Auberge De L’ill Alsace Maintains Its’ Place in Michelin History

2 star Michelin restaurant Auberge de L’ill, at the charming and picturesque Hotel des Berges, has kept its family heritage alive and its place in Michelin history over 4 decades.  Owned and run by the Haeberlin family, this restaurant, started life in 1950 – earning its first place in the Michelin guide in 1952.

Situated in a picturesque, rural setting, where across the sweeping weeping willow, you can take in views of a pretty part of the river, from the dining room – where up to 100 diners can be seated. Tradition forms the proud heritage of the Haerberlin family at Auberge De L’ill, where it has been kept in the family over 3 generations.

Chef Marc Haeberlin, who took over the kitchen’s helm from his father in 1976, is there now every day to meet and greet customers, to add to the personal touch to a less stately and familiar equlivalent to an Auberge Du Lac.

Described in the guides as French, the menu is more Modern French, with its tinges of German and Japanese influences  – hence the label Modern French may be more apt.  For starters, the more complicated tasters from the trio comprised corn cake, with chorizo and jelly, and rice tuile with black sesame, goose liver and smoked eel – which didn’t go down as well, as the simpler pastry finger, filled with herbs.

The menu options comprised of an assortment of game with robust sauces, that were mixed; again, with a modern twist, instead of regional/traditional French. Venison with apricot; which is more of an English take on the similar, such as Venison with redcurrant or cranberry, preceded by the deboned quail mixed with the thigh meat, which produced a deep coloured and rich jus, and came presented as a Maki Roll.   These were excellently executed, rich, fine dishes that were served to high standards.

The service was impeccable, without any over ceremonious hovering.  The wine list was extensive, and varied; although undeniably mostly French.

Auberge De L’Ill is located at:
2 rue de Collonges au Mont d’Or
68970 Illhaeusern
https://www.auberge-de-l-ill.com

Sandrine Lester