Having been to Belgium more times than I could count (as my sister lives there)IMG_8489 I just had to check out Petite Abeille, the small chain of Belgian cafes.
IMG_8491I went with enough friends to try lots of specialties. I wasn’t disappointed. First we nibbled the Crispy Belgian cheese croquettes ($8.50) that oozes cheese and the classic Moules Marinieres – ($9.75), mussels steamed in a white wine celery garlicky broth.

We followed that with a classic Salad Nicoise (albacore tuna, fresh steamed green beans, roasted red peppers, fingerling potatoes, black olives and anchovies a top salad greens $15.50) and roasted beets, goat cheese and arugula on a crisp baguette ($7.75).IMG_8493

And it wouldn’t be a Belgium meal without Pommes Frites (aka Belgian Fries). That’s potatoes that are soaked first in salt water and then fried… twice. Each visit to Brussels, a visit to my favorite Pommes Frites stand, is a must!

And we finished our meal with a freshly made Belgian waffle topped with whipped cream and strawberries ($9). A delicious, authentic meal that won’t break the bank.

– bonnie

Petite Abeille
401 E 20th St
New York, NY  10010
212) 727-1505
www.petiteabeille.com

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