01/23/2026
No suprise to us, Blackbird Kitchen, PLONK! and Wild Crumb are featured in our guestbook and we recommend them all the time.
Big news for Montana foodies: The James Beard Foundation just published their list of semi-finalists for 2026 - and EIGHT Montana chefs & restaurants have been recognized! 🎉
A big congratulations to:
🍽️ Outstanding Restaurateur: Brett Evje & Michael Ochsner of J.W. Heist Steakhouse & PLONK! - Bozeman & Missoula
🍽️ Outstanding Restaurant: Blackbird Kitchen - Bozeman
🍽️ Outstanding Bakery: Wild Crumb - Bozeman
🍽️ Outstanding Wine & Other Beverages Program: One Legged Magpie - Red Lodge
And for Best Chef in the Mountain region:
🍽️ Brandon Cunningham of Pangea Bar & Restaurant - Missoula
🍽️ Brandon Dearden of Ember - Hamilton
🍽️ Earl James Reynold of Herb & Omni Whitefish, MT - Whitefish
🍽️ Jarrett Wrisley of Shan - Bozeman
Who’s hungry? 🙋♀️🙋♂️