Fortwenger Strasbourg Cathédrale (Strasbourg, FRANCE) ★★★☆☆

We wanted to check Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg off our list as soon as possible, so right after we dropped off our car at the hotel, we immediately started walking toward the monumental structure in the heart of Strasbourg’s old town. That’s when we stumbled upon Fortwenger Strasbourg Cathédrale.

Fortwenger is a brand that has been around for about 250 years, and they specialize in traditional Alsatian gingerbread and other confectionery. They have a few branches across France, and this one next to the famous cathedral also doubles as a gelateria.

There were some interesting flavors available but little nugget was only looking for something simple.

His favorite — vanilla gelato.

I always had a nice laugh at him whenever he had vanilla ice cream, calling him simple-minded, but I had to admit this was pretty tasty. Good choice, son!

It’s my second time visiting Strasbourg, and likewise for the Strasbourg Cathedral. There’s this magical feeling whenever I stand underneath this magnificent architecture, which was once the tallest structure built entirely in the Middle Ages.

It’s not the first time I’ve said this during our trip, but tonight it felt like we’d taken a time machine and traveled back to an era where Harry Potter was still a student. I was actually hiding from the rain at a corner near Place de la Cathédrale (Cathedral Square) when I was taking this photo, but I couldn’t stop admiring the scene there.

I know it’s going to be hard walking in the heavy rain, but it’s time for us to run, as we have our first fine-dining experience for this trip coming up in just a few minutes.

Food Rating: 6.1/10

Price: €€

Address: 31 Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France

Tel: +33 (0)3 8851-3404

Website: https://www.fortwenger.fr/

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 6:30pm (Mon - Sat), 10:00am - 6:00pm (Sun) 

Donatien Maître Eclair (Strasbourg, FRANCE) ★★★★☆

It was good to be back in Strasbourg. I missed the stunning medieval architecture, the unique mix of French and German cultures, and the historic centre which it was very walkable. Our drive from Baden-Baden was easy, but once we reached the heart of Strasbourg (and by “heart”, I mean the historic centre), things got a lot tougher. With all the traffic, pedestrians, and one-way streets, it proved to be a nightmare for any driver, especially one with zero patience.

And because we missed our destination a couple of times, we ended up driving in huge circles just to get back on track. But hey—we made it. We’re finally here, safe and sound.

For the first order of business, our little nugget peeled off to check out his toy stores, while yours truly headed straight to the first pastry shop in France on this trip — Donatien Maître Éclair.

Donatien Maître Éclair is technically a specialty éclair shop on bustling Grand’Rue. Founded by pastry chef Donatien Fehr, it offers classic French éclairs with an innovative, modern twist spanning both sweet and savory flavors.

While the savory options including the Scandinave (salmon) and the Aperitif Éclair (goat cheese mousse, olive cake, sun-dried tomatoes, and hazelnuts) all looked promising, I knew I couldn’t let my sweet tooth down this afternoon.

Éclair Caramel Beurre Salé (Salted Butter Caramel) — How could I resist the chef’s signature creation?

I was first attracted by its shining golden color, but it ended up tasting even better than it looked.

This beautiful dessert strikes a delicate, rich balance between deep caramel sweetness and velvety textures, with an explosive crunch from the roasted peanuts on top. The salted caramel cream adds richness with savory notes, perfectly matched with a mascarpone filling right alongside the crisp choux pastry, a 40% milk chocolate glaze, and roasted peanuts on top.

The heavy rain cost me the chance to visit a couple more pastry shops on my list, including Avellina, also on Grand’Rue. Let’s hope I still get the chance tomorrow.

Food Rating: 7.2/10

Price: €€€

Address: 111 Grand'Rue, 67000 Strasbourg, France

Tel: +33 (0)9 5167-9955

Website: http://donatien-maitre-eclair.fr/

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm (Sun - Thu), 10:00am - 9:00pm (Fri - Sat) 

My First-Ever Vineyard Visit in Germany — Weingut Kopp

Stepping into Germany’s Baden region for my first-ever vineyard visit felt like walking directly into a postcard.

Nestled near the Black Forest in Sinzheim, Weingut Kopp instantly captured my imagination striking a perfect balance between sleek, modern architecture and deep-rooted tradition.

The estate is surrounded by gently rolling hills covered in meticulously manicured vines, stretching toward the horizon. Breathing in the crisp valley air, I knew right away that simply standing among these historic slopes would be an unforgettable introduction to European wine culture.

The highlight of the journey was exploring the unique terroir and landscape that make this boutique winery so special. Walking along the edge of the vineyards, I looked out over the distinct Feigenwäldchen and Altenberg slopes, learning how Baden’s volcanic and limestone soils shape the future harvest.

Little one got his first taste of vineyard life, getting up close with the vines and experiencing the magic of being surrounded by grapevines.

Even without a formal tasting, seeing where the grapes grow and observing the meticulous care given to the land provided a profound lesson in how dedication to sustainable viticulture becomes the foundation for world-class bottles.

Rather than a traditional glass in hand, my experience was defined by a sensory appreciation of the winery’s stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. The contemporary design blends seamlessly into the natural landscape, offering panoramic views of the Baden countryside — views that are worth the trip all on their own. Engaging with the passionate team and learning about their acclaimed Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) gave me a deep respect for the craftsmanship behind the cellar doors. It also reminded me that a vineyard’s story can be just as intoxicating as its wine.

Needless to say, I left with some of their most prized bottles in my hands.

Leaving the estate with a newfound appreciation for German viticulture, I realized that my first winery visit in Germany had set an incredibly high bar. Weingut Kopp delivered far more than a destination — it offered an authentic, visual connection to the land and to the people who pour their hearts into every vintage. For anyone hoping to discover the modern, exciting side of German winemaking, walking the grounds of this Baden gem is the perfect place to start the journey. I left feeling inspired, and genuinely eager to return for a pour in the future.

Price: €€€

Address: Ebenunger Straße 23, 76547 Sinzheim, Germany, Germany

Tel: +49 7221 803601

Website: https://www.weingut-kopp.com/

Opening Hours: 1:00pm - 6:00pm (Mon - Fri), 12:00pm - 5:00pm (Sat - Sun)