Escaping the Everyday

We only have a few weeks left in Bozeman, and it’s been a bittersweet experience for us. On one hand, we’re leaving behind this unique lifestyle and the amazing friends we’ve made, but on the other, we have so much to look forward to in New Hampshire. I thought I’d take a moment to share some of the restaurants we’ve visited recently.

It’s funny, because I was chatting with some family members over the weekend, and some of them said they could never try the foods we’ve had during our travels—but they still love reading about it. That’s one of the things I love most about blogging: you don’t have to love everything yourself, but it’s still fun and intriguing to read about!

Thai Basil

We have so many adventures throughout the year that we didn’t feel the need to go all out to celebrate our one-year wedding anniversary. I’d say we definitely celebrated in Banff about a month ago, though! One day after skiing at Big Sky, we decided to try a restaurant called Thai Basil. I’m a sucker for a good Pad Thai, so we figured we’d give it a shot. Plus, many of the top restaurants in Big Sky’s town center don’t open until later in the evening.

Thai Basil is a family-run restaurant with locations in both Bozeman and Big Sky.

Let me tell you, the food did not disappoint. The portion sizes were massive—easily enough to feed a family! They even offered gluten-free desserts, which was a huge plus for me.

Jake ordered a curry, and I couldn’t believe how huge the bowl was. It was probably bigger than his head! He ended up with leftovers for two more meals. And for someone who doesn’t eat a lot, that’s when you know it was really big!

I ordered Pad Thai with beef and thin noodles, and it was definitely one of the best Pad Thai dishes I’ve ever had. I’ve always been a sucker for a good Pad Thai, and this one did not disappoint!

Fresco Cafe

Fresco Cafe is an Italian restaurant that has been highly recommended to us by a lot of people—but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance.

The restaurant is run by Bill Neubauer, a third-generation restaurateur, and his wife, Susan. Fresco carries a rich family legacy in the restaurant industry. In 1932, Bill’s grandfather opened the first of many successful restaurants in Northern Wisconsin, the White Front Cafe. He went on to open Alcatraz in 1940, Harbor View in 1952, and The Bolo Country Inn in 1957. When The Bolo opened, Bill’s uncle, Steve (a fine art graduate), was commissioned to create paintings for the restaurant.

In 1977, Bill’s parents took over The Bolo, and at just 13 years old, Bill started working there and learned every aspect of the business. He continued to refine his skills during college in Boulder, Colorado, and later worked as an assistant chef at a luxury eco-lodge in Alaska. Despite pursuing a career in the outdoors as a ski patroller at Big Sky and a Wilderness Ranger in the Beartooth Mountains, Bill’s passion for the restaurant business never faded.

For appetizers, we started with Prince Edward Island Mussels sautéed in a white wine shallot sauce, and Neapolitan meatballs made from scratch with local grass-fed beef. They were topped with savory marinara and melted gorgonzola.

Sneak Peek at What’s Ahead!

Jake and I are gearing up to head to New Hampshire in just a few weeks, where we’ll begin the next chapter of our lives. On our road trip back, we’re planning to stop in Chicago for a couple of nights to experience the city. I’ve been to Chicago once while visiting my brother, but Jake has never been, so it should be a lot of fun!

We’re planning to catch a Cubs game, and we’ve also found an ice cream museum we’re excited to visit. You know we’re both suckers for ice cream, so that’s definitely going to be a blast.

I don’t want to give away too much just yet, but I hope you’ll stick around and follow along as we enjoy the journey home!