Belgian brasseries

You don't have to fly out to the tiny cobbled streets behind Brussels' Grand Place to find Belgian brasserie food. There are a number of restaurants that have opened just to serve moules frites, Trappist beers, and other Belgian specialties.

David Ashwell, a New Zealand chef who once cooked privately for Princess Diana's stepmother is producing Belgian brasserie bestsellers at Brasserie Beck located at 1101 K St. NW. 202-408-1717. It's owned by Belgian-born Robert Wiedmaier, owner chef of the upscale Marcel's located at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,  where you'll find high end Belgian dishes. 202-296-1166.

Et Voila! Claudio Pirollo was Belgium's Best Young Chef in Belgium of 1994. Now he's opened his own place to serve Belgian's national dish - mussels and french fries - and other favorites. 5120 MacArthur Blvd NW, 202 237 2300.