Plate
From specialty steamed mussels to handmade chocolate truffles, Bridges MD in Currumbin is Queensland’s only Belgian restaurant; and it’s serving up an authentic taste of the small European nation alongside 50 of the rarest beers.
A little slice of Belgium is bubbling away in the sunshine state, thanks to the passion, and persistence, of Martin Rehak and Delphine Maertens.
The duo opened their namesake restaurant in June 2021 after taking over a space left in, as Martin puts it, ‘disastrous condition.’ After three months of renovations, they opened their doors, only to shut them three days later when a COVID-19 lockdown was announced.
“It was a difficult start, but somehow we got through that,” says Martin.
Since then, the couple has quietly built something special: the only Belgian restaurant in Queensland, and one of the few places offering some of the rarest beers around. Think Trappist ales brewed by monks and a lineup of over 50 Belgian beers alongside premium wines and spirits.
From day one, Martin and Delphine have run the entire restaurant themselves. Martin runs the front of the house, the bar and admin, while Delphine is head chef and menu maestro.
On the plate, it’s all about authentic Belgian fare. Steamed mussels might be the headline, but the supporting acts are just as tempting.
Take the Peppery Prawn Croquette, a starter with royalty roots, first described in a recipe by the chef of Louis XIV back in 1691. Crisp on the outside, silky on the inside, and the perfect match for a Belgium beer. Or the Boutlets à la Liégeoise, hearty, slow-cooked meatballs simmered with caramelised onions, dark Belgin ale, sultanas and sirop de Liège.
“You’d hardly find a more typical dish from the Liégeoise region, where Delphine is from,” says Martin.
Desserts, naturally, are pure indulgence and decadent. The Diplomatico Rum Infused Chocolate Truffles bring together Belgium’s most famous confection with a spirited twist: rich ganache centres coated in cocoa and nuts.
“When you think of chocolate, Belgium is probably the first place that comes to mind,” says Martin. “We’re happy to share our knowledge and history of the cuisine, chocolate and brewing with every customer who’s curious.”
All chocolate products, pralines and truffles are handmade by Delphine, using imported top-quality chocolate challets.
And then of course, there’s the drinks menu; a deep dive into Belgian brewing history.
With more than 50 brews on the list, Bridges MD’s selection is unmatched. The Leffe Ruby is light, mild and aromatic, a refreshing abbey beer infused with red fruit and subtle hints of rosewood. The Chimay 150 Green, on the other hand, is bold and memorable: a strong blond ale that’s fruity, refreshing and rounded and an absolute must-try. There’s also the Chimay Grande Réserve Barrique Oak Aged 2019, a collector’s pour with notes of apricot, almond, candied fruit, orange zest and mocha.
“We’re proud to offer beers that people can’t find elsewhere in Australia,” says Martin. “It’s a way to explore our culture with every sip. Belgium has the greatest diversity of original beer styles in the world and has unrivalled brewing heritage.”
In the end, it’s not just about food and drink; it’s about sharing culture.
