When we were skiing in Val Thorens in January we were really impressed with the quality of restaurants on offer. One of our favourite places we had dinner was the Michelin-starred L’Epicurien, part of the 5 star Residence Montana hotel by the Plein Sud piste in the heart of Val Thorens, which serves modern fine French cuisine created by head chef Jérémy Gillon featuring seasonal ingredients from local artisan producers. We started with a cocktail made with raspberry nectar, vodka, lemon juice and brown sugar topped with Champagne and decided on the Carpe Diem tasting menu. The food is inventive, the presentation is excellent and every dish was a winner.
First up, the amuse-bouche was a tasty concoction served in a shot glass made with milk, basil, garlic and parsley, followed by cereal bread with butter and a delicious olive oil with citrus made in Saint Malo in Brittany. Each course was artfully displayed on large white plates, featuring lots of local delicacies like snails from Chambéry, celeriac and walnuts from Grenoble and plenty of Alpine herbs. We had wine pairings suggested by the friendly sommelier Romain and shared butternut squash with basil and cashew nuts, sea bream, suckling lamb from Pyrenees and a palate-cleansing fresh coriander and pear sorbet. Both desserts were outstanding: clementine and kombu and the unusual dessert betterave of beetroot with elder from Essert Blay. SO good. To finish, we had mini macarons and chocolates before chatting with the lovely, hands-on owner Sonia and thanking her for a very special dinner in the mountains.
L'Epicurien, rue du Soleil, 73440 Val-Thorens
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