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.

A simple wine tasting

Neither Ryan or I are big white wine drinkers, so when I found the ad for the Alsatian wine tasting at Hannong Bar I booked it. And I am so glad I did.

Located in the Hannong Hotel, the bar advertised a €15 tasting of four local wines. Christophe, the house sommelier, leads the tastings. We arrived at 6 pm and Christophe did not seem to know we were coming, which concerned me. My worries were quickly abated when, after the second glass, he gave us an extra tasting of a Grand Cru Pinot Gris from 14 km outside of Strasbourg, which was amazing. He then proceeded to give us another extra glass of white, before our Pinot Noir and sweet wines. To top it all off he gave us a glass of Crement - a sparkling white - to "cleanse our palate." In total we tasted seven different wines for only €15!

Strasbourg just keeps getting better and better.

Bonjour Strasbourg!

We arrived in the very charming city of Strasbourg today for a two day stay. We're staying at the Hotel de l'Europe in the center of the historic district. The building is 400 years old! Our room is very quaint and overlooks a pedestrian street lined with cafes. Now it's time to explore the city!