"We Belgians are used to seeing people have fun, get drunk, dance or do whatever else they please in this temple of emotions. To sober outsiders, cafés are an enigmatic territory, where a miracle potion is served. It's Harry instead of Asterix chez les Belges. In all likelihood, the photographer had to leave his comfort zone to better understand it. Taking a step back to see the bigger picture. Leaving to arrive. It's ironic that no other Belgian was able to preserve this culture as brilliantly as Gruyaert. I used the word preserve on purpose. Unlinke wine, beer is not stored. It is consumed as soon as possible. Perhaps that's why beer drinkers are so impatient when they're thirsty."
Stephan Vanfleteren, from his introduction