Redford developed the resort with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. The architecture of the resort was designed to blend harmoniously with the landscape, and sustainable practices were integral to its development. That includes Sundance’s landmark restaurant The Tree Room, which was built around a living tree to preserve it. To this day the tree is the centerpiece of The Tree Room restaurant. In 2019, Redford sold a controlling stake in the resort and Sundance is now owned by the Sundance Mountain Resort Company, which is controlled by a combination of stakeholders.
Artist Rendering of the Inn at Sundance
My wife, Faith, and I spent a weekend at Sundance recently, enjoying dining venues like The Tree Room, Foundry Grill, Bearclaw Cabin, The Owl Bar, and various activities that the Resort offers. Sundance is growing; under construction currently is the new Inn at Sundance Resort, a 63-room ADA-accessible inn at the resort’s base village. The folks at Sundance say that the Inn and ongoing development at Sundance “is inspired by Redford’s masterful vision to develop a little, and preserve a lot.” To be honest, I was surprised how much Sundance Resort hasn’t changed under new ownership. It’s very much still the lovely Resort I remember first visiting decades ago.
The Springs at Sundance
One nice new addition to the Resort is called The Springs. This new amenity features two hot tubs and one large relaxation spa, plus changing rooms, and an outdoor shower with stunning views of Mt Timpanogos looming behind. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a cold brew, hot coffee, or grab and go snack from the Sundance Deli.
Our first night at Sundance got off to a bang with an exceptional dinner at The Tree Room Restaurant. In 1970, Robert Redford built the first building at Sundance Mountain Resort: The Tree Room, a cabin constructed around an actual tree.
The Tree Room is uniquely decorated with Native American art and pieces from Robert Redford’s personal collection, including kachina dolls, pottery, large blankets, and photos from Redford’s films. Adjacent to the famous tree which serves as the centerpiece of The Tree Room is a large fireplace designed and made by Redford himself. The space is warm, cozy and romantic – a truly special place to enjoy the elevated cuisine of Tree Room Chef de Cuisine Diane Davidson.
Tree Room Arepa Amuse Bouche
While our outstanding Tree Room server, Skyler, walked us through the restaurant’s menu and wine list, we enjoyed a clever amuse bouche from Chef Davidson, which was a dainty take on a South American mini-arepa, garnished with paper thin prosciutto slices.
Tree Room Yellowfin Crudo
An absolute knockout of a starter from Chef Davidson’s kitchen is the Yellowfin Crudo ($20). Generous slices of sushi grade yellowfin tuna are served with cucumber gazpacho, ginger compressed pears, and avocado miso puree in a bowl which must be perched on dry ice since it came to the table “smoking.” It’s a work of art that tasted every bit as good as it looked.
Tree Room Lobster Gnocchi
I also loved my starter of Lobster Gnocchi ($23), which was handmade gnocchi with delicious Gruyere espuma (Spanish for foam), piquillo peppers and smoked trout roe – a divine dish. Other Tree Room starters include Squash Blossom with street corn salad, tomalito, jalapeño jelly, and queso fresco ($18); Artichoke Truffle Risotto ($19); and Pork Belly with citrus Thai red curry, pickled zucchini and kumquats ($20).
Tree Room Joyce Farms Duck
Throughout dinner our server – the aforementioned Skyler – impressed us with his extensive knowledge of Chef Davidson’s intricate dishes as well as having a very impressive wine knowledge; he’s working on becoming a certified sommelier. He mentioned that the Joyce Farms Duck ($48) was a favorite dish of his, so I ordered it. It’s a creative use of Joyce Farms duck that includes a duck confit bao bun, rare roasted duck breast, pickled cherries, and grilled and caramelized cipollini onion. Additional meaty Tree Room entrees include Pepper Steak ($65), Elk Loin ($65), and Tagliatelle ($39) with sun dried tomato pesto, ratatouille, and lamb bacon.
Tree Room Chilean Sea Bass
My wife ordered Chilean Sea Bass ($60), cooked to perfection and served with saffron pomme puree, nduja, mussels, clams, cherry tomatoes, and Swiss chard. Another tempting entree I’d like to return to try is Anson Mills Polenta ($36) with black beans, sweet potato, mole, green tomato salsa and cashew cream.
Tree Room Berries & Custard
By the time dessert rolled around we weren’t very hungry. But we did manage to enjoy a light dessert of Berries & Custard ($14) – assorted berries such as blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries in an almond tuile with a small pitcher of crème Anglaise. It was perfect. When we return I’d like to try the Matcha & Yuzu dessert ($14) with matcha white chocolate tart, yuzu curd, apricot ginger and sesame.
