La Clusaz is a very nice location in Haute-Savoie, along the French Alps. Well known as a refined ski location it is also a very pleasant destination in the summertime. We went there to try two different restaurants and actually the best in this village: "L' Ourson" and "La Ferme". We will start describing the first one, a true upscale and sophisticated spot located in the centre of La Clusaz.
We went at the end of Spring, the very last day of May, so the menu was different from the one in Summertime. What we really want to highlight here is the fact that this warm and cozy restaurant should have taken already at least one Michelin star, because it really deserves it! We are pretty sure they will very soon. Indeed they have already been noticed by the famous gourmet editorial group and also by the Gault & Millau guide.
The interesting part is that the prices are still very good for the quality offered. The excellent duo of "Aline and Laurent Dubois" who have an incredible harmony in working together is a solid base for the success of this restaurant.
They met a the temple of gourmet in the French Alps, known as "La Maison de Bois", the kingdom of the three stars chef Marc Veyrat. She served and he cooked, the love of nature and gastronomy united them in 2005. But the three years spent there were not enough for Laurent who increased his skills attending also another great chef: Claude Legras (two Michelin stars located at Le Floris restaurant) who was also his main mentor at the Auberge "Le Floris" in Anières, near Geneva. Beside all this he used to work at his father's farm. The final result is a great background which allowed him to be exactly where he is, ready to face a future success of starred chef himself.
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| Aline and chef Laurent Dubois |
So you will be surprised to find out the "Ourson" menu it's just 49 euros or that "discovery" in 6 surprises" is 60 euros. Midday, excluding Sundays and holidays, a "lunch" formula is at 21 euros (starter, main course and dessert) or even 18 euros (starter, main course or main course and dessert). For our test dinner we had the "Ourson" and we were truly delighted. At the end we assigned it 20/20 because this place really worths it.
All the ingredients come from La Clusaz: the "Corbassière farmhouse" provides the farm products, Alain Michel is the source for cheese and eggs, and "Pousse midi" for cold cuts. Bread and early vegetables arrive from just a little further away: the "Aravis wood oven" in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and Maulet, Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny. Obviously the fishes come from the nearby lakes and the sea. The wines are also locally produced in one of the most interesting region of France.
We were impressed by the "snowball" dessert a true delight for the palate, also it was followed by a Verbena infusion and an amazing homemade "Génépi" that we asked twice!
The restaurant ambiance is also a plus because it's clearly elegant with a cozy rustic appeal which let you feel comfortable and pampered by the impeccable service.
Going up just a bit over the the center of La Clusaz and dominating the valley there is the Hotel and Restaurant "La Ferme". This is a totally different kind of cuisine but it's definitely very typic and traditional of Haute-Savoie. It's all about local specialties such as cheese fondue and charcuterie.
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| Fondue de Reblochon a Savoyarde Specialties |
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| Raclette and Fondue with its special device at the table |
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| Ile Flottant (Floating Island Dessert) |
La Clusaz is certainly a very nice and affordable location where to spend a week or even a week-end. It's beautiful, romantic and a great gourmet attraction in every season of the year. Ski in winter, hiking is summer, whatever you choose to do it's convenient and geographically close to Mt. Blanc or Annecy (the Venice of the Alps).
L' OURSON - Restaurant
Address: 27 Passage du Mont Blanc, 74220 La Clusaz, France
Reservations: michelin.fr
LA FERME - Hotel and Restaurant
Address: 1078 Route du Col des Aravis, 74220 La Clusaz, France
Highlight and Pictures by Luca Centoni
