Outpost Jackson Hole

Vacation Rentals in Jackson Hole

Concierge

Best Personalized Experiences in Wyoming

Our innovative and welcoming team helps guests craft the best, personalized experiences for their Old West getaways. It’s truly no wonder that locals and tourists alike voted us gold in Best Property Management Company of JH in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.  Let’s take a peek at some of Outpost’s exceptional personalized experiences and insider travel tips that make us the go-to for Jackson Hole, Wyoming vacations! 

A tour group in Wyoming

Treat yourself

Stay Outfitted with outdoor rentals, baby gear, florals, liquor, and so much more. All items are conveniently delivered pre-arrival. This personalized service is available exclusively to our guests and homeowners. Provisions, a sister company to Outpost, combines convenience and comfort all in one place. Guests have the option to book private chef dinners ($1000 minimum with advance notice), giving you a stress-free, relaxing and memorable food experience in the comfort of your rental. 

Delicious dining

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is home to some exceptional restaurants. Be sure to make reservations! We don’t make them for you, but here are our recommendations for local dining: 

Activities abound in the valley! 

Again, we highly recommend you make reservations in advance. You and yours will undoubtedly have the best recreational experiences in all of Wyoming if you follow our insider’s list below: 

No reservations needed here

*For the outdoor enthusiast searching for something more off-the-beaten-path, this is a great hike in the Gros Ventre Mountains. Be sure to take a high clearance SUV as the road is rugged. Trust us, the views of the Tetons are well worth it! 

 

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 

Guests love the newly expanded bike park, filled with trails for all experience levels. After a ride around the bike park, ride the tram or catch a gondola to Piste Mountain Bistro.  

Seeking some mindfulness? Enjoy yoga on the deck and salute the sun with expansive views over the Teton Valley! 

Get excited for spectacular views and adventures. You’ll make cherished memories for years to come. 

Provisions: New Gourmet Meal Delivery Service

As restaurants around Jackson Hole remain shuttered, locals and visitors alike find themselves craving the dishes crafted by the valley’s celebrated chefs. But now, two of the area’s brightest culinary minds have created a new way for diners to enjoy restaurant-quality fare in their own homes. 

Chefs Clark Myers and Chas Baki – formerly the creative minds behind locally-loved Gather and Palette – have found new inspiration during the past few months. Together, they’ve created Provisions: a company that’s cooking and delivering gourmet meals to diners around Jackson Hole to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. “We wanted to provide the same quality that people would expect at a restaurant,” explains Chef Clark. And seeing as he was awarded the Silver for Best Chef in Best of Jackson Hole 2020, people expect a lot.

Inspired equally by their travels around the globe, and their deep appreciation for local ingredients, Chef Clark describes the Provisions menu as “Upscale Mountain.” The dinner menu changes weekly, and is full of mouthwatering options that reflect the chefs diverse influences as well as their unshakeable connection to this region. They ensure that dishes have a local twist – like the huckleberry bourbon syrup on baklava, or the elk pomodoro – and are every bit as delicious as a downtown restaurant would serve. 

Provisions makes it effortless to enjoy a gourmet dinner in the comfort of your own home – or your home away from home. Order from the online menu; select from their a-la-carte offerings including appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Preheat your oven to 350°, and when your dinner arrives, pop it in for twenty minutes (or less!). 

“We want to provide people the excellent quality that they expect from us wherever they go,” reiterates Chef Clark. To that end, Provisions will soon be offering box lunches that make the perfect midday refuel during any Jackson Hole adventure. Don’t expect a sad brown bag with a soggy sandwich. Provisions is offering a variety of lunches, including bowls, wraps, a ground lamb kebab gyro, and more – all accompanied by fresh fruit, a side of housemade chips, and the chefs’ signature “PowerBalls” (a vegan treat for an extra kick of energy to finish that hike strong!).

Chefs Clark and Chas are also offering private chef and catering services in Jackson Hole. Easily able to accommodate any dietary restrictions, they can curate the perfect menu for your group or event. Whether it’s a local tasting menu, a hearty dinner for an enthusiastic crowd, or a special menu for a wedding, Provisions won’t disappoint.

So, while we all miss heading downtown on a summer evening, and pulling up a chair at our favorite restaurant, Chefs Clark and Chas are making sure we don’t have to ignore our cravings for excellent local food. Place your order now and fill your fridge with their delectable creations – you won’t regret it.

Please visit provisionsjh.com for more information!

