Friday 7 May 2010

Cafe Gletschergrotte, Saas Fee, Switzerland

Tucked away not, far off the main piste route down the mountain back to Saas Fee, Cafe Gletschergrotte has much more character than the self-service restaurants elsewhere in the ski resort. Among the dozen outside tables, well-placed in a picturesque suntrap surrounded by pine trees and mountains, is a quirky high round table encircled by seats salvaged from scrapped motorcycles - ideal for a group of teenagers. The tanned waitresses don't tend to speak much English, but it is easy enough to order by pointing at the menu, which lists a decent array of snacks, light dishes and bigger meals, including fondues for around 25 francs a head. The hearty goulash soup (just 8 francs) is good value for Switzerland, but is too salty. If you are hungry, you can supplement it with a big plate of salty, skinny chips (8.5 francs). Glasses of beer, water or hot chocolate can be had for a few francs apiece. Cafe Gletschergrotte is justifiably popular with both English and local skiers. 7/10