We got lost multiple times as we navigated the narrow, alleyways and bridges but found the gorgeous views, glimmers of sunshine, historic sites and Venetian cuisine.
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?
Chamonix Ski Weekend
If you follow me on Instagram then you know that we spent the weekend skiing our hearts out in Chamonix, France this weekend with a group of our friends.
We rented an incredible chalet via AirBnB which included a sauna, hot tub, huge kitchen, and roaring fireplace all brought together in a perfect mix of modern and rustic ski chalet.
We started the weekend off on Thursday night as I took Friday off to enjoy a day of skiing with Joel, Casey and Bo before the rest of the group arrived Friday evening.
We were blessed with perfect snow conditions and weather on the slopes each day as we skied above the clouds, surrounded by sunshine and blue skies! Our last run of the day reminded us that the slopes in France are VERY different than the US or Switzerland in that the grading system for slopes seem to make no sense at all. Our last run which was a red, or US black, ended up having moguls and taking us into deep powder.
One of the nice things about Chamonix is that it is a large valley which means you can explore different ski areas each day. By the end of the weekend we explored Les Houches, Brevant and Flegere and Le Tour. Brevant and Flegere were the most challenging while Les Houches was the most pleasing to the eye, due to the mix of snow covered pines and pristine, snow covered slopes. Even though our group included skiers of all levels, we were able to meet up multiple times on the slopes for runs together.
We tried four restaurants this weekend in Chamonix ranging from top of the slope grilled meats (L’Adret de la Flegere), gigantic burgers (MBC Mircrobrewery & Pub), Asian French fusion (Munchie), traditional ski in ski out French cuisine (Restaurant Les Vieilles Luges).
Why do weekends like this have to end? At least I left the slopes with one final reminder, hair icicles!
Your turn: Are you a skier? If so, what is your favorite slope?
- Newer Posts
- 1
- …
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- …
- 74
- Older Posts