When most people think of Ohiopyle they think of gorgeous waterfalls, the Youghiogheny River, and outdoor adventure. How could you not?! Ohiopyle is a picturesque little state park only a short hour and a half drive from Pittsburgh. At Ohiopyle, you’ll find activities for the outdoor adventurer, avid bird watcher, and even fun for the whole family! While most folks head to this destination for these daytime activities, another great way to enjoy the Ohiopyle area is by dining with Chef Derek at Braddock’s Restaurant & Tavern!
Image via Discover Ohiopyle Image via Discover Ohiopyle
Chef Derek Bolish is the Head Chef at Braddock’s and oversees their wine dinners. These dinners create the perfect culinary escape! What exactly is a wine dinner? While the name suggests a simple wine served alongside dinner, this experience is the full culinary package. Plan a trip to the scenic Laurel Highlands area and experience not only the stunning daytime views at Ohiopyle Falls, Cucumber Falls, and Fallingwater, but exceptional evening dining. Chef Derek has crafted a beautiful five-course menu with unique pairings from select wineries to go along with each course. With experience as a Sous Chef, soucier, and Banquet Chef, Chef Derek is sure to impress with his talent and expertise.
Image via Discover Ohiopyle
From a young age, Chef Derek was immersed in the culture of the local restaurant industry. He began work at the age of 15 with the Stone House Restaurant and then went on to work at several other spots in the Laurel Highlands area. Most recently, before taking on his current role at Braddock’s, Chef Derek returned to his original place of work, Stone House, with a whole new set of skills in his arsenal. His skill set combined with his elite 6-year training at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort under Chef Jeremy Critchfield and alongside some of the region’s most well-respected chefs, is how Chef Derek came to curate the menu of the exquisite experience that is the Braddock’s Wine Dinner.
Image via Discover Ohiopyle
At his roots, Chef Derek is known for his love of classic comfort foods. Ever since he took on his current role as Head Chef at Braddock’s in 2020, he has been adding his own spin to each traditional comfort dish. BBQ is his specialty, and he has the recognition to prove it! Over the years, Chef Derek has received a number of awards and recognitions. He placed 1st in the 2017 Rib Cookoff and has won other 1st and 2nd place prizes in recent years. While these awards are a testament to his work, his true passion is making the out-of-town guests and regulars smile with his cooking.
Image via Discover Ohiopyle
Experience Chef Derek’s food for yourself by booking your reservation to one of the three remaining monthly wine dinners. The dates are February 25th, March 25th, and April 29th. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 pm and the dinner kicking off at 7 pm. The prix fixe menu begins with a salad course, followed by soup, pasta, entrée, and a dessert course to finish. This is the perfect activity for a date night, an evening out with your friends, or just a reason to treat yourself! For only $65 (plus taxes and gratuity) per person, this experience is a no-brainer.
Image via Discover Ohiopyle
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, but maybe you live a little further than you’d like to drive in one evening, consider one of the packages that include accommodations. These unique opportunities come as two options for wine lovers. The first available package is the Ultimate Culinary Escape Package. This package includes two incredible delicious culinary immersive experiences, libations and two overnight stays at our Ohiopyle Suites. On Friday, the vineyards are brought to you with a wine dinner experience hosted by Braddock’s. After dinner enjoy a cozy and relaxing night at our Historic Stone House Inn. The second package is the Ohiopyle Culinary Escape Package For Wine Lovers includes a one-night stay at the Ohiopyle Suites and a flavorsome evening. Take the shuttle to Braddock’s for a wine dinner reception and main event. Take in all the tasty courses, wine pairings and enjoy yourselves all night long before being shuttled back to your suite. After check out the next day, head back to Braddock’s for a delicious breakfast and enjoy $5 off! Three booking dates are available for each experience.
Whether you are looking for a delicious dinner or a full weekend getaway, Braddock’s Wine Dinner is at the center of it all. Take advantage of the availability for this special once-a-month experience before the reservations are all booked. Schedule your visit by calling 724-329-8876. It truly is the perfect way to end your outdoorsy visit to Ohiopyle, or as a stand alone intimate evening event!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.