An under-the-radar Rocky Mountains resort town — with a name traditionally associated with New York staples — is about to land on the culinary map, at least that’s the hope of celebrity chef Todd English.
Whitefish, a thriving town in northwest Montana, has become a magnet filled with one percenters and celebrities looking to escape the spectacular atmosphere of gorgeous ski areas like Aspen.
Last week, English welcomed some of the country’s best up-and-coming chefs and food in the picturesque village, about 30 minutes from Glacier National Park, as it launched the inaugural Whitefish Food and Wine Festival.
“There’s a real food culture here,” English, a four-time James Beard Award winner, told Side Dish.
“The chefs come here after working for Jean-Georges [Vongerichten]Daniel [Boulud] and Eric Ripert.”
Boulud and Ripert are also scheduled to visit Whitefish in November to host special events that are part of the “Modern Dinner Series” – hosted by the Culinary Institute of Montana based at Flathead Valley Community College.
Ripert’s dinner is set for November 1st, while Boulud’s will be on November 15th.
The fact that chef royalty like Ripert and Boulud “are coming here is pretty amazing. I love these guys. They always pay back,” said English, adding that he plans to take a few more classes at the culinary school.
Whitefish gained popularity during the pandemic as wealthy people, particularly from California and Texas, bought second homes in the area. Seasonal residents include singer John Mayer, comedian Dave Chappelle and NFL legend Drew Brees.
One of the allures of Whitefish is that “you don’t see a lot of corporate entities,” said Andy Blanton, executive chef of the culinary institute, who also attended the Whitefish festival.
“There are many locally owned restaurants. It’s a summer and winter tourist destination, and more people are discovering its charm, which includes legitimate chefs and restaurant operations that have diversified and expanded.”
Blanton made his name with the famed Kandahar restaurant atop Big Mountain in Whitefish — where he had been chef for 24 years and owner for 17 years. The bar is currently for sale.
English — the restaurateur behind the Olives brand, which participated in the formative days of food festivals in Aspen, South Beach and Nantucket — partnered with Ryan Heil of Axcess Entertainment and Whitefish-based entrepreneur Joe Hess for the new event.
“I had been going to the Aspen Food and Wine Festival for years and I thought, we need something like this here,” Hess said.
The festival took place at Haskill Creek Farms, and included “grand trial” events and a trip to Big Mountain. Many of the dishes included the famous huckleberry, an edible fruit found on bushes that grow throughout Montana.
“It really is a superberry,” Blanton said. “It’s like a raspberry cake, but with the texture of a blueberry and no seeds. It is extremely versatile and can work in dishes that are sweet or savory.”
Locals and visitors pick their own berries at Big Mountain—but they must bring their own bear spray or risk becoming dinner for the knives that roam the area.
Planning for next year’s festival is already in the works, English said, adding that an increased budget means more top chefs will be participating.
“We really need to promote new culinary talent, and that’s what places like this are all about,” he said.
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