At Elk Mountain, we take great pride in crafting a dining experience that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Tarragon at Elk Mountain, our world-class restaurant, located in our main lodge, creates a rustic, yet refined ambience to perfectly complement our tantalizing array of regional and Pyrenees cuisine. In the warmer months, guests can also dine outside under the stars on our spectacular patio with a grand, three-sided fireplace, overlooking our picturesque lake.

Award-Winning Cuisine by Richard Spears

Richard Spears is widely recognized as one of America's top culinary masters. He has created a dining experience that will soon establish Elk Mountain Resort as one of the country's premier culinary destinations. Spears is the recipient of many national awards, including:

He pioneered the art of American Alpine Cooking as the executive chef at the Little Nell Hotel in Aspen, earning it a top ten ranking among the finest restaurants in the United States.

In 1992, the James Beard Foundation nominated Spears for “The Best Chef of the Northwest” Award.
His restaurant, Spears's Steak and Chop House in Dallas, was named one of the countries top new restaurants of 1993 by Bon Appetite Magazine.

In 1998, Gourmet Magazine named Spears's “One of America's Top Tables.”
Zagat rated Spears' one of “America's Top Restaurants.”

Spears received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2000 and 2001.
Earlier in his career, Spears was selected as one of 1988's “Rising Stars to Watch” by Food & Wine Magazine, and served as executive chef at Rattcliff's in Dallas, executive sous chef at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, and as executive sous chef under Dean Fearing at the Mansion at Turtle Creek in Dallas.
The dinner menu changes with the Season.

In Room Dining and Picnics

Guests may choose to enjoy their meals within the comfort of their Luxury Lodge Room or Guest Cottage. Our staff will ensure that your dining experience is just as elegant as it is in our dining room. We will also be delighted to reserve you one of our private, pristine picnic spots located throughout the resort where you can enjoy a fully prepared meal as well.