Step inside Forty at Thorn Hill, the award-winning restaurant at The Inn at Thorn Hill in Jackson, New Hampshire, with owner Mark Lahood and in-house Sommelier James LaPlante. In this episode of Every DiRōNA Has a Story with Scott Breard, Mark shares how a lifetime in hospitality and years of family ski trips to Jackson led him to take over the inn in 2019. James brings nearly 30 years behind the bar to a wine and cocktail program that draws guests from all over.From a wraparound porch overlooking the Presidential Range to a dining room reimagined from the ground up, this conversation explores the two distinct dining experiences at Forty at Thorn Hill. Hear about the intimate wine cellar pairing dinners, a four-season menu built on local farms, the summer lobster bisque presented tableside, and the team's reaction to receiving its first DiRōNA Award in 2025.⏰ Timestamps:0:00 Introductions0:40 Meet Mark Lahood, Operating Partner at The Inn at Thorn Hill1:28 Meet James LaPlante, Bar Manager at Forty at Thorn Hill1:53 Mark’s Connection to The Inn at Thorn Hill2:32 The Dining Experience at Forty at Thorn Hill3:40 The Wine Cellar & Curating the Guest Experience4:21 Exploring the Wine List5:04 Seasonal Menus and Local Ingredients6:00 Inside The Inn at Thorn Hill7:24 The Meaning Behind the DiRōNA Award8:07 Closing Remarks🎥 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible stories from the world of dining excellence!About Forty at Thorn HillSet in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, The Inn at Thorn Hill and its restaurant, Forty at Thorn Hill, offer an intimate New England escape. Featuring locally inspired cuisine, fresh seasonal ingredients, and an award-winning wine list, guests can enjoy a refined dining experience with sweeping mountain views or gather for private celebrations in The Wine Cellar, The Granite Room, or the elegant private dining room.About DiRōNAThe Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) recognizes restaurants that deliver exceptional dining experiences across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Through a rigorous evaluation process, DiRōNA celebrates excellence in cuisine, beverage, service, and ambiance, recognizing restaurants that set the standard for hospitality.Learn more at www.dirona.comFollow DiRōNA 📱Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DistinguishedRestaurantsofNorthAmericaX (Twitter) https://x.com/DiRoNAawardInstagram https://www.instagram.com/dironaaward/Threads https://www.threads.net/@dironadiningLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/dironaYouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzTkh5NnSvggND925kcO22ATikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dironadiningPinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dironadistinguishedrestaurants/BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/dironaaward.bsky.social

Step inside the award-winning Double Cut Steakhouse at Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, WI, with Executive Chef Roberto Negron. In this episode of Every DiRōNA Has a Story, Chef Roberto shares his culinary journey from Puerto Rico to New York, Colorado, and ultimately to Wisconsin Dells, where he now leads a destination restaurant known for prime steaks, creative sushi, and a wine list that rivals the best in the region.From the origins of Kalahari as a family-owned pizza shop to the evolution of Double Cut into a DiRōNA-awarded gem, this conversation explores passion, innovation, and what it means to create a restaurant that feels as welcoming as it is elevated. Hear about seasonal specials, the cult-favorite DC Roll, and the resort's next chapter in Virginia.⏰ Timestamps::40 Meet Chef Roberto Negron2:00 Kalahari Resort located in Wisconsin2:34 Chef Roberto's journey with Double Cut Steak House2:58 Chef Robertos' history in the culinary industry3:57 What makes Double Cut Steak House unique5:33 The story behind Kalahari Resort6:49 Other resort locations7:03 Explaining the expansion of the sushi menu7:58 Many options for the wine list plus the extensive bourbon list8:55 Consistent staff makes the restaurant experience better9:36 Crowd favorite sushi roll plus the many options for creative toppings on the filet10:29 What's coming for Kalahari Resorts and the newest Double Cut Steak House11:18 Receiving the DiRōNA award12:00 Closing remarks🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible stories from the world of dining excellence!About Double Cut Steak HouseDouble Cut Steak House redefines the classic steakhouse experience with a modern, upscale twist. Located within Kalahari Resorts, this DiRōNA-awarded destination blends bold culinary innovation with approachable sophistication. From hand-cut prime steaks and inventive sushi rolls to an extensive wine and bourbon selection, every element is crafted to impress. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, hosting a business dinner, or enjoying a family getaway, Double Cut offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere where exceptional food, polished service, and memorable ambiance come together seamlessly.About DiRōNA Established in 1990, the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) sets the gold standard for exceptional dining. Representing a curated collection of the most distinguished restaurants across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, DiRōNA recognizes establishments that deliver an elevated experience across cuisine, beverage, service, and ambiance. Each awarded restaurant is selected through a meticulous evaluation process that ensures every detail — from presentation to atmosphere — reflects a commitment to excellence. Whether it’s an elegant urban dining room, a storied culinary landmark, or a contemporary destination led by visionary chefs, DiRōNA-awarded restaurants exemplify the artistry and sophistication that define North American gastronomy. For those who seek more than just a meal, DiRōNA is a trusted mark — guiding diners to memorable experiences where excellence isn’t an exception, it’s the expectation.Find DiRōNA on Social Media 📱Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DistinguishedRestaurantsofNorthAmericaX (Twitter) https://x.com/DiRoNAawardInstagram https://www.instagram.com/DiRoNAawardThreads https://www.threads.net/@DiRoNAawardLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/dironaYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DiRoNATiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DiRoNAawardPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dironadistinguishedrestaurants/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dironaaward.bsky.social#DiRoNA2025 #DiningExperience #ALifeWellDined