Alsace’s “Ephemeral Restaurants”: A Culinary Adventure

Alsace is enticing food lovers with unique dining experiences, blending culture, heritage, and exceptional cuisine. These “ephemeral restaurants” offer unforgettable moments, from vineyards to former mines, promising a fresh perspective on the region’s gastronomy.

A Flavorful Journey Through Alsace

Starting in May and extending through December, several unexpected venues will open their doors, showcasing Alsace’s historical sites and intimate cellars. These unusual dinners consistently surprise, inviting people to see Alsace from a different perspective. The experiences bring together taste, culture, and heritage, offering something for every palate, from Oktoberfest to vineyard picnics.

A “Gourmet Walking Tour” at a nuclear power plant from June 27 has already sold out, yet numerous unique dinners await this month. The first stop, on June 27, will be in the Munster Valley at the Maison du Fromage (Cheese House) for a “Rustic’chic Cocktail.” It promises a friendly, distinctive evening in a museum, featuring a “pastoral and bucolic atmosphere,” where cheese, wine, old-fashioned costumes, and joy will come together.

Following an aperitif of Crémant d’Alsace with a Bretzel gratin, there will be a gourmet cheese selection conceived by chef Pierre Deloge of L’Atelier des Malker restaurant. Guests can learn the art of butter churning, just like in the old days, for a truly immersive experience. The French cheese industry generated approximately €3.5 billion in revenue in 2023 (Source 2023).

Vineyard and Artistic Encounters

On July 6, the event heads to Wolxheim for a bucolic daytime getaway amidst the vineyards (“Vignes and flowers in harmony, unusual lunch at Domaine Siebert”). The program features a guided tour and a floral workshop with Estelle Balzer-Leveaux. Attendees can enjoy a three-course country lunch focused on flowers, prepared by Hugo Ehrhrardt, chef of the Share Restaurant in Andlau.

On July 18, the event moves to a “vaulted cellar” for a “Unusual artistic ignition between dances and terroirs at Domaine Barmès-Buecher” in Wettolsheim. The evening’s highlights include wine tastings and a presentation by a dancer and choreographer, Marine Westphal. The experience will also include unique dishes created by Joëlle Umbdenstock, the head of “Jo … ëlle Cuisine” in Ostheim.

The “Unusual and gourmet carriage ride in the Ried” on July 23 is, for the time being, fully booked. The event, organized by the House of Nature of the Ried and Central Alsace, will take guests through Muttersholtz’s surroundings. It will feature creations by chef Sébastien Buecher of the Frankenburg inn, recognized with a Michelin star.

Starry Nights and Theatrical Feasts

The “Unusual dinner at Domaine Zeyssolff – Stars night” on August 1 in Gertwiller will offer an Italian menu from the La Conceria de Goxwiller restaurant. Diners can enjoy this meal under the stars, providing views of the Alsace plain. The Perseid meteor shower will add to the ambiance.

On August 8 and 9, the “Unusual theater dinner with chef C. Nalbanti at Domaine Borès” is set to unfold, with a theatrical performance by the Company of Insupportés. The event will draw inspiration from “Alice in Wonderland”. The Company of Insupportés will take guests on a “course folle” filled with tastes that will “blow your mind.”

On August 27, the Lehmann distillery in Obernai will host an “Unusual dinner at the feet of the still.” Guests will get a chance to explore the art of distillation and assembly, participate in a barrel tasting, and craft their own digestif.

The “Unusual lunch at the Marco Museum” in Barr returns on August 30 for its fifth iteration. The event includes a giant cluedo with a mystery to solve, conceived by the Republic of Wineland. Attendees will also enjoy a gourmet barbecue prepared by chef Sébastien Hopgoog of the Restaurant Les Essentiels in Barr.

Autumn Adventures and Winter Warmth

In line with the start of the school year, the appointments continue. The “Unusual and gourmet walk under the ground” at the Tellure Park (Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines) is scheduled for September 25 and 26. Guests can follow in the footsteps of old miners and enjoy surprises from chef Henri Gagneux of the hotel-restaurant “La Palette” in Wettolsheim.

On October 5, the focus shifts to Rosheim for an “Unusual harvesting picnic” with chef Hubert Metz. The event includes a guided tour of the Rosenmeer wine estate with tastings and local dishes. On October 10, Wingen-sur-Moder will host “Unusual aperitifs at the Lalique Museum.” Attendees will enjoy a sensory experience in the museum’s rooms, with tastings by chief sommelier Romain Iltis.

Following the Oktoberfest, an “Unusual and gourmet beer festival at CEFPPA Adrien-Zeller” in Illkirch is scheduled for October 16. This event will blend Alsatian flavors with the festive atmosphere of beer celebrations. It will include Bavarian-style tables, specialties, live music, a DJ set, and the option to wear traditional attire.

The “Unusual dinner cocktail at the Schoenheitz domain” in Wihr-au-Val (November 21) with chef Thony Billon will immerse guests “Between tanks and barrels, in a musical and sifted atmosphere.” Attendees will be guided through creating their own grape juice blend and personalized cuvée, creating a unique gift. From December 5 to 23, the legendary Mozart room will host the “Unusual dinner Opus, immersive experience Between sound, flavors and lights,” perfect for the holiday season.

These diverse offerings promise an unforgettable culinary experience for locals and visitors alike.