Parlez Vous Belgian?

My cousin Jeannie was in town last week. Her boyfriend Erik recently started his first term at the School of the Art Institute (a.k.a. The 'Tute). She was also visiting her baby niece, who was just born the end of March. Some of the cousins got together on Saturday to go to the Hopleaf Bar. My aunt (Jeannie's mom) was nice enough to babysit, as the Hopleaf is a strictly 21+ establishment. I'm glad, because I totally had my heart set on getting me a goblet of some of that Belgian goodness otherwise known as Tripel Karmeliet, and you can't get it on tap at just any old watering hole in Chicago.

You may remember me raving about this beer last week after our visit to Gruppo Di Amici. I have seriously thought about fantasized about this beer every day since then. It was THAT good. I regretted not having taken my camera last week so I could record for posterity the beautiful creamy, thick head our awesome waiter poured into my beautiful goblet. This week, however, I managed to remember my camera so I can offer you this visual to go along with my continued rave:

Unfortunately, we were seated in the 2nd level dining room, so the head wasn't as creamy and foamy by the time the waiter finally brought over our drink orders. Nevertheless, everyone at the table agreed that it was indeed a yummy beer.

Belgian ales were the drink of choice for the evening. My cousin Casey had the St. Bernardus, Ted had the Maredsous, and I don't remember the rest cuz I was tipsy after one beer (I'm a cheap date).

I'm pretty sure Jeannie and Erik had Belgians too. I love how they all come in their own special glass or goblet. I'm sure it makes it easier for the waitstaff, especially at an establishment like the Hopleaf with a gazillion beers on tap.

Anyhoo, if anyone wants to go to the Hopleaf any time soon, let me know. Or if you choose to go without me, do yourself a favor and have the Tripel Karmeliet. But make sure you've got enough money to pay for a $7 beer.