Alsace Press

---

 UNION — It’s ironic that Jennifer and Fabrice Roux should choose a town named Union for the location of their new restaurant, Alsace. The restaurant, in many ways, is a union of histories and peoples, a blend of cuisines and dining experiences. Jennifer and Fabrice Roux opened their restaurant, Alsace, in Union, in October 2023. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Roux Photo courtesy of Jennifer Roux 1 of 2 Fabrice, originally from the Champagne region of France, and Jennifer first met in Berkeley, California, and have now brought their restaurant expertise and unique blend of cultures to Maine. Alsace has become both a destination and a locale. It draws people from the surrounding area while also pulling visitors from Portland and farther away. It uses local ingredients, working with area farms and fisheries, while offering dishes from both France and Germany. The Alsace region of France is itself a blend. Originally sought after by both France and Germany, the two countries fought over it for centuries, largely for its rich wine history, boasting some of the finest vineyards in the world. Alsace the restaurant, for its part, is elegant and inviting; both offering a high-end feel and fine dining, while maintaining its own comfortable experience and strong sense of place. With a gleaming marble bar, dim lighting and its own whiskey, Alsace is ready for anyone who might walk through its doors. “We want to make sure that people are able to have access to really beautiful wines without breaking the bank,” Jennifer said. “We want to make sure that they have a comfort level around trying new wines.” The two owners have crafted a restaurant that seems both singular in place, and yet seamless with its location. Fabrice said that they strive to keep the prices reasonable, often breaking even on wine nights and other events. “It’s really important to us that people come together and have that space to make new friends and experience something new,” Jennifer said. Jennifer and Fabrice chose their location in Union after scouting several buildings, none of which worked out. Jennifer said that they have since counted their blessings that Alsace ended up where it did, “because she’s actually perfect.” They opened the restaurant in October 2023. Fabrice went to culinary school in France and worked at a Michelin-star restaurant in Paris. He came to the U.S. in 2000 and he and Jennifer opened their first restaurant in California in 2015. Jennifer is a retired principal and teacher who has since transitioned to restaurants and working as a sommelier. Now, Fabrice handles the menu and Jennifer the business. The two collaborate on the wine list. Kyle Laurita Reporter “We’re using Morse’s sauerkraut,” Fabrice said. “I’m trying to do all my [own] sausages as much as I can. I do my own duck confit… [We’re] trying to work with all of the farms… the scallop, the lobster, the haddock… We went on Monday to Damariscotta to work with some oyster farms.” Alsace boasts pretzels and onion soup, but also sauteed gambas and duck confit; both wild haddock and short ribs, as well as creme brulee. The menu will often change to account for local and seasonal ingredients, but will also keep some staples and favorites penned in ink. Fabrice and Jennifer have now lived in Lincolnville with their son for three years, moving from California after COVID and the wildfires. “[During COVID] all three of our businesses were shut down,” Jennifer said. “And then we get our eighth evacuation in six years for a wildfire… We’re not even putting our documents in the safe anymore, just in a shopping bag by the door, ready to go at any time… And I said, ‘Maybe we don’t wait until [our son] graduates from college. Maybe he goes to high school in Maine and we leave.’” Jennifer said that since they moved, they’ve gotten to know people walking through their doors on a first-name basis. “A majority of people are coming from a 12-mile radius… We’re so happy that people are having such a good time.” Alsace is open Wednesday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and their next wine dinner will take place on Friday, Feb. 9. See t