Reporter-Herald/Steve Stoner Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch executive chef Scott Atchison places toppings on pizza crust as he prepares lunch for visitors at the dude ranch and events center west of Loveland on Thursday.

Rustlin' up grub at Sylvan Dale Ranch
Chef Scott Atchison is just as at home cooking for dignitaries as he is dishing out dude ranch delicacies

By Sarah Bultema
Loveland Reporter-Herald

But a few years ago, Scott Atchison opted for a change of pace — and moseyed over to Loveland’s Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch to become executive chef of the dude ranch.

“I like comfort foods,” he said. “That’s why I like the ranch.”

While he’s gone from preparing 10-course meals to cowboy grub, the chef still puts the same care into each dish he always has — no matter whom he’s cooking for.

“The most important person I could ever cook for is the president,” he said.

“If I wouldn’t serve each meal I make to him, I wouldn’t serve it to anyone else.”

Atchison’s 25-year cooking career began unexpectedly when the graphic designer, who was also working as a bartender, found himself helping in a country club’s kitchen.

Right away, the design artist fell in love with the culinary arts, too.

“It’s a totally different medium — an eatable medium,” he said.

And each meal he serves is his own masterpiece.

“A plate is your frame,” Atchison said. “Everything inside it is your design, painting it with colors and flavors.”

Soon, Atchison’s talent in the eatable art led him to cooking for celebrities and dignitaries around the country and world.

President Bill Clinton and ambassadors from more than 30 countries have dined on his dishes, as well as celebrities including Paul McCartney, Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.

Atchison has also cooked for golfers Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer and has served about 12,000 hungry golfers and guests in one day during a recent U.S. Women’s Open.

“I’m doing it for their pleasure,” Atchison said. “Food is a pleasure.”

About five years ago, Atchison decided to take a break from running the kitchen and opened a restaurant consulting business in Fort Collins.

But soon, he had a craving to cook again. That’s when he found Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch.

Both a dude ranch and events center, Sylvan Dale hosts guests from around the world — who often come hungry.

For weddings and other events, Atchison creates cuisine ranging from French to Italian for guests.

During dude ranch season, held 10 weeks of the summer, the chef makes classic Western dishes that include steak, trout, mashed potatoes and lots of gravy.

Along with the guests, those who work with Atchison admire what he brings to the table.

“He’s the most knowledgeable chef I’ve ever worked for,” said Tom Woolrich, who works in the kitchen with Atchison.

“He’s a walking encyclopedia. If you need to know something, just ask him.”

While the chef sometimes misses the hustle and bustle of larger kitchens, Atchison is enjoying the scenery and serenity he finds at the ranch.

“It’s a change of pace for me,” he said. “I just love to cook.”

MORE: Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch is located at 2939 N. County Road 31D, just off U.S. 34. For more information, call 667-3915 or visit www.sylvandale.com.

Comments

   I worked for a season at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in 2007. Scott's food is excellent and lovingly prepared. In addition, if you want to experience the true spirit of the Holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, in particular, you don't want to miss going to the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch. The decorations, food, music everything is so thoughtfully put together with love and absolute consideration for every guest. As an employee for the Thanksgiving Holiday, I experienced the careful preparation side of things to ensure a perfect experience for the guests. Then, I took the opportunity to take my family for the Christmas Celebration, as a guest. It was the most memorable Christmas any of us had had since childhood. Awesome!!!
katnipurrs, Loveland,  7/28/2009 12:01:01 PM