glasses

Bar area

Front bar and dining area

Open kitchen area

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