When you conjure an idyllic cabin in the woods, you might see wood plank floors, a roaring fire in a stone hearth, a warm blanket and a comfy couch to curl up on as the snow gently falls on the mountains outside the window. This is the dining room at Storm Mountain Lodge, 25 minutes outside of Banff on Highway 93. But what makes this place truly special is world-class cuisine on a chef-driven menu using fresh, local ingredients and creative execution.
Since Colin Forsyth became the managing partner of the lodge in June, he’s taken on the sharp learning curve of running a suite of cabins and a restaurant while navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic. The good news, he says, is that the previous owners had built an excellent reputation and that the culinary team, led by Chef Cory Fraser, has maintained the creative and delicious offering Storm Mountain is known for.
When you’re in the hands of such a talented team, a great choice is always the chef’s tasting menu, which will take you through the menu’s highlights with a few surprises depending on what’s fresh and inspirational that day.
From a delicious house-made molasses bread to a creamy, crunchy duck amuse bouche to a gorgeous, plant-forward charcuterie spread, even the opening courses bring a delightful balance of colour, texture and flavour to the table. A dining adventure in the Canadian Rockies would be incomplete without a taste of game and world-renowned Alberta beef. The braised beef short rib is tender and flavourful with a wonderful, tangy cherry glaze that sets off a sweet apple reduction over a bed of tender root vegetables. The bison tenderloin is exceptional, served medium rare with the same apple reduction and vegetables. It’s tender, juicy and bursting with flavour.
Don’t miss the chocolate cake for dessert, which is moist and rich - especially with house-made icecream on the side. Accompany your meal with one of the lodge’s specialty cocktails including the sweet, maple-pecan flavoured Storm Fashioned.
With 16 cabins and eight tables, it’s important to make reservations, particularly as the lodge is only serving dinner as they work to grow the team. Not staying in one of the cabins? No problem, visitors are welcome to dine and then continue on their journeys.
Dine at Storm Mountain Lodge daily from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Camie Leard
Camie has a passion for music, food and the people who make them. A lifelong Calgarian, Camie brings 20+ years of experience telling stories about the area as an editor, communications professional and blogger. In her spare time, Camie is a painter and musician who is always looking for the next great meal.
