Why Megève in the French Alps is a year-round gastronomic delight
The Alpine village of Megève is a well-known destination for skiers, but it is also the gourmet capital of the region
It is 8.30am and there is a crisp chill in the air. A rich, silky fondue is bubbling and a regional white wine has been carefully paired with it to bring out its flavour.
I do not usually eat melted cheese and drink wine for breakfast. But this is a special occasion.
I am joining six judges for the first of their 10 fondue tastings that day. The aim is to select which delicious dishes should be put into the final in this autumn’s Toquicimes food festival, which is held every October in the mountainous village of Megève, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France.
It is a serious business. This first offering is a joint entry from Le Prieuré restaurant and Flocons Village, and has been created by a previous winner, chef Emmanuel Renaut. The ingredients include garlic powder (just a little), Gruyère, Reblochon, Savoie white wine – and a “secret”, which turns out to be the chef’s home-made gin.
I dip the crusty bread into the mixture and twirl it around, creating a long oozing cheese string before it snaps. It is heady with umami flavour and tastes even better when I coat the charcuterie in it for the next bite.
I honestly think it is one of the best things I have ever eaten, so I do not envy the judges: two award-winning artisan cheesemongers, the chef from a two Michelin star restaurant, the Grand Maître de la Fondue Savoyarde (Fondue Association), a town hall dignitary and a regional journalist.