Dunton Hot Springs Announces New Culinary Team

Dunton Hot Springs Announces New Culinary Team
Executive Chef Carrie Eagle

Carrie and Daniel's simple, straightforward, farm-to-table preparation fits perfectly into Dunton's existing food philosophy. Signature dishes already in the works in the Dunton kitchens include: Slow-Roasted Bone-in Elk with Cauliflower and Parsnip Puree, Caramelized Onions, Bacon Brussels Sprouts and Huckleberry Demi-Glace; and Grilled Halibut Fillet with Creamy Chive Israeli Couscous, Salad of Grilled Radicchio and Fennel and Grapefruit Beurre Blanc.

Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, Carrie opened her first restaurant at the age of 27 which led to her being named a finalist in New Mexico's Entrepreneur of the Year. She officially began her culinary training as a line cook at Albuquerque's premier fine dining restaurant, Savoy Bar and Grille. In 2010, she helped open Albuquerque's first high-end fish & seafood restaurant as Executive Chef for Desert Fish. The restaurant quickly won best seafood restaurant and best new restaurant awards in local New Mexico publications. Just prior to her appointment at Dunton Hot Springs, Carrie was Banquet Chef for the acclaimed Hotel Andaluz.

"What I most love about being a chef is being able to facilitate transformative experiences through food," says Carrie. "When guests gather to share a meal, it is an opportunity to connect on one of the most basic and valuable aspects of being a human."

As a child, Daniel spent time with his grandmother, who was always in the kitchen focusing on farm-fresh, home-cooked meals. Born just down river from Dunton in Durango, Colorado, Daniel grew up in Pagosa Springs in a small farming and hunting community. While living in Albuquerque, Daniel had a chance meeting with Carrie Eagle, who offered him the job as Sous Chef at Desert Fish and the pair has worked together ever since. As an avid gardener, Daniel has started to cultivate Dunton's own herb garden in the Bathhouse, and works closely with John Sutcliffe on the farm at the nearby Sutcliff Vineyard.

Hotel Profile, more photos: Dunton Hot Springs