In The News

The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival

The Strater Hotel Executive Chef Dave Cuntz has received and accepted a very special invitation to be a Three-Day-Exhibitor at the 2008 Food Network South Beach (SOBE) Wine and Food Festival this February 22nd - 24th.

"The SOBE festival has become one of the largest and most publicized event of its kind.  The national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcases the talents of the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities."  What an honor and a pleasure it will be to bring the Strater Hotel and Durango to such a massive new arena/audience.  Besides being asked to be The Strater's Executive Chef, this opportunity ranks highest on the list of Chef Dave's greatest and professional achievements.  He has always aspired to be recognized on a national level and get the opportunity to meet, collaborate with and learn from the best in the business.  The SOBE festival is just the place, and it comes fresh of the heels of another wonderful invitation extended to him this past April, when he was featured as a main stage demonstrator at the 2007 29th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival.  This has certainly become a most stellar 40th year for Chef Dave.  Not only has it brought about new culinary adventures and culture, it is boosting his career at The Historic Strater Hotel and Durango's culinary scene to new levels of distinction.  Chef Dave's updated bio, resume, professional photo and additional computer links are avaiable for review upon request.

At the SOBE festival Chef Dave and Executive Sous Chef Jason Hayner plan to prepare the Strater's Signature Pepper Steak Herbert, which are pan seared or grilled filet medallions, with a peppered mango chutney.  The dish has been a local favorite in Durango for many years and should prove to go over well.

Come visit the Mahogany Grill today to try Chef Dave's Pepper Steak Herbert, don't miss out on what the nation will be talking about!

We were recognized as the “Best New Restaurant in Southern Colorado” by Colorado Golf Magazine, in their “Best of Southern Colorado” issue July/August 2005! We were just voted “Best Visual and Taste Award” in the Professional Division of the 20th Annual Chocolate Fantasia, held at Fort Lewis College on February 24, 2006! (link to article) *We presented a Chocolate Martini Glass & Chocolate Mocha Mousse with White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies and Raspberries. Our Zucchini Wrapped Tuna dish was just selected to grace the cover of the "Flavor of Durango" Restaurant Guide for 2006! (link)

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