Comments on: My Books: Belgian Café Culture

By: Doreen Kinsman

Doreen Kinsman — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 11:32:12 +0000

Early in 1970 my then Canadian born husband was sent to Belgium by his American brewery, Schmitz in Milwaukee Wisconsin, to be Director of their newest acquisition, Caulier Brewery. It was located in Mons.in a beautiful new building to provide employment to replace the declining coal mining industry we had been told.Our family of four children now in their fifties and sixties,lived in Waterloo, site of such historical significance.
I recall seeing so many of the amazing little pubs as you describe so well, and the photos. I remember vividly seeing entire families in these charming small businesses., especially on rainy week-ends enjoying a beer with their friends.

Sadly the Caulier brewery was sold to Stella Artois which still today remains renowned world-wide. Thank you for the memory. At age 87, I cherish my memories of our life in Belgium and its superb cuisine! Thank you for the memory!!!

By: terrier stephane

terrier stephane — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 10:10:07 +0000

In reply to terrier stephane. avez-vous ce livre traduit en francais

By: Regula

Regula — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 14:18:38 +0000

In reply to Sally – My Custard Pie.

Thank you Sally, funnily enough quite a few of our traditional cafés were destroyed by owners remodeling them to look like English or Irish pubs in the 80’s. I know today pubs are closing more and more. It’s everywhere, prices are driven up by breweries, living cost, petrol and gas. People don’t have the money anymore to visit the café every day or once a week. I hope this book will make a difference somehow because I put the finger on the wound. It is a plea. And by the kind words I am getting from the café landlords, I can say that this is making a diference because someone is finally putting the spotlight on them, those who have been preserving these places, often for generations.