Greetings from the Alps. I have finished my first, non-skiing, jet lagged day here. My initial impression of the town of Val D'Isere has held up; it is a Disney created town here in the Alps. Having said that, the Alps themselves are beautiful, and what's wrong with a little Disneyfication anyway. Come on, we all really secretly like it.
During the day, I pretty much have the town to myself, as everyone else is skiing (although I did see several people on crutches). I have started to look in the various stores and food shops to see what is available.
One thing that I have found and enjoyed is the "Savoie Classic Dish" Tartiflette. This dish, which is made from Reblochon cheese. potatoes, onions, bacon, cream, butter and (depending on the recipe) white wine. What's not to like? The recipe is actually relatively new, having been created in the 1980s by the AOC for Reblochon Cheese to increase sales! I had it for lunch yesterday at a place called Sue Le Montagne (+33 4 79 40 06 12) which is on the main drag in town and has outdoor seating, which is quite nice when the sun is out.
I would consider making Tartiflette when I can back to New York, since Reblochon is made from raw milk, it is forbidden by the Listeria Police in the US. If anyone can think of a substitute let me know. Reblochon is quite creamy and not overpowering: it would a nice thing to have at home!
2 comments:
Here is food for thought. Isn't it possible that a french alps ski village is in and of itself perfect, and Disney copied that French perfection - and by doing so has given anything truly beautiful a bad name because instead of the pride of place that went into these villages we equate it with the frightening Disney perfection obsession. Those of us who studied literary theory or have read Saussure would say that you have misplaced signifiers. Since you are in France Messrs. Saussure, Barthes and Derrida would enjoy this discussion. I suggest a fine Cabernet to accompany.
No,
there is a tiny old town, which does not look so perfect. The rest of the place is made of poured concrete covered in wood and fake stones to give it an "authentic" look. All of this was done in the late 80s and early nineties. So, as they say in my old neighborhood, signify this.
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