Hotel Auberge du Cheval Blanc (Westhalten, Francia)

Hotel Auberge du Cheval Blanc: in breve

General: A typical setting reminiscent of Alsace and its customs. Loyal to the family spirit they prize, the Koehler family has preserved the soul of this inn, which used to provide hospitality to post-house guests last century. RESTAURANT This charming traditional inn with its particularly well cared for surroundings has a dining room with unusual decor, both modern and traditional with its beams, mouse-grey panelling, zebra carpet and designer chairs. A zen atmosphere radiates from this set-up where friendly, smiling staff serve a refined repertoire to please the greatest gourmets. It's the owner's cooking that demonstrates great rigour in selecting produce, mostly local, and true skill, both in terms of presentation and the combination of flavours. His interpretation of Val d'Orbey trout fillet accompanied by sauce vierge with courgettes and peppers, sweet oil and two excellent ricotta raviolis in lemon butter is a delicious example. One of many dishes mixing tradition and modernity: the superb venison served with pureed fennel and a few pan-fried plums. To wash it down, the wine list gives pride of place to the wines of Alsace and offers - unusually - at least 58 half bottles.