36 Hours in Strasbourg, France

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend in the Alsace region tasting new wines, delicious food and exploring storybook towns together! In just under 36 hours we were able to discover Strasbourg and the nearby Alsace region towns.

Located 4 hours from Geneva, Alsace is a region in France that borders Germany and the Rhine Valley. It has significant influences from both the French and German cultures, as it has changed hands between Germany and France during its history. Strasbourg, the region’s capital city is the seat of the European parliament and home to a rich culture, cobbled streets, picturesque canals and a restaurant scene strongly influenced by Alsatian cuisine.

Stay: The Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile is located in the center of the Grande Ile district, just steps away from the sights and sounds of Strasbourg’s cathedral, squares, and canals. The hotel’s rooms were spacious on European standards, the beds were beyond comfortable and the hotel’s concierges made our stay easy with their multiple recommendations ranging from restaurant reservations to wine tour itinerary.

Eat: Hidden among the canals and gingerbread houses is a restaurant scene which makes Strasbourg one of the top food cities in France. You can find everything from three Michelin star restaurants to century old restaurants who serve regional cuisine. After reading about Fink’ Stuebel in the New York Times we booked reservations at this cozy, rustic restaurant.

As soon as we walked through the door I knew settling on just a few options would be difficult. The portions were huge and everything looked delicious. Clearly influenced by both France and Germany, the menu is best known for the chicken and veal cream dish served atop spatzel, decadent desserts and the local favorite – choucroute garnie. Choucroute garnie is more meat one person can stomach – piled high atop freshly made sauerkraut.

After our run Saturday morning we warmed up with coffee and breakfast at Cafe Broglie, located just steps from our hotel. A traditional French cafe which dates back to 1781, their breakfast included pan au chocolate, freshly squeezed juice, breads and jams.

Last but not least, we enjoyed a Valentine’s Day meal which far exceeded our expectations at L’assiette du Poete. We were very hesitant when the concierge told us she booked us a table for their special rose themed tasting menu.

While the horrible service is proof that the restaurant is trying to do too much based on their current resources and staff, the food itself is phenomenal. Each of our six courses, ranging from the champagne and strawberry palate cleanser to the marbled house foie gras served with edible rose petals was executed perfectly. The veal, which was breaded in basil seeds and served over an eggplant puree was creative and unlike anything either of us have tried or even imagined creating. Last but not least, the dessert of whipped rose infused mascarpone served between three paper thin sheets of dark chocolate left me trying to figure out how to recreate it for our next dinner party.

I hope the restaurant can figure out the service aspect because the food deserves to shine! Regardless, I will still recommend this restaurant to any of our friends, with the caveat to not go there in a hurry but instead relax, enjoy time with a loved one or friends and order another glass of wine.

Exploring Strasbourg and the nearby wine region deserves a separate post, which I’ll share later this week!

Until then, it’s your turn, if you could visit any wine region which would you choose?