An interview with Chef Adam Votaw of Atwater
Lance Meyer of the Denver Restaurant Examiner recently interviewed Chef Adam Votaw of the new Atwater On Gore Creek restaurant in Vail, Colorado. Below are a few excerpts from his story and interview:
“Colorado has no shortage of excellent restaurants, and regardless of whether you are a city slicker, a ski bunny, a farmer, or a cowboy, there is something here to light up your tastebuds.
Behind every restaurant there is a story, and there is a chef who strives to tell their story through his or her own creative cuisine. Chef Adam Votaw tells his story very well in each of the dishes he creates at Atwater On Gore Creek in Vail."
"Recently, Chef Votaw was gracious enough to sit down and give some insight into his culinary background, and answer some questions about his technique, influences, challenges, and his favorite part about Colorado's culinary scene.
What made you want to become a chef? "My dad was involved in a restaurant venture when I was young, so I grew up around the lifestyle and fell in love with the scene. It enabled me to try a lot of different foods as well."
What cultures or foods have had the biggest influence on your cooking style?
"First off, I always like to stick to the classics. I emulate a lot of ethnic European, Asian, and Latin cooking styles and ingredients. I have traveled a lot throughout my life, and have picked up many different techniques from everywhere I have gone, which has helped me become very well rounded."
What is your personal favorite food that you cook?
"If I had to pick one thing from the menu, it would be the lobster, scallop, and crab cake."
What makes a meal interesting?
"Flavor is the main component of an interesting meal. The presentation has to be there as well. A lot of people can create a gorgeous meal, but the flavor must be the priority."
If you weren't a chef, what would you be?
"I would be an architect. I love walking into a place and seeing what could be done with it. I like viewing its potential in my mind."
What's the best thing about Colorado's culinary scene?
"Coloradoans love to eat. But at the same time, many have a very healthy mindset. They have a "food-first" attitude, and love delicious food and wine pairings."
What is ONE word to describe your cooking style?
"Bold."
What can people expect when they experience Atwater for the first time?
"Comfort food with a comforting feeling, and duel dining experiences with Adam's Apres in the Fireside Bar and Atwater. Adam's Apres is great for people who are looking for a casual dining experience after a day on the slopes, and Atwater is great for those looking for something a bit more upscale."
Learn more about this new restaurant in Vail, Atwater On Gore Creek, or read the entire story and interview of Adam Votaw at the Denver Restaurant Examiner
