It was a nice, sunny Saturday when Park City Mountain hosted their winterkickoff party. Kids were everywhere, as were dogs, on the snow, cruising the plaza, zipping down the Alpine Coaster. The avalanche dogs were meeting and greeting everyone. But wait, I was here for the food. I had a tip that complimentary menu samplings were being passed around to those who participated in this kick off, so of course, I was there. Oh, and to pet Calamity, the Avalanche dog, but that’s a whole other story. Let’s focus on the food, because I can promise, Calamity was honing in on those Epic Burgers being passed around.
The best part of my job is that I get to hang with the chefs. I’m not part of that crowd that descends on the employees passing out lip-smacking samples of good food. I’m in the back getting the full scoop on what delicious additions the chef has made to the menu for the season. So if you are ready, here is my all-access pass to the kitchen at Park City Mountain and their new menu offerings for the season.
We might as well start with the Epic Burger, I know I did. This is not necessarily new, but reimagined. A staple at all the mountain restaurants, the Epic Burger is a whopping 1/3 brisket and chuck blend patty topped with applewood smoked bacon, Tillamook cheddar, bread and butter pickles, and a special new Epic Sauce.
Keep your eyes peeled for bread and butter pickles. They seem to be trending a bit in the culinary world. For the Epic Burger, they add that sweet and sour flavor that perfectly balances the savory, salty bacon and juicy patty. Tasting it, you can’t help but whisper…. epic….
This was a fun little bite of genuine imagination, the shredded smoked portabello mushroom. A partnership with Traeger Grills allowed the chefs at Park City to really get out of the box for their vegan and vegetarian offerings on the mountain. These mushrooms are smoked over applewood and topped with a vegan cole slaw and served on a vegan ciabatta bun. You can find the smoked portabello sandwich at Legend’s.
One bite of this Mongolian beef sandwich and you know you are eating some serious food. Those are serrano chilies you see in this pic, complete with perfectly cooked tri-tip, sauteed veggies and peppers topped with an Asian aioli all presented on a Tuscan baguette. This sandwich will heat you up for your afternoon ski runs and can be found at Cloud Dine.
The newest addition to the vegetarian offerings at Park City is the housemade falafel served on naan with sauteed squash, fresh tomato, cucumber, feta, red onion and housemade tzatziki sauce. I haven’t been on the sticks in almost 15 years, but this fluffy falafel is making me second guess my lack of skiing. You can find this sandwich at Miner’s Camp.
With 7,300 skiable acres that span two base villages and at least a dozen dining options, you have options abound to fuel your ski day. And don’t forget about aprés, oh yeah, they have that too. Take a culinary tour of Park City and burn off those calories along the way!
