Sometimes you just need to indulge in the cliches of traveling. Having Pizza in Italy, (check) Guinness in Ireland, (check), ride a camel in the Middle East (check, although I only rode around in a circle, still counts). My theory is those activities are popular for a reason. One of these cliches I had to try was the combination of beer, chocolate and waffles in Brussels. These three “foods” are essential and simply can’t be missed. This is what the city does the best and Brussels gladly showcases it. It’s impossible to walk down the street in Brussels and not notice the smell of chocolate or see the ridicules extravagant looking waffles. Chocolate in Brussels is so unmatched that even the cheaper chocolate is mind boggling good. Even if you are not a chocolate freak you will find yourself walking towards the nearest shop and be tempted.
I also must point out that I am in love with chocolate. I wouldn’t use the word “obsessed”. I am not one of those people who will go to a chocolate fashion show and I declined to go the history of chocolate museum. Really, what’s the point if you can’t eat it? I ironically also have a dairy allergen and while it’s not life or death, it can get pretty serious if I don’t take the proper medicine before consuming any dairy.
So what’s the best way to get your chocolate fix in Brussels and be satisfied? I think I may have discovered the perfect plan. With so many options it was definitely overwhelming. It was easy just to go in the first shop and shout “I’ll take it!”. That is precisely what I did on my first night and it was amazing! I literally bought the first 4 truffles I could reach. The next day when my friend B and I found ourselves at the beginning of the chocolate store stretch, we were determined to make the right choices. I knew I wanted to buy some to actually take home for myself and family (more for myself, of course). We went into the first shop where chocolate was molded into any shape you could imagine. While taking my time admiring how long it must have took to make a chocolate porcupine (seriously!), one of the ladies from behind the counter offered me a sample. It was delicious of course and I thanked her. I looked at the price and grimaced. I really wanted to buy it but it was pricey and I wouldn’t be able to buy anymore for the day. My friend suggested we go the next store and could come back if we wanted. Again I was distracted by the shapes, colors and smells when I was approached by a store clerk with another sample, awesome! Then my wonderful friend came up with one of the best ideas ever; chocolate hopping. We found out that if you linger for a few minutes in each store, they give you sample. They don’t just give a sample right when you walk in. You need to work for it by showing a real interest. With this theory in mind we set off to hit the chocolate shops. It turned out to be a very successful mission. We lucked out at most of the shops and got to taste some of the best chocolate in the world for free! And at the end of the journey we both went back to our favorite shop and bought something. It was only fair to the Brussels economy.
We got back to the hotel to safely pack away our purchases.I was changing my clothes to get ready for the incoming rain Brussels is so found of and I heard my friend gasp, “Your stomach!”. I looked down and found blotches covering my entire front half. Did I mention I was allergic to dairy and need to take medicine? I don’t normally need to take any for a single sample size of chocolate. Although I didn’t take into account that when you have around 8-10 samples in a row that equals a whole lot of wonderful, tasty and deadly dairy. My friend said, “Jaz I think you over did it on the chocolate today”. I sighed, “Yeah, I guess”. A minute or two go by before she asked, “Well, are you having trouble breathing or anything?”. I replied, “No, not really. It doesn’t even itch that bad”. She smiled, “Good, let me know if that changes. Drinks?”. Chocolate hopping that leads to bar hopping, I call that a success indeed.
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