February 23, 2006

(6) Comments

The best thing about Big Sky, MT

avidtraveler

I have recently relocated to Big Sky, MT and I have to say that while I’m upset it fails to carry on a town-ish feel in that it doesn’t have a town square or any centralized location like other resort towns such as Jackson, I have found my refuge for relaxation as well as unbelievable dining. I’m talking specifically about the Rainbow Ranch Lodge and Restaurant located officially in the canyon, about five miles south of Big Sky.
I have stayed in this hotel when I first made my way out here and I have to say that from someone who has travelled throughout the world, staying everywhere from five-star to hostel type accomodations, the Rainbow Ranch is at the top of my list when it comes to the comfort and service one receives as a guest. The staff truly go out of their way to make everything special and the overall design and finish of the hotel has the perfect touch of Western decor that makes everything from the main lodge to ones’ room seem cozy. The restaurant at this hotel, is just unbelievable. They use the freshest ingredients and the preparation and presentation is unbeatable in Montana (and trust me I’ve dined out here quite a bit). I’m a vegetarian and I know that Montana may not be the most conducive state when it comes to meeting my dietary needs but the kitchen always seems to please my tastebuds with their inventions. For meat and seafood lovers, well…let’s just say there’s an incredible list of choices that makes it hard to narrow down. For wine lovers, prepare to see the largest wine selection in the state of Montana and a jaw dropping wine cellar that may be used as a dining room for those special nights. Any way you slice it, the Rainbow Ranch Lodge is always a memorable night whether you’re dining, sleeping or both.

I have already written about the Rainbow Ranch Lodge but I wanted to do a separate blog for the restaurant because I just love it so much. I enjoy good food and service and each time I have eaten at the hotels’ restaurant, I have been incredibly impressed. The ambiance is incredible warm and romantic, the service is impeccable, and the preparation and presentation of the food is simply unbeatable in Montana. I’ve dined in every restaurant possible in Big Sky (excluding the Big EZ and Yellowstone Club) as well as every restaurant in Bozeman that claims to be in the fine-dining category and I have yet to find one that is on par with the Rainbow Ranch. For those of you who do enjoy great food, service, not to mention wine, you will be able to see what I am raving about once you have dined at the Rainbow. Every little detail is accounted for starting from the crisp white tableclothes to the way the servers perfectly time the placement of ones’ meal at the table. The desserts, especially the chocolate sorbet, are just divine.

6 responses to "The best thing about Big Sky, MT"
matt said:
March 8, 2006

Avid!

I must agree with you on the Rainbow Ranch. It truly is a great place among all the
mediocre dining facilities in the Big Sky area. As a local for quite some time, I have to say
that the Rainbow Ranch Lodge and Restaurant hands down is the best place for a great cocktail
or wine, food and overall atmosphere.

CD said:
March 9, 2006

Ok Matt and Avid-

I have been living in Big Sky for a few years now and I think you’re missing the local flavor in a BIG way! . Rainbow is nice if you have hundreds to spend on a meal and room, but there are so many other places that have such a better and non stuck up feel to them. Have you been other places? The 320 Ranch, By Word of Mouth, La Lunas (ok not a favorite personally byt WAY better pricing than Rainbow), the Cabin, MR Hummers… the list goes on. Not to totally dis on the place because it is really really nice, but affordable NO, down home and local favorite NO.

angela said:
March 11, 2006

CD:

I think you’re missing the whole point of Rainbow….just because they have white linen table
clothes and beautiful place settings does not make them “stuck up”….not to mention over the
top service. By the way…have you checked the menu prices recently? A steak across the street
or at any restaurant in Big Sky is the same price as that of Rainbow and you know you are
getting it all…great quality food, service, ambiance…so when you’re thinking about how
“expensive” it is…think about the WHOLE picture the next time you decide to go dine.

Antonio said:
March 14, 2006

I am fascinated by avidtraveler’s comments. Particularly the bit where he confesses to be “upset” at Big Sky’s failure to “carry on a town-ish feel”.

Avidtraveler is not disappointed that Big Sky is not a “town,” but only that it does not possess any townishness. What, then, is townishness? I think it is a preoccupation only that somewhere feel like a town –not that it be a town, whatever that may be–, that when I go there –where ever there may be– to vacation I will be greeted by something recognizable as Town. In the discourse of my vacation –as an avid traveler–, I will leave the City and go out to the Town –out to the West, out to the “Promised Land”–.

Avidtaveler’s ideas were frustrated by the fact of Big Sky –Big Sky usurped upon the townish Town of his Vacation–.

claudia said:
March 28, 2006

Antonio–maybe it’s the english as a second language bit that’s not allowing me to understand
what you’re trying to say but I’m still confused as to what you’re main point was/is.
Now if it means you don’t understand what Avidtraveler is saying when he refers to Big Sky not
having a townish feel then maybe you should spend some time in Big Sky and then venture off to
places like Jackson Hole, Vail, Aspen, Park City..and then get back to us on the results.
There’s no Main Street, EVERYTHING is spread out, you HAVE to drive from one place to another…
and unlike the ski towns that actually have a ‘townish’ feel…you unfortunately do not have
a vast number of dining options. I do agree with Avid that Rainbow Ranch hotel and lodge is
by far the best choice for both accomodation and dining and it is sad that there really is only
one good place to go in this non town of a town. But hey, you can’t beat the views.

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