Some Assembly Required

Though the trees outside the west-facing windows are naked, and the fields between town and the Big Hole Mountains are blanketed in snow, Katy Ann Fox’s art studio is like stepping into the soft light of a summer morning. The space is as welcoming and distinctive as her perspective on the West. On the top floor of a home built in 1930, the high ceiling and pale walls seem to draw the natural light in through a series of window panes that are both haphazard and deeply charming. 

 

 

All around the room are Fox’s paintings – some hung in neat rows on the walls, some patiently leaning against makeshift stands, waiting their turn for frames and transport to her upcoming show. Some canvases still unfinished. Emblematic, really, as the show she’s anticipating is titled Some Assembly Required.

 

 

“In one way, it’s a shoutout of gratitude to so much around me,” Fox explains – the support of her community, her recent acquisition of this unique home, the beauty that’s all around. 

It’s that simple, harmonious beauty that regularly catches Fox’s eye and ends up on her canvas. Her images frequently showcase older buildings that are easy to overlook, and the compelling balance of horizon lines and natural open expanses. She feels that her work captures the pace of life in the West, a slow-flowing sense of harmony and peace. “The Western experience is pretty solitary in many ways, but when people come together, it is really powerful. My painting is a way to invest in and understand the beauty that surrounds us.”

 

 

Fox’s images frequently showcase older structures, and the natural world that frames them. She relishes moments of subtle irony, like that captured in the painting leaning near the doorway. She smiles as she gestures towards the canvas. “It’s a windowless building. But what’s in front of it? A giant stack of windows.” She loves to employ shades of pink, and uses shadows and strong lines to reveal the elegant geometry of the everyday.  

 

 

 

“A lot of these are things that you drive by all the time, but I want you to stop and notice,” Fox explains. She’s drawn to the way in which Western architecture is rooted in functionality and simplicity, and she wants to inspire others to pause and enjoy. “It’s about giving people permission to move slower and appreciate. And to feel good about themselves in that moment, too.” There’s unrivaled authenticity and peace in just stopping. Seeing. 

Fox’s show is a celebration of these places and people who have helped her on her journey. From a childhood in Grangeville, Idaho – where the Snake and Columbia Rivers combine – to the San Francisco Academy of Art, to the Tetons, Fox sees this show as an assembly of the steps on her journey. 

 

 

Opening this Friday, March 13th, Some Assembly Required will be available for viewing at the Turner Fine Art Gallery. That evening, the opening will feature a custom-designed cocktail from Jackson Hole Stillworks, gourmet pizzas, and will be an opportunity to meet Fox and explore her work. 

 

 

Photos by Lindley Rust

Eat, Ski, and be Merry

Locals and out of towners will both agree that Jackson Hole Food & Wine is a festival to look forward to —and luckily for us it takes place in both the winter and summer. While both are epic, the winter fest takes place slopeside at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. Think an apres ski event with Pappy Van Winkle’s grandson, a multi-course dinner at 9,000 feet in elevation, the best après-ski party, and much more — scheduled accordingly so you can have the best of both worlds: skiing and festival time. 

 

 

Get intimate with Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski 

Kicking off the 3rd annual winter fest is Big Wines, Small Plates, an OG event that’s been a part of the festival (both winter and summer) since day one. Epic small plates, standout wines, chefs and industry insiders collide in one cozy, intimate space at Rendezvous Lodge. Michael Britton of Piste Mountain Bistro is in charge of the kitchen where he’ll execute dishes by way of direction of Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of State Bird Provisions, Preston Van Winkle of Old Rip Van Winkle, Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards, Matt Bean of Sunset Magazine and Laely Heron of Heron Wines. It’s like being part of a live storybook where panelists bring culinary memories to life with each bite and sip. 

 

 

Learn tips and tricks from the experts 

In addition to Big Wines, Small Plates, this dynamic duo will be involved in events throughout the festival, including an intimate cooking class inside Il Villaggio Osteria’s private dining room. If you haven’t eaten at State Bird Provisions in San Francisco you’re missing out. Brioza has the power to turn even the most picky eaters on to anchovies (or at least me, after their private dinner during Jackson Hole Food & Wine’s 2018 summer festival). The two (if you can tear Brioza off the slopes! will demo several hit recipes from State Bird Provisions: A Cookbook and teach handy tips and tricks for making these dishes at home — plus beautiful wine pairings from Peay Vineyards. 

