Brasserie Beck, 11th and K Street Downtown - Belgian Moules-Frites Specialists with Outstanding Belgian Beers

[New Foodie]

So, what's the word on Beck these days? Anything new, or interesting, or to be avoided...?

I'll try to get my friend to post cause she just ate there with her boyfriend last week and said it was so horrible that she wouldn't go back. Bad service and food and drinks were overpriced.

[Heather]

I'll try to get my friend to post cause she just ate there with her boyfriend last week and said it was so horrible that she wouldn't go back. Bad service and food and drinks were overpriced.

Overpriced in general, or just in light of the service?

[xcanuck]

So, what's the word on Beck these days? Anything new, or interesting, or to be avoided...?

We went there recently with friends before a hockey game and sat at the bar. We enjoyed the beer, mussels, fries, and service. No complaints about anything. The mussels were good (but not mindblowing) and could have done with some bread to soak up the liquid. The fries are mindblowing. The beer we drank certainly blew me away, but in a different manner.

With the upcoming demise of RK, this will be our "go to" place for pre-hockey eats.

[theakston]

We were there last night. Had an excellent meal with excellent beers.

Starters I had the Quiche which is wonderful and moist. She had the Duck Confit (also very tasty). For mains I had the bunny - a perfectly cooked loin of Rabbit in Kriek. She had the waterzooi which was a little boring but OK. The only thing I didn't like are the frites. They are nothing like true belgian frites (which are much fatter) for those I will have to keep going to Belga on Capital Hill. I did like the curry mayo dipping sauce though!

Beers were new-to-me Taras Boubla (from a new brewery Brasserie de la Senne) a wonderfully hoppy but lower alcohol than expected. Followed this with a similar beer the XX Bitter from DeRanke another hoppy slightly English style with a Belgian twist. Finished the evening with a Brigand - strong golden ale. Also sampled the Kasteel Rouge on draft. Not good - far too sweet for me I was expecting a sweet sour style like their excellent Bacchus beer but this was more like a cherry cola.

Service was excellent and we had the chance to chat with the Beer guy - who remembered us from his days in Arlington wholefoods. He really knows his stuff and I was impressed by how he managed to chose beers for the table next to us, who admitted to not knowing much about beer, just by asking a few simple questions about their tastes. They all seemed happy with what he brought them (which frankly supprised me!).

It is a little pricey perhaps compared to other beer geek venues but the food, beer selection and service make it worthwhile for us. We'll be beck soon!

[edenman]

Beers were new-to-me Taras Boubla (from a new brewery Brasserie de la Senne) a wonderfully hoppy but lower alcohol than expected. Followed this with a similar beer the XX Bitter from DeRanke another hoppy slightly English style with a Belgian twist. Finished the evening with a Brigand - strong golden ale. Also sampled the Kasteel Rouge on draft. Not good - far too sweet for me I was expecting a sweet sour style like their excellent Bacchus beer but this was more like a cherry cola.

It's Taras Boulba, and that brewery makes some excellent beers. The Stouterik and the Zinnebir are both delicious. Impressive that they have the Taras at Beck...I haven't seen any of their beers in town yet.

[synaesthesia]

Holy cow! Beck is serving brunch starting this Sunday.

MENU ADDITIONS FOR BRUNCH:

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon, Crème Fraiche & Scallions

Poached Eggs on Pepper Brioche with Parma Ham,

Sabayon Sauce, Tomatoes & Chives

Gruyere Cheese and Spinach Omelet

Belgian waffles with Fresh Berry Compote & Whipped Cream

All are priced at $14, plus tax and gratuity

I am curious to see just how Belgian these Belgian waffles are...

[Joe H]

Brasserie Beck is an excellent addition to D. C. The mussels were among the best I have had anywhere. On our luncheon visit a couple of weeks ago there wasn't an empty seat-everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

[alan7147]

It's Taras Boulba, and that brewery makes some excellent beers. The Stouterik and the Zinnebir are both delicious. Impressive that they have the Taras at Beck...I haven't seen any of their beers in town yet.

