Simple & Meilleur

In addition to being the most charming village in Les Trois Vallées, Saint-Martin has an incredible restaurant, La Bouitte, run by René and Maxime Meilleur. The father and son duo recently opened up a more affordable “mountain bistro” in a chalet decked out with big windows and light wooden paneling that feels brand new. The day we went for lunch, we savored: pan-fried Provençal asparagus with a bacon emulsion and slices of white bacon; then a magnificent pink trout fillet slow-roasted in olive oil and seasoned with a tangy pine emulsion, atop a pea purée, plus trout roe and kasha; and to end the meal, an exquisite floating island with domed egg whites, a caramelized top, crème anglaise with specks of vanilla and a little extra caramel on the side… // A.S.

FEELING THIRSTY? There are a few gems on the short wine list: a Savoie white from Belluard (€68 a bottle), a Muscadet-de-Sèvre-de-Maine from Jo Landron (€33) or a Saumur-Champigny from Thierry Germain (€51).

PRICE: Menus €34, kids’ menu €18, à la carte €37-62.