Discover the tastes of Alsace with Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt

THE food of France’s Alsace region is known for its generous portions and the lively, sociable way it’ s enjoyed with family and friends.

With its long history of swapping between French and German ownership, Alsace is today an intriguing mix of the two countries’ cultures, along with traces of its former Roman occupiers.

The attraction for the Romans was the fertile soil that’s perfect for vineyards, so during your memorable four-day foodie river cruise you’ll have the opportunity to sample plenty of wine (and beer).

And you’ll do so in the presence of Matt Tebbutt, the popular host of the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen.

Matt says his family holidays in France and Italy as a young man were the inspiration for his passion for food. The TV chef spent his early career working at acclaimed restaurant Chez Bruce, the Michelin-starred classic French eating place opened by Bruce Poole in London in 1995.

You’ll see Matt in action during an exclusive cookery demonstration, as well as hearing him give a talk. He will also take part in a questionand-answer session.

Matt won’t be the only culinary star guest on board during your river cruise. Making your trip even more special, Matt will introduce Marc Haeberlin, a twoMichelin-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, and Serge will give you hints and tips during a private wine-tasting.

Marc Haeberlin says: ‘I’m part of the fourth generation of chefs. This passion comes from my father. I like to redevelop dishes which he created and find the balance between tradition and modernity.’

REASONS TO BOOK EXCLUSIVE EVENTS WITH MATT TEBBUTT

Matt will talk to you about his culinary journey and share his passion for French cuisine during an exclusive chat aboard your CroisiEurope ship. He will 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 have been synonymous with Alsatian food and their restaurant, Auberge de l’Ill, has been awarded two Michelin stars. In what’s sure to be a memorable evening, head chef Marc Haeberlin will prepare a dinner for you on board.

WORLD-CLASS SOMMELIER

To accompany your f antastic 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 just 19 and worked his way up to head sommelier. He has been named Best Sommelier in France, Best Sommelier in Europe, Master of Port and Best Sommelier in the World.

DISCOVER ALSACE

You’ll stop at Rhinau, a small town located on the Rhine about 20 miles from Strasbourg. Over the centuries, Rhinau has moved inland from the bank of the river and at periods of low water you can still see the foundations of the old village. In Rhinau, you’ll have the opportunity to join an Alsace wine tour and visit the church of Saint- Michel, dating from 1519. Across the river is Breisach, a hilltop town on the edge of Germany’s Black Forest.

Breisach’s distinctive landmark is the cathedral of St Stephansmünster, which stands on Münsterberg hill overlooking the majestic Rhine valley.