Bearclaw Cabin
On Saturday afternoon I visited Sundance’s Bearclaw Cabin, which involves taking three different chairlifts – Outlaw, Stairway, and Red’s – to a mountaintop lodge with spectacular 360-degree views of the Heber and Utah Valleys, as well as the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.
Bearclaw Barbacoa Beef Burrito
Bearclaw Cabin features a menu of mostly Mexican fare such as Nachos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Chips & Tomatillo Salsa, Tostadas, and such, plus cold beer, wine, sodas and more. Summertime is perfect for enjoying Bearclaw’s informal food out on the sprawling deck. I was struck dumb by how good my Burrito ($18) was – a mammoth tortilla stuffed with rice, black beans, shredded barbacoa beef, pico de gallo, and chipotle ranch. Plan on a minimum of about 45 minutes travel time each way to and from Bearclaw Cabin if you head up there.
The Owl Bar
For dinner on Saturday night we chose to keep it simple and ate at The Owl Bar. According to the folks at Sundance, “Once frequented by Butch Cassidy, the restored 1890’s bar was moved from Thermopolis, Wyoming to Sundance.” The Owl Bar features live music and we were thrilled to see our old musician friends Jake Drier and Eric Sopanen playing live there the night we visited. Shortly after our visit to Sundance I learned that in a recent USA Today 10Best Readers Poll, the Owl Bar was voted as the #3 Hotel Bar in North America, while The Tree Room was voted #3 Hotel Restaurant. Congrats!
The Owl Bar Charcuterie Board
Shared plates at The Owl Bar run the gamut from Glazed Wings ($16), Bavarian Pretzel with hefeweizen mustard cheese ($14), deep-fried Brussels Sprouts ($17), Caesar Salad ($15), and Dirty Fries ($18) with truffle aioli, to a vast Charcuterie Board ($28) which we shared: cured meats and artisan cheeses, honey, whole grain mustard, berries, olives, cornichons, biquinho red peppers, Marcona almonds, and Muesli bread.
The Owl Bar Angus Wagyu Burger
Main Plates at The Owl Bar include Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage on a hoagie bun ($23), Chicken Quesadilla ($18), Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($20), Brisket-Loaded Tots ($18), Nachos ($22), and one of the best burgers I’ve gotten my lips around in ages. The Owl Bar Angus Wagyu Burger is served on a superior split top bun with Beehive Cheese Promontory Cheddar, lettuce, bacon jam, Dukes mayo, grilled onions and house pickles. It’s one bodacious burger – the kind you have to eat with a knife and fork – and comes with some of the best fries we’ve had in a while as well.
The following morning, we strolled over to Sundance’s Foundry Grill where brunch is served every Sunday. According to the folks at Sundance, “Foundry Grill’s name pays homage to the frontier settlers, farmers and miners who settled the land. Foundry Grill is centered around fire; an element that urges people to gather and is used as a humble way of cooking. The Grill respects seasonal and fresh ingredients, with little fuss, to create a simple and humble experience.” Foundry Grill serves Breakfast, Lunch, Sunday Brunch, and Dinner.
Sunday Brunch at Foundry Grill is an elaborate affair – an all-you-can-eat array that is curated bly Sundance chefs weekly and includes traditional breakfast items like bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes and French toast, as well as weekly specials, carving stations, salads, hot and cold dishes, cheeses and meats, made-to-order omelets, pastries, breads, rolls and desserts, and much more. I especially liked the Prime rib and roast turkey for brunch. Foundry Grill Sunday Brunch is priced at $55/adults (13-up years old); $35/children (4-12 years old); free/kids (0-3 years old).
As with The Tree Room, the rustic art and decor of The Foundry Grill is unique and an attraction in itself.
At the Foundry Grill Sunday Brunch, the dessert selection alone is mindblowing!
View From Our River Run Cottage @ Sundance
As much as I love skiing at Sundance Resort in winter, summer and fall at the Resort is truly magical. So serene, with endless opportunities for hiking and biking, horseback riding, scenic lift rides, mountain top yoga, fly fishing, as well as the ZipTour adventure and more. Frankly, I can’t wait to return to Sundance; it’s nothing short of sensational.
Photos by Ted Scheffler & Courtesy of Sundance Resort
Culinary quote of the week: “Health food may be good for the conscience but Oreos taste a hell of a lot better.” – Robert Redford
