telluride's Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection Announces Return Of Star-Studded Independence Day Weekend Culinary Event
This Independence Day weekend, Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, Telluride's premier alpine retreat, invites guests to its Fifth Annual Alpine Cookout on Saturday, July 5, 2025. A cornerstone of Auberge Resorts Collection's Taste of Auberge series and Telluride's summer festival lineup, this signature event celebrates the bold flavors and open-fire traditions that define mountain cuisine, all set against the stunning backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Alpine Cookout brings together a dynamic lineup of chefs for an afternoon of collaborative live-fire cooking, vibrant music, and local partnerships, culminating in a spirited celebration of community and cuisine.
Now in its fifth year, Alpine Cookout spotlights an acclaimed roster of culinary visionaries from across the country. Honoring vibrant and soulful flavors, the lineup features Chef JJ Johnson of New York, award-winning chef of FIELDTRIP, TV Personality, and Author, best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by Afro-Latino flavors; Viet Pham of Utah, Food & Wine Magazines Best New Chef and 3 time James Beard Foundation Nominee and winner of Iron Chef America, famed for his fiery hot chicken at PrettyBird Chicken; Mark Kiffin, Santa Fe culinary icon and James Beard Award-winning chef; and Bill Greenwood, a celebrated local chef and longtime face of Madeline's culinary identity. They'll be joined by Nicholas Restivo, the newly appointed Executive Chef at Madeline Hotel & Residences, bringing more than two decades of experience from Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury resorts, alongside Juan Carlos Flores Valle, a beloved member of Madeline's world-class culinary team known for robust, expressive flavors.
Alpine Cookout brings together a dynamic lineup of chefs for an afternoon of collaborative live-fire cooking, vibrant music, and local partnerships, culminating in a spirited celebration of community and cuisine.
"We are thrilled to welcome back our fifth annual Alpine Cookout, bringing together a notable roster of chefs to Telluride and our Madeline family," says Allen Highfield, General Manager of Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection. "With the vibrant culinary spirit of America and the rich sense of community in Telluride, this event provides the perfect stage for showcasing expert techniques and local ingredients in a lively, celebratory fashion. We look forward to visitors savoring Telluride's culinary delights over a cherished holiday weekend."
Set to take place in Reflection Plaza, located adjacent to the resort in Village Center, from 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., visiting chefs will showcase their master expertise while using the spirited and versatile ingredients inspired by their home state. Epicurean enthusiasts and admirers can experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to indulge in renowned dining experiences and high-class regional cuisine.
"Now in my fourth year participating, Alpine Cookout has become a cherished tradition," said Viet Pham, Alpine Cookout veteran. "Madeline Hotel feels like a second home, its impeccable hospitality and thoughtful details create an experience that's both luxurious and deeply personal. While Alpine Cookout may be intimate in size, it delivers on every front: world-class chefs, elevated cuisine, and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere—all in support of an incredible cause. It's the kind of gathering that reminds us why we come back year after year."
Singer-songwriter and blues performances by the Utah-based duo Ugly Valley Boys – Ryan Eastlyn and Braxton Brandenburg – blend powerful melodies and harmonies inspired by classic country soul, creating a sound that resonates deeply with the senses. 10 percent of ticket sales will be donated to INDIGENOUS LED, a project of The MICA Group, founded on the vision of a future that embraces a renewed world of connection and healing, and shapes this by amplifying the power of relational conservation to protect, renew, heal, and celebrate the connection to land and more-than-human relatives.
Menu highlights will showcase an eclectic lineup of signature dishes, with each chef putting their spin on full-bodied, comforting flavors. Chef Bill Greenwood will serve a smoked duck leg confit Brunswick stew with cracklings and cornbread, finished with seasonal fruit hand pies. Chef JJ Johnson brings global flair with his jerk lamb ribs and mango-cucumber chow. Chef Viet Pham is set to debut his new Pretty Q Sando, a Nashville-style hot chicken and BBQ smoked pork sandwich layered with pickles, Pretty Bird sauce, BBQ beet sauce, and red cabbage slaw on a soft roll. Chef Mark Kiffin presents elevated lobster rolls with preserved lemon mayo, brunoise celery, chives, and dill on a toasted brioche bun. Chef Juan Carlos Flores Valle highlights bold Mexican street food with al pastor, suadero, and adobo mushrooms served on hand-pressed tortillas alongside a vibrant salsa bar. Rounding out the menu, Chef Nicolas will serve his addictive "Rice Krispy" duck wings glazed in gochujang and topped with sesame seeds and scallions.
In addition to the epicurean experience, the resort has partnered with Crossbow Leather. Designed, created, and produced directly in Telluride, the brand is offering a pop-up personalized hat shaping and decorating experience featuring high-quality fur felt, Palm leaf hats and leather goods. Guests can create their own unique accessory to wear around town and to take home, a wearable memory of time spent in Telluride.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities to keep everyone engaged—from classic lawn games to creative stations hosted by Free People Movement, including a flower crown bar and a floral arch perfect for photo moments. There will also be a pop-up from Vintage By Parker, a curated vintage and upcycled clothing brand based in Telluride. Specializing in ski and mountain wear, the collection is thoughtfully sourced from the surrounding Western Slope, with the aim of giving each piece a new life.
Perched in the heart of Telluride's Mountain Village, Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection is a luxurious alpine retreat that blends the spirit of the Rockies with Auberge's signature warmth and sophistication. Surrounded by the majestic San Juan Mountains, the resort features 83 guest rooms, suites, and 71 private residences, each offering elevated design and sweeping mountain views.
Madeline pairs unrivaled ski-in/ski-out access with curated amenities, including Crest Club, the newly debuted private ski club, a dedicated Ski Valet, the Alpine Swim Club with heated pool and outdoor lounges, a full-service spa, fitness center, and an open-air ice rink. Distinctive dining experiences include the mountain-inspired Black Iron Kitchen + Bar and the elevated aprés destination, Timber Room. Following a dramatic property-wide redesign in 2021, Madeline invites guests to experience modern mountain luxury in one of America's most iconic alpine destinations.
