Tag Archives: Exclusive Photos

Club Med Val Thorens Sensations: Great Restaurants & Bars

Posted on December 10, 2014 | Leave a comment

What about a ski weekend in Val Thorens?

Sorry for the long silence, I had some technical issues on the blog. And I just returned from a wonderful ski weekend at the new Club Med Val Thorens Sensations 4 tridents (in Savoy, France), where I was invited to the inauguration. I haven’t set foot in a Club Med for ages (yes I was DJ in another life)!

Still the same winner formula: as soon as you are in the Club, you feel good. Arrived around 11:30 p.m. (after a trip with 3 hour bus), my first discovery was the main restaurant.

The Main Restaurant

User-friendly graphic Yurts

I really discovered the main restaurant at the breakfast, the next morning of my arrival (above photo montage).

Big crush for the yurts scattered in different rooms of the restaurant. They create a sort of intimate cocoon, where I really like to eat and chat under a subdued light.

The dishes are nicely presented. And as always there is many choice and something for everyone. During my short stay, I really enjoyed fresh or dried fruits, ice creams and Kusmi Tea. Shame on me : )

On the photo montage below: No. 3, fish stew in a small red pot, so chic! No. 2, a set of starters elaborated by star chef Edouard Loubet. No. 1, owls gallery at reception and No. 4, the bench of the Canadian (woodcutter) cousin at the gourmet lounge Epicurious.

Breakfast At The Epicurious, Gourmet Lounge

Cozy Atmosphere At The Epicurious

When I finished my first ski lesson in the late afternoon, I joined a part of the group for a drink at the Gourmet Lounge: Epicurious. The outdoor terrace offers panoramic views of the snowy peaks (first photo).

Almost sleepy in a comfortable armchair, while listening some music (photo 7) … when I notice that there’s a live musician and not a soundtrack (LOL!). The space is dedicated to the restoration and local products, including a really nice wine cellar.

The Epicurious restaurant and wine cellar are decorated by Sophie Jacquemin, in charge of the interior design of the whole Club Med Val Thorens Sensations. The tasting dinner is designed by the chef Edouard Loubet, a native of Val Thorens, with 2 Michelin stars, 5 Gault & Millau toques and chef of the year in 2011.

The morning of departure, I take a late breakfast with a view of the mountains. There is less choice than in the main restaurant, but it’s the quieter and more exclusive, with a great service. On the photo montage below: a plate made of cheese, smoked ham and fresh cereal bread.

Tea time At The Main Bar

Yummy break at the main bar: few snacks after skiing! We’re lazily laying in the lounge, with a choice of excellent macaroons, chocolate cakes etc … Before getting ready for dinner, LOL!

Informations

Club Med Val Thorens Sensations

Dinner at The Michelin Starred L’And Restaurant

Castel Fragsburg: A Fantastic Gourmet Restaurant In A Charming Hotel

HOTEL REVIEWS, DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE

Many thanks to all the team of Club Med for this invitation and as always these are my opinions!

Dinner at The Michelin Starred L’And Restaurant

Posted on November 21, 2014 | Leave a comment

The L’And Restaurant Successful Mix of Design, Food and Wine

The restaurant of the L’And Vineyards in Alentejo (Portugal) is a somewhat magical place “Outstanding-Nature-Resort!” I had the chance to dine with a friend and meet the Michelin starred Chef Miguel Laffan there.

As I didn’t know what to choose, I asked the chef to help me. He recommended me to take the Tasting menu with 6 dishes (yes 6 as the Number 6 in The Prisoner)! Too much for me!

The Chef tries to convince me: the portions are small. Okay let’s try the tasting menu, but only with some Pedras Salgadas, one of my favorite sparkling waters. To be honest, I like to taste wines only during a visit to a vineyard, more out of curiosity than greed.

Bon appetit!

Gourmet or not: you can’t remain indifferent to this creative cuisine that subtly combines exotic flavors and Portuguese tradition. Here in order, the photo montage (above): 1. The appetizers with the excellent Portuguese regional products: olive oil, Pata Negra, pepper salad and cheese.

2. The divine “Portugaise bouillabaisse with pan fried crayfish and oyster “croquette.” I don’t like oysters, but I found the oyster croquette delicious ! Luckily I never really look the menu! LOL!

3. “Tuna fish tataki in a mille feuilles with a red onion compote and mango chutney, radish, coriander and bergamot salad.” Should I add something? Ah yes the presentation! So important for a photographer. The food is as beautiful to see as delicious to eat.

4. “Red mullet and squid stew “açorda” with a seaweed and fennel dashi.” Awesome if you enjoy fish!

I ask the Chef Miguel Laffan what is his favorite ingredient:

He answers without hesitation: “a good company” (pictured below). And it is in good company I continue this tasting … that never ends, lol! I confess: as exceptional as are the dishes I’m not be able to eat more after the fourth dish!

On the second photo-montage (above): 1. The incredibly soft “roasted tenderloin pig from Alentejo slowly, cauliflower gratin with asparagus, peas and black pudding sausage. ” 4. The wines, including those of The And Vineyards.

The desserts: 2. “White and black chocolate tiramisu with mascarpone and pistachio cream, cherries in kirsch syrup and coffee ice cream” and 3. “Sweet carrot duet over pistachio crumble with saffron and fresh ginger foam and honey ice cream.” I’m not really a dessert person, I’m more salty than sweet, but the colorful lively presentation is an invitation to taste.

Informations

L’And Vineyards

L’And Vineyards: Minimalist Design Skysuite

L’And Vineyards: The Design Hotel Amidst Vineyards

HOTEL REVIEWS, DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE

Many thanks to the Chef Miguel Laffan and his team for this fantastic dining experience! And to the L’And Vinyards to invite my friend and I. Yes, as always these are my opinions.

Swarovski Selfies by Mademoiselle Le K

Posted on November 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

THE GESTURE IS A SELFIE SERIES OF A SWAROVSKI NECKLACE ROTATING AROUND MY WRIST. SHOT WITH MY MOBILE PHONE, WHILE WAITING FOR A MESSAGE OF MY LOVE. IF YOU WANT TO WORK WITH ME AS A PHOTOGRAPHER OR AS A BLOGGER, PLEASE DO USE THE CONTACT FORM.