Ah, the Up and Under Pub – a hidden gem nestled in the heart of our quaint town. If these walls could talk, oh, the stories they’d tell! As a self-proclaimed beer aficionado and history buff, I simply can’t resist the opportunity to guide you through this culinary and cultural adventure.
Beer and History: A Match Made in Heaven
The Up and Under Pub has a way of seamlessly blending the rich flavors of craft beer with the captivating tales of the past. It’s as if the bartenders have mastered the art of time travel, transporting you to bygone eras with every sip and every bite.
Let’s start our journey with a classic – the Schultheiss Berliner Pilsner. This crisp, refreshing lager has been quenching the thirst of Berliners for generations. As you sip, imagine yourself strolling through the cobblestone streets of Berlin’s Brüsseler Eck, where the locals have been gathering in their beloved Eckkneipen (corner pubs) for decades. Can’t you just hear the lively chatter and see the clouds of cigarette smoke swirling around?
Now, let’s move on to something a bit more adventurous – the Rodenbach Character Rouge. This Flanders red ale is a true masterpiece, with its tart, complex flavors that dance on your tongue. Sipping this beer is akin to stepping into a time machine and finding yourself in the medieval city of Bruges, where monks once perfected the art of brewing. Can you envision the towering Belfry of Bruges, casting its shadow over the charming canals as you savor every drop?
Culinary Connections: Pairing the Past with the Present
The menu at the Up and Under Pub is a veritable treasure trove, with each dish telling a story that’s just as captivating as the beer itself. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Cambrinus, the mythical “King of Beer,” would surely approve of the Carbonade Flamande – a savory, warming Flemish beef stew that’s been a staple in Bruges for centuries. The rich, malty flavors of the Tegernseer Hell pair perfectly with this hearty dish, transporting you to a cozy corner of a medieval tavern.
For a truly regal experience, indulge in the Den Gouden Harynck’s three-course menu. This Michelin-starred restaurant, tucked away on a cobblestone side street, offers a taste of French-inspired elegance with a distinctly Belgian flair. Sip on a Gouden Carolus as you savor each course, feeling like a noble of old.
And let’s not forget the humble Cheese Croquettes – a classic Belgian snack that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Pair them with the Straffe Hendrik – a traditional abbey-style ale that’s been brewed in Bruges for centuries. It’s a match made in heaven, just like the historic city itself.
Exploring the Pub’s Hidden Gems
Now, let’s venture deeper into the pub’s labyrinth of delights. Have you ever heard of the De Garre Tripel? This exclusive, squatty-glassed brew is only available at the aptly named De Garre, a cozy two-level bar tucked away down a narrow cobblestone walkway. As you sip this subtly sweet and complex tripel, imagine the local Brugglings (that’s what I call the residents of Bruges) gathering to share stories and savor the day’s catch.
But the real hidden gem of the Up and Under Pub is the Zwanze Day celebration, held every year on the first Saturday of October. This is a day when the pub taps into a rare and highly sought-after Cantillon Zwanze beer, a spontaneously fermented lambic that’s as unique as it is elusive. Imagine the excitement and anticipation as the pub’s regulars gather, eager to be among the first to taste this legendary brew. It’s a moment that seems to transcend time, reminding us that the art of brewing is as much about tradition as it is about innovation.
Raising a Glass to the Past
As I sip my Deus – the champagne-like beer that’s as bubbly and effervescent as the city of Bruges itself – I can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the way the Up and Under Pub has woven the threads of history into the fabric of its menu.
Each beer, each dish, each hidden gem is a portal to a bygone era, inviting you to step into the shoes of a Brugges artisan, a Berliner regular, or a Flemish nobleman. It’s a culinary journey that’s as much about the taste as it is about the story, and I can’t think of a better place to experience it than right here, at the Up and Under Pub.
So, my fellow beer and history enthusiasts, raise a glass with me and let’s toast to the enduring legacy of this remarkable establishment. Prost! (or as they say in Bruges, Proost!)
The Up and Under Pub – where the past and present come together in a perfect pairing.