I bought at botle of the Taras Boulba from CCW last week and was sorely dissapointed. Way Yeasty, no other discernable notes to it. Might have been a bad bottle.

[porcupine]

Not sure why Beck is getting some not-so-good press these days. A recent dinner there was wonderful in every way. Our server had a thorough knowledge of the food - not just what was on the menu, but much of the detail about how it was prepared - and was thus able to steer us away from certain dishes (allergy issues) and answer immediately if it was possible to leave out an ingredient or make substitutions. Yes, the food can be very heavy and rich (isn't that normal for Belgian cuisine?), but all the dishes we tried were well-concieved and very well executed. I can't remember everything we ordered, but the mushroom toast was the highlight for me. And I had a very pleasant non-verbal exchange with a guy wearing a white coat with the name "Robert Wiedmaier" on it - the point being that he was in the house and checking to make sure people were happy. At least four of us were that night.

[synaesthesia]

And I had a very pleasant non-verbal exchange with a guy wearing a white coat with the name "Robert Wiedmaier" on it - the point being that he was in the house and checking to make sure people were happy.

That may have been what secured the quality of your meal. I think the initial extremely positive reviews were a result of his presence.

[DanielK]

We had a business lunch there earlier this week that was firing on all cylinders. Wiedmaier was definitely not in residence, but the service was outstanding, and every person was impressed by their meal. I tasted only my own food, but the pea soup with veal cheek meatballs was lovely, and the mussels and frites were fantastic. Crisp, hot frites, and perfectly cooked plump mussels - didn't toss a single one.

[cgarden]

Holy cow! Beck is serving brunch starting this Sunday.

MENU ADDITIONS FOR BRUNCH:

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon, Crème Fraiche & Scallions

Poached Eggs on Pepper Brioche with Parma Ham,

Sabayon Sauce, Tomatoes & Chives

Gruyere Cheese and Spinach Omelet

Belgian waffles with Fresh Berry Compote & Whipped Cream

All are priced at $14, plus tax and gratuity

I am curious to see just how Belgian these Belgian waffles are...

Two friends and I tried the brunch today -- we arrived at about 11:30, and they weren't quite ready to seat customers yet, so we had a coffee at the bar. The coffee service was quite elaborate -- they brought out a french press (the coffee was excellent), along with rock candy, various sugar packets, some loose raw sugar, and two pitchers of milk or cream, and were careful to make sure we knew how a french press worked. The press (which served two of us two cups each) was $3.50, which we thought was a great value. A less-great value was the mimosa that the third member of our group ordered -- $10 seemed a bit steep.

Once we sat down, our server recited the brunch menu, which included the items enumerated above (they also gave us the lunch menu, which did not list the brunch items). Between us, we ordered the poached eggs, a croque monsieur, and and the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. I really enjoyed the scrambled eggs, which came with a couple of thin slices of toasted, buttered baguette. There were plenty of chives mixed in, which I thought really added to the dish. The poached eggs were pronounced not as hot as they might have been, but they did disappear nonetheless. The croque monsieur was reported to be incredibly rich (not a bad thing).

Service was friendly and extremely attentive (even to the point of seeming a bit anxious -- someone definitely had announced that under no circumstances were customers to bring their own coffee from bar to table). All in all, a very good addition to our list of brunch options.

[Dave Pressley]

The coffee service was quite elaborate -- they brought out a french press (the coffee was excellent), along with rock candy, various sugar packets, some loose raw sugar, and two pitchers of milk or cream, and were careful to make sure we knew how a french press worked. The press (which served two of us two cups each) was $3.50, which we thought was a great value.

I second the awesome coffee service at BB. Well executed and tastefully done. I wish more restaurants paid more attention to this part of the meal, whether it be the beginning or the end.

[monsterriffs]

Well executed and tastefully done.

Not to start an argument over semantics, but what exactly does 'tastefully done' coffee service entail? Unless you mean that the person serving coffee isn't some lady with acid-washed jeans, big hair, and chewing gum asking "MORE CAWFEE, HON?"

