America 250: A taste of Yosemite history returns to The Ahwahnee

YOSEMITE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Yosemite National Park visitors can experience a taste of history at The Ahwahnee, where chefs have reimagined a menu discovered in 1929 and now serve it as a prix fixe meal.

Located in the heart of Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee is known for its views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. The historic hotel recently uncovered a menu dating back to 1929 and developed a modern interpretation of the dishes once served in its grand dining room.

Executive Chef de Cuisine Calvin Waters said recreating the nearly century-old menu presented both opportunities and challenges.

"Some of it was fun. Some of it was really complicated. On the original menu, I'm still trying to figure out how they got barracuda up here when I can't source it nowadays. So, like, currently we have halibut to sub it out," Waters said.

Among the updated offerings is a modern version of a spiced pin watermelon dish.

"And so this is our modern take on it. It's a Tajín spice with vegan aji amarillo and cilantro cremas, a little microgreen salad and then dehydrated cotija," Waters said.

The menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options.

"So everything that we're doing on the menu, we have a full seven-course vegan and gluten-free option as well," Waters said.

Another reimagined dish is St. Germain.

"St. Germain, which traditionally was like a very, like New Orleans baked dish, very heavy casserole dish. So this is a lighter take on it. It's a Saint Germain foam with the crab, the Dungeness crab, a nice tuile, some microchives, sea seaweed, and just very light as a crab dish," Waters said.

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