In Japan, one of many places father-and-son restauranteurs James and Andre Dumas have touched down, a Shinto temple’s mirror inspires a tradition of spiritual harmony. A mirror likewise inspired James with the idea for a pleasing logo gracing the elegant Alpinist restaurant at Deer Valley the pair opened last fall. Traced one morning his steamy shaving mirror, it profiles two Swiss peaks, the Andes, Mount Rishiri in Hokkaido, and our own Mount Superior and Little Cottonwood Canyon, "all places we've lived, worked and skied," James smiles.
Alpinist is nestled inside the Deer Valley Club at the revamped Sai Sommet restaurant and is earning raves. “One of my most successful openings,” James says. Menu items like Raclette Walisanner and Hungarian goulash-style short ribs are informed by his experience locally, at the Culinary Institute of America, and across the globe. "Atop Mauna Kea, when Andre visited in 2021, I knew my Hawaii chapter was over,” James recalls of returning to Utah. “I missed winter and family.”
Their Wasatch Back journey began decades ago in New York when James brought home a photo of the Snowbird resort taken from Wildcat Ridge. "He was hooked!" Andre recalls. Soon, Andre's childhood was a pastiche of Park City adventures. "My parents believed in the 'rule of 12,’” he says. “Twelve inches of snow and all A's meant an automatic snow day.” His financial background helps drive Alpinist's success today, "but I love running food and busing tables,” Andre says. James also mixes with customers, "sharing the history and traditions that define our culinary philosophy."
Their athletic backgrounds - Andre competed on the NorAm and Europa Cup freestyle aerial tour; James played Division One football at Western Michigan – help them stay fit and centered. "We 'touch the sky' each day with a hike, bike, or a quick lap," James says, but adds, “It’s in the kitchen I express my 'love language,' also known as cooking.”
"Mark your calendar!" Andre advises cheerfully. Alpinist will reopen in just a few weeks, debuting a savory summer season you won’t want to miss.