After the beloved restaurant “Gudde Kascht” closed its doors in November 2022, young and ambitious chef Ben Weber, together with his wife, the talented pastry chef Alexandra Pancher, has embarked on a new culinary adventure: La Bottega. This charming new concept, located at the same spot as the former restaurant, blends Italian gastro-culture with a sustainable approach.
The idea for La Bottega was born during a holiday in Italy, where Ben fell in love with the relaxed atmosphere of the Italian “bottega” – a mix between a delicatessen and a bistro. “The first time I walked into a bottega, I immediately loved the inviting atmosphere,” Ben recalls. “You take something away, but there’s just as much love and care put into the dishes as in a restaurant. Whether it’s Nonna’s homemade tomato preserves – there’s always a story behind it. That’s exactly what we’re trying to recreate here.”
Farm-to-Jar Concept
Don’t worry – Ben Weber is still active in the kitchen, albeit in a slightly different manner than before. His new approach: establishing the “Ben Weber” brand for local and sustainable farm-to-table preserves. The concept is based on close collaboration with regional farmers, from whom Ben sources surplus or irregularly shaped produce that wouldn’t make it to regular retail. From these ingredients, he develops creative recipes, which are then sealed in airtight jars and pasteurized for preservation. The range includes pickled vegetables, soups, and specialties like chili con carne, sauce bolognaise, and bouchée à la reine.
Ben emphasizes the importance of recognizing the producers: “Even for jarred dishes, you need the best ingredients to achieve the perfect result. That’s why close collaboration with our farmers is of utmost importance to me.” While sustainability is a serious topic for him, Ben Weber’s friendly demeanor gives his brand a light and accessible image.
While Ben is the man for savory creations, his wife Alexandra Pancher focuses on sweet delights. She ensures a constantly changing selection of small pastries in the store and takes orders for larger cakes and tarts.
Everything in One Place
La Bottega serves not only as a sales point for Ben’s creations but also as a platform for smaller, high-quality Luxembourgish producers. “We have many great products in Luxembourg, but it’s been difficult to bring them all together in one place,” Ben explains. The store features products such as cheese from Fromagerie Schmalen, dairy products from Molkerei Thiry, and snacks from Let’z Chips. Sustainable household products like soaps and laundry detergent from Wasch are also available.
Those missing the Gudde Kascht restaurant will be pleased to hear that Ben still plans dinner events for special occasions. These evening events pay homage to the restaurant’s culinary past. Dates and details for these events are announced on La Bottega’s website and social media channels.
La Bottega
20 Rue Henerecht, 6370 Haller Waldbillig
Phone: 83 67 48
gudde-kascht.lu
Photos: Charel Heinen (KACHEN)
