79 \ ALTITUDE A true culinary hub is being launched at the beginning of this winter season at the Alaïa Lodge, at the eastern entrance of Crans. These two establishments, both part of the same company, will welcome food lovers 365 days a year. Led by a group of gastronomy enthusiasts headed by Pierre Thébault, December 1st was chosen for the official opening of Viva Voce and Twin Peaks. "We will remain open all year round. To avoid seasonal slumps, we are focusing on local clientele. Of course, passing tourists and hotel guests will also be welcome," said this former student of the École des Roches. ITALY AT HEART Since its inauguration in 2022, Viva Voce has become a favourite spot for lovers of Italian cuisine. Following its closure in March this year, its doors had remained shut, much to the disappointment of its regulars. But now the restaurant is back with an updated approach. The new menu will combine high-quality local ingredients with elegant presentation. A well-known figure in the Haut-Plateau, Gianluca de Martino has been entrusted with the operational management, bringing a solid network of clientele with him. As for the culinary aspect, Marco Boretti has been placed in charge. Again, he is a seasoned professional. To complete the experience, a Neapolitan pizzaiolo has been hired to create authentic pizzas. Meanwhile, the piano bar will continue to delight music lovers. With all the ingredients in place, this relaunch is set to be a success. ANOTHER FLOOR, ANOTHER UNIVERSE On the floor above, is the sister establishment, Twin Peaks. Here, typical Valaisan dishes are its speciality. In fact, it is a raclette bar with a capacity of over 120 guests. The motto is simple: authenticity, with an emphasis on locally-produced wines and cheeses. Wineries such as La Romaine or Les Oasis have been carefully selected. As for the cheeses, they also come from the region. In particular, productions from the Corbyre and Mondralèche alpine pastures, as well as from Samuel Berclaz’s Ferme des Trontières in Randogne, are featured prominently. A PRAGMATIC STRATEGY Launching such a culinary complex in a destination like Crans-Montana, which already has a strong gastronomic scene, is not an easy task. But Pierre Thébault is confident : "This situation does not worry us at all. We believe our resort should become a gastronomic destination in its own right, both for our foreign guests and for the Valaisans. That’s why we consider other restaurateurs primarily as colleagues and not as competitors. The success of some will bring success to others." In 2022, the Breton entrepreneur teamed up with Ping-An Zhan and his wife Kaori Arai, the heads of the renowned Japanese restaurant Edo in Bluche. Together, they manage the West Wing Sàrl group, which also includes Le Petit Paradis, Le 1900, Le 14 Cors, and Atlas Take Away. The catering service Le Rawyl, the banquet organisation, completes their offering. There is no doubt that this vast experience in the culinary field will help make Viva Voce and Twin Peaks key players in Crans-Montana’s gastronomic scene. François Praz
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