Which Restaurant In A Remote Area Of Utah Is Named One Of The Nation’S Best Again?
Introduce High West Distillery & Saloon
Located in the small rural town of Wanship, Utah, High West Distillery & Saloon is a renowned restaurant known for its excellent American cuisine and extensive whiskey menu. The restaurant is situated on a historic property that was once a livery stable and Pony Express stop in the late 1800s. Now, the renovated restaurant features a stylish western décor with indoor and outdoor patio seating overlooking the mountains. High West distinguishes itself by distilling, aging, blending, and bottling its own spirits on-site. The restaurant’s menu features contemporary western fare made from locally-sourced ingredients.
Background on the Restaurant
High West Restaurant is located adjacent to the High West Distillery headquarters in Park City, Utah (source). The restaurant first opened its doors in 2014 and was founded by David Perkins, a biochemist turned whiskey entrepreneur. Perkins’ initial vision was to create a whiskey experience that celebrated the rich history and culture of the American West. The restaurant was designed to complement High West’s distillery operations and provide guests with a one-of-a-kind culinary and spirits experience in the mountain town of Park City.
Accolades and Awards
The High West Restaurant and Saloon in Park City, Utah has received numerous accolades and awards over the years. Most recently, in 2022, High West’s après ski bar, Clocktower Cellar, was named the Best Aprés Ski Bar by 10Best, a travel awards site powered by USA Today. This adds to their impressive collection of awards.
High West Restaurant was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2019 for Best New Restaurant. It has also been featured in Food & Wine Magazine’s list of the most important restaurants in America.
Some other notable achievements for High West Restaurant include being named one of the best restaurants for skiing by Ski Magazine, one of the most romantic restaurants in America by OpenTable, and one of the best distillery restaurants in America by The Daily Meal.
With its contemporary Western cuisine featuring local ingredients, impressive whiskey selection, and lively après scene, High West continues to earn national accolades year after year for providing an outstanding dining experience in the heart of Utah’s ski country.
The Dining Experience
The Nelson Cottage at High West offers a refined yet relaxed dining atmosphere in a historic building with stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains. Guests can dine inside the intimate cottage which seats up to 24, or outside on the patio when weather permits. The interior features warm wooden accents, a fireplace, and an open kitchen (source 1).
Signature dishes include the Nelson Cottage Burger topped with Tillamook cheddar, the Rotisserie Chicken served with seasonal succotash, and the Beef Tenderloin with potato puree. The menu focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and elegant preparations. Brunch, served only on Sundays, features classics like eggs benedict alongside High West’s Bloody Mary and breakfast tacos. Dinner mains range from $28-$45 while brunch items are $14-$16 (source 2).
The restaurant has an extensive whiskey list with many rare options like Midwinternights Dram and Rendezvous Rye to pair with meals. The bar also mixes up craft cocktails featuring High West’s spirits.
Culinary Team Behind the Excellence
The culinary team at The Nelson Cottage by High West is led by Executive Chef Matt Harris. Chef Harris has worked in fine dining restaurants across the country and brings a passion for local, seasonal ingredients to the menus at The Nelson Cottage (The Nelson Cottage by High West Restaurant – Park City, UT).
Working closely with Chef Harris is Sous Chef Michael Peabody, known for his precision and attention to detail. Chef Peabody leads the line cooks in executing Chef Harris’ creations flawlessly. On the pastry side, Head Pastry Chef Megan Romano puts her own creative spin on classic desserts using local ingredients like fruit from nearby orchards.
The teamwork between Chef Harris, Chef Peabody, and Chef Romano is evident in the seamless dining experience at The Nelson Cottage. Their combined skills and expertise elevate the food to award-winning levels.
Innovations and Accomplishments
The High West Restaurant and Saloon in Park City, Utah has garnered attention for its innovative approach to Western cuisine. According to their website, the restaurant “specializes in distinctive versions of Western dining, combining flavors from around the world with ideas inspired by the American West.”
