Economic stimulus dining @ Sandrine's - a perfect intro to Alsace

8 Holyoke Street, Cambridge, MA  617-497-5300

This Alsatian gem is tucked away on Holyoke Street in Harvard Square. How could I forget about it? Yet, I did. To the rescue, Chef and owner Raymond Ost has announced an "Economic Stimulus" dinner. Time for a re-introduction to this Alsatian gem.

This one night only special dinner will be offered on January 20th. Highlights of the menu include reduced prices on all aspects of the menu. Calling it a "deeply discounted menu for deeply discouraged diners" -  all appetizers on the a la carte menu will be offered for just $5-10; every entrée $15-22; every dessert $6.

Welcome to Alsace

The smallest region of 22 that comprise France, Alsace boasts one of the highest concentrations of gastronomic stars. It is a culinary powerhouse with deeply held traditions some of the rest of us are just disovering, such as biodynamic and organic wine production (see link below). Many of the vineyards are still laced with grass between the vines. That, and the historic formation of the Vosges Mountains, Rhine river deposits, glacial activity -  all of these geologic factors create strong expressions of terroir in the food and wine.

Other culinary traditions include:  Raifort (horseradish), used since the 16th century as a traditional accompaniment to Alsatian cuisine … Foie gras d’oie et de canard poêlé truffé en terrine (paté of goose and pan-fried duck liver with truffles); Asperges blanches (white asparagus), available from the middle of April … Munster (cheese from the Vosges mountains) eaten hot or cold, perhaps with cumin or macerated in Kirsch (cherry liqueur) …

Flammekueche

Through the winter Chef Ost will be offering one special, traditional Alsatian entree for $25. Melknepfle -- Herbed dumplings layered with spinach and white sauce and Boeuf Bourguignon (Burgundy is next door) are likely to show up.

Typical Alsatian choucroute and wine glass.

Rather than join the $1 oyster club, how about a $2 Petit Pot o’ Mussels - every day.