LUDLOW, Vermont -??“ After months of preparation and anticipation, Okemo Mountain Resort unveiled its newest on-mountain dining experience Wednesday, December 13. Epic, Okemo’s eclectic new lunch spot offers skiers and riders traditional favorites and upscale cuisine with an adventurous twist.

Located at the Solitude Village Lodge, Epic is an exciting new restaurant with a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Vibrant colors accented with metallic tones and varied textures set the stage for a whimsical culinary extravaganza that is sure to become the buzz of every afternoon lift ride.

“We’re introducing some menu items people don’t normally find in an on-mountain dining experience,” says Epic Chef Craig Cornell. “With trilogy menu samplings that offer different taste combinations and textures, Epic is not your typical ski area restaurant.”

Chef Cornell comes to Epic with an impressive background starting at The New York Restaurant School, The New York Cooking School, and then Lake Placid, where he purchased a full service country inn at age 23. He moved to Vermont to become chef/owner of The Inn at Tenney Brook Bistro, in Rutland. Locally, Chef Cornell is most recognized for his culinary talents as executive chef at Nikki’s, formerly of Ludlow. During the summer months, Chef Cornell is a private chef for at the Manchester Country Club.

In addition to creating lasting lunchtime memories, Epic will kick off the winter season with cooking classes. Starting Dec. 20, Okemo Owner Diane Mueller will share her favorite holiday cookie recipes in a cookie-baking workshop that will send attendees home with dozens of holiday treats. After baking, eggnog, cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres with Diane and Tim are the bill of fare. Hours are 4 to 6 p.m. and the fee is $35. Then, on Jan. 8, Feb. 26 and March 12, creative cooks can join Tim and Diane Mueller as they take to the kitchen with Epic Chef Craig Cornell for an evening of friends, food and fun. Chef Cornell will teach attendees how to prepare a restaurant-style entr?В©e from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a four-course dinner. “Dinner with Class” is $70 or $35 for dinner alone. Call 802-228-1600 for more information, or to register.

Epic serves lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, please call (802) 228-1600 or visit www.okemo for a look at Epic’s menu.