Cranmore’s new mountainside dining series invites guests to enjoy mouthwatering food, rollicking music and family-friendly activities. There will be three events, each with its own unique theme, itinerary and menu.
We sat down with Michael Rennie, the man with the scoop on all things delicious at the resort—or more commonly known as the food and beverage director—to find out more about what we can expect at each of these events.
1. Can you tell us about the first event of this new series?
The series kicks off on Aug. 3 with Summer Salute, an Italian-inspired 6-course menu. Leaning into the theme, we’re planning to serve the meal “alfresco” on the Fairbank Lodge Patio. “Alfresco'' literally translates to “in the fresh air”— could anything be more perfect for a summer evening in the mountains?
I really wanted to create a menu that is fresh, simple and elegant, so we’re putting together small plates of popular Italian flavors like mushroom arancini (with a delectable pomodoro sauce), caprese insalata, cioppino (the famous Italian fisherman’s seafood stew). Guests will have a choice between three entrées: Tuscan-style open-fire grilled flank steak, branzino alla citrus and fennel (succulent whitefish and braised fennel), or bronzed cauliflower steak (with eggplant and cannellini caponata). This dinner will be the only one in the series with full table service.
2. What will the rest of the series entail?
After Summer Salute, Smoke on the Mountain—a popular event that made its debut last year—will return on Aug. 17. Guests will ride to the summit for a buffet-style barbecue highlighting fresh and local ingredients, as well as varying techniques in the art of traditional barbecue.
Rounding out the series is the Harvest Dinner on Sept. 21. This dinner will include a medley of seasonal, autumnal ingredients and classic Oktoberfest menu items. The focus is on local ingredients that celebrate the fall harvest. I’m really excited about this one too—vegetarian pumpkin risotto, pork schnitzel, smoked turkey legs, hot apple and cranberry crisp.
3. What are you most excited about in regard to this new dining series at Cranmore?
This series is a great opportunity for our team to showcase their culinary talents, excellent service and creativity. It also demonstrates the variety of quality dining experiences we offer at Cranmore. The dishes at each event were all created with a lot of passion and artistry, a Cranmore twist, if you will. We’re all super proud to share our culinary visions with guests.
4. What do you hope the guests take away from this dining series?
We aim to provide our guests with a memorable elevated experience that allows them to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re on the patio or the summit, the vibes will be warm and inviting, the flavors vibrant and savory. It’s the dinner party you’ve always wanted to be a part of.
5. How much are tickets and where can I buy them?
Tickets for each dining experience are $70 for adults and $35 for kids 10 and under. You can buy tickets for all three events here.