Robert Redford: Hollywood icon Robert Redford may have passed away at the age of 89, but his spirit continues to inspire through his films, activism, and his beloved Sundance Resort in Utah. Redford’s legacy is not only preserved on the big screen but also in the heart of nature—at his famous restaurant, The Tree Room.
A Legendary Career And A Vision Beyond Film
Over seven decades, Robert Redford built an extraordinary career as an actor, director, and activist. He starred in unforgettable classics like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and Ordinary People. His role in Butch Cassidy alongside Paul Newman inspired the “Sundance” name that would later define his groundbreaking Sundance Film Festival, his Utah mountain retreat, and ultimately his restaurant.
The Birth Of Sundance Resort And The Tree Room
In 1969, Redford purchased land beneath Mount Timpanogos, near Provo, Utah. Developers had planned to cover the area with luxury homes, but Redford, deeply passionate about nature and conservation, had a different vision. He created the Sundance Mountain Resort, building around the natural landscape rather than over it.
The resort’s first dining space, The Tree Room, was constructed around a tree already standing on the site. This unique feature not only gave the restaurant its name but also symbolized Redford’s respect for the environment.
A Dining Experience With Rustic Elegance
Much like Redford himself, The Tree Room restaurant blends rustic charm with sophisticated elegance. While it offers a fine-dining experience, it never feels pretentious. Guests often describe it as welcoming, intimate, and warm. The interiors are adorned with Native American artwork from Redford’s personal collection, maintaining the authentic mountain-cabin atmosphere that has defined it since its early days.
Seasonal Cuisine Inspired By Nature
Ambiance at The Tree Room is as important as the menu. Floor-to-ceiling windows immerse diners in the changing beauty of the Utah mountains, ensuring every visit feels different with the seasons.
The menu combines American comfort food classics with French culinary influences. Popular dishes include locally sourced pepper steak, elk loin, and delicacies like crab rillette. Seasonal ingredients are always prioritized, reflecting Redford’s belief in freshness and quality.
In Redford’s own words: “What you see, smell, taste, and feel here is a dream being carefully nurtured.” That dream, cultivated for more than 55 years, remains alive at Sundance.
A Taste Of Redford’s Personal Touch
Redford’s love for food extended beyond his restaurant. His close friend Paul Newman featured his recipe for Lamb Chili with Black Beans in Newman’s Own Cookbook. The dish is packed with bold flavors—blackened tomatoes, coriander, chili powder, and surprising notes of mint and toasted pine nuts.
Though he appreciated fine dining, Redford never lost his down-to-earth sense of humor about food, once joking, “Health food may be good for the conscience, but Oreos taste a hell of a lot better.”
Robert Redford’s Enduring Legacy
What Robert Redford gave the world cannot be measured only in films or accolades. His charm, vision, and respect for nature live on in the Sundance Resort and especially at The Tree Room restaurant in Utah.
Visitors can still experience his passion—on the screen, in the mountains, and at a dinner table glowing with candlelight in the heart of Sundance.
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