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SCMP Reporter

THIS YEAR IS the 175th anniversary of the Kingdom of Belgium and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the federal government. To mark the occasion, the Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the Belgian consulate have organised Best of Belgium 2005. The series of programmes is already under way. Here is a list of the remaining events:

Today

Comics Exhibition (free admission, Ocean View Court, Cyberport, inquiries 28029455) 10am to 3pm. Tidbits Tintin and the Smurfs, two of the world's most popular characters from Belgium.

Belgian food promotion 10.30am to 10pm, City'super (IFC 2). Tidbits Endives, grey shrimps, beers and chocolates are some of Belgium's famous foods.

Food tasting noon to 11pm, Grand Place (Shop 1050, Podium Level 1, IFC 2 Mall, Central); La Parole (G02A, G/F Maritime Square, Tsing Yi). Tidbits Free lunch.

Until November 25

Photo exhibition titled Galerie des Arts et de la Culture It's Hong Kong, it's Belgian, but did you know?  11am to 7pm, Lobby, 1/F Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tidbits Belgian photographer Kris Vervaeke  shows exhibition goers that there is a little bit of Belgium in all Hongkongers' lives.

Belgian Design Contest Exhibition sponsored by Hutchison Whampoa. 11am to 7pm, Lobby, 1/F Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tidbits Some of the designs will be showcased at the Innovation & Design Exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 21 to 23.

November 16-30

Parallelism photo exhibition 11am to 7pm (closed on Mondays), Galerie des Arts et de la Culture (32 Cochrane Street, Central). Tidbits Belgian art photographer, teacher and writer Christian Verhoeven sees similarities between the mainland, Hong Kong and Belgium. Free Belgian beer tasting and fruit vodka  at the opening.

November 20-30

Glass is Art Exhibition: L'Anverre Exhibition,  Lobby, G/F, Lee Gardens, Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay. Tidbits Sem Schanzer, the creator of dramatic art pieces, has showcased these items in Japan and Korea and received high praise.

Until the end of November

Special menus created by Belgian chef Benoit Gersdorff will be offered at:

Avenue (Holiday Inn Golden Mile, 50 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 23693111)

Main Bar (Foreign Correspondents' Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, 25211511)

Cafe des Artistes (30-32 D'Aguilar Street, Central, 25263880)

Grand Place (Shop 1050, Podium Level 1, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, 22347343)

La Parole (G02A, G/F, Maritime Square, Tsing Yi, 24364099)

Leonidas Cafe Shop (Unit 150, Level 1, Maritime Square, Tsing Yi, 24369799)

Belgos East (G/F Oxford House, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay, 22505020)

Tidbits Chef Gersdorff is owner and chef of L'Essentiel in Belgium, which has a steady clientele consisting of high-profile politicians and Japanese businessmen. Une Fete Royale Gala Dinner was held last Friday at Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel to highlight the 175 years of the Belgian dynasty, and it raised $1.5 million for the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. Guy Verhofstadt, Prime Minister of Belgium, was a guest of honour.



Calendar of events