La Merise
Laubach, France
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This traditional Alsace house near Haguenau is a remarkable new construction built out of old materials so as to seamlessly blend in with its rural setting overlooking the hills and orchards. It is the haunt of Christelle and Cédric Deckert. Using high-quality ingredients, the chef concocts his own intriguing take on classical, yet never boring recipes, enhanced by subtle and skilfully prepared jus and sauces. The brilliant sommelier Joël Brendel is a treasure trove of insightful tips.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant La Merise in Laubach:
1. Architectural Harmony with Tradition and Nature
La Merise is housed in a remarkable new construction that uses old materials such as oak half-timbering, biberschwanz tiles, and reclaimed Vosges sandstone to seamlessly blend with its rural Alsace setting. This combination preserves the precious heritage of the region while presenting a modern, yet traditional Alsatian house surrounded by orchards and herb gardens.
2. Culinary Philosophy Focused on Authenticity and Intelligibility
Chef Cédric Deckert’s cuisine is noted for its authenticity, precision, and especially intelligibility. The menu descriptions are clear and easily understandable, aiming to make the dining experience transparent and accessible without sacrificing creativity. The dishes are classical but never boring, enhanced by subtle, skillfully prepared jus and sauces.
3. Integration of Local Elements and Personal Touches
The restaurant’s name, La Merise, refers to tiny wild cherries (merises) from the local area, reflecting a deep connection to the region. Additionally, the presence of an extensive wine cellar with over 5,000 bottles curated by the sommelier Joël Brendel adds a treasure trove of insightful wine pairings. The dining experience is also marked by the gracious professionalism of Christelle Deckert, the chef’s wife, who runs the front of house with exceptional skill.
These elements together create a Michelin-starred restaurant experience that is deeply rooted in local tradition, yet innovative and approachable.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin two-star restaurant La Merise in Laubach, Alsace, reflect the chef's focus on high-quality, seasonal, and terroir-driven produce, skillfully used to reinterpret French classics with bold and balanced flavors. Key ingredients include:
Red Mullet: Featured in a signature dish paired with Madras curry and coconut soup, this ingredient highlights the chef’s ability to blend Alsatian cuisine with exotic spice influences, creating a fragrant and memorable flavor profile that evokes a spice market in southern India.
Pigeon Breast: Used in a roast preparation with a reduced jus infused with ginger, this ingredient is notable for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and the subtle, full-bodied flavor of the accompanying sauce, showcasing the chef’s mastery of precise cooking and sauce preparation.
Seasonal Local Ingredients: The chef carefully selects ingredients each season to showcase and elevate, ensuring freshness and intensity of flavors that are balanced and never overwhelming. This approach underpins the entire menu and is central to the restaurant’s identity.
Subtle and Skillfully Prepared Jus and Sauces: While not a single ingredient, the use of delicate, well-crafted jus and sauces is a hallmark of the cuisine at La Merise, enhancing the natural flavors of the main ingredients and contributing to the refined dining experience.
These ingredients and their treatments exemplify La Merise’s signature style: modern yet rooted in tradition, with a focus on clarity of flavor, elegance, and inventive combinations that celebrate the Alsatian terroir.