Either way, I love the french press coffee, so I guess I'm going to have to bust over to Beck's for brunch soon.

[DanielK]

Either way, I love the french press coffee, so I guess I'm going to have to bust over to Beck's for brunch soon.

The coffee service is offered any hour they are open - no need to specifically make a brunch trip.

Beck's is 2 blocks from my office, and I've gone mid-afternoon a couple of times just for coffee!

[Dave Pressley]

Not to start an argument over semantics, but what exactly does 'tastefully done' coffee service entail? Unless you mean that the person serving coffee isn't some lady with acid-washed jeans, big hair, and chewing gum asking "MORE CAWFEE, HON?"

I think most people would assume I meant that they put real effort into their coffee service without charging an arm and a leg for it...not the "Mel's Diner" end of the service spectrum.

[monsterriffs]

I think most people would assume I meant that they put real effort into their coffee service without charging an arm and a leg for it...not the "Mel's Diner" end of the service spectrum.

Okay, that's what I figured you meant, but for some reason the imagery of "tastefully done" coffee service cracked me up because it's hard for me to picture coffee service, even at the Mel's Diner end of the spectrum, as particularly gauche. But thank you for your update, regardless. I wish my office was closer to Beck's for many reasons!

[Joe Riley]

Having FINALLY gotten my self down to Brasserie Beck this month, I've now been several times, including brunch, which they just started doing this month.

Anyone who loves Belgian beer MUST make Beck a destination this month. What Oktoberfest is to German beer, Christmas is to Belgian beer, and they have so many excellent choices on draught and in bottle, that you could probably go there every day from now until New Years and try 3 or 4 beers per day and never have the same one twice. Get the Corsendonk Christmas while you can.

To me, the food is first-rate, as one would expect. I've only dined at the bar, but I've become a huge fan of the mussels (especially with the chorizo), the steak tartar, the duck confit (exquisite), the lamb sausage with lentils, and the sandwiches. I've also enjoyed having brunch, where I found the poached eggs with Serrano ham, goat cheese and hollandaise immensely satisfying.

The staff couldn't be nicer or more efficient. I knew Bill Catron previously, when he sold to me from two local beer distributors, and the 16-page beer list that he has assembled is nothing short of magnificent. As someone who retails a lot of Belgian beer, it is a wonderful pleasure for me to actually taste these beers out of proper stemware along with the delicious food that they serve. It helps me in my own work to gain a better understanding of these beers.

Beverage director Thor Cheston is an old friend, and I couldn't be happier for him that he is now happily ensconced at Beck. His personality and enthusiasm are infectious. It's been a pleasure to get to know many of the other staff members as well, including Jessie, Ryan, Joe, Todd, Erin, and Emily. I've also enjoyed getting to know Chef Ashwell and Chef Klein a bit. Everyone there treats me like a prince, and after a long day on my feet and suffering varying degrees of customer abuse, a visit to Beck satisfies my appetite, relieves my thirst and restores my morale and faith in humanity.

Color me a happy, satisfied Brasserie Beck regular.

[jparrott]

Note: Kitchen closes at 8PM on Sundays.

[Baccala]

This months Bon Appetit (p82) has a list of the Best Upscale Meat Balls, they mention the Pea Soup with vealcheek meatballs.

Has anyone had the soup ? Is it worth a trip ?

[Joe Riley]

This months Bon Appetit (p82) has a list of the Best Upscale Meat Balls, they mention the Pea Soup with vealcheek meatballs.

Has anyone had the soup ? Is it worth a trip ?

I have not, but I'll definitely try it this week and report back. I love good meatballs.

Thus far, the only soup that I've tried is the onion soup, which I enjoyed. Almost makes you wish for colder weather, it makes such soups all the more satisfying.

[Heather]

This months Bon Appetit (p82) has a list of the Best Upscale Meat Balls, they mention the Pea Soup with vealcheek meatballs.

Has anyone had the soup ? Is it worth a trip ?

