FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christie Bramlett
Arnold Media Services
303-863-8803
christie@arnmedia.com
Date: July 26 , 2006
THE FORT GARNERS NATIONAL PUBLICITY
Renowned Colorado Institution Wins Several Local and National Awards
Morrison, CO – The Fort restaurant, internationally known for its adventurous fare of the Early West period, is proud to announce that it has recently been featured in several national publications and has won many prestigious awards.
The Fort is a full-sized adobe replica of Bent’s Fort, an 1830s fur-trade post on the Santa Fe Trail. The Fort opened in 1963, introducing Denver diners to a new version of Early West cuisine that teased their palates and piqued their curiosity. Today The Fort serves more buffalo steaks than any other independently owned restaurant in the United States and prides itself in preparing delicious game meats as well as hearty vegetarian fare. The Fort also offers a wide selection of historic appetizers, desserts, libations, and an extensive wine list.
Below is a list of recent awards and press mentions:
Wine Spectator Award
The Fort’s wine program has received a 2006 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine. This is the second year receiving the award. The complete list of 2006 winners will be released in the August dining guide issue of Wine Spectator.
5280 Magazine
The Fort was named the Readers Choice for “Classic Denver Restaurant” by 5280 Magazine in July 2006 “Top of the Town” issue. Described by editors as “…a taste (literally) of Denver’s Wild West yesteryear”, The Fort offers such specialties as Rocky Mountain oysters, marrow bones and bison tongue.
Rocky Mountain News-Dining Guide 2006
Named as a top “Must-See Dining” restaurant in March 2006, The Rocky Mountain News had high praises for The Fort restaurant. “With its rock-faced location, frontier ambience and game-filled menu, the state’s most famous restaurant is also the best place in the nation to sample bison (that’s buffalo to you) in everything from roasted marrow bone to tender filet. You really haven’t been to Colorado until you’ve heard Colorado icon and co-owner Sam Arnold let out with a resonant “Waugh!” toast.”
Fodor’s Travel Website
Fodor’s Choice
“This adobe structure, complete with flickering luminaries and a pinyon bonfire in the courtyard, is a perfect reproduction of Bent’s Fort, a Colorado fur-trade center. Buffalo meat and game are the specialties; the elk with huckleberry sauce and…marinated quail are especially good. Intrepid eaters might try the buffalo bone-marrow appetizer, jalapenos stuffed with peanut butter, or Rocky Mountain oysters. Costumed characters from the fur trade wander the restaurant, playing the mandolin and telling tall tales. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No Lunch”
Westword
The Fort was named “Best Dinner Destination for Impressing the Folks” by Westword Best of Denver 2006. “Housed in a replica of the original Bent’s Fort and offering an unparalleled view of the mountains and the sky…”
Metro Newspaper in New York City
Metro featured The Fort Trading Company buffalo products in their “Summer Food” guide. “Buffalo meat makes for delicious steaks and try succulent bratwurst – slightly sweeter than beef and not gamey (plus low in fat)…”
Denver Post – Dining Guide
The Denver Post named The Fort’s Game Plate as a “Killer Dish” in the Denver restaurant scene. The Game Plate features an elk chop, a buffalo filet medallion and a grilled teriyaki quail.
“Unwrapped” for the Food Network
“Unwrapped” aired a Wild, Wild West episode which featuring The Fort’s famous Early West fine dining. Original air date for the Wild, Wild West episode was April 3, 2006.
Southwest Airlines ‘Spirit’ Magazine
The Fort was named a recommended restaurant in Spirit magazine’s Best of Denver Article.
International Association of Culinary Professionals honors Dr. Sam Arnold
Dr. Sam Arnold, founder and proprietor of The Fort, received the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). The Award was given to Arnold during a ceremony on April 16th at IACP’s annual conference in Dallas, Texas. The IACP Awards of Excellence are presented annually to honor members of the Association whose outstanding achievements and unending pursuit of excellence embody the highest standards of the association. Past winners include Julia Child, James Beard, Jacques Pépin and last year to Marcella Hazan. Arnold is the first Lifetime Achievement Award winner from Colorado. IACP recognized Arnold for his work to keep the traditions of the Old West alive.
Courier Magazine: CrossSphere
The Fort was featured on the cover of the November 2004 issue of Courier Magazine, the official licensed publication of CrossSphere, the global association for packaged travel. The Fort’s famous fare was also featured in the article “Food for Thought” about restaurants who serve their diners in culinary culture in addition to the food itself.
Destinations Magazine: American Bus Association
The Tesoro Foundation’s 2005 Indian Market and Powwow at The Fort was recently named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association. The honor was published in a special supplement to Destinations Magazine, the association’s monthly publication. This year, the 5th Annual Indian Market and Powwow will be held at The Fort on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, 2005 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The powwow competition and authentic demonstration art show will fill the grounds of The Fort with exquisite art and culture native to Colorado and the Southwest.
The Indian Market and Powwow was selected by a panel of eleven judges from among hundreds of events nominated by state tourism offices and local convention and visitor bureaus. The American Bus Association is the North American trade organization of the intercity bus industry. Its membership includes bus companies that offer tours, charters, and scheduled service; travel members representing virtually every segment of the travel and tourism industry; and associate members who supply the industry with goods and services.
Citysearch
The Fort was voted the “Best Fireside Dining in Denver” during the 5th annual “Best of Citysearch” guide, which highlights the very best businesses Denver has to offer. Winners were chosen by Citysearch editors and with the results of a six-week long audience poll.
Citysearch is the nation’s leading Internet local guide. Each month, more than 10 million diverse users access Citysearch sites to find out where to go and what to do in their areas. Citysearch provides business information, reviews, ratings, and “insider tips” for restaurants, nightlife, movies, arts and live music, shopping and spas.
Open Table
Since joining OpenTable.com, in November 2004, The Fort has consistently been in the Top 10 most booked restaurants.
“Taste of America” for the Travel Channel
The Fort will be featured on the Travel Channel’s new show “Taste of America” in June 2005. In an episode that was filmed in early February, host Mark DeCarlo prepared a buffalo steak with Executive Chef David Woolley and sampled buffalo delicacies with owner Samuel P. Arnold.
The Fort is located just 22 minutes southwest of downtown Denver on Highway 8, just north of the Highway 285 intersection. Reservations are strongly encouraged. For more information or to make reservations, call The Fort at 303-697-4771 or book online at www.thefort.com.
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