One would think from the name (and the animated stream of piss on the website that follows your cursor around) that Le Mannequin Pis would be a low-key, eccentric place for dinner.

So I was somewhat surprised to learn that reservations are recommended (primarily because it's a 20-table hole in the wall) and that the cheap entrees are $18. My incorrect assumptions aside, the dining experience was delightful, the wait staff were helpful, and the food was well-portioned and delicious.

Of course, I didn't go to a Belgian restaurant so much for the cuisine as for the beer. Shannon had a framboise lambic which was a fabulous deep shade of purple, but which we both agreed was too fruity to have with your meal - better for dessert. I had a bottle of Orval (served in the proper glassware, of course). Orval is one of the smaller of the 7 remaining Trappist breweries, and the beer was probably one of the most unique and wonderful beers I've ever tasted. It poured to a delightful beige color with an impressive rocky head. The flavor was light with hints of "belgiany" phenolics and a bit of sourness in the finish. It may have been worth the $1.17/oz I paid for it.