Nestled within the picturesque Ketchum, Idaho landscape, the 5850 Fest carves out an bustling sports, food, and entertainment experience for locals and visitors. As racers speed down the slopes, guests have another adventure to savor. Tyler Florence, and his culinary team, have curated the ultimate feast. In this interview, he shares his menu inspiration and some must eat dishes.
Many people know Chef Tyler Florence from his successful restaurants and his Food Network shows. Every summer food television viewers away for that call of “let’s get rolling” as the food trucks venture across the U.S. for another culinary adventure.
For Chef Tyler, and his culinary team, their current adventure is at 5850 Fest. The hospitality arm of his business venture has taken over Ketchum, Idaho to give guests the ultimate food experience. From masterfully prepared elegant dinners to simpler fare, the menus showcase what Chef Tyler does best, balancing great local ingredients with classic flavors interpreted through impeccable techniques.
Recently, Chef Tyler graciously discussed his role in 5850 Fest with me. During the jam-packed conversation, he revealed that this event got him excited because he is “a sports fan first and foremost as well as an avid snowboarder. Anything that is outdoor and active” draws him to it.
Specifically, he said, “I feel our brands fit well into this new hybrid culinary sports experience. Food is such an integral part of celebrating. It
While Chef Tyler will be cooking at some signature events, his culinary team is bringing together a wide range of offerings. They will be operating across numerous outlets and will be offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. He described some items as quick service restaurant plus experience. He believes that his super premium offerings do well in this environment and people will be excited to try all the food.
One dish that he believes will be the hit of the 5850 Fest is the baked potato. Here’s how Chef Tyler described it.
“They're coal-fired, slow roasted over charcoal. They will be smoky on the outside but tender in the middle. We are going to crack them in front of your and finish it with some wagyu chili, cheddar, and sliced jalapenos. It is the food that you would expected to get at a mountain experience with an extra level of detail that goes into it.”
This baked potato dish is a wonderful example of blending a local ingredient with a nostalgic dish. As Chef Tyler explained, it was vital for his culinary team to showcase the local ingredients but have some fun with it. It is that dish that people know and love but it has a wonderful presentation and elevated ingredients. It gets people excited to eat and share that food with others.
Chef Tyler believes that the Instagram moment has to be considered these days. He said, “everyone takes pictures of food and we want to give people something to share.”
The baked potato is just one of the many experiences at the festival that people will be snapping and sharing. The various specialty dinners add a touch of theatrics to an amazing meal. While the dinners are a moment in time, Chef Tyler believes that the moment and the memory create a lasting impression long after the plates are cleared.
He explained, “food is the common connector. It does not matter how much money you make or where you are from. Food is that middle ground where people come together and celebrate.”
“This event brings together all the ideas and experiences that we have collected over the years. I love the outdoors and some of my happiest times are when I’m on top of a mountain in winter. I think that this event is a wonderful opportunity for us. We can really build on those experiences and make it a memorable event for everyone.”
From those epic baked potatoes to the elevated dinners, there is a food experience for everyone at 5850 Fest. Chef Tyler Florence and his team are ready to serve a memorable, flavorful dish that will be as impressive as the picturesque venue where that food is enjoyed.