Fondue and Raclette Fun .......................Once Again

On those cold, gray, rainy Paris days – of which there are many, one of my fondest memories was dining at La Maison Du Valais where my spirits were always lifted with generous servings of Raclette ( firm, golden cheese ) that’s sliced, then melted to a fragrant creamy pool and served with steaming fresh potatoes cooked in their skins, along with a wonderful condiment of onions and mustard, ah! , not to forget the tiny sour cornichon pickles. Sadly this Swiss style restaurant closed many years ago, leaving a hole in my dining heart and stomach. Well, I am happy again, because three new Alpine-style restaurants have appeared and are serving once again, the food of the Alpine Swiss. For fondue, try Pain,Vin, Fromages in the Marais, or La Grange Saint Michel in the Latin Quarter, but my favorite is Les Montagnards near the Pompidou Center. Their raclette is just out of this world. It’s a laid back, easy going place to come in from the ‘cold’ and warm your heart!