After hearing that at L’Auberge des Gorges, you are guaranteed a good welcome, a good plate and a good barrel, I wanted to know for sure! I went to lunch at this very good restaurant in the Chamonix valley. Charming and traditional hotel, the Auberge des Gorges, in Servoz, has indeed everything of a great one! Discover the flavors of bistronomy and enjoy live concerts on their terrace with a view on the Mont-Blanc!
Table of Contents
A good welcome, a good barrel, a good plate
Welcomed by Francine and Laurent, the Champagne owners, I settle down on the beautiful wooden terrace, with a breathtaking view. I start with a glass of Champagne (well, why not?). Its woody roundness, its citrus touches and its fine bubbles immediately put me in the mood. Especially since Madeleine, the waitress, brings me a beet soup as an appetizer. This meal is going to be great! And as Laurent, the owner is also a distributor of Champagne and caviar, I feel like telling him “Please put a box of this delicious beverage in front of me”.
A stunning bistronomic menu
For once, I didn’t invent the word! Bistronomy does exist! It is an inventive cuisine inspired by the classics of the bistro. And what a discovery! 100% home-made with fresh products. A menu prepared by Fabrice, the Chef, who worked in various starred restaurants and Relais & Châteaux before drawing his knives at the Auberge des Gorges.
Menu is uncluttered, two pages (in Top Chef, they say this is a very good sign). The dishes change regularly, because the chef loves to reinvent himself and create in his kitchen.
An impressive price-quality ratio
At lunchtime, you can be tempted by the starter-main course or main course-dessert formula for 17 € or the full menu for 22 €. Yes, you read that right! As far as value for money is concerned, I was bluffed before I tasted it. The menu of the Gorges is 39 € and after reading the dishes, I fall for this 3-course formula. So many months of deprivation have well deserved a good meal.
A great table in this good restaurant
Ready to salivate? So I chose the apricot foie gras with bitter almond pannacotta. Then I wanted to give a second chance to the recipes based on truffles that I find strong in taste. So I opted for the artichoke and summer truffle risotto. And on the sweet side, I fell for the melon shortbread with light cream.
So how can I tell you, it was simply exceptional! Flavors exploding in your mouth, impeccable presentation, unlikely ingredients that finally go together so well. If, like me, you have a sweet tooth, don’t hesitate, reserve a table at the Auberge !
And a little extra, at the end of the meal, you’re full, but you don’t feel like your belt is going to give out any time soon! You stay light (at least in appearance).
Like at home on the terrace & in the dining room
On the plate and in the glass, a flawless performance! But I think that the setting has something to do with it. The terrace, with its pretty red parasols, breathes happiness. You feel good, relaxed, in phase to enjoy every moment of this good table in the Chamonix valley.
Inside, the restaurant is just as charming. It is bright, thanks to the large windows overlooking the Mont Blanc, and tastefully decorated. José de Vérité, the famous local artist, exhibits her works full of history. There are several nooks and crannies, ideal for families or friends to be alone.
You may think I’m crazy, but I was like immersed in the banquets of yesteryear. These moments of sharing, these laughs within these inns, these houses of village in fact, where the travelers came to eat and lodge.
The Hotel, the soul of a former inn
I found this atmosphere in the rooms I had the chance to visit. This time I saw myself as a child, on vacation in my grandparents’ big family house. An unspeakable nostalgic and happy feeling!
The 6 newly renovated rooms are very refined. 2 of the rooms can accommodate a family, just close the door of the corridor. Spacious, bright, typical, but classy. I would have liked to have taken a nap there.
Concerts
The Auberge des Gorges is also known for its musical events. The Wednesday appointments from 7 pm with the no less talented Olivier Rouquier, start again on June 23.
But there is a date to note before that! Sunday June 20th at noon. To mark the beginning of the summer and musical season at the Gorges, the musician will be present to enchant your lunch.
Here is the Auberge des Gorges in Servoz, a hotel-restaurant of refined tradition whose good table is open every day except Sunday evening and Monday. Go there with your eyes closed, but your ears wide open, because Olivier Rouquier’s concerts will captivate you!
Traditional hotel-restaurant, refined cuisine, good table in the Chamonix valley, bistronomy, nice terrace with a view on the Mont-Blanc massif
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