Frites and glitz
It’s the shining star of fried starch, the culinary capital of carbs – Kristie Kellahan checks out the birthplace of the french fry.
French fries did not, in fact, originate in France. Just ask the Belgians. They’ll tell you. Historians have traced the origins of ‘‘les frites’’ to Belgium, where they say villagers were getting their fry on as early as the 17th century.
At the Frietmuseum in Bruges, the selfproclaimed world’s first museum devoted to fries, tough topics are tackled head-on. What is the secret of making good fries? Where does the potato come from? Is it OK to mix tomato sauce with mayonnaise?
With more than 300 years to perfect the humble hot chip, Belgium reigns as the shining star of fried starch, it’s the culinary capital of carbs. Statisticians estimate the annual consumption of potatoes at a whopping 85 kilos per Belgian. The other delicious food groups well-represented in the national diet – chocolate, waffles and beer – give some idea of the pleasure-seeking priorities in this part of the world.
Wherever you go in Brussels, Antwerp or Bruges, no-frills friteries can be found, serving hot, fried potato sticks for a few euros. Smothered with truffle mayonnaise, doused in spicy andalouse sauce or squished inside a sausage-filled baguette, they are the staple food of choice from dawn ’til dinner and beyond.
Now, thanks to Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, potatoes are posh. The Dutchman’s inspiration for his chain of upscale cafes specialising in gourmet fries was simple. Since so many people already love chowing down on hot chips, it was time to respect the crispy snack and elevate it to a starring role.
Herman’s battle cry might be: Respect the potato! It took him 18 months to find the right variety of spud, the Agria, a perfect blend of crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
His Frites Atelier chain opened in 2016 to instant success, and now boasts locations in The Netherlands and Belgium, where the restaurants in Antwerp and Ghent resemble trendy bars. With interior design that leans heavily on white marble, subway tiles and pops of bronze against charcoal paint, the cafes could be shops selling $90 candles.
The seasonal menu features a changing roster of dishes, all built atop a pile of fries. Kimchi-loaded, or bearing the weight of a hearty Flemish beef stew, or mixed with the flavours of Indonesian satay, the fries are always the star. Something tells me low-carb diets won’t be taking off in Belgium any time soon. The writer travelled as a guest of Visit Flanders.