Think of Flaine in the Grand Massif, France, and rustic, traditional and olde worlde are not terms that immediately spring to mind. Flaine is a concrete carbuncle set in a snow bowl - famous for great skiing and an exceptional snow record, but with about as much resort charm and alpine character as the Milton Keynes snow dome.
So it's a real surprise to find La Ferme du Sartot - as quaint and unique a restaurant as you'll find anywhere - tucked in a remote corner of this purpose-built Bauhaus inspired resort.
Run by Evan, a half Irish half-Welsh Cockney chef, who's possibly more French than the French, La Ferme du Sartot offers "cuisine d'antan" - home-cooked food inspired by yesteryear. Dinner here requires forward planning - for the diners as well as the kitchen. You can't just walk in hoping to be fed - booking in advance is obligatory not just to book your table, but also to talk about what you will be eating. There's no menu as such - instead you can discuss with the chef what you'd like - typically Savoyard, (tartiflette, raclette, fondue) is available of course, but you can also choose from tajines, beef stews, steak pies with cepes.
Your meal is three courses - all homemade, from the roasted vine tomato soup right through to the wonderful desserts - panna cotta, tiramisu, lemon posset anyone? Evan will be out of the kitchen several times during the evening to make sure it's all ok for you and is quite happy to share some of his culinary secrets.
So for great food in a fantastic setting - try La Ferme du Sartot on your next ski holiday in Flaine. Call +33 (0)6 75 28 95 00 to book.
If you have any restaurant recommendations in your favourite ski resorts then let us know - post a comment or email surfcat@chaletsdirect.com
