The Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge highlighted Boulder flavors at the final Sundance in Park City, featuring Frasca Food and Wine's Northern Italian cuisine.
As the 2026 Sundance Film Festival comes to a close, the Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge on Main Street in Park City has made a significant impact, offering festival-goers a taste of Boulder, Colorado, through an exclusive collaboration with the acclaimed Frasca Food and Wine. This unique partnership represents not just a culinary experience but also a heartfelt farewell to Park City, as the festival prepares for its upcoming move to Boulder next year.
Open from January 22 to 27, the lounge transformed the space formerly occupied by Le Depot Brasserie and Courchevel Bistro into a culinary haven for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders and their guests. Frasca Food and Wine, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its emphasis on the cuisine and wine of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeast Italy, was the highlight of the lounge's offerings. Bobby Stuckey, a partner and master sommelier at Frasca, expressed the importance of this culinary showcase. "For us, it’s less about the move and more about the opportunity to share the cuisine and hospitality of Friuli-Venezia Giulia along with our philosophy of hospitality to a wider audience," he stated.
Stuckey elaborated on the pride the team took in bringing their flavors to Park City, emphasizing the warmth and care that characterize their culinary philosophy. "Being able to bring that sense of care, warmth, and craft to Park City is something we take a lot of pride in,” he added. The collaboration with Chase Sapphire Reserve is not new; this marks their third year working together, solidifying a relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to high-quality hospitality.
During the festival, the lounge offered a range of dishes that resonated with Frasca’s Northern Italian roots, each meticulously redesigned for a finger-food format to accommodate the festival atmosphere. Daily offerings included enticing options like prosciutto-wrapped pear slices, brioche with whipped ricotta, and arancini, or fried polenta, all inspired by Frasca’s usual menu. Stuckey noted the importance of flexibility in a festival setting, stating, "During Sundance, that flexibility really matters. Dishes like frico caldo, prosciutto di San Daniele, and risotto translate beautifully to that style of service."
The Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge also hosted exclusive dinner pop-up experiences during the festival's opening days, utilizing the kitchen at Courchevel Bistro to serve specially curated meals. This blend of fine dining with casual festival fare allowed guests to experience the best of Frasca’s culinary offerings in a relaxed setting. "Being able to cook dishes like frico caldo in Park City for the first time and other classics we’ve spent years refining is incredibly meaningful to us," Stuckey remarked, highlighting the significance of sharing their culinary journey with a new audience.
As the festival moves to Boulder, Frasca aims to honor the legacy that Park City has built over nearly half a century. Stuckey acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "It’s important for Frasca and for all of Boulder to approach this with humility. Park City and Sundance have built something truly special, and Boulder has a responsibility to learn from that legacy and to rise to the occasion."
With the festival's relocation, Pearl Street in Boulder is set to become a vibrant hub during Sundance, echoing the bustling atmosphere of Park City’s Main Street. As Frasca prepares for this transition, Stuckey remains committed to delivering an exceptional experience that upholds the festival's reputation. "We have a lot of work to do to deliver the kind of experience Sundance deserves. It’s a big responsibility but one we’re committed to honoring," he affirmed.
In conclusion, the Chase Sapphire Reserve lounge at this year’s Sundance Film Festival not only showcased the exquisite culinary traditions of Boulder through Frasca Food and Wine but also served as a poignant reminder of the shared history between the festival and Park City. As the curtain falls on the final Sundance in Park City, the culinary legacy established here will undoubtedly influence the upcoming festival in Boulder, setting a high bar for what is to come. The transition marks a new chapter for both the festival and the participating culinary establishments, promising exciting developments in the years ahead.