The Belgians VS The French

A stereotypical Frenchman complete with wine, baguette, fisherman's striped sweater and an escargot.

A stereotypical Belgian carrying French fries in the national colors of red, yellow and black.

This is my last entry about my experiences in Belgium.  From here we move next door to France.

The French tell jokes about the Belgians similar to those the Italians tell about the Carabinieri.  (Remember my prior post of April 17th.) Americans tell the same jokes about “Polacks” (excuse the derogatory term) or blonds.  The French view the stereotypical Belgian as having a large family, drinking beer, eating French fries and being mentally slow.   Here are 2 examples:

Do you know what is the best form of contraception for the Belgians?

  - A slingshot…to shoot down the storks.  

How do you recognize a Belgian baby in the maternity ward?

 - It’s the only one holding a stuffed french fry.

The Belgians see the French as arrogant and egotistical.  One of the symbols of France is the rooster.  Here is some retaliatory  Belgian jokes:

“After creating France.  God found it to be the most beautiful country in the world.

But he realized it would make others jealous.  So to reestablish equilibrium, he created the French.

Another comeback is a joke attributed to the comedian Coluche.

Do you know why the French chose the rooster as its country’s symbol?

 - It’s because its the only bird that manages to sing with both feet in shit.

Yet France and Belgium are closely tied due to a their shared language.  The French admire and revere many Belgian citizens: René Magritte (artist), Jacques Brel (singer), Georges Simenon (mystery writer), Hergé (Tintin) and many, many more.

Magritte's painting: The Son Of Man.

Some of the best “French” food is to be found in Belgium.  And by the way, French fries really should be attributed to the Belgians. Belgian fries are served in paper cones with a large dollop of mayonnaise on top.  That might seem bizarre, but we like (fried) potato chips with dips made from mayonnaise and sour cream.

You’ve heard about Belgian chocolates.  Guess what?  They really do have great quantities of Brussel Sprouts and Belgian Endive as well.  In the fall, one finds wild boar, venison and game birds on the menus.

Two well-known Belgian dishes are Carbonnade à la Flamande and Waterzooi.  Carbonnade à la Flamande is a delicious beef stew made with the addition of beer.  After browning the meat and the onions;  herbs, bayleaf and beer are added.  Then the stew is covered with several slices of spiced bread that have been slathered with mustard.  As the stew braises, the bread breaks down and thickens the stew. 

Traditionally carbonnade is served with fries.

Waterzooi is a chicken or fish stew made with carrots, leeks, potatoes and broth.  When all the ingredients are cooked; cream and beaten eggs are added.  This makes for a delicious, unctuous sauce.