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.