It's delicious. Pea soup has never been one of my favorites, but the version at Beck changed my mind. I may have to get some for lunch today.

[dinwiddie]

Eight of us from our local wine group, the DC Crí¼, had a dinner at Beck's on November 16th. We couldn't have been treated better. They gave us the Chef's table and we had a great view into the kitchen.

The food was fantastic. We started by sharing a bunch of appetizers. We ordered the carcuterie plate (wonderful country pate included), the roulade of duck confit and pomme puree, steak tartar, pork belly and rice beans, (and maybe one more?) Entrees around the table (which everyone was sharing bites of back and forth) included the Beef Carbonnade, several orders of the Grilled Beefsteak with Green Peppercorns, Cognac Sauce and Frites (oh my what wonderful frites) an absolutely to die for Black Cod, and the Lamb Shank (huge) with white beans.

Desserts included the bread pudding (huge, rich and just too much to finish) the Belgian waffle with apple and cream, an absolutely stunning citrus and cilantro sorbet, and the beer sundae (boy is that good).

The restauant service was exceptional- Thor, the bar manager spent most of the night around our table making sure fresh glasses we avaialbe for every new taste, (since we opened 10 bottles, that meant 80 glasses, not counting the glasses they used because we insisted that they also taste the wines, and the glasses for the wines that were sent back to the kitchen) and inquiring which wines were to be served when, keeping the later champagnes on ice until it was their time. Ihsen was our server from Tunisia, and he was ever present but not in the way or oversolicitous. His recommendations and explantions of the dishes were expert and accurate. The special dishes like the steak tartare, or the beer ice cream dessert were delicious and the pastry chef's rendition of a huckleberry claufutie was beyond expectation. We did not order the claufutie but he personally brought it over and served it and discussed our wines and the evening as he saw us from his vantage point in the kitchen.

When the bill came we all looked at it and agreed that it must be a mistake, it wasn't high enough for what we had and the service we received. Needless to say, we left a very large tip.

[Heather]

I had every intention of ordering the soup, but the croque-monsieur called my name today. Thinly sliced, not-too-sweet ham and plenty of gruyere piled on a large square roll and grilled until crunchy. Very very tasty with a glass of rose. The accompanying frites were superb - thin, crispy, and blisteringly hot. I dipped a couple in the sauces, but really, they were far too good to muck up with mayonnaise.

[edenman]

Picobrouwerij Alvinne's Podge Imperial Stout on tap now, but there's only a single 5-gallon keg of it, so get there quick. $15 a glass. You heard right. And it's worth every penny. Gaspar (a hoppy pale belgian from the same brewery) was also tapped last night. Not sure how much it's going to run, but it's also stellar.

[DanielK]

The definition of a perfect afternoon:

1. Escape from the office for a half hour with a friend/colleague
   
2. Sit at the bar at Beck's
   
3. Get a pot of French press coffee, an order of Belgian bread pudding, and two spoons
   

$20 very well spent.

[Joe Riley]

Picobrouwerij Alvinne's Podge Imperial Stout on tap now, but there's only a single 5-gallon keg of it, so get there quick. $15 a glass. You heard right. And it's worth every penny. Gaspar (a hoppy pale belgian from the same brewery) was also tapped last night. Not sure how much it's going to run, but it's also stellar.

I second and third that, and I enjoyed trying those with you, Eric Both just wonderful, and I can't wait to see what Bill has coming in next week.

I finally had a sit-down meal at a table with a friend last night, and everything was as wonderful as I'd figured that it would be. They had a special that I simply couldn't pass up - Louisiana Red Fish, a flaky white fish. I can't do justice to the sauce or preparation, but it was exquisite. Had some of that wonderful quiche, some cauliflower, several great beers, a lovely Martinelli Pinot Noir that is difficult for me to obtain for retail sale and, of course, the tasty, ubiquitous frites.

