Raclette au le Refuge de Florimont

Raclette au de Refuge de Florimont : Gex, FR

Maya's friend Rachel has been in town and the other night we took her for the cheesy, gooey goodness that is raclette. This is definitely one of those not-good-for-you, but oh-so-good alpine dishes that is great on a cold, stormy evening. We had the perfect, yucky weather for just such a meal. Based on the recommendation of a friend, we went to Le Refuge de Florimont, which is half way between the towns of Gex and Col de la Faucille on the side of the Jura mountains.

Cornichon and smoked meats, along with steamed potatoes, 

are served with raclette : Gex, FR

We also shared a Gexiflette--a variation on the region dish tartiflette. This particular 'flette feature bleu du Gex--a local blue cheese. Think scalloped potatoes on steroids and without the bechamel sauce. Also very unhealthy, but very yummy.

Gexiflette--a variation on tartiflette, a regional dish of the Haute Savoie : Gex, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/10

Jura Hike

Last vestiges of winter : Jura Mountains : Gex, FR

A couple of Sundays ago, we went for a little hike in the Jura Mountains, just west of Geneva. The forest is shedding the last vestiges of winter and making way for spring. In the last few days, the temperatures have risen and the days are getting longer. I'll start posting the obligatory flower shots over the next few weeks, of course, because who doesn't love a little springtime flora? In the meantime, farewell, winter!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 3/10