The journey goes on at the Table: the art of gourmet surprises
“What if we don’t like?” This is the question we are often asked, denoting a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. At the ecolodge, our table is a journey, and the menu is the destination. Far from the certainties of a conventional menu, we invite you to trust us to take you on unexpected culinary journeys. A “gastronomadic” experience: that’s how we humorously describe our culinary offer.
The secret? Absolute confidence in the quality of fresh, seasonal produce and creativity, with dinners sometimes orchestrated by resident Chefs. To give you a glimpse of this adventure, here are a few stories of culinary surprises that have left a lasting impression on our guests those last months.
When cauliflower regained its prestige
One of our guests had warned us that he ‘didn’t really’ like cabbage. His fear of encountering this vegetable made him hesitant to book dinner. For him, cauliflower was nothing more than an unhappy childhood memory. But that evening, we served it to him differently: cooked at a low temperature, just crunchy enough to surprise, and delicately enhanced by the flavour of saffron pistils. The perfect pairing with a glass of Calda white, Tempera‘s gourmet non-alcoholic drink, transformed a simple aversion into a delicious revelation. Henri ended up confiding in us that he never imagined it could be so good. He added that the “gastronomadic” experience was a great success, as the food and drink pairing was also delicious.
Oyster sorbet, an ode to the sea
Another time, we met a guest who didn’t eat oysters because he found their slimy texture repulsive. At dinner, a sweet, salty treat appeared on the table: oyster sorbet. An incredibly fresh dessert that retained all the delicacy and flavour of the ocean, without the dreaded texture. The gamble paid off: he savoured every spoonful, rediscovering the sweet flavour of oysters in a completely unexpected way.
The fennel dessert she would never have ordered
One evening, one of our resident Chefs suggested a bold dessert made with fennel. After enjoying it, this client admitted she would never ever have ordered such a dessert. However, combined with a tangy lemon gel and the sweetness of fresh almonds, this dessert was so incredibly fresh that she described it as one of the best desserts she had ever eaten, and undoubtedly the most surprising.
Our best recipe: trust
These stories, like so many others, prove that surprise is not a mystery, but a journey we take together. Our best recipe is the trust you place in us. It is this trust that allows us to offer you authentic cuisine, full of meaning and flavour, which nourishes both body and mind. Cuisine that keeps us alert.
So dare to let yourself be surprised.
