The Social Anthropologist

Courchevel  

Recommended Restaurants

La Soucoupe -Is a hidden gem atop Courchevel’s main pist serving the best grilled meat on the mountain. With an amazing 180 view of the Alps their wine selection is unparalleled and reasonably priced. We indulged in a bottle of Chateau Palmer, 1998 and feasted upon scrambled eggs with truffles, iberica ham, duck l’orange, spicy ribs  and beef fillet. Although it is better to eat your meal inside because of the cold make sure you take your coffee and after lunch shot of Ginepe outside and sit on the deck chairs overlooking the Alps. If it is a sunny day you will be hard pressed to get back on the slopes.

Chalet de Pierres - easily accessible from Courchvel 1850 my suggestion would be to hit the dessert buffet FIRST and then order your main meal as it is superb. chocloate fountains, lemon meringue tart, fresh raspberries and strawberries covered chocolate  start there as you may not have room for anything else. As the Dj spins the latest Euro house mix you get to enjoy the sunshine as well as an excellent menu. The seafood platter is delic as is the pasta with truffles. If you are so inclined you can duck into the Moncler shop below for some after lunch shopping or pick up one of Cartiers pieces as the pop up shop. Definitely one not to miss.

Cap Horn - another great place to sit in the sun, Cap Horn has the best shellfish platter on the mountain. This is a great place to try a local delicacy “Welks”, sea snails. It has a large outdoor seating area and captures the sun effectively to ensure that a meal outside is no problem (that and outdoor heaters make it easy!) Often the owner of Caphorn makes his presence felt by buzzing the restaurant in his own private helicopter on his way to Paris from the private airport down below.

Fruitaire - Offering a great view of ……Fruitare serves a yummy lunch menu of modern french fare including veal chops and creamy chestnut soup. Although it may be tempting to try I would pass on the French onion soup as it was not a favorite at our table. Located next to the infamous Folie Deuce, if you are in the mood, as the tunes start pumping through the speakers next door at 3pm reserve a table with a bottle of the Grey Goose for a few hours of music and dancing. But be warned, if you are not staying in Val Thorens, or Marybell, you can only partake in the festivities for an hour or so because if you leave any later than 3:45 you will not make it back to Courchevel. In case of emergency it is possible to summon a helicopter for your return which will set you back 70 euros, alternatively you can catch a cab which takes 1.5 hours and costs around 230 Euros. 

Chalet de Marine - Although this is not in Courchevel itself Chalet De La Marine deserves a special mention. We came here on our second last day during our ski tour of the three valleys and it was a treat indeed. Sitting outside in the cool fresh air, with the Alps at your back you are kept warm with blankets on your legs and hot tea on your lips. The beef pie comes in a dainty pot which does not reveal the strength of the tastey morsels inside it, the potato gratin is great as are the scallops on  bed of risotto with just the right amount of parmesan cheese. Their special brew of Ginepe is a great after lunch shot just before you make your way back onto the slopes and head back to Courchevel.