Skiing and food go hand in hand, and when staying in a luxury chalet in an Alpine resort such as Alpe’D’Huez, you will definitely be treated to some gastronomic delights. The catered chalet concept has evolved to mean that you should never want for anything when it comes to food - and indeed the idea is one that people return to year after year. That said, there may be a lunchtime or the occasional evening when you fancy a change and want to head out into Alpe D’Huez and try some regional specialities. This area, after all, is famous for its iconic mountain cuisine, so it would be a shame not to sample these dishes before you leave. Mountain Specialities The lovely thing about these dishes is that you are not likely to get them in your luxury chalet. Instead, you can enjoy them in an authentic setting in a local restaurant, giving you a completely different experience. Fondue A throwback from the 80s you might say, but actually this dish has been a staple in the Alps for decades. The classic dish is originally from Switzerland and is made up of a delicious combination of three different cheeses: Emmental, Comté and Beaufort. It is a meal that is designed for sharing, and gathering round the fondue pot with friends in front of a roaring fire is what an Alpine holiday is all about. Dipping meat, bread and potato into the cheese and wine mixture is a delight rarely matched. Where to Eat: Le Chalet du Per'Sille in the Old Town of Alpe D’Huez is a charming place to sample this speciality. Raclette Another legendary dish from this area is raclette, which is just as sociable as fondue. History tells us that the first raclette was served in 1290 and, once you have tasted it, you will see why it has stood the test of time. Again, the local cheese of the same name is the star of the show and it is served as a huge half round, held upright on a warm raclette stand. As the cheese melts you can enjoy it with potato, crisp gherkins, charcuterie and onions. Where to Eat: La Crémaillère L'alpe D'huez is our pick for enjoying a superb raclette. Tartiflette When it comes to ‘rich and hearty’, this one is a winner. It is a more recent addition to mountain menus but has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors. Potatoes, bacon, white wine and Reblochon cheese are the key ingredients of this dish, but today there are many variations. After a long day on the slopes this one has everything you need to recharge your batteries, and it tastes fantastic too. Where to Eat: La Petite Taverne in Alpe D’Huez is a lovely venue and serves an excellent tartiflette. There’s no doubt that luxury chalet holidays will provide you with the very best cuisine, but if you are a discerning traveller who enjoys sampling the local food too, then these iconic dishes are a good starting point. Other interesting options to look out for include: ? Diot sausages with white wine ? Crozet pasta ? Savoyard hot pot, which is a lovely combination of vegetables, diot sausages and bacon ? La Boîte Chaude, which is a Mont d’Or cheese baked in the oven in its box and served with bread to dip. When booking your luxury chalet holiday, it is always recommended to go through a reputable tour operator. Expert teams of knowledgeable staff will be able to guide you towards the holiday you are looking for, and while they take care of crossing the ‘i’s and dotting the ‘t’s, you can plan your authentic Alpine dining experience. Author Plate Tim Heal is the founder of Chaletline, a travel agency offering catered chalet accommodation in worldwide ski resorts. With an extensive knowledge of resorts and excellent post booking care, they pride themselves on the personal touch they offer to each and every client. If you're looking for a luxury chalet they can quickly and efficiently match you with the perfect accommodation in a range of excellent resorts. Catering for individuals, couples and groups up to 50, the knowledgeable Chaletline team will help you choose the right chalet in the right resort.
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