No one stays at Vista Verde Ranch for the food, at least not the first time, but if they come back, it might be for the food. It is that good.
Meals at Vista Verde have changed a little in order to keep guests safe during the current pandemic. However, what hasn’t changed is the quality of the food. There are three meals served daily in the dining room, plus freshly baked cookies always available and snacks in your cabin. No one goes hungry at Vista Verde Ranch.
I am not sure what dish was my favorite, although I have to give props to the kitchen on the lentil, potato and smoked trout dish served at one of our lunches. There is a menu at each meal and there are few different items available. For example, the day I had my lentil dish, Ryan had the chicken burger with fries.
A blend of homemade baked goodness, juicy juices and hot, dark coffee greet guests every morning. I loved getting up and knowing that everything on the breakfast menu would be tempting. Whether it was eggs Benedict or a freshly made scone, breakfast is always enjoyable.
Every meal is a culinary experience, but none-so-much as the “formal” dinners. This is when the chef pulls out all the stops and creates five-star meals fit for a queen. How’s that for using all the metaphors? Before ordering and eating commence, Chef Cholly McGlynn comes out and talks about each menu item, his inspirations, what’s in season, etc.
By the way, “formal” doesn’t mean you have to dress up, it just means that your multi-course meal will be fancy. Think duck, scallops and steak. During “family” dinners, expect items like tacos. Oh, and by the way, there are always desserts (this made Ryan’s day).
I must mention the wait staff. The attentiveness of the dining room staff is truly commendable. A glass never goes empty, whether it’s water or wine, and dirty dishes disappear quickly. It’s the kind of service provided by a five-star restaurant and it happens during all three meals.
Every evening begins with a happy hour in the lodge at 5 p.m. They serve three delightful wines and beer along with lovely appetizers. The wine is always expertly paired with the night’s dishes making eating and drinking at Vista Verde a truly special experience.
My first post about the ranch: On the Road Again
My second post about the ranch: Hot Tubs & Horses
Thank you to Vista Verde Ranch for hosting our stay.
