Dinner in Alsace

I organized a foray into the adjoining region — Alsace — last night with three philosophers of biology for a meal and lively discussion of research. I was joined by André Ariew of the University of Missouri, Elliott Sober of the University of Wisconsin, and Tim Lewens of Clare College, Cambridge University. The drive was about 140 kilometers each way, but the food and discourse were well worth it.

We ate at the Michelin three-star restaurant L’Auberge de l’Ill. This restaurant has been on my “bucket list” since a graduate school buddy – Bob Carney — raved about it. He was right, even 35 years later! Here is the tasting menu for the evening, minus the amuse-guele and a few other ancillary additions (chocolate truffles!). You will be disappointed with Google Translate if you try it…

– Le tourteau émietté aux herbes thaï, nage de concombre aux coquillage du moment et lait de coco

– Le filet de St Pierre poêlé aux spaghettis à l’encre, emulsion de pimentos au bouillon de calamar

– L’oeuf poché et jeune poireau grille sur une poêlée de champignons des prés et des bois

– Le carré d’agneau roti, beignet d’artichaut farci et pommes de terre cuites comme en vallée de Munster parfumées aux olives et au thym

– Les fromages (choices from 25+ on the cheese cart — all magnificent)

– La petite douceur inspire du cocktail Bellini à l’ècume de champagne et à la pêche blanche

– La gourmandise d’abricots au miel d’acacia et à la lavande