Stowe, VT (October 5, 2016) — Eli Fortney, CEC, CCA, has joined the Topnotch Resort team as executive chef of Stowe’s only luxury boutique resort. Fortney will oversee the menus and daily operations of the resort’s two on-site restaurants, Flannel and The Roost. As executive chef, Fortney will work closely with newly appointed General Manager Ryan Krukar and Director of Food & Beverage Cortney Quinn on all food and beverage related decisions and development.
Fortney joins the Topnotch Resort team from the Duke University Hilton Garden Inn, at which his team earned the title of number one Hilton Garden Inn hotel out of more than 600 Hilton Garden Inn properties worldwide. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Fortney’s culinary passion led him to the renowned Broadmoor Resort in Colorado, and later to a collaboration with celebrity chef Kerry Simon in Las Vegas opening KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers.
“As a Vermont native growing up in Montpelier, Eli brings a passion for locally sourced ingredients with inspiration found through his diverse culinary background,” says Krukar. “We are confident that Eli’s vision and talents, along with his proven management skills, will create culinary magic in The Roost and Flannel for our guests and the community, especially as we head into the winter months.”
Accredited as a Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Administrator by the American Culinary Federation, Fortney rounds out a fresh leadership team at Topnotch Resort. In addition to Krukar, who came to the resort in July, Fortney joins recently appointed Director of Sales and Marketing Devin Gleason and Cortney Quinn, director of food & beverage.
Topnotch Resort offers guests two acclaimed food and beverage outlets with one shared philosophy of sourcing locally grown ingredients. Flannel pays homage to Vermont fresh ingredients, seasonal inspirations, world-class wines, and service. The Roost features a modern lobby bar and restaurant, where the fare has a definitive Vermont twist.
The resort also provides guests celebrated amenities such as a world-renowned spa, a nationally ranked tennis facility, and outdoor activities that include hiking, biking, and horseback riding with a variety of exhilarating winter activities such as skiing, sleigh rides and skating. Topnotch also is well known throughout the region for its family programming and tailored experiences for couples and groups.
For more information and reservations at Topnotch Resort & Spa, visit www.topnotchresort.com or call 1-800-451-8686. Topnotch Resort is located at 4000 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT.
