Sam ArnoldFood historian, chef de cuisine, journalist, world traveler, restaurateur, raconteur.
Sam Arnold is the founder of the renowned Fort Restaurant, a castle-like replica of the 1834 Bent's Fort (Colorado's first fur-trading post), nestled against scenic red rocks near Morrison, Colorado. In 1997, Arnold was honored to host President Clinton's state dinner with the heads of state of the eight leading industrial nations of the world during the World Leaders Summit of the Eight Conference, held in Denver, Colorado.
Recognized nationally as an authority on foods of the Southwest and early West, Arnold 's 'Frying Pans West' cookbook is a historic gastronomic journey westward. Handsomely illustrated by his late artist wife, Carrie, the highly entertaining, informative cookbook is a result of Arnold 's painstaking research of the diaries and journals kept by early 19th century settlers, trappers, & traders.
A popular speaker on the food and travel circuit, Arnold has addressed - and prepared a buffalo dinner for the James Beard Foundation in New York city and was the keynote speaker at the 7th Symposium on American Cuisine in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Arnold was also a founding member of the Colorado Chapter of the American Institute of Wine & Food and he was an active member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
Arnold 's media background was as extensive as his food history. A graduate of Yale, Arnold was a radio announcer and newspaper reporter. He later opened his own media relations and advertising firm, Arnold & Company, and wrote for several national and regional publications. Arnold has hosted and produced regional and national television shows such as "Food for Thought," "Fryingpans West TV," and "Feast of Life." He also hosted "Eating Up the West" on KOA, Denver's top-rated news/talk radio station. Arnold 's rendition of the Old West and the character and culinary heritage that he has instilled at The Fort truly exemplifies American history.
Arnold has also studied with James Beard, entertained Julia Child, attended and taught cooking classes throughout the world, and has been featured in a number of national publications and television programs, including The New York Times, Americana, Newsday, People, Sunset, "The Today Show," ABC and NBC News, CNN, TNN, "Discovery," and "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee." Arnold was named " Denver 's Own Chile Guru" by Bon Appetit magazine, "Queso Grande" (Big Cheese) of the Colorado Chapter of International Connoisseurs of Green and Red Chile and was the official spokesperson for Safeway stores throughout the Rocky Mountain Region.
In May 2004, Arnold was presented with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration in Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University, recognizing his "pioneering spirit of the Old West" and his "entrepreneurial drive and resolve to achieve his aspirations. It is clear that Arnold's zest for living stems not from a sprinkle of grated lemon rind, but from the roasted whole chile of life."
Sam Arnold passed away on June 8, 2006.
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