I love eating out. Everyone knows that. But I don't post about every meal. There are the disappointments, the perfectly pleasant places that simply don't stand out… and then there are the real gems, the ones I try to share with you whenever I come across them.

And every now and then, there's a place that just feels obvious. Somewhere everything is exactly as it should be, where excellence seems effortless. La Sapinette is one of those places.

Whenever I'm in the area, I make a point of going back. And more often than not, I forget to take my phone out.

That's meant as a compliment, but the result is always the same: no photos, no post.

In the kitchen is Victor Marie. A short menu, no unnecessary frills. Carefully sourced local produce, cooked with precision and restraint. An impeccable cut of meat, a generous terrine, devilled eggs exactly the way they should be. Guinea fowl stuffed cabbage, wonderfully comforting. And then there's that melting Reblochon — pure comfort food — served with little potato fritters. Absolutely delicious.

The wine list follows the same philosophy: mostly local bottles, thoughtfully selected and full of character. A few more familiar classics round it out for those with less adventurous palates.

Without a doubt, my favourite table in the valley.

And if you happen to be passing through, don't miss La Covagne either, on the shores of Lake Morillon. There, Victor and his partner Pierre-Olivier offer a simpler style of cooking, but with exactly the same sincerity. A relaxed atmosphere, a brilliant playlist and genuinely attentive service. Two restaurants, one shared philosophy.