 

 

The best apres ski bang for your buck 

For après enthusiasts Taste of Teton Village is the place to be. The $165 ticket equals hours of endless fun inside the Four Seasons Resort & Residences Jackson Hole’s fancy ballroom. Local West Bank chefs dish up their favorite, warming, wintry dishes while there’s no shortage of wine, local brews and libations — plus tunes from DJ Rocky Vertone to set the après tone. It’s basically the equivalent of eating at 13 restaurants in one setting. Bonus: hit the after party at Continuum to keep the party going. 

 

 

A notable happy hour 

What pairs well with a day on one of the country’s best ski resorts? Pappy Hour. And we’re talking Pappy, as in Pappy Van Winkle, kind of Pappy Hour. Lucky attendees who scored a ticket get the chance to embark on an exclusive tasting with Preston Van Winkle of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, aka the great grandson of iconic bourbon maker Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle. Expect a flight of neat pours of some of the country’s most sought after bourbons with a side of family history inside Hotel Terra’s Murie Ballroom. 

 

 

A dinner collaboration at 9,000 feet 

While we think all events are noteworthy, Wine Dinner at 9,000ft takes the cake. Dressed to the nines, arrive via Bridger Gondola to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and take in unobstructed views of the valley for cocktail hour via Piste Mountain Bistro’s floor to ceiling glass windows. For one night only Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski will cook an extraordinary tasting menu paired with Peay Vineyards wine. If you’ve participated in this affair before you’re well aware that unexpected bites and sips take place all night long. 

 

 

Aside from Wine Dinner at 9,000ft, Jackson Hole Food & Wine’s winter fest is arguably one of the most fun, intimate and chill — meaning come as you are, even in ski garb — festivals that exist. Locals like to dabble in one or two events while out of towners have been known to enhance a ski vacation by tackling them all. In the case an event you see is sold out email info@jhfoodandwine.com to be added to a waitlist and we’ll send you all the good vibes. 

 

 

Written by Jenn Rice

Photos by Lindley Rust

Top 10 (really 11) Things to do Before Check-In:

If it’s not time to check in to your mountain home away from home just yet, let us offer a few suggestions! Here are some ways to start your visit to Jackson Hole on a great note. 

Do you have a car? 

Yes! We’ve got a car!

(Even if you don’t, you can always grab a taxi!)

 

1.  Get up close and personal with the largest elk herd in the United States. Settle into a cozy horse drawn sleigh for a tour of the National Elk Refuge, and venture close enough to hear their conversations (listen above). Note: this is available for winter only!

 

2.  Drive to the north side of the dike, and walk over the Snake River via the pedestrian bridge. Explore the beautiful and creative R Park; it’s full of unique features for playing and interacting, as well as locally-made art installations. And be sure to keep your eyes open for bald eagles! It’s one of their favorite hangouts, too.

 

 

3.  View the world-renowned collection at the kid-friendly National Museum of Wildlife Art. The impressive collection includes paintings, photography and sculptures from around the word, all of which celebrate the unparalleled beauty of nature. Kids will love the interactive Children’s Gallery, and everyone will enjoy lunch at the museum’s excellent restaurant, Palate.

 

4.  Head north into Grand Teton National Park to Dornan’s to sip a pint while enjoying one of the valley’s best views of the Teton Mountain Range and Snake River. A family-friendly establishment with great pizza and pasta, it’s the perfect spot to unwind from travel and make a game plan for all of your Jackson Hole adventures.

 

5.  Brush up on local history at the Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum. This family-friendly spot will give you a whole new level of appreciation for what life was like in the early days of Jackson Hole! 

 

 

No car – we’re hoofin’ it!

Drop your bags at our office (105 E. Pearl Ave) – all of these recommendations are within walking distance!

 

6.  Take a photo under the Town Square’s iconic Antler Arches. It’s one of those can’t-miss spots in Jackson Hole, and makes for a perfect “Welcome to Town” activity! You can also hop on the authentic stagecoach for a horse-powered ride around the Town Square for a taste of the Wild West. (Summer only!)

 

7.  Stroll over to the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum to give your kids the chance to explore, learn and play. The interactive exhibits are exciting for kids of all ages, and locally-sponsored rotating topics make sure that there is always something new and fun for kids to discover. 

 

8.  Grab a latte and croissant at the chic Persephone Bakery. Tucked into a historic Jackson Hole building among towering cottonwood trees, it’s a favorite local hangout. Choose from the daily selection of fresh pastries, artisan tea and coffee, or settle in and enjoy a hearty sandwich or salad featuring locally-grown ingredients. 

