Thanks to a visit to Belgium, Long Islanders can now enjoy the best of Belgian's epicurean culture on this side of the Atlantic, including pots full of one of that very ocean's native inhabitants.
When the founders of Croxley Ales took a trip to Belgium, they returned with visions of mussels and Belgian ales dancing in their heads. Chris Werle and Jeff Picciulo ran with their cultural discovery and subsequently opened Waterzooi Belgian Bistro, along with friend and chef Ed Davis. The timely opening took place in 1998, when the surge in craft beer culture was just taking hold in New York.
The term waterzooi refers to a traditional Belgian dish of seafood, prepared as a creamy type of stew. This is one of several mouthwatering Belgian entrees that grace the restaurant's menu, along with another authentic Belgian dish, carbonade Flamande, a stew of beef that simmers in Belgian brown ale. Moules-frites is by far the most popular Belgian specialty to exit the restaurant's kitchen at a constant rate.
Moules-frites includes a whole pot of mussels, prepared with a choice of more than a dozen different ingredient combinations. The homard variation includes succulent chunks of lobster meat and scallions with the mussels, all swimming in a rich creamy lobster sauce. The Montrachet mussels include goat cheese, sweet red peppers and white wine. For an exotic edible indulgence, try the Thai mussels, prepared with spicy lemongrass, sweet grilled pineapple and a delectable coconut milk sauce. For spice-craving palates, the Lucifer version's mussels are joined by Buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese and celery, and for the Creole version, a chipotle barbecue sauce, crawfish tails and sweet corn are heaped into the pot to mingle with the mussels. For more conservative tastes, consider the oreganata mussels with white wine, toasted breadcrumbs and a kiss of lemon or the Provencal mussels, dressed simply with white wine, sweet ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. In true Belgian tradition, all mussel pots are accompanied by a side of perfectly cooked French fries with creamy mayonnaise for dipping.
Some starring roles on the appetizer menu include the lobster croquettes, the lobster bisque and the Gouda, Gruyere and farmhouse ale fondue. For dessert, the most coveted choices include the Belgian waffles, available with a choice of tantalizing toppings, and the decadent Belgian triple chocolate cake, served with Belgian chocolate and framboise sauces.
The country of Belgium has approximately 120 breweries. Combined, they produce roughly 500 different beers. For a beer menu that boasts the most extensive selection of these beers, Waterzooi Belgian Bistro is the place to try some selections that are otherwise hard to come by, as well as reliable and enjoyable favorites like Chimay and Duval. From Trappist ales and refreshing saisons to abbey ales and fruited labmics, there is something to pair perfectly with every palate and every entree on the menu.
The upscale restaurant's ambience is trendy and sophisticated, the din alive with diners reveling joyously in the company of friends or family and in the innovative and outstanding repast that fills their tabletop’s pots, plates and glasses.
Waterzooi Belgian Bistro is located at 850 Franklin Avenue in Garden City. Visit www.waterzooi.com for a complete menu and to make your reservation.
When the founders of Croxley Ales took a trip to Belgium, they returned with visions of mussels and Belgian ales dancing in their heads. Chris Werle and Jeff Picciulo ran with their cultural discovery and subsequently opened Waterzooi Belgian Bistro, along with friend and chef Ed Davis. The timely opening took place in 1998, when the surge in craft beer culture was just taking hold in New York.
The term waterzooi refers to a traditional Belgian dish of seafood, prepared as a creamy type of stew. This is one of several mouthwatering Belgian entrees that grace the restaurant's menu, along with another authentic Belgian dish, carbonade Flamande, a stew of beef that simmers in Belgian brown ale. Moules-frites is by far the most popular Belgian specialty to exit the restaurant's kitchen at a constant rate.
Moules-frites includes a whole pot of mussels, prepared with a choice of more than a dozen different ingredient combinations. The homard variation includes succulent chunks of lobster meat and scallions with the mussels, all swimming in a rich creamy lobster sauce. The Montrachet mussels include goat cheese, sweet red peppers and white wine. For an exotic edible indulgence, try the Thai mussels, prepared with spicy lemongrass, sweet grilled pineapple and a delectable coconut milk sauce. For spice-craving palates, the Lucifer version's mussels are joined by Buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese and celery, and for the Creole version, a chipotle barbecue sauce, crawfish tails and sweet corn are heaped into the pot to mingle with the mussels. For more conservative tastes, consider the oreganata mussels with white wine, toasted breadcrumbs and a kiss of lemon or the Provencal mussels, dressed simply with white wine, sweet ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. In true Belgian tradition, all mussel pots are accompanied by a side of perfectly cooked French fries with creamy mayonnaise for dipping.
Some starring roles on the appetizer menu include the lobster croquettes, the lobster bisque and the Gouda, Gruyere and farmhouse ale fondue. For dessert, the most coveted choices include the Belgian waffles, available with a choice of tantalizing toppings, and the decadent Belgian triple chocolate cake, served with Belgian chocolate and framboise sauces.
The country of Belgium has approximately 120 breweries. Combined, they produce roughly 500 different beers. For a beer menu that boasts the most extensive selection of these beers, Waterzooi Belgian Bistro is the place to try some selections that are otherwise hard to come by, as well as reliable and enjoyable favorites like Chimay and Duval. From Trappist ales and refreshing saisons to abbey ales and fruited labmics, there is something to pair perfectly with every palate and every entree on the menu.
The upscale restaurant's ambience is trendy and sophisticated, the din alive with diners reveling joyously in the company of friends or family and in the innovative and outstanding repast that fills their tabletop’s pots, plates and glasses.
Waterzooi Belgian Bistro is located at 850 Franklin Avenue in Garden City. Visit www.waterzooi.com for a complete menu and to make your reservation.