As of January 2024, The Resort at Paws Up–the iconic 37,000-acre privately-owned guest ranch in Montana–boasts not one, not two, but three James Beard Foundation-nominated chefs on staff. The nomination further solidifies The Resort at Paws Up’s reputation as a culinary mecca in the Western U.S., offering seven different dining options with supreme leadership and dedication to locale. Within The Resort at Paws Up is its adults-only experience, the green o. Debuted in 2021, its executive chef Brandon Cunningham has earned the Ranch’s latest James Beard Foundation nomination for the Best Chef: Mountain category.
Executive Chef Brandon Cunningham’s approach to the tasting menu at the green o’s signature restaurant, Social Haus, is a representation of his “ego-less” culinary philosophy. While his menu receives critical acclaim, the dishes are, at their core, inspired by nostalgic recipes that remind Brandon of home and the comforts of what ranch food should be. The green o guests can expect two-ingredient listed dishes like Lardo + Uni, Beef + Morel, and more on its eight-course menu. Chef concocts his menus the night before, so guests never truly know what surprise and delight they are going to get.
At Paws Up, Executive Pastry Chef Krystle Swenson is a two-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef working alongside Brandon Cunningham at Social Haus in 2021 and her work at Crawford & Sons restaurants in Raleigh, NC. Now serving as The Resort at Paws Up’s executive pastry chef, her creativity has no bounds. From deconstructing s’mores into a masterful chip & dip creation, to texture-rich ice cream with bold colors and herbaceous flavors, those with a sweet tooth have met their match.
Now General Manager of Food & Beverage at The Resort at Paws Up, Sunny Jin originally came to the Ranch to serve as Executive Chef. He brings his James Beard nomination from Jory Restaurant at The Allison Inn & Spa in the Willamette Valley. His culinary prowess began long before, while receiving his early culinary training from Thomas Keller at The French Laundry. What ultimately drew Chef Sunny to Montana was the simplicity of the destination and the challenge of mastering Montana cooking. Needless to say, he has mastered it.
Guests can try the expertly crafted dishes from each of these chefs and their talented counterparts year-round across the multitude of dining outlets on-property, from the adults-only Social Haus at the green o, to the traditional fine Western dining at Pomp, more casual fare at Tank and Trough, and seasonal options like live fire cooking at Shed, beloved glamping Camp Dining, and outdoor culinary pop-ups, BBQ at The Yard and Chuck Wagon Dinners.
To kick it up a notch, visitors can also witness these chefs’ artful collaboration with culinary talent from around the country during three different culinary events. Whether it's a springtime celebration of powerhouse women in culinary, or a late summer roundup of the best culinary talent in the nation, foodies and adventure seekers alike can savor the talents of these exceptional chefs through exclusive dining events held year-round at the Ranch. Events include:
The Wonder Women of Food & Wine | April 26-28, 2024 On a three-day epicurean extravaganza, guests will have unprecedented access to a curated collection of inspiring female chefs and kitchen heroines as they sip and sample the chefs’ artistry, then learn the stories, tips and tricks to their culinary journeys and successes. In tandem with Paws Up’s very own Krystle Swenson, guest chefs include Chef Duskie Estes of Farm to Pantry, Chef Crista Leudtke of boon eat + drink, and lastly master sommelier support from Austin’s June Rodil.
Montana Master Grillers | May 24-27, 2024 Guests can kick off their summer with mouths watering during the Ranch’s annual live-fire cooking festival, Montana Master Grillers. This year, Paws Up spotlights talented female pit masters. These acclaimed grillers will showcase their skills with flame-kissed ranch-to-table cuisine paired with local craft beverages chosen by notable vintners. In addition to delicious BBQ, the event offers live music, family activities, and outdoor adventures in Montana's spectacular wilderness. Chef Krystle Swenson is joined by guest chefs include Chef Megan Day of Burnt Finger BBQ, Chef Erica Blaire Roby of Blue Smoke Blaire, Chef Erin Smith of Feges BBQ, and Chef Lee Ann Whippen - 2022 Barbecue Hall of Fame Inductee.
Montana Master Chefs | August 30 - September 2, 2024 (Labor Day weekend) Early Autumn in Montana brings an abundance of fresh ingredients, which Paws Up celebrates each September at its Montana Master Chefs event. Over a three-day weekend, acclaimed guest chefs prepare creative American cuisine showcasing seasonal flavors, complemented by expertly paired wines and local craft beverages. Live music sets the tone and guests can work up an appetite on outdoor excursions on the ranch’s breathtaking wilderness surroundings.
For more information about the culinary events at The Resort at Paws Up, please visit https://www.pawsup.com/events/food-and-wine. For reservations and further details, visit www.pawsup.com or call 877-588-6783. The Resort at Paws Up is also on Facebook and Instagram (@theresortatpawsup).
