Bali Magic ...
My photo essay published in this month Wingspan Inflight magazine (ANA)
The many wonders of Bali ...
Appeasing the gods ...
Munster Valley Delights …
In France on December 4, 2011 at 9:00 AMHalf timbered houses and charming buildings that characterizes the many small towns in Munster Valley are not just worth visiting but a stopover in the many farm inns (fermes-auberges) scattered around the valley offering local specialties is certainly a must try. Some of these farms inns produce their own wine, dairy products, breeding cattle, sheep, poultry and a unique Alsatian black hen breeder that you can visit at the Sondernach Ried farm. A stopover at this lovely farm tucked high up in altitude is certainly worth it. The Munster valley has quite an array of traditional dishes which are not to be missed like the hearty farmer’s meal (repas marcaire) that are offered in some farm inns such as at the wonderful Auberge du Ried in Luttenbach.
Meat pie to begin with …
Marcaire Meal Farmer meat pie at the Auberge du Ried Luttenbach
Then comes smoked pork meat served with the traditional “roïgabrageldi” – sliced potatoes cooked in butter for 2 hours.
Smoked pork meat with potatoes cooked in butter
Another specialty is this appetizing Munster cheese dish …
Munster cheese meal at the Auberge du Ried in Luttenbach
For fine gastronomy the L’Agneau d’Or restaurant in Munster is a must try. Different ingredients that blends in with local products tastefully orchestrated by the talented Martin Fache is definitely the most unforgettable culinary journey in Munster valley. Here are some of his absolutely delicious creations…
Noques (gnocchi) de Munster rôties fresh green salad with walnut oil served with Pinot d’Alsace 2009
Noques de Munster rôties
After a refreshing sorbet comes the smoked trout garnished with caraway seeds sauerkraut and Munster cream served with Riesling Herrenreben 2006
Smoked trout with caraway at L'Agneau d'Or restaurant
Followed by raisin and Munster cheese served with Gewurztraminer Holder 2009 (my favourite Alsatian wine)
Terrine de Munster au raisins at Martin Fache L'agneau d'Or restaurant Munster
The Munster cheese macarons created by Willy in his bakery and tea room in Munster is definitely another savoury stopover. Willy also offers culinary workshop for making traditional bretzels.
Munster cheese macarons at Willy pastry shop Munster
So the next time when in Alsace travel south till Colmar, continue to Munster Valley and savour the delights of their local products…
Munster Valley …
In France on December 3, 2011 at 10:09 PMStorks flying over or simply nestling on rooftops, that is what you see in the small town of Munster right in the heart of Munster Valley. A Lovely Alsatian town surrounded by breathtaking hilly landscape strewn with vineyards. The surrounding areas is also as pretty with towns like Soultzbach with its charming half timbered houses and Gunsbach where Albert Schweitzer once lived. For those interested in staying overnight there is the old Presbytery where Albert Schweitzer spent his childhood, now converted into a nice comfortable B&B. The Munster Valley is also the birth place of Munster cheese and the recently opened Maison du Fromage. Formerly an old farm, the Maison du Fromage offers cheese lovers an interesting insight into the history and the making of Munster cheese. Visitors can also watch how Munster cheese are produced as well as exploring the museum and its exhibition displaying stages of production of the famous cheese. There is also a nice restaurant with terrace and a boutique. Below are some short video clips taken during my visit to this wonderful Valley.
The making of Munster cheese …
A wooden clog maker in his workshop …
A saddler making leather cow bell collars, a unique craftsmanship…
An opera of nature brought by Vincent Karche Lyric Tenor who leads his lovely walks meandering through the vineyards while trying to blend his lyrical chant and the vibrational beauty of nature. A unique way to discover some of valley’s most enchanting places.
