Jackson Hole Brings the Dining to the Table

When starting this feature, I was writing a travel piece on everything that Jackson Hole has to offer. What I found was a vast culinary experience worth its own showcase. The restaurants in this list are only a sampling of the vast dining that Jackson Hole brings to the table.

Stop into Street Food at the Stagecoach for great eats on the way to the Village or coming off the pass. Husband and wife team Marcos Hernandez and Amelia Hatchard met while working at the Four Seasons before venturing out on their own with this global cantina. While the regular burger is quite tasty, the lamb burger should definitely be tried as all of the ingredients really complement each other. The overall menu has a lot of varied options, but be sure and check out the daily specials on the board as well. While the unassuming dining room is off the bar in the Stagecoach, there is an enjoyable outside dining area with plenty of room to relax while the kids run around. **In the Know: Catering in the Stagecoach Bar or at your place is also available.

Pinky G's Pizzeria has been voted the Best Pizza in Jackson Hole ever since its opened its doors five years ago. After a recent appearance on Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins, we wanted to try the two items that were featured by the hot national show. We tasted the The Abe Froman which was made with spicy sausage, buffalo mozzarella & fresh chopped basil as well as the Funky Chicken which included oven roasted chicken, artichoke hearts, red onions, ricotta cheese on house made fresh basil pesto. They both did not dissappoint. All of the topping ingredients at Pinky G's are hand sliced while the made from scratch dough is prepared fresh daily. Beyond the great food, this popular hangout stays open late and also offers a full bar, TVs for sports viewing, live music and other special entertainment. **In the Know: Enjoy a $7 Lunch Special that includes any slice, small salad and a drink.

Full Steam Subs is perfect place to grab a quick bite. The service is prompt and the staff is friendly. Located right off town square, this casual eatery is known for steaming its subs and sandwiches while topping them off with Wickles Pickles. Hot dogs, salads, and soups can also be found on the menu. The hot pastrami and Italian are some of the favorite subs available while the Chicago style and Reuben dog are the most popular hot dogs. **In the Know: Try a new flavor with Hot Dog Happy Hour that runs from 4-7 daily.

When thinking of the Town Square Tavern, it is mostly known as a sports bar or live music venue with local and national touring acts. Prior to all of the nightlife, the food is not to be overlooked as everything we tried on a recent tasting was great! Now this is by no means fine dining, it is comfort food at its best. Complete with plenty of TVs for sports viewing, there is also full bar featuring draft and bottled beer, liquor, specialty drinks and wines by the glass. Boasting a popular deck, this hot spot also gives patrons a birds-eye view of town square. The restaurant sets the tone for a casual vibe with unique sliding room dividers complete with artwork that make guests feel like they are not in the same venue where they go to see live music. **In the Know: The Tavern offers the only liquor store on the town square.
While the Handle Bar is in the Four Seasons Resort at the Village, it offers a very laid back vibe. There is always a nice mix of locals and visitors enjoying the inside dining room or hanging out by the stylish fire pits on the popular terrace that overlooks the Tetons. The mix of American comfort food on the menu was carefully thought out by Executive Chef Michael Mina. While the Elk and Red Bean Chili is a menu favorite, the Handle Bar Burger topped with caramelized onions, mushroom truffle aioli and smoked blue cheese always feeds my hunger after a day on the mountain. Deciding to try something different one day, I discovered the Fried Chicken served as battered breasts that were crispy with a juicy inside. Don't forget to check out the well stocked bar that also tempts its patrons with its varied selection and seasonal specialty cocktails. **In the Know: Happy hour lasts all day at The Handle Bar!

Located at the base of the tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, The Alpenhof Bistro has its prime location as it has been around since the very beginning of Teton Village. The quaint dining room has the feel of a mountain chalet while the wraparound decks give great views of everything going on in the Village. When looking at the menu, guests will see Alps-inspired food that includes Wurst on a Bun, Wiener Schnitzel and Jaegerschnitzel. Don't let

**In te Know: They always have a great selection of beers on tap which brings the locals back time after time.

The Blue Lion is a fine dining spot in a cute, historic home. I like to always start with the crab cream cheese stuffed mushrooms and a local favorite here is the roasted rack of lamb. It is this dish that keeps patrons coming back from all over the world. Open seven days a week, this quaint spot with patio dining also offers selections that include fresh Idaho rainbow trout, Green Curry Prawns, Chicken Marsala, Beef, Elk or Cajun Buffalo Tenderloin, in addition to vegan and gluten free entrees. Save room for the delicious dessert which includes nightly specials and the always offered mud pie, tiramisu and Russian cream. Reservations are suggested. **In the know: If you are seated between and mention the early bird special, you will receive 20% off the entire bill.

While the convenient location of Gather is just a block from Town Square, it has not always held restaurants very long. That streak has changed as restaurateurs Graeme and Christine Swain offer something special with their creative American cuisine. Leading the culinary team at Gather is executive chef Clark Myers, a winner from the Jackson Hole Iron Chef. One way you can get to know him is by private dining at Gather's Chef's Table. This dining experience includes a tasting menu of seven individually portioned items including starters, salads, entrées and desserts. Then there's Tuesday Tastings that are $15 where the public is invited in to taste of the weekly specials with the owner, manager and chef. The guests then rate the dishes on presentation, taste and creativity before the top dishes are revealed that Tuesday evening on the menu. Seating is limited and by reservation only. **In the Know: Reverse happy hour takes place from 9 pm until close where guests can enjoy half-priced drinks.

Another thing to look forward to is quality BBQ that will soon be coming on the scene. Moe's Original Bar B Que 's Southern soul food revival is set to open later this summer in the former Ripley's location. Moe's Original prepares its smoked meats fresh daily and accompanies them with down home sides and desserts from recipes passed down for generations. Offering premium catering services and large takeout orders, the service-oriented staff can accommodate any size group or party. Recognized with many awards, Moe's Original Bar B Que has been named one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S. by Relish and Top 10 BBQ Chains in America by USA Today and The Daily Meal. **In the Know: Order it Bama-style to add marinated slaw, red and white BBQ sauces and two pickles.

This piece only touches on several of the different places to go in the Jackson area. There are lot of other higher end spots worth mentioning including Rendevous Bistro, Sweetwater, Snake River Grill, Local, West Bank, Trio and Teton Thai. Want to try a variety of restaurants? Check out Jackson Hole Food Tours which is a food tasting and cultural walking adventure. Whatever your palate enjoys, Jackson has something for everyone, except for the diner on a budget.

Lorrie Dixson graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Communications before she worked for CNN for 15 years. In addition to freelance writing, she is currently an entrepreneur who owns Drifter Merch, a lifestyle brand inspired by music and Eskimo Advertising, a full service boutique advertising and public relations agency. Reach out to Lorrie at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.