I’m in Alsace now, cycling the Route des Vins. FYI, there’s been travel disruptions due to the labor strikes - partial work stoppages, “faire grève”. They supposedly let you know the dates in advance. It was going to be 10th and 18th September, but today they added a day and upped the tactics: big trucks blocked traffic on the highway. We were glad to be on bikes! Hopefully, it won’t be a problem by October.
Although you’re not staying in Strasbourg, if you go there, we had a great dinner at L’Imaginaire in Schiltigheim. The “Inspiration Menu” chef’s surprise prix fixe was phenomenal; moderate portions of lighter fare, and a real bargain at €78.
https://www.limaginaire.fr
Wines were French but not local, good but not great. I assume the chef wants the food to be the star.
Today, we had lunch at L’Auberge de l’Ill in Illhaeusern, the “Traditional Menu” prix fixe, a splurge at €195, but amazing - and a lot of rich food, so have a light breakfast. The service and whole experience i think was worth it, and I’m known as a cheapskate. Huge wine list, lots of Vins d’Alsace.
The upscale restaurants use large fancy wine glasses, but the more casual places use the traditional small glasses with a short, squat bowl filled to the brim. So you may get great local wines from producers that are never exported, but don’t complain about the glasses.
