A Night to Savor: CMC Culinary Dinner Delivers Big Flavor and Even Bigger Heart
On Friday, March 28, foodies, friends, and community supporters gathered at Keystone Ranch for an evening full of bold flavors, creative pairings, and a whole lot of heart. Hosted by the Colorado Mountain College Culinary Arts Program, the annual Culinary Dinner didn’t just impress—it wowed.
Appetizer stations kicked things off in style, serving up unforgettable cocktails that paired crave-worthy bites with local brews and expertly crafted cocktails. Liquid Chef Billie Keithley from Breckenridge Distillery brought the magic with custom whiskey and gin creations, while breweries like Angry James, Outer Range, and Broken Compass offered perfect pours to match.
The menu? Next level. Guests grazed on everything from Korean BBQ pork belly over cheddar grits to ahi tuna tartar, scallops with lemon jam, and even a savory macaron with hare rillette (yes, really—and yes, it was delicious). All the while live bluegrass from Marly Lovett and Kenn Lee added energy and warmth to the scene.
Braised Bison Short Rib
Red wine Braising Reduction • Rosemary & Thyme Potato Pave • Glazed Baby Carrots with Brown Butter • Hot Honey • Herb Crème Fraiche • Pistachio Crumble
Student chef Jordan Skeie and recent chef graduate Sylvaking Addo pause for a photo in the kitchen.
Savory Macaroon with Hare Rillette
Then came dinner, prepared by CMC’s student chefs under the direction of Culinary Director Kevin Clarke. The four-course experience featured dishes like ricotta tortellini, a bison and A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef duo, and a decadent trio of flourless chocolate cakes to close the night on a sweet note. Each course was paired with wine from J. Lohr, perfectly curated to enhance the evening’s flavors.
But beyond the amazing food and drink, this dinner had a purpose. Every ticket, toast, and bite helped raise funds for CMC’s Culinary Arts Program—supporting hands-on education, student resources, and study abroad opportunities for aspiring chefs across Summit County.
This wasn’t just a dinner. It was a celebration of community, creativity, and the future of culinary arts in the mountains. And if you ask anyone who was there, they’ll tell you: it was one night they won’t forget.
Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 CMC Culinary Dinner such a smashing success!