2023-07-21 18:27:00
The day before, 15,000 people danced on the aged cobblestones of the Place du Jeu de Balle for the traditional National Ball. A few hours following the end clap, radical change of atmosphere. Make way for tables and small black-yellow-red flags for another unmissable event of the July 21 festivities: the “giant mussels and fries”.
“It’s a big popular party. We have planned 2,000 covers, and nearly three tonnes of mussels”, explains one of the coordinators, Albert Verdeyen, chef “world famous in Brussels” as he likes to present himself, his voice full of zwanze. The shellfish came straight from Yerseke in Zeeland. And to this classic of Belgian gastronomy, another tradition this year: the stoemp-saucisse. A meal of course accompanied by brass band music.
Albert Verdeyen, well-known chef in Brussels. ©JC Guillaume
Meals offered
This year, the Belgian dish was sold at €26, by reservation. Among the participants, many Brussels residents… but not only. “We come from Charleroi”, explains Marie-Agnès. “It’s the first time we’ve come to eat mussels in the Marolles. We came yesterday for the ball, also here.” “I love the atmosphere of the Marolles, which cannot be found elsewhere. There is still this family side here.” At the next table, people from Limburg came as a group, also for the first time. “We said to ourselves: this year why not a trip to Brussels.”
Florent, who came from Limburg with his friends. ©JC Guillaume
But this tradition of mussels and fries on Place du Jeu de Bal is inseparable from its social vocation. As every year, between 200 and 250 meals were offered, for a symbolic euro, to the most disadvantaged. The social associations of the district might indeed introduce their lists, and the beneficiaries were then expected for the first services around 5 p.m.
“It’s really a great initiative,” says Claude, 69, living near De Brouckère. In his company, we find Martha, septuagenarian of the Marolles. “We were invited via the social restaurants we frequent. Next year, if we can, we’ll come back!”
Claude, Martha and their friend. ©JC Guillaume
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