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Belgian Hideaway
by Heather Reisner
on Friday, August 20, 2010 12:00 AM
Located on a picturesque, pedestrian-friendly walkway on HongMei Road, Delight Food almost camouflages into the façade of European breweries that line the path. While the recent renewal of the Belgian establishment boasts brasserie status, the décor and fare are more reminiscent of a bar or pub: a pleasant outdoor seating area looks out on the quaint pathway and neighboring watering holes, while the curiously decorated indoor seating area is flanked on one side by a chalkboard inscribed with the selection of beers and on the other with a wall-length picture of a cozy restaurant.
The extensive menu features many uniquely Belgian dishes that may puzzle some diners, as well as the usual fried pub fare. There is also a nicely sized kids menu, which includes portions of those legendary Belgian waffles. Dishes like the Cheese Croquettes (RMB55) and Asparagus Flemish Way (RMB65) aim for the authentic, trying to recreate something classic. The salmon entrée (RMB168), while not distinctively Belgian, is quite palatable and comes along with a small pitcher of much-needed hollandaise sauce. The Belgian-style mussels (RMB98), another dish typical of the region, are presented in an impressive and ominous black pot, accompanied by a light white wine sauce.
The brasserie does a truly creamy chocolate mousse (RMB35), which is made with rich Belgian chocolate and is presented elegantly in a martini glass, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a single stick of dark chocolate Pocky. A hair-raising menu item, the Pancakes with Grand Marnier (RMB45) are a pile of thin pancakes doused in Grand Marnier set suddenly ablaze, flaming away for a few seconds before sputtering out so you can take a fork to them.
After a few infamous Belgian beers, Delight Food's hearty dishes could easily appease any and all drunken cravings, providing an intriguing little place to investigate for the intrepid explorer seeking something less often explored amidst HongMei's haunts.
The Bottom Line: A fitting place to guzzle down some Belgian beers while watching the game.
