Twelve years ago, I was a senior chef de partie at Kensington Place, London. In November 2000, I left the city to become head chef of a luxury chalet in Crans Montana, Switzerland and it was here that I came to love the mountains. There's nothing quite like speeding down the pistes on a crisp morning, under bright blue skies - the fresh air is invigorating and the views are incredible (especially in Crans Montana with its famous 1000 peaks vista). Cheffing is in my blood though and it should therefore come as no surprise that I'm a bit of a foody! As much as I love skiing, I've always seen it mostly as a means of exciting transportation to and from lunch! My holiday snaps are always dominated by spectacular images of the cooking I've sampled, AKA 'food porn.'
After years in this industry, I've skied all over the world and can confidently say I'm the one to ask if you're looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a tasty Alpine lunch. My top five recommendations include the Chetzeron in Crans Montana for its panoramic views, Valaisan wines and delicious puddings - pistachio ice cream cake with meringues anyone?La Fruitiere in Val d'Isere is next - full of character with antiques, milk churns and white washed wood (when you've finished eating you can party away at the infamous Folie Douce next door). Zermatt has some of the best mountain restaurants around (you can even go gourmet ski guiding here) and Chez Vrony is our personal favourite. Courchevel has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other ski resort - for a special treat, try Le Cap Horn. And for a typical Swiss mountain lunch, Chez Dany in Verbier delivers on all fronts. Sometimes, a bubbling cheese fondue is the only way forward! I really feel that a good mountain lunch is an essential part of an unforgettable ski holiday - try one of these places and I'm sure you'll become just as much of a ski foody as me!
If you're a ski foody, give us a call and we'll plan your ski holiday around some excellent restaurant reservations. We can also recommend the best 'foody' hotels and chalets +44 1993 899 420
