Working up an appetite, you’ll be tempted by the smell of French fries. Called Flemish fries here; they’re a local specialty. And in Belgium fries are an art form, taken very seriously.

Rick: Who made the first fry?
Clerk: Belgium.
Clerk: This potato was peeled this morning, cut in pieces, and put in that fat.
Rick: You actually cook it in the grease two times?
Clerk: Two times. Once in that, then it rests here, and afterwards, the second time, high temperature. Low temperature, resting, cooling, high temperature.
Rick: These are forming a skin right now?
Clerk: Yes. You see, these fries are swimming like fishes in the fat. See? You hear it? They are talking. You hear it?
Rick: I hear it, yes. What are they saying?
Clerk: Oh, that they are ready to be eaten.
Clerk: What do you need more? Taste one, please.
Rick: Is it hot?
Clerk: Use the top of the fingers, because it’s hot, yes.
Rick: Umm…
Clerk: Only a little bit of salt on it, and it’s perfect.