Belga Café

When I moved into the city, I had the idea that every once in a while, I would explore a new DC neighborhood. One Saturday earlier this month, Matt met me to wander around Capitol Hill and the Eastern Market area. I knew I wanted brunch, because I love brunch, but I heard that so does everyone else in that area. I scoured Urbanspoon and Open Table, looking for a place with open reservations and good reviews. I settled on Belga Café.

We arrived slightly early for our reservation, but the place was not packed and we sat down right away. I was a little overwhelmed by the menu; unless I’m at a vegetarian- or vegan-friendly restaurant, I’m used to zoning in on the one or three menu items that I would eat. There were quite a few here! I don’t remember them all, but our server was very helpful in letting me know which items were full of meat and which were not.

My body wanted something savory that day, and I picked gepocheerde Hoeve Eieren met truffel. Our server assured me it was vegetarian, and explained that it was the first day on the menu; she was going to order it herself as soon as she had the chance. Matt and I decided not to get any appetizers, but he ordered a mimosa and I got a bottle of San Pellegrino.

My dish had creamy polenta topped with slow-poached eggs, sprinkled with bread crumbs and shaved truffles, and garnished with two baked Parmesan cheese pieces. Matt’s dish was all a blur to me (something with pork sausages) because I was so focused on my meal. I think my eyes rolled back in my head after my first bite, because Matt giggled at my expression, asking me how good it was. I could taste each component of the dish. Everything complemented each other in a perfect way. The egg yolk drizzled over the polenta, and it was such a tasty treat. The size of the truffle shavings enhanced the flavor, and never overpowered it. Each bite was better than the last. I finished every bite. I—no joke—resisted the urge to lick my plate.

There are so many restaurants in DC, and many very good ones much closer to my apartment, but I can’t wait to get back to Belga Café and see what else their menu has to offer. Perhaps I’ll bring my parents when they come into town for a visit; my mother loves mussels, and if they are half as good as my brunch eggs, she’ll be in love.