My first bisous

It's rare that we repeat a restaurant twice on a single trip - it's only happened once before in San Diego and that meal was magnificent.

We visited S'Kaechele last night and had such a good meal we knew topping it our second night in Strasbourg would be impossible. The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team - Karin and Daniel. Karin runs the front of the house and Daniel is the chef. These are the ONLY two people working at the restaurant with 24 seats inside and 12 outside. Karin explained that in France it costs too much to hire additional help. But you wouldn't know it was a two person team the way the food comes out piping hot and absolutely amazing.

The restaurant is literally around the corner from our hotel, tucked away in a little square. The dining room is small and very old - easily 200 years. Karin is the most warm and friendly person you will ever meet. She seats you, takes your order, delivers your food and makes an honest effort to get to know you. She even gave me my first bisous (a kiss where you touch each cheek and make a kissing noise).

Tonight we started with the terrine; I can't remember what animal, but it was very rich and creamy. I had the lamb shank with ratatouille and potatoes. The lamb practically fell off the bone when I began to cut it, and the ratatouille was delicious. Ryan had the pork knuckle with roasted potatoes. It was juicy and tender, and the Pinot noir sauce gave it a needed sweetness to cut the fat. For dessert #1 we had a plat du fromage with three local types of cheese. We had absolutely no idea what she said when explaining them, but each one was flavorful, not overpowering. For dessert #2 we had pear sorbet with local pear schnapps. As you can imagine it was also tasty (I am in love with pear sorbet right now).

As we prepared to pay the bill Karin brought us two complimentary glasses of pear schnapps. What a perfect ending!

A dinner (or two) at S'Kaechele is the experience for which every traveler searches - good food, inviting atmosphere and warm people. Karin made us feel so very welcome in her restaurant that we did not want to leave. If we were here a third night I guarantee we'd be back in their dining room.