Since our reservation was early (6:00), when we were seated way in the rear of the restaurant, I was concerned that we'd been relegated to Siberia, but once the restaurant really began to fill up, I realized the genius behind our seating and I was very grateful: The noise from the front of the house is greatly reduced back there, and my friend and I were able to have civilized conversation without having to shout at each other. Personally, I enjoy the hustle-and bustle and noise of a nice, busy restaurant, so I'd have been perfectly happy towards the front, but we were not, by any measure, ignored or "dumped" in the back. The Beck staff doesn't "dump" anybody anywhere.

At times like this, I really lament that I lack the vocabulary to properly document my happy dining experiences. I can speak highly of the attentive service, and I've enjoyed every menu item I've tried at Beck, but really, the food is so much better than I've described it. I'm like the guy who was asked what he thought of his first viewing of the Mona Lisa, and all he could say was, "Well, it's a very pretty picture."

[jiveturk21]

I know this doesn't belong here, but I wanted to piggyback on something that Joe Riley said.

I often have early reservations at restaurants, generally around 6:00 PM. I don't like to eat that early, but since I work downtown and live in the suburbs, I would rather eat at that time as opposed to one 1) going home first and heading back into the city or 2) actually staying at work late.

Anyway, is there a proper way to tell the restaurant, "I am not your typical early diner, I don't want there to be one second in between courses and I don't want you breathing down my back because I am in no hurry to go anywhere. In fact, I am probably going to sit here for three hours and spend a stupid amount of money, so please don't rush me."

[mdt]

I know this doesn't belong here, but I wanted to piggyback on something that Joe Riley said.

I often have early reservations at restaurants, generally around 6:00 PM. I don't like to eat that early, but since I work downtown and live in the suburbs, I would rather eat at that time as opposed to one 1) going home first and heading back into the city or 2) actually staying at work late.

Anyway, is there a proper way to tell the restaurant, "I am not your typical early diner, I don't want there to be one second in between courses and I don't want you breathing down my back because I am in no hurry to go anywhere. In fact, I am probably going to sit here for three hours and spend a stupid amount of money, so please don't rush me."

I have told servers that exact thing and had absolutely no problems, although I may have phrased it a bit differently.

[collije]

The definition of a perfect afternoon:

1. Escape from the office for a half hour with a friend/colleague
   
2. Sit at the bar at Beck's
   
3. Get a pot of French press coffee, an order of Belgian bread pudding, and two spoons
   

$20 very well spent.

That sounds pretty good, gonna try that sometime this month!

[Joe Riley]

This months Bon Appetit (p82) has a list of the Best Upscale Meat Balls, they mention the Pea Soup with vealcheek meatballs.

Has anyone had the soup ? Is it worth a trip ?

I finally got around to trying those just last night. The presentation alone is worth ordering them for. You get a bowl with three lovely little meatballs in the center, and then your server pours the soup into it from a little copper pan. The aromas just leap out at you.

The meatballs were delicious. The green pea soup, which I enjoyed thoroughly, was filled with country goodness and green pea-ness.

(Gad, I crack myself up.)

By the way, I've heard at least one complaint about the bread from someone who wonders why they can't just buy bread from Bonaparte, but I rather like it. Nothing to write home about, but certainly nothing to be ashamed of. It was warm and delicious and worked perfectly well to help sop up the little bit of soup left in my bowl. I do enjoy good bread in restaurants.

[brettashley01]

Hmm.. ok so any recs for brunch tomorrow at Beck? I'm going with my brother, who is a meat and seafood lover, and I'm more of a no-butter light on all the sauce. Will we be ok at Beck?

[porcupine]

Hmm.. ok so any recs for brunch tomorrow at Beck? I'm going with my brother, who is a meat and seafood lover, and I'm more of a no-butter light on all the sauce. Will we be ok at Beck?

If I remember correctly, they have the entire menu available at brunch, plus a few eggy-brunchy things like omelettes and waffles. Short of a salad I can't think of anything there that's particularly light. But there are several salads to choose from. The menu is on their website .

[TinDC]

Does anyone know if the croque monsieur is available at dinner?

[DanielK]

Does anyone know if the croque monsieur is available at dinner?

