AWCB NEWS

Lunch at Restaurant Brugmann in Brussels was truly delightful. The venue’s refined atmosphere set the stage for a charming afternoon, where members indulged in an exquisite three-course menu. Everyone enthusiastically agreed that a return visit for lunch in early 2024 is a definite plan. Reuniting with cherished friends and welcoming new faces always brings an extra layer of joy and connection to our AWCB gatherings.

AWCB member Aglaia Pomoreva extended a gracious invitation to AWCB members for a special exhibition titled "Magic Flying Carpets," seamlessly bridging East and West cultures. The event was a collaborative effort with the Embassy of Azerbaijan and curated by Ponart Consulting. Hosted at Maison Frison, the historical site housing Foundation Frison Horta, is a cultural institution that was built in 1884 for Maurice Frison by Victor Horta.

Visitors were treated to an exclusive tour of the bottom and first floors by Napur Tron, owner of Maison Frison and founder of Foundation Frison Horta. This invitation-only experience was truly enchanting. For further details on Foundation Frison Horta and Napur Tron, please visit foundation-frison-horta.be.

AWCB is happy to announce and welcome new Sponsor member and unique jewlery designer.

Katerina’s  jewelry creations are eye-catching, unique and great conversation starters. They’re suitable for wear during all types of occasions, and aren’t targeted at any particular age group. You will be sure to find a dazzling gift for a loved one or a statement piece to adorn yourself. 

Meet Katerina at her Pre-Christmas Jewelry Trunk Show on 28/11 at The Merode in Brussels. You must register to attend the event at https://www.awcb.org/event-5492404

Our Friends giving celebration at All Saints Church on November 16th was very special.

Members feasted on a scrumptious soul food meal with smoked turkey and Thanksgiving fixings including dessert that was prepared by AWCB sponsor, Dooley’s Smokehouse.

It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate our camaraderie, share laughter and express gratitude for the unifying bonds that shine brightly, illuminating the essence of our extraordinary club. 

The FAWCO Region 4 meeting (Oct 10-12, 2023) was hosted by AWC Amsterdam and organized by their dedicated FAWCO rep, Madeline Hendricks alongside their dynamic President, Georgia Chambury-Burke. 

AWCB President Lorraine De Bock attended the meeting and was genuinely impressed by the remarkable experience this gathering offered. 

The weekend commenced with a captivating "Share your gifts for good" auction with proceeds benefiting FAWCO Target Project, "Awesome Blossoms, Safe Spaces" raising an impressive 12,000 euros! AWCB made a donation of 200 euros to Awesome Blossoms and also contributed an additional 160 euros generated by auction gifts donated by Lorraine. 

A day of camaraderie unfolded at the enchanting goat farm, providing insightful revelations about our environmental impact.

The meeting reached its pinnacle with a motivating session featuring Peninah Nthenya Musyimi, Executive Director of Safe Spaces, and Allan C'Oredo, Project Manager of Awesome Blossoms.

The Region 4 meeting was exceptionally uplifting. A heartfelt thank you goes to Madeline and Georgia for their outstanding efforts in organizing an amazing FAWCO Region 4 meeting as well as AWC Amsterdam member, Leslie Janoe for her excellent moderation throughout the session.

AWCB & American Club of Brussels members enjoyed a lovely evening together at the Final Friday Networking Cocktail that was hosted at a new rooftop bar in Brussels-TOPE, located above the Hoxton hotel.

AWCB members traveled to the Pajottenland region of Belgium this afternoon and enjoyed an exquisite lunch at Abtenhuis.

We are thrilled to announce that we have a new club sponsor, Dooleys American Smokehouse! We are excited to welcome them to our community and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. 

We spoke with owner Darren Dooley to learn more about the restaurant.

Where are you from the USA?
I am from Decatur, Illinois, but my family is from Alabama, so southern cooking has always been part of the family tradition. 

When did you move to Belgium?
I came to Belgium for the first time in 1999 for family reasons. Since then we have been living between Belgium and the various European diplomatic assignments in Asia and Africa. I had a Tex-Mex restaurant in Uganda for six years and I still have also an American style BBQ restaurant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia since 2018. We returned back to Belgium most recently in 2019.

When did you open your restaurant in Brussels?
We opened in June 2022, so one year ago. It has been an exciting journey.

How did you get this idea?
After owning several restaurants where we introduced American and Tex-Mex cooking to the African clients, in Belgium, I wanted to go back to my roots and to combine the famous American Smoke House tradition with the authentic Soul Food from the Southern USA. Dooley's American Smoke House is all about sharing meals with family and friends, and getting the taste of traditional American cuisine in the capital of Europe.

Was it a challenge to get the Smoker equipment into Belgium?
It was possible to order online the electric smokers that use flavored wood that bring the taste for our smoked meats, and we use other grill equipment available in Belgium. The main challenge is to order the specific spices that make the Soul Food taste, this includes for example the secret seasoning mix I prepare for my famous buttermilk fried chicken.

How do you like living in Belgium?
I enjoy the international atmosphere of Brussels. My restaurant is located in Etterbeek, where we also have our house. It is near the European Institutions and many Americans also live in the neighborhood. We have met so many nice people from all nationalities since we opened the restaurant and I look forward to welcoming everyone who is interested to discover the true American hospitality.

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We hope you will visit Dooleys American Smokehouse, and make sure join us for one of our AWCB evens there! 

On 28 March AWCB Members came together for an interactive and informational session with our new sponsor Ya Qian of Accuherb at Brussel's beautiful and exclusive female focused club, The Nine. 

Ya explained what Acupuncture is and what makes her Deluxe Acupuncture Therapy different from standard Acupuncture treatment. She answered our questions and did some live demonstrations for the brave people that raised questions about issues they are having; and for those that wanted to know more about meditation and breathing techniques.

Watch the video

The proceeds of our FAWCO fundraiser luncheon this past February will be donated and matched which will double our donation to The FAWCO Target Project 5, Awesome Blossoms. 

Awesome Blossoms, Edible Fresh Fields for Sustainable Life in the Slums, an Urban Farming Project, is an initiative taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the negative impacts of climate change in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Target Project 5 will be a model of environmental stewardship by women living in the harshest conditions. The women from Awesome Blossoms will demonstrate that people living in the slums are not victims, but by working together, they can protect their environment, withstand climate change, produce safe foods, and create independence and security.