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Cafe Serving Dozens of Belgian Beers Opening in Flatiron

By Sybile Penhirin | August 14, 2014 11:36am | Updated on August 15, 2014 5:42pm
 Belgian Beer Café is set to open on August 28, 2014.
Dozens of Belgian Beers Coming to Flatiron
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FLATIRON —  A bar specializing in Belgian beer and food is coming to Flatiron this summer.

Belgian Beer Café is set to open Aug. 28 at 220 Fifth Ave. and will highlight imported Belgian brews, including Hoegaarden, Stella Artois and Chimay, a Trappist beer that's produced by monks.

The European-inspired bar and cafe is the international chain's first New York City location. The beer menu is still being finalized but will include 10 drafts and 30 to 40 bottled beers, all coming from some of Belgium's 700 breweries, general manager Anthony Mardach said.

"With so many breweries in Belgium, we'll be able to rotate our beer menu with the seasons," said Mardach, who has been working in the restaurant industry for 20 years. "The goal is for our clients to try beers they've never had before."

Each beer will be served in a chalice specifically designed by its brewery to best release the brew's aroma and flavor, Mardach said. Prices will range between $7 and $10, depending on the availability of the beer. Patrons in a rush will also be able to buy takeout growlers.

The cafe will also serve classic Belgian dishes like vol-au-vent — a puff pastry usually filled with chicken — along with Belgian cheese and a variety of mussels.

Starting next week, a beer sommelier will start teaching the staff which beers pair best with the restaurant's food menu, Mardach said.

Belgian Beer Café, which is at the corner of 26th Street, will offer views of Madison Square Park and may add outdoor dining as well. The restaurant can currently seat up to 200 people, including 30 at the bar, and features a small mezzanine that is available for private events. Starting Aug. 28, it will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.