Unless they've changed recently (or have lunchtime specials), they have just the one menu for all day.

[TinDC]

Thanks. For some reason, it is not listed at all on the online menu, so I was wondering when it is available since others have talked about it on this board.

[lizzie]

We ate at Beck last Friday evening and I do not recall seeing the croque monsieur on the menu. Our meals were generally quite good. I had the lamb shank over white beans, which was very nicely done. One person had a red snapper special, which he said was also quite good. Two ordered the steak, and both thought the french fries were the highlight of that entree. Neither found the beef to be very flavorful. Brussel sprout gratin was also a highlight. The shrimp croquette starter, for $12, was too heavily breaded and very dense - compared to the croquettes we get in Holland and Belgium, I did not find it very good. The desserts were great - the bread pudding was some of the best I have ever had, and the coffee service lived up to all the praise on this board.

[Sthitch]

A couple of Baviks and the Croque Monsier went a long way toward improving my already craptastic week. The sandwich rivals Breadline for the best ham and cheese I have had.

[TinDC]

So, was this at dinnertime or lunchtime ? I am going for dinner in a week or so and I LOVE a good croque monsieur.

[Sthitch]

So, was this at dinnertime or lunchtime ? I am going for dinner in a week or so and I LOVE a good croque monsieur.

That was about an hour and a half ago. So I cannot say if they have it for dinner, but if you don't see it on the menu you can always ask, the worst they can say is "no."

[TinDC]

That's my plan! Thanks.

[lackadaisi]

We have recently discovered brunch at Beck, and it is excellent! So good in fact that we have gone 3 out of the past four Sundays. Everything that we tried has been great. Today, I finally tried the mussels (with curry and apples) for the first time since my first, not-so-great, experience soon after the opening, and they too were wonderful! I am so happy that this place is so close to us.

[Joe Riley]

Today, I finally tried the mussels (with curry and apples) for the first time since my first, not-so-great, experience soon after the opening, and they too were wonderful! I am so happy that this place is so close to us.

Yum! Try the mussels with chorizo or with the white wine sauce, too. They are scrumptious.

Beck DOES have a lovely brunch. Next time I'm in the mood, I'm going back for that.

Regarding the Croque Monsieur, I can report that yes, indeed, it is still available for dinner. I popped in there last night and had that right after my duck confit (hey, I'd had no breakfast or lunch, I was hungry) and two outstanding draught beers, the Gouden Carolous "Ambrio" and the De Dolle "Stille Nacht". They are fantastic, I have to see if I can get them in bottle for the store.

HOWEVER, I didn't notice if the Croque Monsieur was on the menu. It probably was, but I already knew that I wanted it, so I didn't even look. It might not be on the online menu, but I don't know how often they update that.

I understand from the management that last night was their busiest Saturday night EVER. No real accounting for it, as they aren't participating in Restaurant Week (heck, they don't NEED to). The bar was packed, loud and happy, I saw nothing but smiles all around, which is as it should be at every restaurant on Saturday night I met some nice folks, too. Good beer and good food sure can bring out the best in people.

[edenman]

the Gouden Carolous "Ambrio"

Meh

the De Dolle "Stille Nacht"

Looks like I'm stopping by Beck tomorrow.

[Joe Riley]

Meh

Looks like I'm stopping by Beck tomorrow.

Well, the Ambrio was my first beer of the night, after another long Saturday at work on my feet and, frankly, it hit the spot Was it the best draught beer I've ever had? Nah, but it made me happy when it counted.

There were some cool things about the Stille Nacht - it's hoppy as all get-out (which I love), very, VERY, fizzy, and it had a head on it like crème brulée or rice pudding. Seriously, it was almost like this photo that I ran across:

http://img100.imageshack.us/my.php?image=beer8df7.jpg'>
Oh, yeah - and it was DELICIOUS

[edenman]

Well, the Ambrio was my first beer of the night, after another long Saturday at work on my feet and, frankly, it hit the spot Was it the best draught beer I've ever had? Nah, but it made me happy when it counted.

