Emanuel Erlewein
Google
Just north of the historic city of Strasbourg, nestled in a tranquil locale, lies Les Samailles. It was within this seemingly unassuming building that my girlfriend and I embarked upon a culinary journey - one that proved not merely excellent, but truly profound.
There are meals that nourish the body, and then there are experiences that nourish the soul; our 4h afternoon at Les Samailles belonged unequivocally to the latter category.
From the moment we crossed the threshold, there was an air of quiet anticipation, a sense that something special was waiting for us.
But before the first bite, the true heart of Les Samailles revealed itself: its people. The staff were not merely attentive; they were intuitive, anticipating needs with a grace that felt less like service and more like an elegant, silent ballet. Our lack of fluency in French proved no barrier; each course, each intricate detail, was patiently and warmly explained in English, transforming potential confusion into delighted understanding. The precise, almost choreographed placement of each plate was a visual preamble to the artistry contained within.
Then came the courses, a meticulously crafted procession. Beginning with a delicate Mise en bouche with smoked meats and waffles by the chef, the journey unfolded through intriguing combinations: the fresh crispness of Asperge paired unexpectedly with Cecina de Leõn and Légume croquant; the vibrant, clean notes of Skrei dancing with Encornet and the bright acidity of Yuzu. The richness of the Raviole ouverte with Queue de Bœuf and Albuféra offered a decadent depth, before the perfectly rendered Agneau with Artichaut and Petit Pois showcased classic technique elevated by subtle innovation. The descent into sweetness was equally masterful, with the intriguing Rhubarbe / Amande / Vanille and the refreshing Fraise / Chocolat Blanc / Basilic, culminating in exquisite Mignardises.
This was not just food; it was a revelation with each plate. Each dish was a daring exploration of flavour and texture, pushing the boundaries of what we understood as delicious. There were moments, bites, that defied simple description, complex layers unfolding on the palate in ways we struggled to articulate, yet instantly recognized as masterful. Sometimes sweet, salty and smoky at the same time. A chef made butter tasted like a BBQ rolling through our mouths.
Accompanying this symphony of flavours was a wine pairing that deserves its own sonnet. Curated with evident expertise, the selected wines did not merely complement the dishes; they interacted with them. There was a particular moment, a single white wine served for two different courses, where its character seemed to subtly, yet profoundly, shift and reveal new facets as it met each new plate – a testament to a truly intelligent pairing that elevated the entire meal. Chapeau to the Sommelier!
To call the evening merely 'delicious' would be akin to calling a masterpiece 'a nice picture'. It was an experience that resonated on a deeper level, a reminder of the potential for true artistry at the dining table, delivered with a warmth and attentiveness that felt genuinely personal.
Les Samailles is more than a restaurant; it is a destination for those seeking not just a meal, but a memory etched in exquisite taste and unparalleled care. It was, quite simply, an incredible Easter afternoon, one that lingers beautifully in the memory.
