JY'S
Colmar, France
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Schillinger is a name that resonates particularly strongly in Alsace. First there was Jean, then there was his son Jean-Yves, who, after a period on the New York City restaurant scene (Destinée, Olica), returned home in 2002. Here in this restaurant bordering the Champ-de-Mars Park, he is full of bright ideas. His cuisine embraces one tradition after another with disconcerting ease – Alsace, the United States, Brittany and Japan. Confident in his strengths, he deploys a no-holds-barred approach – as in, for example, his Breton lobster cooked in a Cona coffee maker and served with the claw in a spring roll and fresh herb agnolotti, or a medley of green apple textures flanked by a seafood lemon and caviar sorbet..., not to mention the trolley laden with exquisite bite-sized desserts. A unique experience and exceptional flavours.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant JY'S in Colmar:
1. Artistic and Nature-Inspired Appetizers Around an Olive Tree
JY'S offers a six-course menu featuring an artistic and culinary creation that begins with appetizers served around an olive tree, described as a magnificent ode to nature that immerses diners in a bath of freshness. This presentation reflects a deep aesthetic and creative approach, emphasizing textures and tastes that showcase the ingenuity of the chef and his team.
2. Location and Ambiance Contrast with Colmar’s Fairytale Setting
While Colmar is known for its picturesque, fairytale-like old town, JY'S is housed in a beautiful 17th-century building with a trompe l’oeil façade but features a sleek, modern interior with an open kitchen and a lounge-bar atmosphere. This contemporary style contrasts sharply with the traditional surroundings, offering a unique dining environment that blends modernity with historical charm.
3. Dining Experience on a Scenic Terrace by the River
One of the major highlights at JY'S is the option to dine on the terrace next to the scenic Lauch river in the romantic Petite Venise quarter of Colmar. The outdoor seating under a pergola, surrounded by colorful houses, provides a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that differs from the typical high-powered Michelin-starred restaurant experience, especially in summer when the dress code is more casual.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant JY'S in Colmar, led by Chef Jean-Yves Schillinger, include:
Olives: Featured creatively as an appetizer, such as olives presented hanging from an olive tree branch, symbolizing a fresh and artistic ode to nature.
Sea Bream (Gravlax preparation): Used in a refined dish showcasing the chef's skill in transforming simple ingredients into divine creations, emphasizing precision and flavor balance.
Foie Gras: Served roasted on sushi rice, demonstrating a fusion of classic French luxury ingredient with Asian-inspired presentation and technique.
Scallops: Pan-fried and paired with a fennel purée, highlighting delicate seafood with complementary textures and flavors.
Sea Bass: Prepared with crispy scales lacquered with citrus fruits and accompanied by a sauce infused with global flavors, reflecting the chef's inventive and worldly approach to French cuisine.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Chef Schillinger’s meticulous technique, creative combinations, and his ability to marry traditional French culinary elements with international influences, resulting in elegant, authentic, and visually impressive dishes that define JY'S signature style.