There were some cool things about the Stille Nacht - it's hoppy as all get-out (which I love), very, VERY, fizzy, and it had a head on it like crème brulée or rice pudding.

Yea, we may just have to agree to disagree on the Ambrio And interesting about the Stille Nacht...it has been a sour ale (not hoppy) in the past, but it's also undergone a few changes in style over the years (most notably when they had to change yeast strains), so it's possible they've gone the hoppy route this year. All the more reason to get my butt over there today

Forgot to post about this, but I had a very pleasant dinner here with work folks a few weeks ago. I had a nice country páté to start, and though my fish (a special) was seriously overcooked, everybody else's food was judged to be very good. I tasted the rabbit (quite good), mussels (good as always), and of course, the frites. I gotta say, the Potato Gratin option of adding pork belly? Sorta weird. The belly was unceremoniously dropped on top of the gratin. Tasty, but a strange combination. Anyway, a 4-5 person party is the perfect size for trying lots of 750ml bottles. De Glazen Toren Ondineke, Saison d'Epeautre, La Moneuse (the only miss of the beers we got), and a 2005 Kasteel Tripel to finish. I couldn't get my friends to appreciate the very funky, sour, Hanssens Oude Kriek, but that's their loss It was a good night.

[edenman]

interesting about the Stille Nacht...it has been a sour ale (not hoppy) in the past, but it's also undergone a few changes in style over the years (most notably when they had to change yeast strains), so it's possible they've gone the hoppy route this year. All the more reason to get my butt over there today

Joe was spot-on: fresh, this is remarkably more hoppy than I remember the bottles being. My guess is that it mellows out considerably in the bottle after a year or so. And the sourness that I remembered was from the '96 bottle, which was before they switched yeasts. Stellar stuff, this. 12%abv and $15 a glass.

The pea soup and brussel sprouts I ate for lunch: meh.

[BookGuy]

I was there on Sunday night in a party of four. We all came out of the cold at 5:20 and were told to wait until 5:30 because the tables weren't set up, This is stange as they were supposedly open at five for the dinner part of the brunch. One good thing about brunch is that they served us the lunch menu which is a bit cheaper than dinner. I drank a beer called Campus, because it was on tap and it was fine. The dinner/lunch was excellent with the mussels and frites, the chorizo sausage version, being better than I have had it here. We also shared the charcruterie plate which was OK but it was what I would call cold cuts when we were expecting hot sausages in the nix. I had a shrimp croquette appetizer as a main course while the others had trout and salmon. The service was excelllent and quite accommodating to the eight-year old member of our party. The folks in the bar were quite nice and a younger crowd than the people who were eating in the restaurant. I will surely go back again, and I am curious about the clocks all seeming to have different times.

[Mark Slater]

This past Sunday was popular! I was there for brunch too. The four of us started with the ample Marcel Platter of cold seafood with Champagne Gonet Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil. The scallops and giant prawns were particularly good. A great start. I had liver parfait, which is always rich and delicious followed by the trout with capers. Everyone else was pleased with everything, particularly the mussels and the pork belly with flageolets (double order, thank you). A sensational bottle of Meursault Albert Grivault made everyone smile. The Belgian Waffle du Jour split conveniently into four for dessert. Lunch seemed like a non-stop series of hi-how-are-ya's - with lots of familiar faces including the INCREDIBLY cute Violet, who took lackadaisi and Jlock there for brunch. The place was steadily busy but not chaotic or too loud.

[Joe Riley]

I am curious about the clocks all seeming to have different times.

It took me a while to figure it out, but each clock represents a different city. I had to look closely, and it didn't dawn on me for my first couple of visits (I blame the great beer for negating my powers of observation ) Brasserie Beck's decor is a European train station theme. When next you visit, look carefully at each clock, and there is the name of a different city on each one.

I wonder how many diners have looked up at one of the clocks after having a few beers and perhaps mistook one of the European city clocks for D.C. local time? "Good GOD! It's 4:00 a.m.! I've got to get home!"