Grand County guest ranch adds cooking classes to the activities mix
Devil’s Thumb Ranch owners Suzanne and Bob Fanch have a gift for evolving their sprawling property and its award-winning lodging, dining and activities gently from dated ranch and cross-country ski area to luxury resort with an exquisite lodge, beautiful cabins, fine dining, spa and summer and winter recreational paradise.
The latest addition is the Yager House, a special events facility named Rod Yager who operated a working ranch there until 1972, and using it for the new Devil’s Thumb Ranch Cooking Schools and other food-oriented events. Its cabin-in-the-wilderness ambiance with modern-day finishes lends itself to culinary happenings. In addition to a well-appointed cooking/demonstration kitchen, there is a dining and living room areas that are suitable for an upscale culinary program.
Chef Evan Treadwell (Photo by Laurie Smith, courtesy of Devil's Thumb Ranch)
Guests may enjoy a glass of wine while being entertained by Executive Chef Evan Treadwell, who joined DTR not long ago, shares his inside secrets, prepping and cooking tips, recipes and anecdotes. Guests don’t even get their hands dirty, because it is a demonstration cooking class, followed by a three-course dinner that Chef prepared a recipe book, Devil’s Thumb Ranch signature chef’s apron and wine pairings. The cost is $85 per person (down from the $125 that was originally anticipated), and the ranch recommends making reservations well in advance.
2012 Devil’s Thumb Ranch Cooking School Details
- February 29 – Leap Year Celebration, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- March 29 – Spring Small Plate, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- April 26 – Perfect Pastries, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- May 24 – Grill Sargeant, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- June 28 – From the Garden & Farmer’s Market (time for this and subsequent classes TBA)
- September 27 – Fall Feast
- October 25 – Pairing Beer
- November 15 – Holiday Favorites
Brewmaster Dinner Series
Guests explore craft beer pairings with specially created, three-course menus at the 2012 Devil’s Thumb Ranch Brewmaster Dinner Series. Chef Treadwell and his culinary team coordinate with selected breweries and their brewmaster to customize menus that showcase each beer’s qualities. The brewmasters will be on hand for their respective dinners to share insights, ingredients and processes with guests. The cost is $39 per person and include a “” gift.
- January 30 – Unita Brewing Company
- February 24 – Steamworks
- April 20 – Earth Day, brewery TBA
- October 5 – Oktobefest, brewery TBA
- December 14 – Winterfest, Brewery TBA
James Beard Foundation Dinner at Devil’s Thumb Ranch
In honor of the renowned foundation that works to celebrate, nurture and preserve America’s diverse culinary heritage and future,
Chef Treadwell joins other prominent and talented chefs to host a special James Beard Foundation dinner at the Ranch. Details are yet to come, but it takes place on December 8 and costs $200 per person ($150 for James Beard Foundation members).
