The Philosophy
“Our sustainable concept in the kitchen as well as throughout the entire operation has been rewarded,” says Head Chef Christian Münch-Buchna about the awarding of the Green Star to his restaurant “Landküche” in the Landhotel Saarschleife. “We did not aim for any particular award, but I see it as a nice bonus that confirms our way of thinking.” In February 2020, the hotel management near the Cloef decided to establish a new sustainable concept across the entire operation and to renovate some of the premises. As one of 53 restaurants in Germany at the time, the Landhotel Saarschleife then received the Green Michelin Star for especially sustainable cuisine last year. It is now listed again in the current Michelin Guide. “This is the achievement of our entire team,” emphasizes Christian Münch-Buchna. All 48 employees in the company are regularly trained in sustainable and energy-saving work practices, and waste is to be avoided as much as possible. The restaurant’s menu is based on seasonal and regional ingredients, and transport routes are kept as short as possible.
Mayor Kiefer visited the kitchen team
“An award like this enhances the appeal of our entire community,” praises Mettlach’s mayor Daniel Kiefer to the team at Landhotel Saarschleife. “Visitors can experience high-quality and sustainable culinary art here. This elevates their visit to our community and they might even stay longer,” the city hall chief thanks the head chef. He sees the award not only as a gain for the hotel but thus for the entire tourism sector at the Saarschleife. “I am pleased, congratulate the team and the Buchna family and hope that Landhotel Saarschleife can maintain this valuable award for many years to come,” concluded the mayor in his words to Christian Münch-Buchna and his team, handing over a commemorative certificate on behalf of the municipality of Mettlach during his visit.
The Green Star
Since 2020, the Michelin Guide has awarded the "Green Star" to establishments that focus on sustainability as well as environmental and resource conservation. The Michelin Guide team is interested in all positive initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment. The efforts of restaurateurs often vary greatly, ranging from the origin and quality of products to the seasonality of the menu, as well as waste prevention and recycling. The ability of chefs to raise awareness among their team and customers for this approach is also included. Currently, 61 German establishments are listed on the Michelin Guide website as being particularly distinguished by sustainable practices.
The Saarschleife Country Hotel
The country hotel Saarschleife near the Orscholz Cloef started in 1935 as a small inn with a restaurant. Today, it is a 4-star hotel and restaurant with a special focus on ecological awareness, regionality, and a feel-good atmosphere.
