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Restaurant reviews
Vx Bristol Vx is London’s original one-stop shop for vegans, selling food and clothing since 2010. French-born Rudy Penando and Amandine Tchou have now opened a second branch in Bristol. The café specialises in vegan junk food: kebabs, burgers and hotdogs with sweet and indulgent French patisserie and cakes to round off the menu – and your waistline! There are large fridges and shelves stacked with imported vegan meats, cheeses, chocolate and other goodies. The merchandise corner has badges, stickers, mugs, t-shirts and other apparel by Penando’s Secret Society of Vegans. The 20-seat café area is lined with coloured planks of reclaimed wood – more punk junkshop than hippy shake! I had a Hot Dog (£3.50) served with local artisan bread, ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut and relish and shared some Nachos (£3) which came smothered in super-melty vegan cheese. The Black Forest cupcake (£3) was naughty and very nice. A huge interest in all things vegan is evident with the timely launch of Vx Bristol – maybe the start of the UK’s first vegan chain! Justine Butler Vx Bristol, 123 East Street, Bristol BS3 4ER www.vxbristol.com
Auberge sur la Montagne, France In winter it’s the sports but in summer it is tranquil walks, beauty, alpine flowers and absolutely stunning food. Cuisine at the auberge is normally traditional but co-owner Andy McInnes is a vegetarian and has shared his vegetarian and vegan skills with chef Will Manley, who produced an amazing variety of vegan meals for us – including vegan wine – during our eight-day stay. The flavours were superbly developed by this dedicated professional and are amongst the best we have ever experienced – and nothing was repeated despite having four courses every evening. Vegan cakes and cookies were provided with afternoon tea, heightening the feeling of being pampered. The auberge is comprised of newly refurbished chalets and is situated just off the N90 at La Tuille between Bourg St Maurice and the resort of Val d’Isere – and all the staff are English speaking. Should you feel like meandering down to this glorious place from the Channel ports, there are some superb veggie/vegan guest houses en route. Owned by Jill and Colin Kirk is La Porte Rouge at Mortagne Perche (0033 233 253995). Bruce and Andrea Humphreys own 3 Place des Arbes at Felletin (0033 555 665229) and in the Auvergne is La Garnasette at Roseieres, run by our Dutch friends Lidy and Willem Nouris (0033 471 574096). Mike & Gina Wright Auberge sue la Montagne, 73640 Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, France. Tel 33 479 069583 www.auberge-montagne.com
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