Some of their unique specialties include game meats like elk, quail and bison paired with unexpected flavors. The Rocky Mountain Elk Loin, for example, comes with a cherry demi glaze and portobello mushroom bread pudding (High West, 2022). Their Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio features thin slices of raw beef with brown butter aioli, arugula, parmigiano reggiano and black lava salt (High West, 2022). The restaurant also offers cuisine inspired by global flavors, like their General Tso’s Quail with forbidden rice and scallions.
In addition to unique takes on traditional Western fare, High West has also been recognized for its extensive whiskey and cocktail menu. They carry over 1,100 bottles of rare and vintage American Whiskeys along with a selection of original craft cocktails like the Campfire Old Fashioned and Sage Derby with bourbon, grapefruit and sage (High West, 2022). This combination of whiskey, wine and inventive culinary creations helped earn High West awards like Best Restaurant Bar Program from Tales of the Cocktail.
Response to Recent Award
The owners and staff of High West Distillery and Saloon were thrilled when they heard the news they had been named one of the best restaurants in a remote area again according to a recent list by USA Today (https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-ski-bar/). This prestigious award serves to validate all the hard work the team has put into elevating the dining experience at High West over the years.
According to the Park City event photographer who photographed a special event at High West to celebrate the award, the staff were in high spirits and proud of their accomplishments (https://kinserstudios.com/park-city-event-photographer/). The owners spoke about what an honor it was and how grateful they are to their loyal customers who have supported them on this journey.
In response to the award, the owners say they plan to continue pushing the envelope when it comes to innovation and excellence at High West. They are brainstorming new seasonal menu items, craft cocktail features, and ways to enhance the customer experience. The tight-knit staff shares their commitment to making High West the very best it can be and a dining destination that will continue earning national recognition.
Impact on Local Community
High West’s location in the heart of Park City has made it a popular tourist destination according to [Visit Us]. The success of the Saloon restaurant and tasting room has created jobs and supported the local economy. Many ingredients are sourced from local producers as well, helping to sustain the food scene in the area.
As a major employer, High West provides opportunities for many residents. The company highlights that their team members are essential for providing excellent service and showcasing High West’s unique offerings to visitors [Visit the Saloon]. This translates to further growth in tourism and associated industries.
Using fresh, quality ingredients from nearby ranches and farms is a priority at High West according to [Visit the Cottage]. Supporting these local food producers and purveyors helps the broader agricultural community. It also allows the restaurant to showcase regional flavors and connect guests to the surrounding area.
Future Plans
High West has ambitious plans for the future as it continues to expand its presence across the United States. According to GreatVines, High West worked closely with them to implement a sales strategy and manage distributors to facilitate expansion into 42 states (Source). This major growth demonstrates High West’s commitment to sharing its award-winning whiskeys with new markets.
In addition to geographic expansion, High West is innovating its food and drink menus. The head chef crafts seasonal dishes that complement the signature whiskey cocktails at the High West Saloon. With acclaim for both whiskey and food, High West aims to provide guests with a top-notch culinary experience to match the stunning views of the mountain landscape.
While the company’s headquarters building is for sale, High West reassures loyal customers that it is not going anywhere. The distiller will continue operations as the property changes landlords, according to local news reports (Source). High West maintains a strong connection to its Utah roots, even as it reaches new frontiers across America.
Conclusion
The recent award recognizing this remote Utah restaurant as one of the nation’s best caps off an impressive series of accomplishments. With its innovative culinary approach, dedication to local ingredients, and talented team, this restaurant has made its mark through hard work and a commitment to excellence.
The award affirmed its status as a premier dining destination, bringing positive attention to an unlikely location. Yet its impact reaches beyond accolades – by sourcing locally, training aspiring chefs, and putting a small town on the map, this restaurant has enriched a community. Its storied history and promising future ensure that even greater things lie ahead.
Awards and rankings provide guideposts, but it is the entire experience that keeps people coming back. The care, creativity and skill reflected in each dish speak volumes about the passion behind this restaurant. Its recent honor reflects its ceaseless efforts to deliver an unforgettable dining experience that captures the spirit of the land.
