Restaurant
The White Horse Inn seems inhabited by a beautiful soul. The Koehler family celebrates fine gastronomy there in a warm atmosphere and a zen setting. Where the nobles stopped at the time with their white horses, find themselves today gourmets.
Latest edition : 26 April 2020
The Auberge du Cheval Blanc in Westhalten hides its game well. The former coaching inn has kept its beautiful Alsatian character, suggesting that the restaurant it houses serves solid local cuisine.
When you push the door, you are surprised: the interior is resolutely contemporary, sober, airy, in luminous gray and mauve tones that highlight the venerable hundred-year-old beams. The soul of the place is preserved while taking on a new dynamic.
From the outset, you feel comfortable, probably also because of the warm and family welcome. Because at the Koehlers, it's the whole family that watches over: Raymonde and Gilbert Koehler, their son Jérôme and his wife Caroline.
It was in 1976 that Gilbert Koehler took over the establishment which has been in his family since at least 1785! He was only 20 years old when he had to leave the Ricordeau restaurant in Loué where he learned to love quality products but also the art of the table. The village bistro, the simple inn, then became a gourmet restaurant.
To recharge his batteries and breathe fresh air, he takes care of a few vines planted with gewurz and sylvaner. In the kitchen, he favors regional products, even “maxilocal” products, such as the small cheeses from Anne-Sophie's goat farm in Rouffach.
Gilbert Koehler knew how to surround himself with an efficient team with fine culinary references. With an open mind, a gourmet imagination always on the alert, the Master Chef of France knows how to develop his work techniques, to always sublimate the products. The menu changes with the seasons, the dishes every week.
His son Jérôme grew up in this gourmet and tasty atmosphere, with only one wish: to become a chef, too. At the Auberge de l'Ill, Serge Dubs encourages him to be more interested in wine in order to sublimate the dishes. This is the birth of his passion for food and wine pairings.
Evidenced by the excellent wine list of the Cheval-Blanc and, above all, the service by the glass of great wines. A great initiative. Shouldn't the wine match the dish?
If Jérôme, who also learned the noble trade of cook, cannot take over from his father in the kitchen for health reasons, he is an attentive butler. And a sommelier of excellent advice. “I learned everything from contact with the elders,” he admits modestly.
If the menu changes according to the products, some "essentials" are always there. Like the Foie Gras Tasting in three courses: in a pot-au-feu, in a pan-fried escalope and in gourmet sandwiches. Irresistible !
At noon, from Wednesday to Saturday, two menus allow you to discover all the know-how of Gilbert Koehler and his team (from €37 to €89).
The Koehler family also takes part in the “Formula Jeunes” action (see box) launched in 1990 by the association of the Stars of Alsace. The “prestige” menu (€79) includes five dishes plus appetizers and sweets. Jérôme serves for each puts the wine in harmony. Wine, water and coffee are included in the price.
The amethysts on the table are an idea of Raymonde Koehler, concerned with creating a soothing atmosphere. As this semi-precious stone is supposed to evacuate stress, nothing prevents you from fully enjoying the joys of the table!
Auberge du Cheval Blanc
20 rue de Rouffach
68 250 Westhalten
Phone. 03 89 47 01 16
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Happy those under 35! Until April 30, they have the opportunity to discover the fine flower of Alsatian restaurants at preferential prices.
This great initiative was born in 1990. The members of the Étoiles d'Alsace association offer festive menus for those under 35 years old. The opportunity to push for example the door of a gourmet restaurant or even starred.
Three formulas are available:
This price includes the aperitif, a hot or cold starter, fish and/or meat, dessert, wine, water and coffee.
For any Youth Formula purchased, several butchers-charcutiers - caterers, bakers, cheese makers and pastry chefs offer reductions of up to -50% on a range of fine products to enjoy at home.
To take advantage of it, it's simple: just book directly with a participating establishment. To offer a voucher, it is possible to order it on the association's e-shop.
All information on the Youth Formula
Phone. 03 88 56 21 21