Benoit Vidal receives prestigious award for his restaurant l’Atelier d’Edmond, located in the village of Le Fornet, Val d’Isère
February 2015…// Val d’Isère is well-known for its impressive gourmet offering but this winter season the resort has received a star from the gastronomic heavens: Benoit Vidal of l’Atelier d’Edmond now has two of them on his chef’s jacket. Just four years since he received his first star at the rustic Alpine restaurant, nestled in the village of Le Fornet, the inspectors from the Michelin Guide have rewarded his impressive skills once again.
At a recent ceremony at the French Foreign Office representatives from the Michelin Guide awarded a second star to Benoit Vidal, in front of Foreign Office minister Laurent Fabius. The Chef of l’Atelier d’Edmond was at work when he received some of the most important news of his career; the team in the kitchen were overjoyed when they heard the news, “It was such a wonderful feeling for us all. We had tears in our eyes. Finding out that we have achieved our goals was very moving.”
The celebrated Chef’s second star rewards an extremely subtle use of specific local produce – the mentholated accent of pine, the unusual taste of hay – but also the framework of Benoit’s cuisine, which accentuates flavours by using one ingredient to highlight another. Achieving such a high level of skill and harmony in his cuisine is, according to Benoit, “constantly challenging; we always strive for excellence, working towards a goal and believing in it. Working hard is very important to me – it is in my genes. I have extremely high standards in whatever I do and I never ask someone to do something I am not capable of doing. It’s fundamental for me and my team.”
Originally from the Pyrenees, Benoit felt at home straight away in Val d’Isère and was welcomed with open arms by the confectioner Patrick Chevallot and the Chef Antony Tempesta. The slight “hermit-like” Chef embraced the energy of the alpine village that stands guard at the base of this extensive ski area, and has found happiness living in the Savoie. “I’m like a bear from the Pyrenees who is making his den in Le Fornet! The village is full of history, full of energy… One can sense the humility of the mountain which is very present.” His cuisine is a wonderful way of showcasing and sharing the place… “To excel in this area, it’s vital to feel in harmony with the environment here.”
L’Atelier d’Edmond is located at the bottom of the slopes in Le Fornet, only 2km from Val d’Isère Centre, towards the Col de l’Iseran. It is easily accessible with the red free shuttle. From the sunny terrace you can enjoy views of the beautiful typical village of Le Fornet. The traditional chalet oozes rustic Alpine charm and offers a fine and subtle cuisine.
For more information on what other events and activities are available, please visit www.valdisere.com or call +33 4 79 06 06 60.