Pascal Bastian, Gault&Millau d'Or 2024 for the Grand Est region

Émilie Lesur | 10/28/24, 4:49 PM

The chef at the Auberge du Cheval Blanc in Lembach was named Gault&Millau d'Or at the Gault&Millau Tour Grand Est 2024.

Pascal Bastian, chef at the Auberge du Cheval Blanc, was named Gault&Millau d'Or at the Gault&Millau Tour Grand-Est. The event was held this Monday, October 28, 2024 at the Pavillon Joséphine in Strasbourg's Parc de l'Orangerie.

A love of challenge

Jean-Georges Klein's former second-in-command, has transformed his restaurant into a gastronomic reference in the Northern Vosges after sixteen years in Lembach. With his wife Carole, they are modernizing this former 18th-century coaching inn while preserving its historic charm. "When you first arrive, it's an imposing house. The first time we walked in, my wife said 'no, never'. But after that, you see the project and you're ready to go! The chef, named Grand de Demain in 2009, cooks with passion and generosity, focusing on quality ingredients, both local and otherwise. His approach has evolved towards simplification and a search for the right taste, while maintaining emblematic dishes such as foie gras raviole. Concerned with the customer experience, he rejects hidden menus, favoring choice and pleasure. "I like it when people jump with the bread! We're trying to go more and more towards the product. " His reinforced team ensures a service to match his culinary ambitions.

Second Gault&Millau title

"It's a source of pride for me, for my wife, and it comforts us to know that we're on the right track," said the chef, smiling broadly. He added,"Today, we're nothing without our teams. They were all happy and proud too!" For Pascal Bastian, Gault&Millau is no mean feat: "The spirit of the guide has always spoken to me. When I was younger, I used to see chefs leafing through and looking at the scores."