My first unsolicited review-
The Cock and Bowl (Occoquan, Virginia)
(formerly Bistrot Belgigue Gourmande)
(formerly Bistrot Belgigue Gourmande)
302 Poplar Alley
phone: (703) 494-1180
Website: http://cockandbowl.com/
Facebook page: yes
Pricing food - $10-20
Pricing Beer - $5-20
Notes: Great beer, Great food, outdoor dining (heat lamps), music, beer dinners, French, Belgian
I’ll start by saying don’t shoot the messenger, I didn’t name the place. Actually I cant even think it, without thinking Cock and Balls, which just makes me giggle like a third grader….except that I am 41 (I mentioned the colorful language, right?). If you are still reading, just know that this quiet little place deserves your full attention, even if the name was Cock Cock Bo Bock Banana Fanna Fo Fock. And if you’re too embarrassed to tell your friends you ate there, then good! It just means it will be less crowded for me and my friends.
The Food: (A)
Outstanding! A mixture of French, Belgian…. and kisses from angels. The shrimp croquette appetizer burst in my mouth with flavor like a big cheesy firework and elicited almost the same ooohhhhs and ahhhhhs. The side of frites were tasty and just the right amount of crisp. Nothing makes me sadder than an undercooked french fry (except maybe war, global warming, natural disasters…..) .
I also tried the mussels (both the marienie and the mousle de terre). Never have I ever, eaten such plump juicy mussels. They were remarkably clean and free from grit, and a few of them were so large, I thought about sending them off to college and claiming them as dependants on my taxes. Actually that would be my one complaint….not that I had to fork over college tuition for my seafood, but that they were almost too big, if there could be such a thing. That being said, my preference was for the marienie, which doubled as a delicious dipping broth for the accompanying bread.
I also tried the mussels (both the marienie and the mousle de terre). Never have I ever, eaten such plump juicy mussels. They were remarkably clean and free from grit, and a few of them were so large, I thought about sending them off to college and claiming them as dependants on my taxes. Actually that would be my one complaint….not that I had to fork over college tuition for my seafood, but that they were almost too big, if there could be such a thing. That being said, my preference was for the marienie, which doubled as a delicious dipping broth for the accompanying bread.
I haven’t even gotten to the best part. Which wasn’t even the light beautiful Belgian waffle dessert, covered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream, that disappeared from the table so quickly it could have been a mirage. No, the best part was the beer list. I love beer….I love beer the way that some people love wine ….or their children. This is the most extensive beer list within a 3 town radius of my home and that is saying a lot.
The Beers: (A)
Not only is the beer list extensive and unique for this area (40 + Belgian beers) but the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. On my last visit I was introduced to the Duchesse De Bourgogne (Flanders Red Ale), and despite her lofty title, I think she and I will be lifelong bffs. The waiter was also able to point me to a beer similar to the Duchesse, the Trappistes Rochefort 6, which made my mouth happy and tasted better as it warmed (as promised). One of my dining companions was equally pleased with her Bavik Lager, after asking for a Bud light type beer. If you lean towards American beers, the Bavik is your beer! It was light, refreshing, and perfect for the sunny day. And the Golden Monkey served to another friend, came to our table in the most adorable glass with a cartoon of two people kissing. While I recognize that cutesy glassware does not enhance the flavor of the beer, smiles lift the spirits as much as spirits lift the spirits.
Beers:
Not only is the beer list extensive and unique for this area (40 + Belgian beers) but the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. On my last visit I was introduced to the Duchesse De Bourgogne (Flanders Red Ale), and despite her lofty title, I think she and I will be lifelong bffs. The waiter was also able to point me to a beer similar to the Duchesse, the Trappistes Rochefort 6, which made my mouth happy and tasted better as it warmed (as promised). One of my dining companions was equally pleased with her Bavik Lager, after asking for a Bud light type beer. If you lean towards American beers, the Bavik is your beer! It was light, refreshing, and perfect for the sunny day. And the Golden Monkey served to another friend, came to our table in the most adorable glass with a cartoon of two people kissing. While I recognize that cutesy glassware does not enhance the flavor of the beer, smiles lift the spirits as much as spirits lift the spirits.
Beers:
Duchesse De Bourgogne (Flanders Red Ale) (BeerAdvocate Score: A-)
Trappistes Rochefort 6 (BeerAdocate: NA – MYSCORE: B)
Bavik Lager (BeerAdvocate Score: B-)
Victory Golden Monkey (BeerAdvocate Score: B) 
Atmosphere: (B)
This place is a bit, tucked away…. as most “ hidden gems” are. You really have to know what you are looking for to find it. Small and quaint with checkered table cloths and a tiny patio for days and nights when being indoors feels like being in a cage. Its not exactly a romantic spot though, save this place for a third or fourth date….when your ability to find it will give you street cred without making your date think that she (or he) is about to be murdered in an alleyway. They also have music nights and beer dinners, and although I haven’t been to either, judging from the food, I imagine they would only enhance what is already first rate offerings.
This place is a bit, tucked away…. as most “ hidden gems” are. You really have to know what you are looking for to find it. Small and quaint with checkered table cloths and a tiny patio for days and nights when being indoors feels like being in a cage. Its not exactly a romantic spot though, save this place for a third or fourth date….when your ability to find it will give you street cred without making your date think that she (or he) is about to be murdered in an alleyway. They also have music nights and beer dinners, and although I haven’t been to either, judging from the food, I imagine they would only enhance what is already first rate offerings.
So go, go now…..before everyone else reads this and its impossible to get a table, just please be sure to save me a seat.
I love your writing style and your reviews. you have me sold on checking this place out. And we have a meetup scheduled here. So now I'm doubly excited about it!
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