 

9.  Ride a scenic chair lift up Snow King Mountain and get your bearings of Jackson Hole and the valley around town. You’ll get stellar views of the Teton Mountain Range, and a bird’s eye view of the town below. 

 

10.  Sit down for lunch at Local and dig into a juicy burger made with locally pastured grassfed beef. Or head next door to the Cowboy Bar and saddle up (literally!) for an adult beverage in true Western style.

 

11.  Blow some froth off a locally crafted beer at Roadhouse Brewery’s Pub & Eatery on the Town Square, and nibble on some innovatively reimagined bar food. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of travel and start soaking up pure Jackson Hole magic. 

 

 

Feel like shopping? 

Got the itch to do some shopping? Let us guide you with a few downtown suggestions – here are a few of our favorite spots, all located in downtown Jackson.

Habits – designer clothing and shoes (35 West Deloney Ave.)

Made – handmade gifts (125 North Cache St.)

Lee’s Tees – Wyoming t-shirts (10 East Broadway Ave.)

Stio – Jackson born and bred activewear and outdoor clothing (10 East Broadway Ave.)

Altitude – designer clothing, accessories and shoes (48 East Broadway Ave.)

Skinny Skis – cross-country ski rentals, patagonia and activewear (65 West Deloney Ave.)

Teton Mountaineering – climbing gear, ski gear, clothing, camping gear (170 North Cache St.)

 

 

Photos by Lindley Rust

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Blanketed in a pristine layer of crystalline snow, Jackson Hole is one of the most romantic spots to spend a day appreciating your sweetheart. Whether you plan to celebrate with a full day of ski runs, a luxurious couple’s day at the spa, or a romantic dinner, we have some suggestions to make sure your gift game is on point. 

Here are some of our favorite things this year – all from local makers and stores. So, if you’re looking to get your sweetie something unforgettably Jackson Hole, we’ve got you covered.

The Classic: Flowers and Chocolate

It’s a classic combination for a reason, right? Everyone loves a bright bouquet and sweet treats. Some of the most beautiful (and eco-friendly) arrangements in the valley bouquets come from the Jackson Hole Flower Company. Order an arrangement ahead of time if you have something special in mind, or if you’d like it delivered. If you’re running a little late, you can always pick up a gorgeous bunch at the Jackson Whole Grocer.

Skip the grocery store chocolates, and instead show your sweetheart how much you love them with irresistible sweets from award-winning Atelier Ortega. Showcasing innovative flavor combinations – like Tahitian vanilla and fresh lime, or caramelized banana with walnuts – Chef Ortega’s assortment of bon bons and truffles are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

 

 

The Perfect Card

Whether you’re seeking something heartfelt and genuine, or perhaps a card with a sassy or humorous flair, Paper & Grace has exactly what you’re looking for. Their selection of artisan Valentines range from simple and elegant to quirky, and are perfect for not only your significant other, but anyone you’d like to show a little extra love. 

 

 

For the Cocktail Connoisseur

We can’t get enough of these classic hand-blown rocks glasses at local shop Mountain Dandy. They’re perfectly heavy in your hand, and take any pour up a notch – the perfect addition to any beverage aficionado’s bar cart. Wrap them up with a handmade shaker in silver or gold, and take your pick from the impressive array of artisan mixers and bitters to assemble cheers-worthy Valentine’s surprise.

 

 

For the Ski Town Fashionista

Harkening back to our rodeo roots, the belt buckle has long been a quintessential accessory in the West, and is still a chic way to boast some Jackson Hole flair. One of MADE’s original items, every single one of these handmade fused glass belt buckle is unique. Each buckle is crafted by owner and artist John Frechette, and come in an array of JH-inspired styles.

 

 

For the Insatiable Foodie

Local ceramic artist Jenny Dowd’s handmade pottery is a one-of a kind addition to any kitchen. From hand painted cups and dishes to pitchers and serving platters, her work is elegant with a touch of whimsy. Visit the Market at Vertical Harvest to peruse the selection, and be sure to top it off with one of her adorable ceramic micro-bouquets! 

 

 

For the Ravenous Reader

While there is no shortage of tempting titles at the Wilson Book Gallery, shop manager and local celebrity Andy Munz has a few top recommendations for your sweetie this year. Twenty One Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks is a hilarious and relatable novel, while The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose is a more profound and serious examination of relationships in an ever-busier world. If the bookworm of your heart is a bigger fan of non-fiction, Andy is quick to recommend renowned environmental author Terry Tempest Williams’ newest work, Erosion.

