Yes, Vista Verde is a luxury ranch, but we're also just a ranch. We try to represent that with the food that we serve and the style in which we serve it. To do that, Chef Robert and his staff use the freshest ingredients and creative preparations to make even a casual cookout have a flair of gourmet. With all the time you'll spend outside using muscles that haven't been used for a while, you definitely earn the right to enjoy all the wonderful cuisine. Bon Appetit!
Ranch breakfasts have a reputation to live up to. This is the meal when the ranchers stock up for the day on hearty fare that will keep them going however hard they work. Our breakfasts reflect that heritage, but with a little bit of fancy thrown in, and an understanding that not everyone wants to partake in a heavy meal. You can keep it light with fresh fruits, berries and homemade breads or go for it with a made to order breakfast burrito, eggs benedict or honey wheat pancakes with caramalized apples on the top.
Noontime is such a beautiful time of day at Vista Verde. We take advantage of that by scheduling as many meals outside on the deck as weather permits in the summer. These are casual cookouts when the staff and the guests all enjoy the warm sun and beautiful views together. The menu can range from grilled burgers and portabellas to vege, steak and shrimp kabobs on the grill. In addition, there are always freshly made salads and a finger-licking dessert.
In the winter, we'll venture outside on the deck on a warm, sunny day. But most of the time, it's a treat to come inside the Lodge for lunch after an active morning out in the snow. And trust us, you really earn your lunch in the winter! Each day a full salad and sandwich buffet awaits you, as well as homemade soups to warm you from the inside. In addition, the Chefs will prepare a couple hot entrees that can vary from simple and hearty to elegant and unique.
Dinner is the main event at Vista Verde. Throughout the week, we offer several casual, family style dinners. But the big draw is for what we call our "formal dinners." The dress is anything but formal, but the food rivals that of most metropolitan upscale restaurants. These dinners are truly events in themselves, and we intentionally do not rush through them. Here is a chance for you to relax with a nice glass of wine, delightful food, and wonderful conversation with the other guests you've met during your stay. We've included some sample menus if you click on the Recipes and Menus page.
