Step inside the kitchen at 1899 at the Lodge at Cloudcroft, where Executive Chef Richard Lepree and his team are writing the next chapter for one of the Southwest’s most storied hotels.
In this short original film, DREW GAINES takes you into the kitchen as the team prepares a tasting dinner for a group of Cloudcroft locals. You’ll hear Lepree explain the difference between a cook and a chef using nothing but a tomato. You’ll watch sous chef Caelan Bickel, who grew up on green chili and Texas food, describe the adventure of learning a new way to think about ingredients. And you’ll see a kitchen where everyone has a voice — where the newest menu is the first one the entire team helped create.
Lepree is a 34-year veteran of the culinary business who trained in Michelin kitchens. He leads a young brigade of Cloudcroft-grown chefs who share his passion for cooking from scratch. Together, they’ve built a seasonal menu featuring ahi ceviche, prime New York strips, elk backstrap, and mussels over handmade pasta — all prepared fresh, locally sourced (when the seasons allow), and made with care.
Lepree calls The Lodge his last kitchen, and he means it as a compliment. After saying goodbye to Rebecca’s, and ushering in 1899, he is leaving his mark on the historic hotel. The restaurant is the culmination of his decades of cooking across two countries. Now, he’s pouring that experience into a team he hopes will carry it forward long after he steps away from the line.
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Cloudcroft Art Workshops
Enhance your artistry while enjoying the beauty and coolness of the mountains!Noisy Water Winery
Family-owned winery crafting thoughtfully made wines from New Mexico grapes, inspired by mountain living.Be in the Mountains Yoga & Massage
A cozy space for yoga and massage therapy at the Village PlazaOsha Trail Depot
Your destination for unique, hand-crafted treasuresThe Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsSacramento Camp & Conference Center
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your SoulLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest + Mountain Provisions, Goods & FineryPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connectBre Hope Media
Professional photo and video servicesSki Cloudcroft
The Southernmost ski area in New Mexico.The PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the Clouds
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