The Belgian Café

Meet Greg from The Belgian Café, the director manager (alongside his business partner Stephane) of this fabulous restaurant that has been in Eastbourne for well over a decade.

We spoke to Greg to find what it is that makes Eastbourne so special for him and even managed to get one of The Belgian Café’s famous recipes for Carbonade Flamande (Flemish beef and beer stew)!


How well would you say you know Eastbourne?
After seven years I would say that I know it fairly well, not perfectly but I’m getting there!

Tell us what you love most about the town?
It's a very laidback town - clean, peaceful and safe. There is a very good theatre with a lot going on and if you like traveling Gatwick airport is just next door, which opens a door to the whole world. Brighton and London are also nearby, so you don’t have to live with the stress and expenses – you can choose when you have it! You just have to spend a week in Eastbourne to see why it can be a nice place to live – and then you will just fall in love with the town. And what about the weather? It is after all the sunshine coast! Yes it is raining sometimes, but hey we are still in England! Compared to other places we are very lucky.
 

What Eastbourne secret or hidden gem would you share with a visitor?
For me it is on a sunny day walking from Princes Park towards the pier. Just before reaching it you can see it looking bright white with the sun shining on it, all the colours of the flowers just behind and Beachy Head in the background - it's just beautiful.

 

If you were a tourist for the day, what are your must visits and must dos in Eastbourne?
The beauty of Eastbourne is that it’s a town where you don't need to do a lot to feel good, just take a look at the sea and it makes your day. Otherwise the view from Beachy Head is just gorgeous and a must see.

Some quickfire questions…
Coast or countryside?
Coast

Sand or pebbles?
Sand

Summer or winter?
Both are good

Past or present?
Present



Carbonade Flamande

For 15 to 18 portions

In a large sauce pan you need:
1 block of butter
2 large onions sliced
4 cloves of garlic
10lb of diced beef
A handful of mixed herbs and bay leaf
Salt and pepper
About 2soup spoon of Dijon mustard
8 cooking apples slightly pre cook in a pan
About 800g of tomato purée
1 pint of plum sauce
4 soup spoon of Worcester sauce
6 dark beers

Put on a medium heat for about 3 hours and check it often so that the jus doesn’t reduce too much and keep an eye on the texture of the beef! Enjoy!

To book a table at The Belgian Café call Greg on 01323 729967 or email thebelgiancafe@yahoo.co.uk
The Belgian Café, 11-23 Grand Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 3YN.
Open Monday to Sunday – 11am till late