The return to Antwerp
Once the Chaps get to Kuliminator, they will never want to leave
If ever the was the sense of Déjà vu, all over again, it was the return to Antwerp. Hector and Marg had made a pioneering visit back in February, today was a replica, and only the company has changed. Craig and Yvonne decided that today was the day they would have to themselves, David thought likewise.
Les Freres took an alternate route and paid the price. They were waiting for Dr Stan, Howard, Neil, Robin and Hector at Elfde Gebod, The Eleventh Commandment. De Konink may have been the first Bier order of the day, it was the rather expensive Spag Bol which was uppermost in Hector’s mind. This is a very tasty and more than adequate serving. For once, Dr Stan followed my lead. Is this really Dr Stan on this trip? Morte Subite Geuze kicked the taste buds back into action.
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We marvelled at the surroundings, those of a certain persuasion may find this place offensive. I think it is a hoot. It is a pity Craig was not with us, one could have taken enough photos for a lifetime of blackmail.
Jonathan arrived later and left. He concluded that getting ahead of the game at our next port of call would have him back in sync.
Jonathan was polishing off his lunch when the core group caught up with him at De Groote Witte Arend (White Eagle). The much celebrated Hopus was the bier of choice. Served with a short glass to capture the sediment, I put it back in the main glass. Stop messing about. This was a pit stop before the main event of the day.
Hector had phoned Kulminator before leaving Gent, this set the pace for the day. Knowing they were open it was a case of arriving as soon as possible. We did. Dr Stan had gone walkabout. Jonathan arrived later. We were ensconced.
Gouden Carolus is not a Bier style I would normally go for, dark and sweet, however, I knew Hanssens Kriek was to follow. Neil’s order was not available and so Doris recommended something else – Neil ordered this – blind! Now this is a dangerous thing to do in an establishment which sell bottles of Bier at anything up to €295.
All Cats are Grey
Kulminator is famed for its cats. One sat beside us, his seat, he wasn’t for moving. Jonathan arrived, the cat stayed put. Les Freres caught up with us, the cat was off… Behold Dr Stan , if indeed it was him.
Excess in moderation
Affligrem’s Patersvavat concluded my visit, a very relaxed afternoon without excess.
Kulminator must run ‘t Brugs Beerjte close as candidate for the best bar in Belgium. Daisy still has the edge. With the proprietors here clearly in their later years, one has to speculate as to what will happen when one of them becomes immortal. This is very much a case of get yourself to Antwerp and enjoy this wonderful establishment whilst one can.
Meanwhile, back in Gent
The Fest was over, the temporary constructions removed. Gent was closed, well the Waterhuis was. Craig and Yvonne had to wander around the Centrum in search of Bier. This is what happens when people abandon the Hector Tour.
We went for a Curry-Heute at Salt n’ Pepper.
Favourite Antwerp bars
Elfde Gebod, 10 Torfbrug
Groote Witte Arend, 18 Reyndersstrat
Kulminator, 32 Vleminckveld