Today in big Anniversaries – Belga Turning Ten – Celebrate Throughout October

514 8th Street, SE

From a press release:

“This October, Chef Bart Vandaele toasts to the 10-year anniversary of his first restaurant, Belga Café, in Washington D.C. To celebrate this milestone, Chef Vandaele has planned a series of special events throughout the month of October, designed to pay homage to a decade in the District and highlight the unique aspects of the small, but gastronomically diverse country of Belgium.

“This is a celebration not only for me and Belga Café, but for the neighborhood as well,” says Chef Vandaele. “Over the last ten years, I have watched Belga Café grow along with Barracks Row. It is amazing to be able to say I was there in the beginning, as many people wouldn’t even think of opening a restaurant here ten years ago. Now it’s a beautiful, family friendly neighborhood, and I am proud of the role the restaurant has played in the transformation of the area.”

When Bart Vandaele opened Belga Café in 2004, it was not only the first Belgian restaurant in the District, but also one of the pioneering restaurants on 8th Street in Barracks Row. Over the past 10 years, Chef Vandaele has played a major role in the revitalization of the neighborhood, and, as a member of the Barracks Row Business Alliance, has helped to make the area a vibrant restaurant and shopping destination once again.

“I like to say Belga Café is a Belgian bistro with attitude and I love being able to infuse this attitude into the neighborhood,” says Chef Vandaele. “It is the embodiment of everything that I love about my home country and it has been a joy to bring Belgian cuisine, beer, art, and culture, with my special twists, to D.C. for people to enjoy.”

Chef Vandaele welcomes guests to join in the following celebrations at Belga Café from Friday, October 3 through Friday, October 31, 2014:

Saturday, October 4: Belgian Market

A special treat for Washington D.C., this one-day-only market features Chef Bart’s interpretation of various street carts found in Belgium serving mussels, Belgian frites, and waffles served alongside Stella Artois. Tokens will be available for purchase at the door and used at the event for food and drinks.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m., The Fridge (516 1/2 8th Street SE)

Saturday, October 11: See and Taste Cooking Demo with Chef Vandaele

Attendees are invited to pull up a chair and watch Chef Vandaele in action at this special demo. Chef Vandaele will prepare a three-course tasting with beer parings in from of guest while walking them though each step of the process. Reservations are required. ($45 per person exclusive of tax and gratuity)

1 p.m. – 3 p.m., The Fridge

Tuesday, October 14: Thank You from Belga Café and Chef Vandaele

Chef Vandaele hosts a special reception for guests and the neighborhood featuring Champagne and Belgian bites. The event is free of charge and reservations are required to attend.

6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Belga Café

Wednesday, October 15 – Friday, October 31: Anniversary à la Carte Menu

Guests can enjoy special menu highlighting some of Chef Bart’s favorite dishes from the last 10 years at Belga Café available during dinner service.
Belga Café

Saturday, October 18: Belga’s Beer Market

This one-day-only market offers guest a unique opportunity to taste their way through Belgium at this showcase of beers and paired bites. Tokens will be available for purchase at the door and used at the event for food and drinks.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m., The Fridge

Thursday, October 23: 10 for 10 Tasting Menu

Chef Vandaele guides guests on an exclusive 10-course journey through Belgium’s culinary landscape. The evening begins with a special reception followed by a seated dinner and wine pairing hosted by Chef Bart. Limited seating available and reservations are required. ($125 per person with wine pairings, exclusive of tax and gratuity)
Reception at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m., Belga Café

Tuesday, October 28: Anniversary Beer Dinner

A seven-course beer dinner featuring rare Belgian Trappists including Westvleteren Trappist Beer, which is not available anywhere else in the country. Limited seating available and reservations are required. ($79 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity)
6:30 p.m., Belga Café”