Chambar celebrated Belgian National Day on July 21 with a sold-out medieval feast. The celebration marks the day Leopold I took the constitutional oath as the first King of Belgium in 1831. That’s right. Belgium has a long history, but as a country, they are only 36 years older than Canada. This was meal worthy of a king.
^ Now this is street food! Chambar managed to get a permit to roast two pigs on the street.
^ Starting off the evening with a glass of De Koninck in the lounge. In Antwerp, this is called a “bolleke.”
^ Wendy McGuiness serving guests drinks at the bar.
^ People were encouraged to dress up in medieval costume. Here we have a knight of the realm. I don’t think he stood up for all of dinner.
^ Deana Lancaster, Kate MacDougall, and Shannon Heth enjoying the spirit of Belgian National Day and… beer!
^ One of a train of mostly meat and seafood courses that were consumed sans cutlery — a great idea that made for a more sensual dining experience.
^ Nico Schuermans gets ready to carve the pig. “Who wants white meat? Sorry, there isn’t any.”
^ Along with the roast lamb, people were waiting for the pork in anticipation, after seeing it being roasted outside.
^ Look! Some vegetables. A roasted vegetable salad with fresh bocconcini.
^ The final course, if you had any room left for more than a wafer-thin mint.
^ For the finale, there was a drinking contest to see who could drink a glass of Stella the fastest.
Stay tuned for Chambar’s next big event, their fifth anniversary block party on September 12, when they will launch their new Chambar Ale brewed by Russell Brewing.
~ RG
