Utah's Blue Boar Inn

Midway, Utah
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​Recently Don and I had a pleasant surprise, while exploring the town of Midway in an area called Heber Valley. The shops in town and many of the homes appeared to reflect a Swiss history. We saw Alpine style chalets and hand painted stucco exteriors. 

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Evidently in the 1800's about 50 Swiss immigrants arrived to open dairy farms and the area continues to enjoy an Alpine flavor.  We were enjoying our drive when we cam upon the Blue Boar Inn sitting on a hill at the entrance to a  neighborhood. First I noticed the boar looking at us... a copy of the famous bronze statue in Florence, which I'm very fond of.  Then my eyes took in the building, which seemed right out of a fairytale. There was painted stucco and a stone tower, plus a veranda with international flags waving in the chilly breeze.

​Had to Stop

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We had eaten a late breakfast and weren't in search of a meal, but I insisted we pull over so I could run in and have a peek inside.  I climbed the stairs to a heavy rounded door, that matched the shape above the fireplace inside.  Another boar greeted me, this one with an almost playful wig of greenery!

Interior
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​I couldn't hold back my grin when I took in the grand display in the entryway and dining room.  It was lunchtime, but there were no diners. 

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A lovely young server named Brittany, (who managed to pull off a uniform that included knickers, laced at the calf) greeted me warmly. I wasn't really hungry and I don't usually feel comfortable eating in my road trip attire at quiet tables with white cloths. But Brittany was so enthused showing me around, that I just went out to the car and dragged Don inside for lunch.
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A Perfect Lunch
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We were seated at a cozy corner table where we could check out the display of medieval crossbows and a swooping alpenhorn mounted on the wall. As we settled in, snow flurries swirled just enough to excite, but not worry these Texan tourists. Brittany's eagerness to serve us almost made me feel like we were surprise guests at a snowed in cabin... but she chatted and lingered just enough, never making us feel awkward for being the only diners.

Food 
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We studied the wooden menus carefully and chose just enough food for our small appetites.  I had the Onion Gratinee, which tasted as decadent as this photo. I was in heaven with my favorite soup filled with dark broth, thick with onions and a thick layer of cheese covering chewy bread.  Eating my soup was a little comical as I splattered and slurped.  Don's pork sandwich was  mouthwatering moist, with crispy pomme fries that he generously shared.  

Horn Mug

​Our bill came in horn shaped pewter mug, with some chocolate treats!  I pondered how a place like this could have classy touches, reasonable prices, a prize winning chef who serves everything from escargot to wild boar chops and have so few customers! ​

 

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But Brittany explained John Warnock, the founder of Adobe Systems opened this inn with his wife as a sort of dream 13 years ago.  Brittany invited us to tour some of the luxurious guest rooms named for writers such as Shakespeare and Frost. I pictured Mr. Warnock and his wife having quite a good time decorating and designing every nook and cranny of this amazing place.  Not too many businesses could survive such an out of the way spot, during the off season!
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Truffle Hollow
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On a cold day, my favorite room was the pub with it's whimsical and yummy name.  The cozy walnut-paneled room had numerous antiques, including a 16th century bar imported from France.  I of course loved the carved boars, the stone fireplace and the deep arched windows looking out to the garden patio.  The chairs didn't look too comfy, but each table had a tiny flag and a bowl of pistachios.  Now that's a unique touch!

Until Next Time
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After our unexpected feast and our tour of some of the 12 guestrooms, we headed off.  Hopefully we can return to stay a night or two and enjoy some of the heartier meals at dinner or Sunday brunch!  I'll take a room with an iron balcony please!