Chef Zane Holmquist returns to TODAY Show for tenth holiday visit

Chef Zane sits between Al Roker and Carson Daly at last year's TODAY Show visit. Photo: Stein Collection.

PARK CITY, Utah – The TODAY Show is all over Park City this winter. On Friday, December 23, Stein Eriksen Lodge Vice President of Food and Beverage and Corporate Chef Zane Holmquist returns to NBC’s TODAY Show as a special guest. For his tenth TODAY Show visit, Holmquist will make an Iced Hot Chocolate Soda, bites, and snacks for viewers to recreate for Christmas weekend.

“I am so honored to return to the TODAY Show for the tenth year this holiday season,” said Holmquist. “It has been such a privilege to share our beloved Stein Eriksen Lodge recipes over the last decade, and I hope viewers have been able to prepare them in their own homes with the same love and care we provide our guests every day.”

Airing on TODAY on Friday, Holmquist will craft an Iced Hot Chocolate Soda, a chilly spin on the classic winter treat. Small bites include a variation of the popular Devils on Horseback appetizer, appropriately named Skiers on Horseback, which are bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Ski Queen Norwegian cheese. Next, he’ll then prepare all things gingerbread – popcorn, spices, and candies.

During his 40+ years in the industry, Holmquist has won numerous awards, including the Utah Restaurant Association Chef of the Year and the Governor’s Culinary Artisan Award. He has showcased his work at the renowned James Beard House in Greenwich Village, local and regional television programs, and his cuisine has been featured in numerous publications, including SKI, Bon Appétit, Sunset, Salt Lake Magazine, and Triathlete.

Holmquist oversees five restaurants, nine kitchens, and 200 staff members as VP of food and beverage. He is involved in menu development for each of the hotel’s restaurants and is a proponent of using the highest quality ingredients and products. Under his experienced leadership, The Glitretind Restaurant has maintained the coveted Forbes Four-Star award and earned the Santé Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and DiRONA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award), among various other national and local accolades.

Holmquist also oversees Stein Eriksen Lodge’s externship program, often recruiting chefs from the Culinary Institute of America and other national culinary programs, giving young chefs the opportunity to train and flourish in his kitchens under his experienced direction. Holmquist has guest lectured at the Culinary Institute of America and served as a member of the Salt Lake Community College’s Alumni Council.