As Spring rolls in the conditions for alfresco dining in the Alps have never been so perfect. After a couple of hours on the piste the combination of exercise and the refreshing mountain air will find most skiers ready for a spot of lunch or maybe just a coffee on the terrace to recharge for some more of the same after lunch. Here are five restaurants on the slopes of Meribel that will certainly hit the spot.
La Folie Douce
It usually begins with a dream and Luc Reversade had that dream to create the ultimate mountain restaurant but with a twist. He didnt want to present a run of the mill eatery he wanted to combine the food, the decor, the ambience and the entertainment to create something extra special. His idea soon caught on with the public and La Folie Blanche quickly established itself as prime spot for visitors to enjoy the best of what the region had to offer. The little family affair with an initial five staff has grown very quickly and now 400 people collaborate in making the La Folie Douce concept work exceptionally well. Starting with nuts and bolts, the building is constructed from local materials and blends perfectly with the local environment. The cuisine is for the most part locally sourced and the general feel is rustic in keeping with the location. But the departure point from the ordinary is the entertainment, its almost like Ibiza at 2,000 metres. Since its inception in the early 80s La Folie Douce has been at the cutting edge in haute cusine, music/arts, decoration and styling. Luc thrives on working with innovative professionals, fashion designers, choreographers, musicians and performers, allowing them to create their shows in the open air, in the snow. At La Folie Douce, from start to end of season, every day is unique. This place has a wonderful vibe, a personal favourite.
Marie Blanche Hotel Mountain Restaurant
Another favourite of mine is this delightful establishment, easily accessible from the piste and with stunning views from the terrace. Ok, so youve spent all morning drinking in fabulous views but surely you can never get tired of breathtaking scenery and at least here you can sit down and appreciate them with a superb meal or maybe just a glass of red. Renowned for serving up delicious Savoyard dishes so tasty you might like to return for your evening meal too, like the food, this place is moreish. On warm sunny days there is a large open-air terrace on which to dine and admire the view. When it is cooler you can retreat inside to the warmth and enjoy those same views through the large panoramic windows. I had Cote de Boeuf, it was fabulous and I rounded things of with a coffee. Feeling full and satisfied, I swished away down the piste and vowed to return.
Le Ronde Point Restaurant
The popularity of this stop off cant be overestimated, its unpretentious and simple but never the less a lovely spot for a feed and a drink before returning to the serious business on the slopes. Ive been here a few times and the vibe is very nice, great music, not as boisterous as La Folie Blanche but quite lively and a place youll want to return to time and time again. Situated where the Foret and the Rhodos green runs join, it very accessible for every level of skier or indeed boarder. Known locally as The Ronnie they offer honest and simple fare with a menu to suit most tastes, if youre looking for haute cuisine go elsewhere, that isnt their bag, but thats not to say that whats served up isnt delicious and satisfying. The vibe is informal and suits families who can choose to dine indoors or on the sunny terrace, which not surprisingly has great views. Le Ronde Point dies what is does very well, hence its enduring popularity. A great place.
Le Yeti Mountain Restaurant
Another great mountain restaurant, you can literally ski to the door from the surrounding mountains and I have. I found that prices are slightly higher than Id paid elsewhere but then so are the standards – you can expect to eat very well for around 30-35, which is not that pricey. When its too cold or the weathers not suitable for sitting on the terrace Le Yeti comes into its own. A chic alpine interior and a large and welcoming log fire makes you feel cosy and snug and ready to devour your well earned meal. There are stunning mountain views from inside too. After a couple of glasses of red I felt like settling in for the rest of the day as I was very comfortable and content. The cuisine is French fine dining but there is a childrens menu too, so families are catered for here.
Le Yeti Hotel & Restaurant is to be found near the mid-station of the Rhodos bubble. Not as informal as La Folie Duce or La Ronde Point, Le Yeti is a delightful, warm and welcoming place and I highly recommend it if youre wanting to sample a classier establishment.
Le Plantin
This little gem is not on the piste and is a little harder to find than the previous eateries Ive mentioned but its well worth the effort to seek out. Quickly establishing itself as one of the best restaurants in Les Trois Vallees, Le Plantin has a well deserved reputation and draws diners from far and wide. I think the small effort needed to find this slightly out-of-the-way restaurant will be fully repaid in terms of your enjoyment. Owners Agnes and Robert Burdet have succeed in attracting discerning diners from afar with Le Plantins combination of fine cuisine, excellent service and beautiful dcor, I loved the ambience in this delightful restaurant. Le Plantin is located in a pretty little hamlet of the same name not far from Mribel on the Courchevel road. After lunch you will receive a free lift to the nearby Mribel Village chairlift or La Tania to rejoin the 3 Valleys ski area.
A new, young and talented chef has raised the already high standards of cuisine even higher. The man in question, Ludovic Lebaillif has worked in top restaurants in Europe and the UK (including Heston Blumenthals) and has fashioned a gourmet menu full of creative dishes. A special lunchtime menu offers excellent value 2 courses for 30: the special Plantin three course menu is available at 60; or you can eat la carte. Traditional Savoyard specialities are offered alongside the more modern dishes. If you want to push the boat out and have a special evening meal this is definitely the place to go, very romantic and cosy. I should mention the excellent service provided by Alex, who works front-of-house, his enthusiastic and attentiveness helped me to enjoy the whole dining experience. I love this place.
