A day in Jackson Hole: Three meals in an unlikely food haven
The Grand Tetons region will never be a dream destination for farmers, said Dina Mishev in The Washington Post. Jackson Hole, the valley to the mountains’ east, enjoys a mere 50 or so frost-free days each year, and the valley’s soil isn’t great, either. But no obstacles yet have prevented the small resort town of Jackson Hole from cultivating “a legit food scene.”The best places to eat tend to showcase wild game or meat from local ranchers. Just don’t expect to find loads of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
A smart choice for breakfast, this year-old butcher shop buys whole animals from local producers and uses every part of them. The breakfast sandwich of the day thus remains a mystery until owners Nora and Nick Phillips post an Instagram photo at about 7 a.m. Think beef sausage on brioche or a cheddar scallion buttermilk biscuit with pulled pork and a fried egg. 185 Scott Lane, (307) 734-6328
There’s “no better view of the valley” than you get from the patio of the restaurant at the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Palate manages to maintain a seasonal menu by sourcing vegetables from a downtown hydroponic greenhouse, so lunch might include a bison gyro with local tomatoes or a watermelon salad with brie, arugula, and sweet peas. 2820 Rungius Road, (307) 201-5208
You might not expect Lebanese food in Jackson Hole. But the Darwiche family, who helped found a local summer farmer’s market, wouldn’t serve anything else at their restaurant inside the Hotel Jackson. Try the seven-item tasting menu, which includes “the best hummus you’ll ever have.” 120 N. Glenwood St., (307) 733-1200