Where to eat in the Alps

BARGAIN

Rond Point

Deservedly one of the most popular in Meribel. It has a sunny terrace and spacious interior which transforms itself into a lively apres-ski venue, with regular live bands. One of the Trois Vallees' must-do's.

Nearest lifts: Rhodos mid-station, Meribel, 00 33 4 79 00 37 51.

Le Bel Air

Fabulous views, three sunny terraces and service so welcome that you feel like a regular on your first visit. Easy pedestrain access from Courchevel 1650.

Nearest lifts: Ariondaz, Bel Air, Courchevel 1650, 00 33 4 79 08 00 93.

Le Darbeilo

Has a huge open fire and local feel. Informal yet with an unashamedly classic French menu. Fantastic fondue and melt-in-your- mouth steaks but save room for the wicked chocolate cake! There's also a children's menu for families.

Rue de la Chapelle, Le Praz, 00 33 4 79 01 11 72.

Le Ya-Ca

Only open in the evening, and one of the most romantic in the resort. Its speciality is Gigot a la ficelle (leg of lamb), slowly cooked in front of the fire.

Rue de la Chapelle, Le Praz, 00 33 4 79 08 41 04.

La Soucoupe

Choose the top-floor restaurant rather than the self-service one downstairs.

With stunning views over Courchevel, your main challenge will be whether to choose the sunny terrace or the warm wooden interior to enjoy the wonderful food.

Nearest lifts: Plantrey, Loze, Bouc Blanc, Courchevel 1850, 00 33 4 79 08 21 34.

BLOW OUT

Adray Telebar

Much-loved, a great meeting place and close to number of lifts and pistes.

The vin chauds are highly recommended.

Nearest lifts: near the botttom of Adret, Rhodos 1 Meribel, 00 33 4 79 08 60 26.

L'Oeil de Boeuf

Tucked away at the bottom of the slopes in Courchevel 1550, this former barn is transformed into a cosy haven for meat lovers. Most main dishes are cooked on the open fire in front of you. The small terrace is also a perfect spot for an end-of-day beer. Rue des Rois, Courchevel 1550, 00 33 4 79 08 22 10.

Le Chabichou

Two Michelin-star restaurant owned by the Rochedy family.

The lunch menu is great value for the quality of food and the setting. Eat on the terrace or, if you sit inside, slippers are provided instead of ski boots.

Rue des Chenus, Courchevel 1850, 00 33 4 79 08 00 55.

Le Cap Horn

The place in Courchevel for an extravagant lunch. If you cannot stretch to lunch, stop for a drink, enjoy the DJ and watch the beautiful people.

Nearest lifts: Altiport, Courchevel 1850, 00 33 4 79 08 33 10.

La Cloche

Small, intimate French restaurant. The service is excellent but not intrusive. Try the local dishes on the menu, or if you're splashing out, the evening tasting menu for 80.

The terrace is a great suntrap later in the season.

Place de Rocher, Courchevel 1850, 00 33 4 79 08 31 30.

From cool beers to cigars and cocktails

Cigar Lounge at Byblos, Courchevel

An ideal place to unwind after hard day on the slopes, the mountainside ski-in-ski-out Cigar Lounge at the chichi Byblos hotel is the first of its kind in France and features the best vintage cigars, with fine cognacs and whiskies to accompany them. Don't miss the carefully selected chocolates that complement the evening, either. 00 33 4 79 00 98 00, www.byblos.com

The Clubhouse, Chamonix

Sister to Jonathan Downey's Milk and Honey bar in London, this members-only bar-withrooms serves some of the best cocktails you'll ever drink, in candlelit Art Deco-style surroundings that are farremoved from the hustle of Chamonix. 00 33 4 50 90 96 56, www clubhouse.fr

Pacha, Ischgl

The Alpine equivalent to the Ibiza giant, the infamous Pacha can be found in the basement of the sleek Hotel Madlein.

A grand finale to your Ischgl night out, serious clubbers will not be disappointed.

00 43 5 444 5226, www.pacha.at

The Farm Club, Verbier

One of the most famous nightspots in Verbier, the legendary Farm Club is a haunt of celebrities and is frequented by affluent regular guests who keep their own bottles behind the bar. No one turns up before 1am. 00 41 2 777 16 121.

The Apres-Ski Bar, Daily Mail Ski Snowboard Show 2005 If you just can't wait until the season gets underway, get a taste of the slopeside atmosphere at the Alpine-style Apres-Ski Bar in the Boardroom at the Daily Mail Ski Show. With the capacity to hold 500 people, the venue will rock to the sound of Xfm DJs whipping up a rowdy resort vibe. 12-16 October, Olympia, 08705 90 00 90,www.dailymail skishow.co.uk

Mad Dog Resort Guides launches its first three books Courchevel, Tignes and Meribel - tomorrow, costing just Pounds 10 per book. The fourth book, Val d'lsere and the Espace Killy, comes out in late November. Books cost Pounds 10 and can be ordered at www.maddogguides.co.uk

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