Alpe d'Huez Apres Ski Report:7th April 2011

Helen and I had booked our table as the restaurant had become very popular with EGSW and was booked up all week. After a week of eating in fantastic restaurants we decided to give starters a miss despite the very appetising sounding menu and just opted for the bottle of Cote du Rhone I'd won in the Rendez-Vous raffle. I once again went for the Thai green curry with tiger prawns and Helen went in for the delicious beetroot risotto, both of which were delicious. The fish & chips were incredibly tempting and the word around town was that it is the best in town. Following main course, I found that little extra section of stomach, which is reserved only for dessert to be luckily, empty. And so without hesitation I took up the challenge that comes under the ambiguously titled “Chocolate Nemesis”. I think Helen had an ice cream, or cheese, or maybe even some sort of tart… whatever it was, it was delicious but my mind was focused on the huge plate of chocolaty goodness in front of me.
Nemesis defeated and both stomachs full we retired to the bar for a coffee and a chat with Chris the owner.

When we could walk again, we made the little trip down to Sphere bar on the high street. Fortunately we were just in time for their cocktail happy hour, and managed to polish off a couple of appropriately named “Pharmaceutical Stimulants” and to enjoy the evening delights of Alpe d'Huez.

The weekend was the usual blend of watching football in a selection of the resorts bars, sunbathing on terraces and a bit of time spent at the outdoor pool.

On Sunday night I headed down to Pacific for a jam at their weekly open mic night. Open mic has been going all season so now there is usually a good selection of musicians waiting to play a few songs and enjoy the great atmosphere.

Songs sung and a good time had me and the gang popped up to the Underground bar for a last few drinks before closing time. Undies was typically busy and as head barman and Alpe d'Huez legend Busty was ending his season slightly early, the vodka slammers were flowing freely.

This week has, on the whole been fairly quiet as Alpe d'Huez winds down and gets ready for the summer season. There is still plenty to do as the outdoor Astroturf football pitch is now clear of snow, and a crazy golf course has been built in the Bell Alpe car park, so expect a full time report as myself and the bar staff of town take on the hotel staff in what is sure to be a football match to rival the champions league, and no doubt I will be dusting off my putter as I try to beat that pesky windmill.

There are quite a few end of season parties coming up this week with Lounge 21 on Monday having a DJ battle between locals Kapiche and Nepy, Smithy's Tavern have Dr Bruce playing at the End Of Season Confession Party and the legendary Underground closing party is on Saturday night, which is always a healthy amount of chaos and carnage.

Enjoy the sunshine and make the most of the end of season.

Remember, we're not here for a long time; we're here for a good time!

Pete

For a full list of this week's events, check out our What's On Calendar. You can also find full Bar and Restaurant listings in the Dining and Going Out section of the site.