A little-known Rocky Mountain resort town (with a name traditionally associated with a New York deli staple) is poised to put itself on the culinary map — or at least, that's what celebrity chef Todd English hopes.
Whitefish, a boomtown in northwest Montana, has become a magnet for the rich and famous looking to escape the glitzy atmosphere of glitzy ski resorts like Aspen.
Last week, English hosted some of the country's most promising chefs. He invited foodies and culinary enthusiasts to his picturesque village, about 30 minutes from Glacier National Park, to host the first Whitefish Food and Wine Festival.
“There's a real food culture here,” English, a four-time James Beard Award winner, told Side Dish magazine.
“The chefs come here after working at Jean-Georges. [Vongerichten]Daniel [Boulud] And Eric Ripert.”
Boulud and Ripert will also be in Whitefish in November to host separate events as part of the Modernist Dinner Series put on by the Montana Culinary Institute, based at Flathead Valley Community College.
Mr. Ripert's dinner is scheduled for Nov. 1st, and Mr. Boulud's dinner is scheduled for Nov. 15th.
Having top chefs like Ripert and Boulud “come here is so great. I love these guys. They always give back,” English said, adding that he plans to teach some classes at the culinary school.
Whitefish has become more popular during the pandemic, especially as wealthy people from California and Texas have bought vacation homes in the area. Seasonal residents include singer John Mayer, comedian Dave Chappelle and NFL legend Drew Brees.
Part of Whitefish's appeal is that “it's not very corporate,” said Andy Blanton, executive chef at the culinary school, who also participated in the Whitefish festival.
“There are many locally owned restaurants, it is a popular resort area in both summer and winter, and more and more people are discovering its appeal, with professional chefs and diversifying and expanding restaurant operations.”
Blanton made his name at Kandahar, the renowned restaurant atop Big Mountain in Whitefish, where he was chef for 24 years and owner for 17. The restaurant is now for sale.
English, a restaurateur behind the Olives brand and a participant in the early days of food festivals in Aspen, South Beach and Nantucket, has partnered with Ryan Heil of Access Entertainment and Whitefish-based entrepreneur Joe Hess for the new event.
“I've been going to the Aspen Food and Wine Festival for years and thought there was a need for something similar here,” Hess said.
The festival took place at Haskill Creek Farm and included a “Grand Tasting” event and a climb up Big Mountain. Many of the dishes included the famous huckleberry, an edible fruit that grows on a shrub throughout Montana.
“It's truly a superberry,” says Brunton, “it's tart like a raspberry, has the texture of a blueberry, and has no seeds. It's incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.”
Locals and tourists come to Big Mountain to pick their own berries, but if they don't bring bear spray, they risk falling prey to the grizzly bears that roam the area.
English said plans were already underway for next year's festival, adding that the increased budget would allow more top chefs to take part.
“There's a real need to nurture young culinary talent and that's what places like this are for,” he said.
