Tim and Eva Ewers’ love blossomed over their love for food while working together in a French restaurant in Mississippi.
Together, they long dreamed of opening their own French restaurant.
After traveling and starting their family, they chose to settle near Tim’s hometown of Sparta and start their own business.
When they found a property in Sparta, they began to envision their future there. But the deal didn’t go through, leaving them feeling defeated.
Eva and Tim Ewers stand in one of the main dining rooms of Le Chateau in La Crosse on Aug. 11. The restaurant features five indoor dining rooms for regular dinner service.
Saskia Hatvany | River Valley Media Group
“We were kind of crushed, and decided that we needed to look around a little bit more,” said Eva Ewers, co-owner of Le Chateau. “Driving down Cass Street, we found this property that has been sitting for sale for quite some time. It didn’t look the greatest on the outside; there were overgrown gardens, and it was not really well-maintained.”
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The building just off the Cass Street Bridge was a one-of-a-kind manor built over 170 years ago – historically known as the Mons Anderson House.
And while it was once unkempt, when the couple purchased the historic building in 2010, they spent the next nine months renovating the space, restoring its elegant bones to its former glory.
Tim Ewers prepares food in the kitchen of Le Chateau on Aug. 11 in La Crosse.
Saskia Hatvany | River Valley Media Group
For many in La Crosse, it is unlike anything they have ever seen, taking architectural inspiration from Italian Villa and Gothic Revival style.
The Ewers play into the opulent setting, making sure a visit to Le Chateau is a one-of-a-kind experience.
“That European feel is already here, and we’re just bringing that to La Crosse,” said Tim Ewers, co-owner of Le Chateau.
Le Chateau
Signature Fare: Seared duck
Price: $30
Address: 410 Cass St., La Crosse
Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Information: lechateaulacrosse.com, 608-782-6498
“Not only we are unique in our structure and what the building looked like, but the menu is also something that we want to keep it unique,” said Eva Ewers.
Each level in the restaurant offers a unique, curated experience for guests.
Patrons dine outdoors during an event at Le Chateau on Aug. 13.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
“You’re in a house that was built in the 1800s – one of a kind,” said Jason Lerch, a regular customer at La Chateau. “Everything here is one of a kind.”
And while Le Chateau is known as a fine dining establishment, three different dining options make the experience more approachable to guests.
La Cave Bartender Ostin Castillo makes a cocktail at the bar on Aug. 11. The bar is located on the lower level of Le Chateau.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
While the main floor of the house offers a full fine-dining experience, the basement strays from the classic, European-style meal that Le Chateau offers, transporting guests into a cave-like cellar known as La Cave.
“We still have the stigma of this is not approachable,” said Eva Ewers. “As we grew, we also wanted to open it up to multiple, you know, demographics and others – not just the special occasion. … La Cave was the first step toward that.”
The “High School Dropout” cocktail at La Cave in La Crosse.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
The outdoor dining area blends the two experiences, with the same service, food, and drinks, but in a more relaxed environment.
“Le Chateau, in general, is an experience,” said Ostin Castillo, Le Chateau bar manager.
At the center of it all is the French cuisine inspired menu.
“The food and the experience that you’re going to attend is going to be unique, and that’s kind of what we hang our hat on,” Tim Ewers said. “Anybody, no matter whether you’re a world traveler or not, you will find something that you’re going to remember.”
Eva Ewers stands in “The Tower” in the top floor of Le Chateau in La Crosse. The restaurant offers a seven-course tasting menu in the private dining room.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
The restaurant’s seared duck has quickly become one of the most popular and unique items offered, due to its rarity in La Crosse.
“Duck is so unique on its own, and so many people don’t feel that they’ve had a good experience with duck,” said Tim Ewers. “If you were going to try and be adventurous, this would be the place you’d want to be at to experience those kinds of things.”
While the dishes’ sides rotate based on available seasonal ingredients, as the summer’s end nears, the seared duck will feature a side of ratatouille.
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The seared duck breast is served with seasonal vegetables at Le Chateau. The dish is a staple on the rotating menu.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
“What we love to do is take dishes and ideas that are very classic and then make them approachable,” said Tim Ewers.
Customers recognize and appreciate the approach.
Chef and co-owner of Le Chateau Tim Ewers buttons his coat.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
“The quality of service, the quality of the stuff that they do, and the uniqueness of this,” Lerch said. “You’re not going to find this in most other places in Wisconsin.”
The library in Le Chateau is used for private events.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
The exterior of Le Chateau in La Crosse.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
The Mons Anderson House, home to Le Chateau restaurant, is located on Cass Street in La Crosse. The 19th century house was purchased by Tim and Eva Ewers in 2011.
Saskia Hatvany, River Valley Media Group
Eva Ewers walks through the main floor of Le Chateau on Aug. 11.
Saskia Hatvany,River Valley Media Group
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Le Chateau, a French restaurant in La Crosse, is located in a historic 1800s mansion that was renovated by co-owners Tim and Eva Ewers. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a European-inspired menu that features rare dishes such as seared duck.
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