What a wonderful day, just the way we like it: a day of encounters, reunions, culture and good food!

We welcomed a new member, Dr Richard Pitovic, accompanied by his wife Eve.

To begin “our” year, we had chosen La Maison du Pain d’Alsace in Sélestat as our venue, with all the comforting warmth that we get from the bread that gave the venue its name!

Both a museum and a bakery, this establishment is housed in the former meeting place of the Guild of Bakers, dating back to 1522 no less!

Every corner of this building is brimming with history and inspiration, from the walkways and the floor-to-ceiling glass panels, to the museum and the bakery! The staircase adjoining the glass panels was designed by architect Gilbert d’Eguisheim to evoke the shape of dough being kneaded.

Our guide explained the history of breadmaking, from the flour mill to the bread itself.

We were also given the chance to see the traditional bakery, where we literally and metaphorically savoured “bretzels” (pretzels) and “bredele” (small biscuits) along with the stories and legends surrounding them.

Traditional Alsatian baking moulds were showcased, the earthenware reminding us of the richness of the culinary and hospitality arts in Alsace.

With all our senses on high alert, we enjoyed a wonderful traditional “Baeckeoffe” (casserole) with three kinds of meat, accompanied by a Pinot Gris, and served in some magnificently decorated dishes.

What a wonderfully authentic experience in the historic hall of the “Zunft” (guild), reserved for us especially for the occasion. A really wonderful event!

Bread - it truly is the staff of life.

Dima Bou-Obeid
Chancelier Provincial

Thank you to Dima Bou-Obeid, Déborah Jung and Patrick Lauer for the photos they shared with us