Wine Days Event Brings French Alsace Delicacies to the EU Capital
The “Wine Days” event, celebrating the culinary and wine traditions of the Alsace region in France, is coming to Brussels, offering a delicious experience for food and wine enthusiasts.
Alsace, located on the west bank of the Rhine River, near Germany, is renowned for its rich cuisine and fine wines. Brussels residents will now have the chance to indulge in these flavors throughout October at the Sofitel Brussels Europe, situated in the heart of the EU Quarter at Place Jourdan.
Signature Alsace Dishes on Offer
One of the key attractions of Alsace cuisine is its signature dish, Sauerkraut. This classic dish features fermented white cabbage served with a variety of meats, such as knacks (sausages), kassler (smoked pork), and bacon. However, Sauerkraut is just the beginning of what Alsace has to offer.
Throughout October, visitors can enjoy an array of other traditional Alsace specialties. These include both food and wine offerings, with dishes crafted by two renowned chefs: Mathieu Klein and Gabriele Petrucci.
About the Chefs
Chef Mathieu Klein is from the Sofitel restaurant in Strasbourg Grande Île, the birthplace of Sofitel, which opened its doors in the city 60 years ago. Klein has honed his craft at Michelin-rated restaurants in France and Switzerland, bringing top-tier culinary skills to the event.
Chef Gabriele Petrucci, an Italian chef who has led the kitchen at the Sofitel Brussels Europe’s restaurant “1040” since 2021, will also contribute his expertise. Petrucci’s experience includes being the head chef at “La Meilleur Jeunesse,” and his cooking style brings a blend of flavors to the table.
Wines of Alsace: The Perfect Pairing
As the name of the event suggests, wine is at the heart of “Wine Days.” The wines of Alsace, known for their depth and character, perfectly complement the region’s cuisine. Guests can enjoy an assortment of fine wines from Arthur Metz, a celebrated Alsace wine producer marking its 120th anniversary this year.
Among the highlights are Crémant d’Alsace Réserve de l’Abbaye Rosé Sec and a classic Riesling from Maison Arthur Metz. These wines, which will be served at the event, pair beautifully with the Alsatian dishes and will also be available at the hotel bar for tastings.
Guests can order these wines by the glass or bottle, allowing for flexibility in how they enjoy the pairings with the dishes at 1040 restaurant.
A Tempting Alsace-Inspired Menu
So, what can guests expect on the menu?
For starters, diners will be treated to buckwheat pancakes stuffed with Alsatian Munster cheese, ricotta, and Ardennes chanterelles, all flavored with sage. The main course is the region’s hallmark Sauerkraut, and dessert will feature a mouthwatering charlottine with pears and chestnuts.
Special Evenings: Exclusive Four-Handed Dinners
On October 18 and 19, a special highlight of the “Wine Days” event will be two exclusive evenings where the chefs will team up to present a four-handed dinner. This collaborative effort between Klein and Petrucci promises to deliver a unique fusion of Belgian and Alsatian cuisine, with each dish carefully paired with the finest wines from the Alsace region. The dinner, priced at €69 per person (excluding drinks and cheese), will require reservations, and guests will have the option of a wine pairing package or ordering wine by the glass.
In addition, a representative from Arthur Metz will be present at the event to offer insights and presentations about the featured wines, providing an extra layer of engagement for wine lovers.
Celebrating 60 Years of Sofitel
This year’s “Wine Days” event also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Sofitel brand. Over the years, this event has become a popular tradition in Brussels, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors to discover and savor the distinctive cuisine and wine of Alsace.
An event representative noted, “Wine Days has always been a favorite in Brussels, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy Alsatian specialties paired with the region’s finest wines.”
The event runs until the end of October at Sofitel Brussels Europe, giving plenty of time for everyone to experience this culinary delight.
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