The Homestead Resort in Utah

​Midway, Utah

Don and I found ourselves in Midway, Utah in August. We didn't have time to stop for a meal at the old Homestead Resort. But, we did make time to grab our traveling cookbook and head inside for a peek. 
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The Cookbook
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This is the crazy book, (put out by Ford Motor Company) that has led us to some curious places and some fun people encounters.

As we walked across the lawn, I studied the illustration in the 1963 cookbook. The columns were still there. The circle of grass was there, with a fountain in the middle... and the mountains were back there... somewhere.  
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The Property

​To the right of the lawn, we could see the original 2-story building, that had been called, Schneitter's Hot Pot Resort. It housed the guests who first came to bathe in the hot springs in the late 1800's.

Behind the trees to the left, was the large "hot pot" or geo-thermal caldera.

This is how it looked, on a cold November day, when  we visited, 5 years ago.

Back when the Schneitter's opened their Hot Pot Resort, there was only one way to enjoy the hot waters hidden inside the dome. Luckily there is now a tunnel opening, so Don and I didn't have to rappel from the opening at the top of the cone.
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Exploring The Homestead
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Don and I walked towards the main house and stepped inside. There was little vintage charm to the remodeled lobby, so we headed down a knotty pine hallway and found an interesting display of historic photos.
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Chicken Livers!
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It was about 5, when we headed for the restaurant. We weren't interested in eating, but we were a little curious to see if they still served this fine recipe for Chicken Livers with Bordelaise Sauce. Don and I both liked everything about the recipe, except the liver.  

Dining Room & Bar
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The dining room was quiet and the hostess was not all too welcoming. When we asked if the bar was open, she handed us menus. "Well, we're only licensed as a restaurant, so you'll have to eat something."  She could tell we weren't from Utah. 
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Quiet at the Bar

There was no bartender on duty and the lovebirds seated at the end, pretended we weren't there. I could tell we were not going to have any fun with the cookbook.

When the hostess came to take our food and drink order, I told her I didn't see any chicken livers on the menu. I had already guessed that our hostess would not be a bit amused by the vintage book and recipe. I was right. I pointed to the cookbook page and grinned. "You used to!" Awkward pause. Then I asked if we could split a cup of soup.
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Cookbook Failure
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Don and I shared a cup of broccoli soup and it was actually delicious. We sipped our wine and beer and I laughed at my failed attempt with the cookbook.  
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The Chef Gets It!
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Don and I quickly forgot about the book. We were happily chatting when I suddenly caught sight of the chef, passing by. In a quick moment I caught the chef's eye and grabbed the book off the bar. 

"Do you still serve this?" I asked as I waved the book towards him. He stopped in his tracks and leaned over the page, then laughed. "How old is this!" He shook his head and studied the recipe.

"No, we don't make this." He said with another chuckle. "But we could!" He stood a while and mentioned a few ingredients that would make the recipe better. "Would you eat it if I made it?"  I paused and admitted, "No." He grinned and took one last look at the book cover, before handing it back. "By the way," I said, pointing to the empty cup. "That soup is amazing!" 

Good Bye
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Maybe that wasn't top on our list of cookbook adventures. But our brief little soup dining adventure ended well. The chef's yummy soup and his genuine delight with the book, made us put The Homestead on the list, for next time!