Designed as a retreat for those who cherish nature, The Reserve on the East River is a shared ranch containing 1,500 acres of land, much of which is protected by conservation easement. Vast expanses of hay, wildflower and native grass meadows stretch luxuriously along the two miles of riverfront property, home of trophy Rocky Mountain trout and subsequent private fishing rights. Bald eagles, black bears, elk and mule deer all call this their home. The lodge, where dinner is served, sits in a grove of cottonwoods right on the banks of the East River. Exuding a finely appointed early Americana feel, the lodge serves as the social hub of The Reserve with dining and sitting areas and a kitchen perfect for catering. Walk through the waterfront Fisherman’s Lounge with equipment lockers and wet bar and you find yourself on a deck overlooking the rushing water. As home sites are still available in this exclusive development, this is the perfect place to fantasize about what life might be like to cast a fly in this pristine river.
Chef Ivan Giani of 9380Prime honed his skills in the famed Cape Winelands Cuisine of South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley under Chef Chris Erasmus (Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant, La Motte Wine Estate), taking additional culinary clues and lessons from greats such as British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey, Executive Chef Seth Greenburg (Citizen Beverly Hills) and South African Chef Shaun Schoeman (Solms-Delta Wine Estate, Franschhoek).
Upon moving to the United States, Chef Ivan brought his sensibility of color and spice as Cook for Braai South African Restaurant (New York), Executive Chef at Kaia Wine Bar (New York), and as Chef de Cuisine at Springbok (Houston). With obvious influences from his birthplace, Ivan’s passion blooms with fresh local products, working first to bring out the natural flavors of the food, subtly enhancing them with some of his favorite spices of coriander, chili, turmeric and cumin.
A Los Angeles native, Chef Seth Greenberg’s approach to Citizen’s menu is deeply rooted in the global flavors of the city. Seth brings a wealth of experience to Citizen having worked in restaurants such as L’Orangerie in Los Angeles and Cuisine Francais in Chicago, training under his mentor Michelin starred chef Gilles Epié. Greenburg also served as opening Executive Chef at the Dakota Restaurant in the Roosevelt Hotel before becoming Executive Chef at The Penthouse in Santa Monica for a number of years.
From Chefs Ivan and Seth, you might expect Sagebrush Smoked Trout with a Honey Suckle Gastrique or Espresso and Brown Sugar cured Elk Tenderloin with Fennel Pollen and Local Root Vegetables, bringing together global influences and wild game.
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Saturday, August 25
Destination: The Reserve on the East River
Arrival Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $200
Tour Guides: Conni & John Mahoney and Chris Kopf
Chefs: Ivan Giani, Boxer Corporation (Crested Butte, CO) and Seth Greenburg (Citizen, Beverly Hills, CA)