It’s that time of year again when local eateries embrace the seasonal spirit. And our beloved Cincinnati brasserie just can’t resist reinventing itself with every change in the weather. Cue the parade of seasonal specials, bursting with the “heart and essence” of the season, naturally. Farm-fresh ingredients? Check. Wildly inventive flavor combos? Of course. Nothing says “we’re serious about food” like casually tossing together a seasonal menu.
The Art of Seasonal Dining: A Brasserie’s Attempt at Brilliance
Brasserie Culture: Tradition Meets “Innovation”
A brasserie isn’t just some fancy French word for “restaurant”—it’s a place where elegance gets cozy with culinary craftsmanship. We try to embody this vibe, blending Belgian gastronomy with a dash of American flair. And let’s not forget our deep, borderline obsessive, commitment to “seasonal” ingredients. It’s practically a brasserie rule.
So, What’s the Deal with Seasonal Menus?
- Freshness & Quality: Because duh, food tastes better when it’s not been frozen for a millennium.
- Sustainability: It’s trendy to be eco-conscious, but hey, it also keeps the locals happy.
- Creativity in the Kitchen: It turns out, that changing up ingredients forces the chefs to actually think.
- For the Customer: Keeps things “fresh” so you’re not just ordering the same ol’ waffle again. (Well, sort of.)
Taste of Belgium’s Seasonal Symphony
Jean-François Flechet, founder and seasonal ingredient whisperer, explains, “Our seasonal menu reflects our commitment to quality, creativity, and community.” Translation: We like to mix it up so we don’t get bored—and neither do you.
But seriously, we work with local farmers and suppliers to deliver the freshest of the fresh. So, if you’re into dining in harmony with nature’s mood swings, Taste of Belgium is your jam.
This Season’s Stars: New Flavors to Savor
Ready for a flavor journey? Of course, you are! Get your taste buds prepared for some seasonal hits like:
- Beltucky Hot Brown: Juicy house-roasted turkey, candied bacon, tomatoes, our signature waffle with spicy chipotle and cheddar mornay sauce.
- Waffle & Chicken: Drizzled with Ohio maple syrup and hot sauce. This juicy crumb fried chicken is served with our traditional Liege waffle, garnished salad with blue cheese, carrots, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette.
Sip the Season: Boozy Pairings
Because what’s food without a drink in hand? We have, of course, curated a drink menu to match our seasonal vibe:
- Spiced Pear Bellini: Pear puree, cinnamon syrup, and sparkling wine. Fancy, but let’s be real, you’ve never had a bellini like this before.
- Seasonal Beer Flight: A Belgian beer sampler that screams “fall.” Expect a side of hipster approval.
The Chef’s Canvas: Crafting the Seasonal Menu
Creating a seasonal menu isn’t all tossing leaves in the air and hoping for the best. According to Executive Chef Ryan Buckley, it’s a whole process—local crop schedules, farm visits, experimenting with flavors. You know, actual work. “Our job is to turn ingredients into dishes that taste amazing and tell a story,” says Buckley. Basically, local food is just better.
Community Partnerships: Because We Care (And It’s Good PR)
Taste of Belgium is all about the local love. We’ve got strong ties with farms like Eckerlin at Findlay Market from whom we source goetta – beef, pork, and oat sausages, a Cincinnati specialty. We are proud to support small producers who are as passionate about the quality of their products as we are.
Customer Favourites: The Season’s Hits
Some dishes don’t just appear on the menu, they dominate it. Here are a few of the customer darlings:
- Mussels Provençale: Ah, mussels—the food that makes you feel fancy just by ordering it. These beauties are swimming in a pool of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and white wine, pretending they’re on a Mediterranean vacation you can only dream of. It’s basically a bowl of “I’m cultured,” with a side of “Am I supposed to slurp the broth?” Yes, yes you are.
- Steak & Frites: An 8 oz flank steak bathed in garlic butter? Yes, please. Add a pile of crispy frites and a side salad decked out with blue cheese, carrots, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette (you know, for health reasons), and you’ve got yourself a dinner that says, “I work hard, I deserve this.”
- Goetta Hash: Who said breakfast has to end at noon? With this dish, we’re throwing the rules out the window. Eckerlin goetta, roasted peppers, onions, and breakfast potatoes all cozied up with two sunny side eggs. Oh, and don’t forget to throw on some cheddar mornay sauce or pepper gravy because, let’s face it, you’re not here for moderation.
Keeping It Fresh: Why Seasonal Menus Actually Work
If you think seasonal menus are just an excuse for chefs to show off, you’re not entirely wrong. But they also keep things interesting for regulars and first-timers alike. Plus, it gives the chefs an excuse to keep being “creative” instead of serving the same thing daily.
Every season at Taste of Belgium is like a little culinary adventure. Summer salads, winter stews, spring waffles—you get it. It keeps diners happy, and the chefs on their toes.
Pumpkin Season at TOB!
Brace yourselves, pumpkin fanatics, because we are diving headfirst into the fall frenzy with two new irresistible creations: Pumpkin Waffles, Pumpkin Cheesecakes, and Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martin. Yes, we went there. It’s officially time to embrace your inner autumn enthusiast and indulge in these sweet, spiced delights.
Both are made with creamy pumpkin purée and that perfect mix of cozy spices that’ll have you feeling like you’re wrapped in a warm, flannel blanket—except, you know, it’s food. Whether you want to impress your family and friends with your impeccable fall taste or just keep these all to yourself in a quiet corner (we support that life choice), these treats are here to bring a little seasonal magic to your plate.
So, what are you waiting for? Swing by any of our TOB locations and get a taste of autumn that’ll make your sweater weather dreams come true. Pumpkin spice might be a cliché, but when it’s this good, who cares?
Your Invitation to Taste the Season (Before It Disappears)
Don’t miss out on Taste of Belgium’s latest seasonal menu! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time visitor, the current lineup promises to impress. Book your table, devour the freshest seasonal creations, and feel smug about eating sustainably sourced seasonal dishes.
And don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter. Because who wouldn’t want to be the first to know when the next wave of seasonal specials drops?
Eat now, thank us later.