 

 

For the Experience Enthusiast

Perhaps your sweetie is one who prefers an unforgettable adventure to a wrapped gift. If that’s the case, there are few places better than Jackson Hole to seek a one-of-a-kind experience together. Give your love a new and breathtaking perspective on the Tetons from the cabin of a private, romantic Alpenglow Tour with Fly Jackson Hole. We promise – no matter how many times you’ve seen the mountains, you’ve never seen them like this.  

 

 

Images © Lindley Rust & Taylor Glenn

Wildlife, Up Close & Personal

“There is a subtle magnetism in nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” – Henry David Thoreau

While there’s nothing wrong with being that person on the side of the highway, blocking traffic while you snap a grainy photo of a moose two hundred yards away — why not get the real Jackson wildlife experience up close and personal?

After asking myself this same question, I booked myself a spot in a converted van with Ecotour Adventures for a half-day winter tour around Grand Teton National Park (they offer tours in Yellowstone as well). I chose to go at sunset, but if you’re a morning person you can opt for the sunrise tour. Both are equally as wonderful for wildlife viewing, and both are the most gorgeous times of day to get out for some sights.

Result: I’ll be treating myself to at least one of these a year, but more likely one a season. 

They’ve ripped out the seats in the vans and put in captain’s chairs which, not only is this way better for viewing (everyone gets a window seat and a roof hatch to pop out of), but the comfort meter goes straight to a 10. Before my stomach could even start to rumble, our amazing guide, Shaun, was handing me locally-made jerky and a cup of tea. Fully content, I settled back into a glorious, post-work relaxation coma for the rest of the commute. 

When we got to the park, there was no shortage of our guide’s expert knowledge about where to find wildlife. We found plenty of moose, including mother cow moose and their calves nibbling on branches close by. Who’s to say they don’t know how to love up the camera? A little further along, we watched herds of elk moving across the massive landscape, bald eagles close enough to see the detail of their tail feathers, trumpeter swans, and mule deer. When we came upon dozens of sage grouse (I learned Jackson’s population is a genetically isolated species), I was floored at how camouflaged and unique a species we have right here at home. 

Did I mention the van had roof hatches for us to poke up out of so I never even had to leave the warmth of the interior? I think I did, but I want it to sink in. And I doubt I’m the only person who didn’t realize high quality binoculars make a serious difference; I spent the whole tour glued to the world-class specs they gave us from Wyoming-based company Maven Optics.  

Riding back near dusk, we heard owls hooting back and forth across some distance to each other (and Shaun extended the tour for us to search them out). I closed my eyes and let that comfy captain’s chair engulf me, drifting off for a quick cat nap filled with sage grouse and porcupines, and some elk jerky on the side. 

Photos by Lindley Rust

Persephone’s Cinnamon Brioche

If you’ve been to Jackson, you’ve most likely visited one of the cutest little bakeries of all time. Persephone Bakery is a stone’s throw away from our quaint Town Square, and it’s home to the best cinnamon brioche of all time. Don’t believe me? Well try it for yourself. From the comfort of your own home. That’s right, Persephone sells their cinnamon brioche frozen & unbaked so you can enjoy them straight from your own oven. Even better, they’ve shared a recipe for a delicious orange glaze to coat them with!

 

Orange Glaze for Cinnamon Brioche

2 cups of confectioners sugar

3 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice

Whisk the confectioner’s sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Drizzle atop slightly-cooled rolls. 

 

Bake, drizzle, relax, enjoy, and pretend you’re in your favorite cafe in Jackson Hole. You can thank us later.

Place your order for pick up here! 

 

Boogie Down and Eat Local

There’s nothing like a Saturday at a farmer’s market in the summer, but what about winter? Here in Jackson, the Winter People’s Market is how we do local food throughout the colder months. It’s a must visit — you’ll get your first sweet smells before you even walk in from the hot food stand where Artisan Melt cooks up grilled cheese and other comfort food, then you’re likely to be greeted with live music from a tiny stage when you get inside. Don’t be shy — jump in to a homegrown dance floor and bust a move if you’re feeling it.

