The 88th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and much of the Oscar season buzz has surrounded the highly acclaimed 12-time nominee, “The Revenant.” The western revenge epic of real-life frontiersman Hugh Glass (played by Oscar-ready-and-waiting actor Leonardo DiCaprio), has brought the American west to the forefront of pop culture—and believe it or not, highlights some of the traditional western fare served at The Fort!
“The Revenant” confronts the significance and brutality of the fur trapping trade, and the rugged Western landscape, as Glass fights his way back to Fort Kiowa. Much like Colorado’s historic landmark, Bent’s Old Fort, the Kiowa outpost was a hub for fur trade and commerce in the western territories. It is there that frontiersman refueled with hearty meals like roasted bison, venison and other game native to the west.
In one scene, Glass sucks bison bone marrow for nourishment; in another, he encounters a Pawnee Indian in the plains who shares with him a serving of uncooked bison. This may be a slightly more extreme example of field-to-table dining, but it shows the importance of bison to both the backdrop of the west, and the western palette. It also plays homage to something we at The Fort are passionate about: Bison. From the highest quality steaks and bone marrow, to tongue and sometimes liver, bison is a delicious and authentically western option for today’s discerning diners – and particularly on-trend this Oscar season.
Roasted Buffalo Marrow Bones or Prairie Butter – Roasted buffalo marrow sprinkled with salt, pepper and a few drops of green jalapeno sauce.
We’re also pleased to share that western historian, author and technical advisor to “The Revenant,” Dr. Jim Hanson, will be speaking Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the Tesoro Cultural Center Historic Lecture Series. Be sure to purchase your ticket to hear Dr. Hanson’s discussion of fur trade and exploration in Colorado and the west to enhance your experience of film. And you’ll also learn the Mountain Man Toast at the dinner! Huzzah!
