The Mountain Echo

It’s fair to say that there are a few things from home that I miss, and a good curry or Chinese takeaway is one of them. Imagine my joy this week when I discovered Tignes Cuisine’s menu featuring many of my favourite dishes from the local Chinese and Indian restaurants at home.

Tignes Cuisine is right next to Loop in Le Lac and though this place may be small its food packs a punch. From a great value lunch menu to an evening menu that will satisfy all your cravings to break the monotony of spaghetti bolognaise.

At lunchtime there are various options that all come at a very reasonable price. Chilli beef or chicken tikka burritos, home made pies and the firm favourite: the noodles that can be prepared either with chicken, prawns or vegetarian style. Add to this Himalayan Vin Chaud for €2 and you’ve got yourself a meal.

For dinner my eyes were immediately drawn to the Peking duck but I then noticed the jungle curry and the tikka massala. I was instantly faced with a battle in my mind over what to have. There are also a variety of other curries and, like the noodles, you’ve got the option of what they are made with to choose from.

For the fortunate residents of Tignes, evening delivery is available. Here in Val we must make do with the great lunch menu, but if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Tignes for an evening before season end, then definitely head over to Tignes Cuisine for your dinner.

Yes it seems absurd to be doing a restaurant review about a shop but, believe it or not, bypass the lovely clothes at the front and you’ll end up in an American-style diner at the back.

Designed to look like a board club by a beach, Quiksilver has done well to bring the beach to the mountains as well as some decent food to chow down on while you pretend there’s sand outside and not snow.

The food is all geared the same way as the décor, towards the American side of things. The breakfast menu is fantastic and will probably hit the hangover head on. Pancakes dripping in maple syrup anyone? Or perhaps a good cooked breakfast for those of a more savoury disposition.

For lunch and dinner they do a great range or burgers as well as things like English muffins with cream cheese and salmon, not to mention some fantastic wraps all named after famous ski resorts. It is all in the American theme, but not all of it is greasy and served with chips. Good healthy salads and wraps are just as popular on the menu as everything else.

We couldn’t leave you without mentioning the smoothies and shakes. The chocolate shake is my particular favourite, but if you’re feeling a bit run down and think some vitamins could be in order, grab a smoothie and feel the goodness coursing through your veins as you drink it! Diner in a shop? Who knew it could work so well!

You might think of Warm Up as only a drinking establishment (and a nice one at that), but don’t be fooled by the bar in the middle of the room. This place actually serves food too, and it’s pretty damn good.

Living up to its name, Warm Up serves hearty meals for good prices that will really warm you from the inside-out. If you’re looking to get your toes and hands warm then the soup is going to be right up your street. It’s home made and there is a different one every day, from spicy lentil to hearty tomato and the classic leek and potato, it’s all as good as your mummy would make.

Soup isn’t the only thing on the menu, as they also do a great quiche and a spinach and goat’s cheese tart which really hits the spot if you’re a cheese fan. If you’re looking for something with a bit more protein then head for the chicken wings, or for a quick snack go for the classic hot dog.

Eating at Warm Up isn’t just about the food, with the friendly and helpful staff offering table service if you can’t quite bring yourself to walk the 10 steps to the bar. It’s perfect for a relaxing pick me up after a long day on the slopes.