Here now, a look around Adriano Paganini's revamp of the former Cafe Des Amis space, Belga, opening for dinner service on Tuesday. Designer Hannah Collins has added some eye-grabbing cherry-red booths. And the whole deal feels lighter and breezier, with tones of green and grey on the walls. Note: Melissa Werner's new art is on the way, too.
As previously announced, Freedom Rains (Incanto, Boulevard, Flour + Water) has done up the California-meets-Belgium menu with lots of approachable fare: from beets to marrow bones to mussels and roast chicken. Sausages are made in-house, and there are plenty of vegetable sides to round things out. It looks like this week's friends and family dinners and other pre-opening events went smoothly, to boot.
Meanwhile, bar manager Ryan Murphy ensures us the beer list isn't too esoteric to scare anyone off — but there are things for the beer nerds. And El Techo de Lolinda-vetted bartender Nora Furst created the cocktails. Take a look at all the menus below, and drop early thoughts on Belga into the comments section after you visit next week.
Hours are Sunday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The bar is open until midnight, seven days a week. Lunch and brunch are coming soon.
