Star-struck dynasties

A first "macaron" in 2001, the second in 2005, and finally, ultimate consecration in 2014. His reputation is firmly established. He who dreamed when young of seeing his name in the famous red guidebook has fulfilled his destiny. 50-year-old Arnaud Lallement can pride himself on his achievement. Heading L’Assiette Champenoise in Tinqueux, this 3-star Chef concocts pure cuisine, full of emotion, highlighting the authenticity of local produce. A high-flying score humbly inherited from his father, Jean-Pierre, who founded the restaurant. It was, in fact, by his side that our child prodigy basked in the warmth of the ovens. After training with great names such as Roger Vergé, Michel Guérard and Alain Chapel, Arnaud took over the restaurant's reins at the dawn of the new century, recovering the lost Michelin star one year later. Awarded a top score of 19.5 in the Gault et Millau, his address shines out among the finest in France, and beyond.

A legacy of fine taste also features in the tale of Marc Haeberlin, Chef at the Auberge de l’Ill, whose passion for cuisine runs in his veins, just like the river in Alsace. A passion handed down by his father, Paul, a culinary genius, to whom he pays homage by keeping some of his great classics on the menu. Frog mousseline, salmon soufflé, and truffle in ash thus accompany innovative, carefully composed creations. Imbued with regional flavours, this traditional and seasonal cuisine attains its peak thanks to pairings of dishes and wines meticulously orchestrated by Serge Dubs, Best Sommelier in the world. All with generosity, elegance and excellence, pillars dear to this 2-star family-run restaurant.

Heir to a line of restaurant owners, Jean-Yves Schillinger was initiated at an early age to cooking. After training with Gérard Boyer in Reims, Jean-Paul Bonin at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris, and Joël Robuchon at the Jamin, his desire to travel led him far from his homeland. Returning to Colmar in 2002, he opened his restaurant JY’S, a contemporary setting crowned by two stars, now in the Hotel MGallery. Regularly renewed, the menu proposes an alchemy of flavours from here and there, fusion masterfully orchestrated and culled by the Chef from his seven years in New York. In the dining-room, his wife Kathia, Mistress of the House, brings it to life through impeccable, attentive service.

In the name of good taste

His flame is kindled by experiences alongside great names in gastronomy such as François Girardin at the Ritz in Paris, Jacques and Laurent Pourcel in Montpellier, and Au Cygne in Gundershoffen. Directing La Merise in Laubach, which he owns with his wife, Christelle, Chef Cédric Deckert delivers his interpretation of great classics in clear, easy to read, gourmet cuisine giving a place of honour to produce from Alsace. Perfect mastery of techniques and flavours, winning the address two Michelin stars.

At the helm of Le K, the gastronomic restaurant of Le Domaine de la Klauss in Montenach, Benoît Potdevin won a star by the Michelin Guide in 2024. For this young Chef, aged 36, cuisine is above all a matter of "gourmandise". He makes it a point of honour to highlight fresh, seasonal products, while adding his own touch. His signature? Generous, surprising dishes inviting guests to share and enjoy. During his career, he had the chance to forge a unique culinary identity by drawing inspiration from his encounters and experiences in renowned establishments.

From soil to plate

While Chefs are in the spotlight with each distribution of Michelin stars, producers also play an essential role in their acquisition. Backstage, discreet but indispensable, these craftsmen of good taste share the same love of top-quality products. Each day, they deliver fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, and cheese, which Chefs in the Grand Est make even more sublime in their dishes.