Alpine cuisine is particularly warming and lip-smackingly satisfying as most people come down from the slopes ravenously hungry after their skiing session. Red wind-burned cheeks glowing, a warming Schnapps in hand, contemplating the menu in front of an enthralling log fire, they are ready to tuck into some local fare, sometimes to Bavarian thigh-slapping entertainment. Alpine cuisine is quite different from traditional fine cuisine, as it tends to be honest, no-nonsense generously portioned food, rather than nouvelle cuisine portions. They also use more locally sourced ingredients, like beef, fish and cheeses.
One of the most popular Alpine dishes is fondue, a wonderfully satisfying dish made from various melted cheeses, garlic and spices, salt, flour and a good dash of white wine or kirsch. Just dip in chunks of local crusty bread. It is a perfect dish to serve after a skiing session.
What is more filling than a big bowl of Gulashsuppe, a divine winter warming soup made with braising steak, peppers, paprika and sour cream, wild game & fish specialties.
Wiener Schnitzel is a typical Austrian meat dish which delicately flavoured veal or pork encased in a crusty coat of breadcrumbs. It is often served with a potato salad or noodles (spaetzle).
Don’t forget the typical German Bratwurst, served with sauerkraut.
Kaese Spaetzle is the Bavarian version of macaroni cheese, made with home-made noodles and a selection of local cheeses.
If you still have room, sample the heavenly chocolate fondues, washed down with some local wine.
Great Mountain restaurants around the world:
Le Vagabond is a famous hostelry in Chamonix, very popular for its good reasonably priced home-cooked food in cosy surroundings. It had a great drinks menu, lots of good French wines and they also specialise in Scotch whisky.
Also in Chamonix is the Le Panier des 4 Saisons, said to the best restaurant in town. It is just off the main street and it offers the best and freshest of seasonal produce and has a great selection of Haute Savoie region wines.
If you go and ski in the USA The Bavaria Restaurant, situated in the centre of Whistler serves the best of European alpine cuisine. They serve a great selection of Swiss cheese fondues. Also on the menu are veal or pork schnitzels served with homemade noodles (spaetzle). They serve grill meats like wild game. They are also known for their fish specialities. You may want to try chocolate fondues for desert.
Another Alpine restaurant is Alpine Inn, situated in Main St, Hill City, South Dakota. They have a number of Bavarian treats on the menu, like deliciously tender Weiner schnitzel and Kaese Spaetzle. They also serve steaks, German potato salad and a wonderful selection of deserts.
If you find yourself further afield in Nepal, visit the Old Tashi Delek Rest in Thamel to sample the Tibetan momos. They are delicious steamed dumplings, made with beef or vegetables. Their Thenthuk Noodle Soup is also delicious.
Author: This post was supplied on behalf of Simply Piste, online ski clothing store, specialising in ski jackets, pants and footwear.