Michael J. Showers
EXECUTIVE CHEF, HIGH WEST
CULINARY DIRECTORY, CONSTELLATION BRANDS
Michael joined High West as the executive chef in 2018. Originally from Seattle, Wa he attended the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, CA in 1995. After working as stagiaire at the renowned 3 Michelin starred Akelarre in San Sebastian, Spain, he returned home to Seattle and worked in the kitchens of renowned restaurants such as Campagne, Dahlia Lounge, Ponti and Brasa, where he cooked alongside James Beard Award winners, Tamara Murphy and Holly Smith. Here, he learned the value of working with local farmers and artisan food producers, as well as the benefits of sustainable farm-to-table cooking that he still practices today.s and providing our guests a flawless experience at every interaction.
Michael headed to Montana to take the executive chef role at The Gallatin Gateway Inn, followed by The Lodge at Sun Ranch, one of Travel Channel’s top three eco-lodges in the hemisphere in 2007. During his time here, he became certified as a level 1 & 2 Wine Professional through the Culinary Institute of America.
Upon moving to Park City, Michael became the executive chef at the Goldener Hirsch Inn at Deer Valley Resort. Under his direction, the restaurant maintained its AAA 4-Diamond award and earned the “Best Restaurant in Park City” title by Salt Lake Magazine in 2012.
Michael Joined High West Distillery & Saloon in 2018. He currently leads the High West culinary team, pairing innovative Western Mountain cuisine with High West’s award-winning whiskeys at all 3 locations in and around Park City, Utah. While at High West, he was invited to cook at the renowned James Beard House as well as hosting James Beard Foundation bene ts in Park City, Utah
As Culinary Director for Constellation Brands, his fortunate responsibilities are developing culinary brands to go alongside award-winning spirits at our partner distilleries, Nelsons Greenbrier in Nashville, Tennessee and Copper & Kings in Louisville, Kentucky. Also, in this role he develops partnerships that embrace ethical sourcing and sustainability.
About High West:
The Saloon: Our downtown Park City saloon is the first ski-in, ski-out gastro distillery in the continental US. Known for its unique charm as a historic landmark and one of Utah’s best apres-ski bars! Home to our original 250-gallon copper pot-still in a historic livery stable and garage. The Saloon is the heartbeat and the pulse of our hospitality brand. Welcoming up to 2000 visitors a day, we build a bridge between any guest and the story of High West. Gastro-distillery is the term we use to describe our cuisine. Bold, regional, and seasonal but embracing our spirits to ride along as components of dishes or masterfully paired cocktails and straight pours.
The Reflectory: The Refectory is our country comfort, family friendly restaurant and tasting outpost right next to our distillery. Uniquely offered here is the ability to curate your tasting experience from our core products to bottles only found in the High West vault! Stay for a whiskey tasting after your distillery tour, and enjoy western- inspired fare, delicious cocktails, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Home to our Supper Club dinners and Sunday Brunch. The Refectory is also our premiere event space, where we host special occasions, corporate events and weddings all summer long, frequently featured on Rocky Mountain Bride.
The Nelson Cottage: The Nelson Cottage is our fine dining establishment located just two doors up from the Saloon in downtown Park City. Originally serving as a private event space, The Nelson Cottage later became the home of High West’s unique prix-fixe whiskey-paired dinner. The cottage is where visitors get to experience the marriage of High West food and beverage most intimately. The Menu changes weekly with the change in season and the pending the new concoctions the Distillery has worked up to pair.
Website: highwest.com
Facebook: @drinkhighwest
Instagram: @drinkhighwest
Twitter: @drinkhighwest
Pintrest: @drinkhighwest