The First Annual
Powderhorn Gourmet Week

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I stepped out of the city and into paradise. I never could have expected such a warm welcome, such fabulous food, and such amazing new friends.


First, there was Greg and Shelly Williams.
They own the Powderhorn and initiated the idea of a Gourmet Week with a different featured Celebrity Chef every day. The concept is magnificent, and they pulled it off.



I did the simple opening dinner, but the next day Sam and Lisa Bracken from Facing West took over...
After a long trail ride, during which I had the "luck" to ride a rare Wild Mustang (named Sage) we stopped in a secluded glade deep in the mountains. I was amazed to see Chefs around a fire in full regalia cooking lunch! Sam had created Grilled Salmon and Apple-Smoked Bacon Clubs, on amazing homemade bread. For Dinner we had the most tender Elk Filet Mignon I have ever imagined, on the island beside the Ranch Pond. At every stop Lisa provided rich and delicious wines, and it all ended with a flourless chocolate torte and 20 year old Port. Good Lord! Would the whole week be this unforgetable?

To Visit Facing West and Sam and Lisa Bracken, Click Here


The answer would be...Yes!



Next Came Denver Buffalo Company
Executive Chef David Oliveri and the Company's Food and Beverage Manager Jeff started the day with Smoked Trout Eggs Benedict, and nearly killed us at lunch with awesome Buffalo Quesadillas and Rueben Sandwiches. For Dinner it was a Game Mixed Grill and the whole day was wonderful. I was so full I thought I would burst, but the horseback riding, jeep tours, and heated pool soon had me ready for more.


To Visit the Denver Buffalo Company Just Click Here


Wednesday it was my turn.
For breakfast I served Frittata Orleans, a shrimp and artichoke omelette over english muffins and proscuitto with creamed spinach and hollandaise.
For Lunch I made a Leek and Potato Soup, with simple Vegetarian Wraps to leave everryone room for dinner.
Dinner was Five Courses, including:
AntiPasto of imported cheeses, crostini, and Florentine Olive Oil
Fire-Roasted Tomato Soup
Ostrich Carpaccio with 25 year Aged Balsamic
Smoked Trout Souffle
and
Hand-made Gnocchi (potato pasta) in Four Cheese Cream Sauce with Roasted Quail and Chianti Demi-Glace



Ah, the beautiful and talented Gwen Ashley Walters.
Thursday was her day, and along with her friend Jill she created dishes from her two cookbooks, including wonderful Scottish Blueberry Oat Pancakes for breakfast, fabulous quesadillas for lunch, and a special version of Chicken Cordon Bleu for Dinner. There were wines and desserts, and another fabulous day.


To Visit Gwen's Pen and Fork website, as well as order her beautifully crafted cookbooks, click here.



The next day was Friday, and it was Marshalled by the exceptional skills of Chef Chris Bowie. While he has no book or website to promote, he had the skill to wow everyone with homemade breads and pastas, with multiple courses and great wines at every meal. His specialty was the foods of Italy, and he executed them flawlessly. Bravo Chris!

I don't know what else to say except...whew! What a week!

I remain in awe of my fellow chefs, as well as Greg and Shelly for making it happen, and their unbelievable staff...including Clay, Nick, Will, Carl, Craig, and all the rest.


To Visit the Powderhorn Guest Ranch just Click Here...



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Contact Chef Victor Matthews