I read about Brugge Brasserie years ago in a local food magazine and thought “there couldn’t possibly be anything for me in a restaurant with a name like that! I can’t even pronounce it!”
I was selling myself (and my stomach) short with that attitude. Here’s how to pronounce it phonetically – b-rouge brass-er-ee.
I was meeting a new colleague for coffee and since it was around lunchtime, we decided to get food instead of just joe. Since we were already in Broad Ripple, we decided on somewhere close. Her first suggestion was Brugge.
I was a bit hesitant (due to my unmerited prejudice) but decided to give it a try. We walked into the eatery, located at 1011 E. Westfield Blvd., and I was completely blown away by the delicious smells wafting in the air.
The décor was surprisingly simple, but with food that good, you don’t really need a lot of extra fluff. I read about their famously delicious pomme frites (French fries) so I knew I wanted an order of them. I also heard about their amazing in-house brewed beer. Since it was noon, I figured I’d save the beer for another time.
In my opinion, Brugge Brasserie’s menu is not for those with simple palates. This is Belgium inspired food consisting of some ingredients you just don’t see on menus every day, but once you dissect the ingredients, you are in for a real treat.
My stomach reminded me that it was hungry, so I decided to stop looking around and chatting and choose an item for lunch.
The Carbonnade Flamande (a hearty Belgian stew of dark beer, beef and onion) sounded delicious; so did the crepes. They had nine types of crepes, including one consisting of pan-seared duck breast, mustard and sweet onion confit. Another one that caught my eye had grilled chicken, blue cheese, endive, spinach and garlic aioli.
Brugge Brasserie also serves Prince Edward Island mussels prepared 12 ways.
I decided to save the crepes and the mussels for another trip to Brugge. That day, I selected something a bit simpler – a Mitraillette with grilled chicken breast, herb pesto, tomato confit and fresh mozzarella.
My meal came with frites, so I was super excited…until I had to choose which of the 12 dipping sauces I wanted to accompany my fries. Hmmm. The fresh mayonnaise, homemade ketchup and roasted garlic aioli sauces sounded delicious, but I decided to go for something a bit more adventurous. I chose the sauce andalouse and the poplar syrup and French Dijon.
My dining companion ordered the scrambled egg, roasted tomato, beer glazed onion and Swiss cheese crepe. Her meal was accompanied by mixed greens.
My fresh baked, French bread sandwich was so frikking delicious! It was the perfect size for lunch (not too hearty and not too tiny) and the light, fresh ingredients complemented each other very well.
Other noteworthy items on Brugge’s menu are the salads, steak and eggs, dessert crepes and the kids menu.
My meal was $10.95. The majority of the menu fell within that price range with the exception of the stews ($13.95), steak ($16.95) and the mussels ($19.95).
After I polished off my sandwich and fries, I realized that my previous assumption of Brugge Brasserie was all wrong and that I had learned a lesson that day – never judge a restaurant by its title. I am definitely going back to Brugge.
Next time you’re in Broad Ripple, stop by Brugge Brasserie and discover well-prepared food that is absolutely divine.
For more information, call (317) 255-0978 or visit bruggebrasserie.com.
