In Strasbourg, Alsace you
stop for fancy gingerbread
First patisserie was shoppe; red, quaint, and filled to brim with gingerbread this and that. I’m not a gingerbread gal, but I wanted to experience what seemed to be a popular and award-winning pleasure. Raspberry filled, reminding me of a linzer (I wish it was one!) and a little gingerbread chocolate orange pyramid.
go antiquing or thrifting at least once
It’s exactly what you’d fantasize. A tiny storefront with a path paved only for narrow walking. Antiques abound from who knows when. Dillon spotted a Madeline tin and from a region known for them it was definitely getting purchased.
walk the entire city stopping for pastry along the way — get chocolate Madelines
Sebastian cafe was absolutely adorable. Modern, chic, fun tiling around. Never had a chocolate Madeline and felt this was the right spot to do it. We tried little treats here and there as we walked and walked and walked. That was the trade-off!
drink creamy melted chocolate with a side of whipped cream dressed up in choco pearls
Same cafe with some of the best hot chocolate I’ve had in public. It’s very hard to find good hot chocolate or sipping chocolate beyond your own kitchen. It tasted REAL, melted chocolate coated my spoon at the bottom. This one came with a side of whipped cream. What a freaking dream.
ask local bookstore keeper for best breakfast rec— go each morning & have baguette with egg, jambon, assort. cheese & rooibos latte
Cafe Bretelle was the best little Parisian breakfast spot. We went twice, and each had the same thing twice. I’m trying to avoid coffee, so tea lattes are my next favorite option. Chai and London's fogs get boring when that’s all you can find. This Roobois latte was an exciting find. It was so creamy, nutty, and forward.
sip on cremant d'alsace with cheesy Kartoffelpfluten (potato dumpling)
I was told to get a glass in Alsace. I love white bubbly. Tart and just enough sweet! The potato dumpling was soft and cheesy. Kinda like a giant gnocchi in a fondu sauce.
dive into the choucroute garnie (sausages, pork belly, sauerkraut)
If I didn’t confirm my love for pork on this trip… the infamous dish reigning from collided Franco Germanic culture. A mound of boiled everything- sauerkraut, pork sausages like TK, and pork belly, and potatoes.