Beer, frites, and pooping gnomes

After the symphony we decided to see if our lucky would hold and we could get a parking space in front of Brasserie Beck (of course we did, since this was a decidedly lucky day). I had wanted to try Beck, but looking at the menu online there wasn't much I wanted to eat, and I thought it was expensive for what it was-- so a late night beer was a perfect opportunity to give it a try.

I liked the space-- it pulled off that modern-yet-timeless feel with a nice balance of elegant touches and casual intimacy one would find in the cozy corner of a train station cafe in Europe. People were friendly here-- in fact, the service was top notch from start to finish-- welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive and relaxed. The beer menu is extensive and fun with lots of great descriptions. I told our waiter what I liked and he recommended a tasty brew from the Artisanal section of their menu. It arrive complete with its very own printed glass and an image of an apparently pooping gnome on the label. For $9 is was mid-range on their menu and not much of a bargain, and paired with the crisp, hot, parsley-flecked frites served with three fresh mayonnaises for $7, this was no casual beer and fries. But the beer was delicious, and it was fun and relaxing spot with excellent service and atmosphere, and unless you are feeling especially flush there is no way you will drink enough to wake up hungover.