The story
La Salamandre opened its doors in the heart of Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, in a fully restored tuffeau stone house between the Renaissance château and the collegiate church. It is the project of four friends passionate about their region, its history, and its culinary heritage. The kitchen is led by Chef Jeroen Steentjes, who welcomes guests on behalf of them all.
Jeroen Steentjes brings 22 years of experience from starred hotels and restaurants in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and beyond. He and his wife Marike settled in Loir-et-Cher in 2012. His style quickly made its mark: refined, full of flavour, and modern. Steentjes cooks with the seasons, letting his imagination guide him as he combines local products. His cuisine is contemporary and rooted in the region, with a strong commitment to sourcing from small producers: vegetables from local growers, wild fish from small boats, meats from Maison Sologne Frais in Blois, and even Sologne caviar from Maison Hennequart.
On the ground floor, the wine bar doubles as a showcase, displaying bottles like works of art. The selection of around one hundred references focuses on Loire wines while also exploring other French wine regions. The dining room, with its tuffeau walls and a small troglodyte cellar, offers a refined atmosphere. When the weather allows, the terrace is open for an apéritif or a coffee break, with suggestions of local cheeses, honey, and charcuterie boards. The restaurant also offers a private room in the wine bar for business meals or celebrations.
La Salamandre has earned a place in the Michelin guide, a recognition that reflects the consistency and quality of Chef Steentjes’s modern cuisine. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the wine bar open continuously from 10:00 to 21:00 on those days. It is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. A takeaway menu is also available, with orders placed 24 to 48 hours in advance.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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