Evolution Restaurant review

Providing breakfast from 8:30am, lunch, and an evening a la carte dining experience as well as the option of a 2 or 3 course set menu with a complimentary glass of wine or beer. Evolution is also well established as a venue for some of the best live music nights in the three valleys and hosts live music 4 nights a week. The restaurant not only boasts an extensive menu morning, day time and evening but also has a wide cocktail list including a huge selection of mojitos which can be ordered on the Mojito’clock offer from 10-11 am and pm!

On arrival we were greeted and shown straight to our table. Our table was smartly laid out with slates, candles and wine glasses with bread and water provided as complimentary. The waitress was very attentive in providing set menus, a la carte menus and the extensive international wine list. Our group ordered a bottle of the Horgelus Sauvignon Blanc and the Californian Big Top Zinfandel.

For starters our group had the MeriDeli award winning chicken, tarragon and ham terrine, the burrata bruschetta and the duck confit pancakes. Starters range in price from around 9 to 12 euros, which is very reasonable given the standard of the food and competitive alpine prices.

First up the terrine. First impressions were that it was not at all as heavy as the sort of terrine one might associate with British pub grub but was singing with flavours from the Spanish morcilla black pudding, the perfumed tarragon and the tangy homemade beetroot chutney which it was served with.

The duck confit pancakes were also delicious and wonderful take on the Chinese classic loved by many. Tasty and tender shredded duck served with leeks, spring onions and cucumber and given a quirky twist due to the sauce being made from the base of a red bean paste rather than simply Hoi Sin. The shining star in terms of entrées though was the bruschetta. Presented like a piece of modern art on the plate drizzled with balsamic reduction and basil oil. Once again the chef provided a twist on expectations with the bruschetta being served with Spanish burrata cheese rather than the slightly rubbier mozzarella, this really paid off as the cheese melted in the mouth delightfully compared to the crunch of the toast.

For the main course we had a baked Mont D’or Cheese and the accompanying charcuterie platter, Pan Fried Cod, Persian Lamb Shank and a Paneer Salad. The Mont D’or tasted very similar to a camembert, it was pungent, gooey and completely moreish. Baked with truffle oil, rosemary and thyme and served with wedges of baked garlic herb toast for dipping, it was completely indulgent and perfect for any cheese lover. The classic flavours of the Mont D’or went beautifully with the Charcuterie platter made up of chorizo, pancetta and spinata served with pickled giroles and homemade tomato and beetroot chutneys. These two dishes were traditional and tasty and exactly what you need after a cold day of skiing on the mountain, especially when washed down with the big flavours of the Zinfandel red.

For a lighter option the Cod was exactly what the doctor ordered. A huge piece of cod served on a generous portion of rocket with roasted and red beetroot, sautéed new potatoes, and a tangy fennel butter sauce. This dish was the most surprising to me as I would never normally order fish in a restaurant, particularly not deep in the French alps, but honestly it was delicious; buttery but not greasy and a simple concept yet so effective. The delicate tasting fish melted in the mouth against the refreshing crunch of the vegetables and the bold flavours of the beetroot and fennel.

The Persian lamb shank took us all the way to the markets of the Middle East. Dressed with rose petals and flavoured with cinnamon and saffron, this perfumed dish was complicated and a taste sensation. Flavours of braised spinach and zesty orange came together with the spices marinating the lamb and the rose water and raisins in the jewelled rice - a real show stopper!

Next stop, India for the Paneer Salad! Paneer cheese, for those that don’t know can only be described as like Halloumi but more full of flavour rather than just saltiness. Served in a huge bowl with hearty griddled aubergine, sweet and tangy roasted red peppers and a delicious homemade mango chutney, the soft and flavourful cheese was a powerful and surprising flavour. The stand-out element in this dish though was the scattering of crunchy maple roast walnuts in the salad which provided a lovely texture change and flavour combination with the soft cheese and aubergine.

Full to bursting with food from all over the world and approaching cheese coma levels, the restaurant space around us slowly started turning into a vibing bar as local musician Hobo Chic serenaded us with some sweet melodies. People started gathering around the bar to watch the plethora of caprinhias, martinis, mojitos and brambles being shaken, stirred and muddled by the bar man. To finish the meal and to satisfy a sweet tooth, we all shared a café gourmand of chocolate cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding and Christmas frangipani. Despite only being able to eat the tiniest of portions, it really was all we needed after such a huge meal. The chocolate cheesecake made of speculoos was the stand out element of the dish - creamy and luxurious and on any other day I certainly would have been able to polish off a large amount of the cheesecake. The sticky toffee pudding was sweet, chewy and moist, exactly what you want from a classic childhood dish. The frangipani really did taste like Christmas with strong flavours of cinnamon and ginger and was a perfectly warming end to the meal. We washed our meals down with shots of the local alpine liquor Genepi, provided by the restaurant manager Jimmy and adjourned to the bar to enjoy the live music and good vibes.

If you’re looking for a taste of flavours from all over the world and quirky flavour combination takes on traditional dishes, then Evolution is the place to go. Its extensive menu will leave everyone satisfied and it’s buzzing ambience and friendly service will make you sorry you haven’t been sooner! Dishes not to be missed are the Burrata Bruschetta, the Pan Fried Cod and the Chocolate Cheesecake. If you get the opportunity, get a late sitting on one of their live music nights (Saturday, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday) and let your classy dinner slowly turn into a night of live music and good vibes.