Embarking on a Gastronomic Weekend in Annecy, we find ourselves at the Clos des Sens, a culinary haven that has beckoned us back to Annecy after four decades. For Isabelle, it’s a premiere; for me, a nostalgic return. Together, we’re set to explore not just the exquisite flavors but also the enchanting vistas of this region.
The Hotel: A Fusion of Comfort and Culinary Artistry Nestled in the heart of Annecy, our hotel emerges as a sanctuary of relaxation. The signature room boasts a panoramic view of the city, complete with a jacuzzi, crafting the perfect backdrop for a weekend retreat.
But the true marvel lies in the room service—an extension of the 3 Michelin-starred restaurant itself. Imagine savoring the same gastronomic masterpieces from the comfort of your room, a prelude to the dining experience that awaits.
The Dining Experience: A Symphony of Flavors Our culinary journey begins with the trout, a main course that encapsulates the essence of the region’s aquatic bounty. The cheese and pear dessert, a harmonious blend of local produce, offers a glimpse into the seamless integration of hotel and restaurant—a testament to their shared commitment to excellence.
Breakfast: An Unrivaled Start to the Day As dawn breaks, the breakfast spread presents an array of local delights:
- Olivier Volpé’s apple juice, a fresh start to the morning
- A revitalizing celery-apple-lemon extraction
- Seasonal fruit compote, bursting with natural sweetness
- Silky caramel cream
- Homemade yogurt, a creamy indulgence
- Poached pear with rosemary-lemon-pear, a delicate balance of flavors
- The renowned “Tomme Crayeuse” by Pierre Gay
- Fluffy scrambled eggs
- Lake trout, smoked to perfection in-house
- Lake fish rillettes, a taste of the local waters
- Pan-fried seasonal mushrooms, earthy and aromatic
- The Mushroom and Beaufort croque, a cheesy delight
- And the classic French toast, ending on a sweet note
Each bite is an invitation to savor the region’s rich culinary heritage, all while gazing out at the breathtaking landscape that is Annecy. This gastronomic weekend is not just a feast for the palate but a celebration of the senses, a journey that intertwines the art of cuisine with the beauty of discovery.
In the culinary tapestry of Clos des Sens, breakfast unfolds as a prelude to the restaurant’s philosophy: a canvas where guests paint their gastronomic desires with a palette of ingredients. The absence of a set menu is not a limitation but an invitation to personalize the dining experience, accommodating every preference, allergy, and whim.
The Ingredients: A Lexicon of Taste The list reads like a lexicon of taste, each name evoking a distinct sensation:
- Shallot and Radish, sharp and crisp
- Leek and Sorrel, earthy with a tangy twist
- Perch and Green Cabbage, fresh from the lake and garden
- Lees d’Altesse and Mondeuse, the essence of local vineyards
- Bay Leaf, Purslane, and Sage, aromatic whispers
- Dill, Brown Mushroom, and Endive, a dance of flavors
- Cauliflower, Chard, and Oxalis, a chorus of textures
- Crayfish, Coriander, and Pike, a celebration of the aquatic
- Fish Eggs, Lake trout, and Féra d’Annecy, the jewels of the deep
- Snail, Spring onion, and Lemongrass, a terrestrial melody
- Walnuts, Purple Shiso, and Acacia honey, a nutty, floral harmony
- Marigold, Squash, Pear, and Citrus, a burst of color and zest
- Pollen, Chicory, and Garden Pepper, the final flourish
The Menu: A Culinary Ode Our menu, a bespoke creation, reflects our desires:
- Sage leaf and herbs, a whisper of the garden
- Fermented shallot, Sweet garlic and rosemary, a trio of aromas
- Crispy fera liver, a textural delight
- Creamy polenta with pike roe, a rich embrace
- Flight of Savoy Mushrooms Pressed with Cabbage and Dill, the signature dish that soars
- Moelleux de Féra with vegetable curry, a soft, spiced wonder
- Quintessence of Lake Geneva crayfish, the essence of the waters
- Mature pike in Altesse wine lees, a matured, vinous journey
- Cheeses from the Pays de Savoie, a dairy dream
- Apple and Maceron, Burnt lemon, and garden pepper, a fruit and spice saga
- Peanut butter, Intense nut, and Crisp and vegetable sage, a nutty, crunchy finale
The Experience: An Evening to Remember From the first glance to the last bite, the experience is a symphony of the senses. The dishes, a visual feast, are matched by flavors that resonate with the soul. There is no room for critique, only praise, as each moment becomes a memory etched in the annals of culinary history.
The Departure: A Promise to Return Our stay, though brief, was a testament to the allure of Clos des Sens. The only lament is the brevity of our visit, cut short by the rhythm of the establishment’s schedule. Yet, in this departure lies the promise of return, a yearning to revisit this gastronomic sanctuary as it awakens from its seasonal slumber.
In the heart of Annecy, Clos des Sens stands not just as a restaurant or a hotel, but as a beacon of culinary innovation—a place where food transcends the boundaries of taste and becomes an art form, a narrative, a journey to be continued.
Annecy: A Canvas of Natural Splendor The city and lake, each a masterpiece in their own right, beckon with their pristine beauty. Annecy, with its historic charm and tranquil waters, offers a serene escape that complements the culinary adventure that unfolds at the Clos des Sens.
This weekend is more than a getaway; it’s a rediscovery of passion, a rekindling of old memories, and the creation of new ones. It’s a story of culinary excellence, set against the picturesque backdrop of Annecy—a tale that will be savored long after the last morsel has been relished.