Wednesday, July 14, 2010

West Yellowstone's Madison Lounge: Wine...and Tapas?

A "wine bar" in West Yellowstone. Yes. Small plates, "tapas", and dishes that include house-made naan, chorizo-stuffed-and-bacon-wrapped-dates, grilled lamb with mint pesto. Yes. Yes. ...and Yes.

The Madison Lounge opened this winter initially offering refreshment of the liquid variety. In late June, a food menu arrived. Thanks to the Lounge and a local caterer joining forces, you now have another option in West Yellowstone when seeking, "real" food.

The simple wine list is a step up from the usual bar-list, but is still an exploration slightly familiar new-world wines. A Rhone or Burgundy would add some diversity...if I had my say...

Tonight we enjoyed the chorizo-stuffed-and-bacon-wrapped-dates, and two specials: the grilled flat-iron steak with red rice and chile-lime butter, and the lamb with Israeli couscous and mint pesto.

The sweet-succulent-savory dates were a hit. I can always tell that I enjoy something when I take bites that are way too big, but these flavor bombs of pork-date-crispy-creamy goodness called for rapid consumption.

The steak and lamb were prepared to the proper temps and the accompanying sauces/butters were thoughtful and tasty! We wrapped things up with the tiramisu brownie; which did a nice re-hash of the traditional flavors - now in brownie form!

Located in the Madison Crossing building (the old Apothecary for old-timers), the Lounge is a great addition to West Yellowstone's food "scene."

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The Lounge @ Madison Crossing on Urbanspoon

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Fiji Fish Burger at Bozeman's Papulo Dogs

Let me get this straight...hot dogs, Hawaii, fish burgers, in Bozeman? I love creative thinking just a much as the next guy. I love creative cooking maybe just a bit more...and this little place seems to have both going on.

I stepped into the just-opened Papulo Dogs today dead-set on a hot dog; it's in the name after all. I ended up with a whole different animal - literally.

I had a "burger" of fresh ground mahi-mahi with sweet potato fries. The nicely seasoned and pan seared mahi burger tasted good with the chipotle/red pepper cream sauce that dressed this toasted-english-muffin sandwich.

Moist and flavorful describes the burger that also possessed the appropriate bun-to-meat ratio. The fries were crispy and dusted with parmesan. The salsa fresca and chipotle cream sauce added a little heat and freshness that balanced out some of the inherent decadence of the dish. Need more shmeckus for your dog/burger/fries? Additional and creative ketchups and sauces await on a condiment bar.

Next time: the "Todos Santos" dog with Mole with the house-made sweet onion potato chips!

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Papulo Dogs & Surf Style Grill on Urbanspoon

Update: Bozeman's Blackbird Kitchen...

...just might have their beer/wine license now. Just a guess.

 

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