Bozeman Magazine

Long-time Livingston caterer and restaurateur Carole Sullivan will present excerpts and snacks from her eagerly awaited cookbook, Gatherings: Recipes from Montana's Mustang Kitchen on Thursday, April 3 at Elk River Books.

Sullivan, who moved to Livingston to work for artist Russell Chatham at his legendary Livingston Bar and Grille, opened Mustang Catering nearly 18 years ago. Her kitchen has fed countless fisherman (including President Barack Obama), ranchers, family gatherings and nonprofit groups.

She counts among her clients celebrities like Martha Stewart, Michael Keaton, and Jeff Bridges; artists including Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman, painter Malou Flato and her husband author John Taliaferro; and nonprofit groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council, American Prairie Reserve and World Wildlife Fund. In Gatherings, Sullivan writes about the connections between family and food, revealing the favorite meals of her long-time clients, and sharing the recipes for many of Mustang's staples.

Livingston poet, novelist and gourmand Jim Harrison writes, "Gatherings is a wonderful cookbook. I've been eating Carole Sullivan's delicious food for years. Treat yourself. Buy the book and cook yourself some fine food." Meredith Brokaw, author of Big Sky Cooking, adds that Mustang is "my favorite spot for lunch and an excellent stop for take-out food for dinner."

Sullivan's reading will be followed by a reception and book signing, with snacks from recipes that appear in the book. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Her talk will be the final event in Elk River Books current location at 115 E. Callender St. Following that evening, Elk River Books readings will take place in its new store at 120 N. Main St. (formerly Chatham Fine Art).