Graze along the tables to get your fix — be it delicious ready-made food after a ski at Snow King, or fill up your shopping bags (bring your own, this is a no-waste event) with everything from Rosemary and Thyme Creamery’s cut-to-order cheese to Cosmic Apple Farm’s happy chicken eggs and seasonal produce to Purely By Chance Farm’s non-GMO sausages and brats (and full chickens). Strike up a conversation and you’ll learn just how local this food is; it’s well worth getting the play-by-play process each of the vendors use in their products.

Like any good farmer’s market, go in hungry so you can sample ev-er-y-thing. One of my favorite activities on earth, free sampling is like Christmas all year round, and do not — I repeat, do not — skip out on the condiments. Browse your taste buds through sweet mustard with a kick to all-things-sauerkraut, and I don’t recommend forgoing the CBD (or non-CBD) cookies for the betterment of your health and self, frozen in a resealable bag so you can attempt to not eat a whole batch in one sitting (good luck). You’ll want to wash everything down with something to drink — check out the locally made kombucha or have a cup of Alpine Air’s organic small batch coffee (and chat up the owners about how they got from New Zealand to Jackson). For those of us who enjoy a little kick, head on over to JH Stillworks and grab some of their vodka or gin for the night ahead — and get the full distillation lowdown from owners Travis and Chas.

 

The market isn’t just about food — you’ll also be able to browse jewelry, handmade clothing, essential oils, and art — all the staples of your classic farmer’s market. And if you’re not too full, you’ve got to try one of Glory Bowl’s soups — or sign up for a “soupscription” that gets you a hot delivery every Wednesday.

We’re barely scratching the surface here, so be sure to check out the slow food website for the next opportunity to hit up the market (it runs every other Saturday). We promise you’ll leave with a cozy belly and the heart of the community in your back pocket.

Pictured above: Patrick Chadwick & Lucas Nash. Hear their tunes by following this link.

 

OYG’s Secret Sauce

It must be the grappa in these chicken wings, because they’re making my tastebuds simmer and scream for more. Deemed the “#1 Breaded Wing Dings,” I agree. Then the dining room manager, Blythe Wisniewski, tells me the #1 stands for “1 full pound.” I suppose it does look a little like more of a sharing plate (though I’m not sharing).

We’re sitting at Old Yellowstone Garage — better known as OYG — at Teton Village after a sunny day on the slopes. After a hiatus where all of us locals lived in desperation for a decade, Chef Paulie O’Connor brought his Italian-with-a-twist comfort food back to Caldera House in Teton Village with Chef De Cuisine Jeremy Williamson for the perfect pairing.

After I finish the giant dollop of the remaining Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese Dressing from the wings, my taste buds keel over in a reunion with real poutine. The gravy stays put like butter on the tater tot rather than slipping into a soupy mess at the bottom of my bowl. And yes, I did say tater tot. The oversized chunks of local squeaky cheese curds from Reed’s Dairy transport me back to the best days of elementary school lunch. How can tater tots and gravy be this divine? Jeremy tells me it’s because they toss them still hot with the rest of the ingredients. “If you let the tots cool a little and then toss them, it wouldn’t be the same.”

Then comes the Father Guido Sarducci flatbread. It’s become increasingly clear we aren’t enjoying reheated frozen pub food here. This place cares about ingredients, and they reduce waste wherever possible down to the fruit in their cocktails. Which reminds me, bartender Jordan Schleicher has just delivered me their go-to cocktail, the Pîna & Tonic, a house-made infused pineapple mezcal with green chartreuse, fresh lime juice, and club soda. It’s precisely the version of a Pîna Colada you’d want on a ski hill — it comes head-freeze free without losing the light, floaty feeling of vacation in the tropics. As I head out on a quick trip to a tropical paradise, the flatbread arrives.

I get my first of taste of Esposito’s (yes, the NYC institution for sausage), spiced-prolone sausage, soft and assertive mixed wild mushrooms from Washington state, and house-made mascarpone topped with wild arugula. And the flour from Naples truly melts in my mouth, and I have a new love in my life.

So what’s their secret to this spread of comfort? “Simple and delicious,” Jeremy tells me with a laugh. “When you take three things that are delicious all on their own, there’s nothing to hide behind.”

And with that, I sit back and enjoy the last tidbits of tater tots to the sounds of Jordan shaking up cocktails amidst afternoon sun and shadows, dogs romping around in the snow outside, and layers getting stripped off as the tables fill up with today’s newfound friends.

To check out Old Yellowstone Garage’s winter menu follow these links: Lunch/Dinner

 

 Images ©: Lindley Rust