Get a taste of Alsace with Saturday Kitchen’s Matt
WIT Hits history of swapping between French and German control throughout the years, the Alsace region is an intriguing mix of the two countries’ cultures as well as its former Roman occupiers.
The attraction for the Romans was the fertile soil and its potential for viticulture so you’ll get to taste plenty of wine – and beer – during your four-day river cruise.
The cuisine, meanwhile, comes in generous portions and is enjoyed with family and friends in a lively way.
And who better to enjoy this fabulous foodie trip with than popular Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt.
Matt credits his family holidays to France and Italy as a young man as the inspiration for his passion for food. The TV chef spent his early career working at the Michelinstarred restaurant Chez Bruce, which was opened by Bruce Poole in 1995. You’ll get to see Matt in action during an exclusive cookery demonstration, as well as hearing him give a talk. He’ll also take part in a Q&A session.
Matt won’t be the only culinary star guest on board. Making your river cruise even more spectacular, Matt will introduce Marc Haeberlin, a two-Michelin-star chef, and Alsace’s finest sommelier, Serge Dubs.
Marc, head chef at Auberge de l’Ill in Illhaeusern, will prepare a dinner for you on board while Serge will give you hints and tips during a private wine-tasting.
‘I’m part of the fourth generation of chefs,’ says Marc. ‘This passion comes from my father. Now I like too redevelop dishes that he has createdd and find the balance between tradi-tion and modernity.’
REASONS TO BOOK
Exclusive events with Matt Tebbutt: The much loved host of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen will talk to you about his culinary journey and share his passion for French cuisine during an exclusive chat aboard your CroisiEurope ship. He’ll also answer your foodie questions and present a cooking demonstration.
Michelin-starred chef: The Haeberlin family opened a small inn in Illhaeusern more than 150 years ago. Since then, they’ve been synonymous with Alsatian food and the restaurant, Auberge de l’Ill, has two Michelin stars. In what is sure to be a memorable evening, head chef Marc Haeberlin will prepare a dinner for you on board.
World-class sommelier: To go with your fantastic dinner, you’ll enjoy the very best wine pairings as chosen by Serge Dubs. Serge began working as an assistant at Auberge de l’Ill when he was 19 and worked his way up to head sommelier. He’s been awarded Best Sommelier in France, Best Sommelier in Europe, Master of Port and Best Sommelier in the World.
Discover Alsace: You will stop at Rhinau, a small town located on the
RRhine about 20 miles from Strasbourg. The village has moved inland from the bank of the river over the centuries, and at periods of low water, you can see the old foundations of the village. In Rhinau, you’ll have the chance to join an Alsace wine tour and visit the church of St Michael, which dates from 1519. Across the river is Breisach, a town on the edge of the Black Forest. Its distinctive landmark is the cathedral of St Stephansmunster, which is built on a hill overlooking the majestic Rhine Valley.