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Brugge Brasserie
Moules & Frites in Broad Ripple

Linda and I love to go out for lunch on Sunday. We do it with some frequency and after our third visit this summer to the Brugge Brasserie in Broad Ripple, we decided that it was so good that we had to write about it. In spite of the fact that... one, it's in Broad Ripple, and two, it's a brew pub with a four-bottle wine list. We don't drink beer. But Wine Guy and beer aficionado, Mark Finch, tells me that they brew some of the best in town. And these days, Broad Ripple is easier on our more "mature sense of fun" on Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday night. Brugge overlooks the Monon Trail just off Westfield Boulevard and has some great, shaded outdoor seating that makes for some pretty good people watching. Although, at noon on Sunday, the mostly young people passing by look either pretty sweaty from the trail or pretty hungover from Saturday night.

So, what kept bringing us back? The best moules frites in the city, perhaps the best we have ever had. Named for the city of Brugge, in Belgium, they execute their national dish to a tee. Actually, the menu also includes plenty of other Belgian and French specialties like crêpes, patés, and charcuterie, along with Belgian stews, steak frites and French bread sandwiches. The last time, we started by sharing the small seasonal pate appetizer that arrived in a beautiful presentation that included a generous slice of country-style paté along with crostini, apple slices, grapes, candied walnuts and almonds. Not only was it excellent, at $6.95 it was a bargain... the large $12.95 portion must be dinner for two.

While the wine selections are woefully short, the Plantagenet Omrah Unoaked Chardonnay from Western Australia was a great match with the food, and a value at only $28 a bottle. Most wine stores would sell it for $17 to $18 a bottle, so while the list is short, their restrained markups should be applauded.

The two-pound pot of Prince Edward Island mussels we shared, $18.95, is offered with your choice of being prepared in one of 11 different steaming broths, from traditional to curry,chili or cajun. We have a tough time getting by the Provençal that combines butter, herbs de Provence, shallots, garlic and Chardonnay. The mussels that arrive, perfectly steamed with bread for dipping, are small to medium in size and very tender. You can tell (and our waiter confirmed) that the steaming liquid was freshly prepared...by seeing how fresh the bits of shallot and garlic are, and how green the herbs have remained. Simply delicious....

And then there are the crisp pommes frites…be sure to upgrade to large for $1. They are served in a cone with your choice of three of 12 dipping sauces. We always choose the garlic aioli and homemade ketchup, and then experiment with the third. This time it was the blue cheese and it was very good. The only weak part was the French bread, which is a little heavy and soft...the crisp, light Vie de France Batard loaves that we steam-injection bake here are what they really need to complete the experience (US Foodservice, if they're interested). All in all, highly recommended. And someday, we really will try something else on the interesting and varied menu.

Brugge Brasserie

1011 East Westfield Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-0978
www.bruggebrasserie.com

September 29, 2010