Husband and wife Steve and Jody Sniggs, co-owners of Gray Cliff Lodge, are celebrating the building's 100-year anniversary.
Constructed in 1912 as a summer home for the Thomas Dee family, the building has a rich history and has operated as a restaurant continuously since 1945.
The Sniggs are proud to carry on traditions from the time when the building was erected after Dee's death to accommodate his wife and seven children. The home was designed with three studio apartments on each end, one for each of the six daughters and their families, and two bedrooms upstairs -- one for Mrs. Dee and the other for her youngest, a son. The large front porch has now been enclosed with glass and decorated with wind chimes, and the dining area includes a fireplace.
Thomas Dee is remembered locally for contributions in many areas -- including public education and business, and funding for the Thomas Dee Memorial Hospital.
In 1932, the Dee family sold the home to Ed and Toby Greenwell, who developed the menu still used today and turned the home into a fully functioning restaurant, which became a gathering spot for anniversaries, birthday parties and other special dinners.
Neal and Lois Sniggs, parents of Steve Sniggs, purchased the restaurant in 1965 and operated it until 1979, when they sold it to their son and daughter-in-law.
Over the years, the menu has remained much the same, with a few additions here and there. The Sniggs said they still use many of the Greenwells' original recipes to remain true to the building's heritage. "We try to keep it very traditional and fancy, with lace tablecloths and lace curtains. It feels like coming to Grandma's house for dinner," Jody Sniggs said.
All entrees include a fruit cup or tomato juice; green salad or homemade soup; choice of potato, rice or vegetables; freshly baked white rolls and cinnamon rolls; and homemade pie or ice cream.
Specialties include the Fresh Mountain Trout ($22.95), filleted at your table; Slow Roasted Prime Rib ($24.95), served with au jus and horseradish; Grilled Lamb Chops ($30.95), with sage stuffing and mint jelly; and Crispy Deep Fried Chicken ($19.95).
Sunday brunch ($16.50) is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Among the wide variety of homemade goodies available are pastries, cakes, rice pudding, biscuits and gravy, chicken livers and an assortment of salads, meats and seafood.
GRAY CLIFF LODGE
- ADDRESS: 508 Ogden Canyon, Ogden
- HOURS: 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-8 p.m. Sundays
- CONTACT: 801-392-6775, grayclifflodge.com