ALSACE - France 2014 - page 1421

To dine in Colmar's coziest neighborhood, head into Petite Venise and make your way to
the photo-perfect “Pont de Fanny” on Rue Turenne, where you'll find several picturesque
places within a couple blocks.
Wistub de la Petite Venise bucks the touristy trend in this area with caring owners
Virginie and Julien. It combines a wood-warm, chalet ambience (no outside seating) with
the energy of an open kitchen. The service is personal, and the menu is limited in selec-
tion—heavy on the meats—but generous in quality. Chef Julien is proud of his jambon-
neau , though his choucroute and foie gras are tasty, too (closed Wed, €15-23 plats, 4 Rue
de la Poissonnerie, tel. [phone]).
Wistub Brenner is perhaps your best mix of economy, quality cooking, accessible
selections, andcharacteristic ambience. Theoutsideseating isbetter thaninside,buteither
way you'll enjoy attentive service and seasonal specialties. Their formula is freedom: You
can choose any first course to go along with any main course on their €24 menu deal (1
Rue Turenne, tel. [phone]).
La Krutenau 's picnic tables sprawl along the canal, offering basic tartes flambées
(justtwotypes:natural-€6.50,garnished-€7.50),pluscheapbeerandwine.Thisisthespot
for a low-cost meal with a canalside setting (inside or out, best after dark). Also, consider
dropping in for just a dessert or a drink on a warm evening (closed Mon, 1 Rue de la Pois-
sonnerie, tel. [phone]).
In the Old City Center
(See “Colmar” map, here . )
Winstub Schwendi has fun, German pub energy inside with seven beers on tap, lively
conversation, and hustling waiters. The big terrace outside is more sedate, but ideal for a
warm evening. Choose from a dozen filling, robust Swiss Rösti plates (€12 to €15—big
enoughtosplit)or tartesflambées (€9);Ilikethe strasbourgeoiseflambée (alsogoodsalad
and main dish options, daily 12:00-22:00, facing the Customs House at 3 Grand Rue, tel.
0389236626).IftheWinstubisfull,you'llfindseveralsimilarplaceswithgoodoutdoor
seating around Place de l'Ancienne Douane.
Crep' Stub Crêperie Caveau is a good place for crêpes in the old center. Sebastian
serves with smiles while Dominique cooks with vigor; there's great outside seating on
Place de l'Ancienne Douane or inside in a cute little back room (€10 dinner crêpes, closed
Mon, 10 Rue des Tanneurs, tel. [phone]).
Chez Hansi, a half-block up from the Customs House, is where Colmarians go for a
traditional meal (served by women in Alsatian dresses). This place feels real, even though
it's in the thick of the touristic center. Attentive Annie manages your dining experience;
ask her what's good today or try local specialties such as poulet or salmon au Riesling