It was already 2pm, cold as hell and many restaurants were already closed for the afternoon, so we landed in front of Cour St. Georges.
Inside was pure amazement. An old Flemish style shop dating from the beginning of the century; two dining spaces, one at the entrance and another up the stairs. Wooden tables covered with plastic protective covers, a high ceiling covered with wood, old parquet that squeaks under your feet, a large chimney and thousands of decorative items. Yes, thousands of things fill in the space; animals, books, chandeliers, bottles, boats and cups, you name it.
The shop has two floors, one overlooking the other. As for the music, American oldies play in the background.
I could stay here contemplating the decor, I believe the photos speak for themselves. The only negative thing is that everything is written in Flemish, no English and no French. I couldn't read the story of the place and couldn't even understand the menu until we were helped. Sausages, fries, homemade mayonnaise, cold cuts and cheese as well as choucroute and carbonnade flamande. They also have spicy wings.
A waiter, one single waiter, handles the place. He runs around trying to make everyone happy. I tried to ask him about the restaurant's history but couldn't understand a thing.
Calling him, he answers, "Coming, coming." Anyway, we were here to eat. The place is so nice that you'll forget about everything else.
We had the Leffe beer. A flavorful and aromatic beer with notes of red fruits. I loved it!
A wooden board landed on the table decorated with five choices of melting cheese. Yellow cheese from all around Belgium served alongside a cup of dry dates. Delicious cheese with fine aromas, I loved it. Next to that, the cold cuts platter with eight meats, beautifully presented on a wood board served with beetroot pickles and radish mustard. What a great way to start your lunch. Generous portions at reasonable prices. The only thing I noticed in Belgium to date is the bread, which is different from the French one, more condensed and fulfilling.
The carbonnade is tasty. Five chunks of very tender meat bathing in sauce and served with fries and homemade mayonnaise. A peppery and rich sauce, dense and matched perfectly well with the meat.
Choucroute, a piece of wonder. A juicy choucroute with potatoes on the side and mixed with bacon and sausages.
The sausage is a must try. A huge sausage, a giant sausage of 30 centimeters, battered and fried served with ketchup and mayonnaise. A crispy envelop and tender heart. What an innovation! This sausage is enough for four persons.
Coming to Gent, the first thing you have to do is enjoy a touch of authenticity and some very good food at Cour St Georges; an unexpected, delicious lunch.
