Bruges Waffles & Frites
By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell
Waffles and french fries. Though not always paired together, these are staples in restaurants and kitchens from coast to coast. We buy them, we eat them, and we Americans can probably make them just as well as the next guy, right? That’s what I thought too, until I happened upon Bruges Waffles and Frites in Salt Lake City. Bruges offers a little taste of Belgium right here in Beehive State and one thing I learned from my visit is that Belgians take waffles and fries very seriously.
At Bruges, you basically have one decision to make: Waffle or fries. Or both. We began our culinary excursion across the Atlantic with traditional frites (fries) in a paper cone with your choice of sauce. If a vegetable is ever going to obtain transcendental status, these potatoes might be on their way. Double fried for an extra crispy outside that audibly gives way to soft, pearly innards and simply-seasoned, these fries are perfect. Our favorite complimentary sauces were the “Greens” sauce with chive and green onion and the “Andalouse”—basil with some kick.
Bruges also serves up a dish of frites smothered in Flemish beef stew, slow-braised in ale. The result is a hearty and satisfying combination of crispy potatoes and spoon-tender meat, mingled with herbs and seasoned to perfection.
This culinary gem is named after a town in Belgium that is considered the “waffle capitol of the world,” where waffles are sold by street vendors and eaten at lunch, dinner and any time between. The waffles are made with a yeast dough that’s dotted with chunks of pearl sugar. These melt and caramelize to give the waffle a crispy exterior and a soft middle that’s more substantial than the average Eggo. We loved our served “plain,” but you can have yours dusted with cinnamon, dipped in chocolate or topped with creme fraiche, fruit or ice cream.
Whatever you choose, your tastebuds will thank you.
{International House of Waffles}
Bruges Waffles and Frites
336 W. Broadway
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 363-4444
www.brugeswaffles.com
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
Oh! These folks are the bomb. Absolutely delightful. And I’m not just saying that because I live in the condos above the shop. While you were in the neighborhood, did you try out Tipica, next door? Great new Italian restaurant (dinners only, Wed-Saturday). Mm …
:)
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:49 am
Do you mean Flemish stew? (not Finnish) :)
These waffles are the real deal. I first tried them at the Farmer’s Market just after having returned from a trip to Belgium, and I’ve been addicted ever since. I’m so glad he’s opened up a year-round shop! I love them plain, but they are also really good with fresh sliced strawberries on top.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:02 am
Flemish! You are absolutely right. I will get that fixed asap. So glad to find more Bruges lovers. I can’t wait to go back.
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
I had no idea this place existed and I’m so excited to try it. Thanks for the heads up. Can’t wait for some lekker eten.
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Pierre’s waffles have been the driving force behind my regular trips to the Farmer’s Market (in spite of the 45 min. drive) for 6 years. I’m soooo happy that he finally opened a store. :)
I discovered last summer that the waffles are particularly yummy when topped with some Dolcetti gelato (which used to be across the way from Pierre’s booth at the market). Now I will just have to walk a little farther to get my waffle and gelato fix…which is probably a good thing, so I can burn off more of those calories.
Yay for real Belgian waffles!!!
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Courtney! Not only is my mouth watering, but I really enjoyed your writing in this post. Maybe it’s because I love it when people publicly advocate french fries smothered in some kind of stewy gravy :) My favorite part was “…an extra crispy outside that audibly gives way to…” I just love how you used “audibly”. So much that I’m writing multiple sentences about it now. I hope things are well with you and Cody. How are you guys?!
June 22nd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
oh this looks fantastic, right up my alley, I’ll have to make a point to stop in
June 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
i will definitely have to check this out before i leave! looks delish
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:21 pm
One quick turn round the corner, and up over the fourth south bridge and we get to bike ride back to Belgium…………This little lifestyle mecca is fast become one of our favorite parts of town, with the fish market and Tony Caputos and this little shop and of course Bingham Cyclery……Now we just need to get more people to buy up older homes in this area, fix them up and help turn our end of town into the little gem we know it can and will be!!!!!!Vive le Waffle, bringing fun to food and one block closer to Westside revitalization and gentrification……. each new place on this side of town brings our dream closer to reality.Kim B
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:55 am
love love love bruges! went to the farmers market with the husband and went across the street and saw it. it is a must see and eat!
June 24th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Oh, I am super excited to learn about this little place. I lived in Belgium for some time, and I love the suiker wafelen (sugar waffles) and the frites, and I don’t even like french fries. I’m looking forward to seeing how near the real deal they are. Thanks for the heads up.
June 25th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
What a wonderful write up, this is Pierre the owner. Thanks to you guys I got a few more great customers come in yesterday.
We are very thankful for that and all your wonderful readers will get a free topping through the 4th of July week-end. Just mention the website and we’ll make good!
Merci mille fois, dank u!
Pierre
June 26th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
ooh, thank you so much for sharing this place! i was in bruges 10 years ago and i have been missing the waffles ever since. great frites too. but seriously, the best smell i think i’ve ever smelled was walking through the streets and knowing you were getting closer and closer to a waffle vendor…seriously heavenly. my mouth is now watering!
June 29th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
This place is awesome thanks for the heads up!