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Four Seasons Jackson Hole unveils the Handle Bar, opening December

Four Seasons Jackson Hole unveils the Handle Bar, opening December

Introducing The Handle Bar at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole – the newest concept by Mina Group – set to open December 2012 at the Resort in the heart of Jackson Hole’s Teton Village. Just steps from the Teewinot ski lifts, The Handle Bar promises to bring new energy to the local scene featuring a casual and accessible menu of wood-grilled burgers, sausages and fun bar snacks.

The Handle Bar will be a premier year-round gathering place for hungry travellers, outdoorsmen and women, and revel rousers alike. An “all night” après ski happy hour and energetic indoor/outdoor bar will offer guests a comforting spot to unwind, drink and snack with friends or family after a day on the slopes, and all year long.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open The Handle Bar in Jackson Hole, which we find to be a rustic yet sophisticated destination, and an ideal place to unveil this casual concept,” says Patric Yumul, president of Mina Group. “We really wanted to let go and have some fun with The Handle Bar. Our goal was to take advantage of Jackson Hole’s beautiful natural surroundings while providing an energetic place for locals and Four Seasons guests to enjoy burgers, sausages, snacks and great drinks after a day of adventures, whether they’re coming from Snake River or just outside at Rendezvous Mountain.”

The Handle Bar’s wood-grilled burgers and sausages will be highlights on the menu, as well as delicious and shareable bar snacks. Game meats native to the region will also be prominent, such as Wyoming elk chili served on its own with crema, cheddar and scallions, or covering crispy potato skins on the bar and snack menu.

The bar menu at The Handle Bar will be vast and playful. Guests will enjoy American and international beer options by can, bottle, pint, stein or boot; beloved whiskeys from Scotland, Japan, the US and beyond; a concentrated list of wine by the glass or bottle; and adult milkshakes for a fun take on an old standby.

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One of The Handle Bar’s many draws will be its “all night” après ski happy hour. Unique to Jackson Hole, the happy hour will run for five hours from 4:00-9:00 pm daily, while most nearby offerings begin later and end earlier. Après ski will capture an energetic crowd of visitors and locals looking to gather for a complete evening of snacking, drinking, games and live entertainment.

The 3,600-square-foot (334 square metre) space, plus a 1,200-square-foot (111 square metre) outdoor terrace, was conceptualized by Chris Sheffield of award-winning SLDesign. A large bar will act as the centrepiece of The Handle Bar, where guests sitting in each of its 30 seats will have a stunning view of Rendezvous Mountain. The space will be comprised of communal and standard-sized tables made from reclaimed oak, Pullman-style booths, adjustable-height tables, and a raised 36-seat dining area that can be used for private parties or carry over from the dining hall. An outdoor terrace will seat approximately 60 guests with sweeping mountain views, cozy fireplace lounge seating and a bar that extends from the inside out.

The Handle Bar will evoke a 19th century modern West American tavern. Sheffield took inspiration from The Handle Bar’s straightforward and casual cuisine, using warm colours, clean lines and large scaled windows to draw natural light. Comfort and intimacy will be realized through upholstery fabric and drapery in mixed plaid patterns, while other unique design elements include gas lamp-inspired lighting and rustic, exposed wood beams and cork finishes.

A carefully curated art program will include taxidermy, trophy antlers, rustic oil paintings and Native American-inspired wood cuts. The art pieces, framing, and layout are designed to feel as though they’ve been collected and placed over a long period of time.