Summer in Montana is the best! I am happy to be based in Big Sky/Bozeman for the better part of July and August when the skies are blue and there are endless activities to participate in. As you might expect food experiences are plentiful and do not disappoint, the dining scene is off the charts and gets better every year.
The Hummingbird’s Kitchen dinners are at the top of my favorite dining events in Bozeman. There is an in depth article about these monthly special dinners which you can read about here, but suffice it to say, if you can score tickets to these feasts (sign up via email only) you should! Act fast, seats sell out almost immediately, and for good reason. We were fortunate to attend not one, but two dinners this summer, and both were outstanding.
Another event which has become a yearly tradition is the Montana Outstanding in the Field, held again at Matt Skoglund’s North Bridger Bison, featuring Jarrett Wrisley, the highly acclaimed chef from Shan. Having been to numerous OiTF events, (including last years MT event which you can read about here), this is undoubtedly one of the very best. OiTF founder Jim Denevan has created a farm to table movement that is truly remarkable, an evening you won’t soon forget. Be sure to get on their email list so you can sign up for the dinners when the schedule is released in late March.
Even if you have seen the communal table set up before, it still takes your breath away.
The food and drinks were fantastic, and while the rest of the table feasted on all parts of the Bison presented with Shan’s Northern Thai spin, I was thrilled with my vegetarian options.
I had to take a break between courses to admire the majestic Bison.
As the meal progressed, each course was more beautiful (and delicious) than the last. The camaraderie at the table is so unique, the conversation flows among strangers and memories are made. If you have the opportunity to attend one of these dinners any where in the world (and yes, it is global) I would absolutely do so.
The Big Sky PBR (Professional Bull Riding) is another not to be missed yearly occurrence that should be on your bucket list. A three night extravaganza that sells out every year is worth planning your trip to Montana around. It is entertaining, exciting, and a true slice of Americana.
This is the way to make an impressive entrance!
For East and West Coasters (specifically L.A. and N.Y) the PBR will be a totally new experience. Embrace it and enjoy!
One special highlight this year was a special tribute to Viper51, a bull I happen to be part owner of. Growing up in Manhattan I never imagined I would be a PBR bull owner, but it has brought me tremendous joy! Viper is a bull without equal and he is off to enjoy his retirement at the McCoy Ranch in Oklahoma.
It is almost impossible to resist the excitement of the bulls and the bull-riders.
And you can’t beat the gorgeous setting!
Moving back to food, a perennial favorite of mine is the Wilcoxson’s vanilla soft serve with hot fudge at Mark’s In and Out in Livingston. Join the ever present line and enjoy their classic burgers and amazing ice cream.
If it’s pizza you are craving, a yummy spot in Bozeman in is Sidewall located inside the Emerson Center for the Arts a block off Main Street. You can choose to eat inside or out, and their salads are delicious too. They also happen to have a really terrific gluten-free crust as well as Genuine Ice Cream for dessert.
I had mentioned earlier in the article that we were lucky enough to enjoy two nights at The Hummingbird’s Kitchen, and the second one was Szechuan night which truly was unforgettable. Chef Linda took our taste buds to the limit, the tingle was real! Everything was fantastic.
While I have written about Izakaya Three Fish several times (the best Sushi experience in Montana hands down), Chef Paul has recently started serving off a traditional Izakaya menu he calls House of Paul. Rather than commit to the full Omakase experience you are able to come in and order delicious bites off a wonderfully curated menu of skewers and side dishes. This experience was fun and delicious, and a great addition to the Omakase option.
There are many delicious bakeries in Bozeman, but Wild Crumb remains the favorite in my household. Because I am gf I don’t really get a vote, but when we are in town it is mandatory that we make a breakfast run. The traditional cinnamon roll is a constant, with other treats on rotation.
If you love BBQ try to align your schedule with Yellowhouse Barbecue, a true treasure in Bozeman that is only open Thursday/Friday/Saturday until they run out. My husband declared it outstanding.
Last but not least Coffee. In a town with dozens of coffee options, Roly-Poly is the clear winner in my mind. You can opt to drink it in house, or take their roasted beans (which they sell in cans) and brew it at home.
I am incredibly lucky to get to spend so much time in Montana each year, and these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned for another report this coming winter.
This post is gorgeous, delicious, and fun !!