Hooked Sushi

Katie Thomas

When my dad opened his own law practice in 1984, he moved into the historic 1888 Nevitt building at 109 East Main in downtown Bozeman. I have vivid memories of climbing out of his east-facing, second-story window and onto the roof next door. It was…

KT’S Homemade Summer Pizza

Katie Thomas

Once the vegetables of summer start rolling in, I go crazy for the abundance of brightly colored, crispy, flavorful produce found at our amazing farmer’s markets, friends’ gardens, and my own garden (sometimes). I use these fresh veggies…

Tutti Bene

Katie Thomas

The other day I eagerly plunked myself down at the bar of Tutti Bene, Bozeman’s new Italian restaurant in the historic downtown 1918 Range building. As I waited for my companion to arrive, I examined the unusual décor and breathed in the…

For The Love Of Salsas

Katie Thomas

The first time I knowingly put fresh cilantro in my mouth, I didn’t like it. It tasted like another country, with its strong, weird tang that I couldn’t identify. I was 19 and working in a Thai restaurant north of Seattle, where cilantro…

Yellow House Barbeque

Katie Thomas

The question of whether or not Bozeman has good barbeque is a hotly debated one. “Good” is subjective; it’s different from “authentic,” and we don’t all agree on which is more important. It’s like one’s…

National Geographic’s National Parks Cookbook

Katie Thomas

What foods do you associate with Yellowstone National Park? Dining is generally not the goal of a park trip, but after some geyser-watching, hiking, and wildlife viewing, you’re likely to become a little peckish. For many folks who have been…

Aurore French Bakery

Katie Thomas

The boulangerie. I never thought we would get a French bakery in Bozeman, much less one run by a native Parisian. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to experience the tiny corner bakeries of Paris, you know why I’m thrilled about Aurore…

Junk Pile Recipe

Katie Thomas

The time has come; I can put it off no longer. I feel culturally obligated to share the following recipe with you. It is called Junk Pile and, you guessed it – I got it from the same dear auntie who brought us Scroutch. Never in my life have I…

Seven Sushi

Katie Thomas

I’m going to go get a spider roll—you want anything?” my husband hollered down the hall of our little house on South Rouse one day. I knew exactly where he was going, and no, I did not. Besides, what was a spider roll? Sushi made of…

The Colophon Cure

Katie Thomas

AKA KT’s Spicy Chicken Lemon Ginger Garlic Chili Paste Soup

Fielding's

Katie Thomas

I have a cousin whose first name is Field. I used to think it was a really weird name, but not as weird as his brother’s name (Cotter). I was worried they would get made fun of on the playground, same as I was for my maiden name (which is…

Lemon Poppyseed Cake with Strawberries

Katie Thomas

As one of my favorite vocalists sings, “The nights are long and cold and scary / Can we live through February?” Sometimes I dislike February; sometimes I don’t. It depends on whether I have to spend two days shoveling snow to get my…

The Carlisle

Katie Thomas

In 1882, a lumber mill was opened at the mouth of Hyalite Canyon. For the convenience of the town’s growing population, a retail store for this lumber was then established on Main Street. In 1889, Squire C. Kenyon purchased the business, which…

GranMary’s Lobby with Herb Bread

Katie Thomas

Winter in southwest Montana. What does it mean to you? For many, it means the chance to recreate in our glorious mountains—skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hunting, skating, fat-tire biking, ice fishing. Maybe winter motivates you…

Biankini’s The Soup, Salad and Sandwich Market

Katie Thomas

Where is there to go for lunch?” asks the monthly text from my dear mom. She treats me like her personal Google search engine when it comes to restaurants – possibly because I write this column – and fortunately for her, I do keep a…

Sidewinders American Grill

Katie Thomas

A life-sized G.I. Joe greets customers outside Sidewinders American Grill in Bozeman. That’s because this welcoming, family-friendly restaurant was founded by a group of U.S. Marine Veterans, who live by the Marine Corps values of…

Scroutch: Where Montana’s Freezer Meets The 1950s Casserole

Katie Thomas

Do you have a freezer with a bunch of random packs of frozen game? I know I do, and I’m not even a hunter. But I love a lot of hunters, have generous friends, and I prioritize eating sustainably. So every year I end up with a good supply of…

Dry Fly Saloon

Katie Thomas

Kid’s Eat and Stay Free! screamed the sign, as I approached Bozeman from the east. The billboard for the Holiday Inn sat shamelessly on I-90 for years with that incorrect apostrophe, making my teeth itch. I had been commuting from Livingston to…

Naya Nuki

Katie Thomas

Once upon a time, I was working as a freelance editor and copywriter. Equally distant in my memory is that I was also friends with a developer and her spouse. This couple asked me to write some marketing copy for their firm’s website and…

MacKenzie River Pizza

Katie Thomas

Fluffy, perfect pizza crust. This is the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the words “MacKenzie River Pizza.” Today, this restaurant is much more than a pizza place, but when the first and original location of MacKenzie River…