This season brings exciting energy to the kitchen at Twin Owls Steakhouse as we spotlight the talent, passion, and creativity behind the dishes our guests love. Leading the way is Head Chef Cole, supported by our vibrant and skilled Sous Chef Manny — a duo whose combined experience and enthusiasm are shaping the next era of Twin Owls dining.
Chef Cole’s Story: From a Pink Easy-Bake Oven to the Peaks of Estes Park
Cole’s lifelong love for cooking began at just eight years old, when his mother gifted him a bright pink Easy-Bake Oven for Christmas. From that moment, the kitchen became his favorite place to be — whether he was helping prepare family dinners or crafting tiny pastries under its warm light.
Born and raised in Utah, Cole’s culinary journey has taken him across the country and into some remarkable kitchens. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in 2016, he spent years in Las Vegas working alongside Michelin-starred chefs in some of the city’s most iconic restaurants. His career highlights even include cooking for Martha Stewart.
In 2020, Cole moved to Estes Park and joined the Twin Owls family — a decision he’s never looked back on. What he loves most about his work here is the freedom to be creative, to push boundaries, and to bring joy to guests through the dishes he creates. He thrives in the organized chaos of the kitchen, where precision meets artistry night after night.
Outside of work, Cole is an adventure seeker at heart. You’ll often find him at the skate park, on the slopes, or spending quality time with his twin daughters — the role he’s most proud of.
Sous Chef Manny: Creativity, Energy, and a Fresh Spark in the Kitchen
Sous Chef Manny brings a fun, positive energy to the Twin Owls kitchen, along with a growing passion for the craft of cooking. His creativity, teamwork, and love of learning make him an invaluable presence beside Chef Cole. From perfecting classic dishes to developing new seasonal features, Manny helps bring the Twin Owls vision to life with enthusiasm and heart.
With Manny’s support, the kitchen runs with both precision and personality — a balance our guests feel in every plate.
A New Chapter for Twin Owls
Together, Chef Cole and Sous Chef Manny are shaping a refreshed culinary direction for Twin Owls Steakhouse. Their shared dedication to quality, flavor, and Colorado-inspired dining is evident in each dish, whether it’s a signature entrée, a new seasonal special, or a beautifully composed dessert.
As we step into a new season — from holiday dinners to cozy winter nights — guests can look forward to inspired plates, elevated technique, and the unmistakable warmth that makes dining at Twin Owls so special.
Make this season the perfect time to experience Chef Cole and Sous Chef Manny’s work firsthand.
Guests staying at Taharaa Mountain Lodge Wednesday through Sunday will receive a $50 gift card to Twin Owls Steakhouse, offering the ideal way to enjoy their winter menu and the elevated dining experience they’re crafting nightly.
