Montana Jack's for fabulous food, entertainment and stunning views

Jack and Ann Mowell, right, contributed\ money, class and enthusiasm into putting Montana Jacks on the map!   

JACKS'S DELIVERS GOOD TIMES! COOKIE HITS THE 88s -- WITH SHOW TUNES, RAGTIME, SING-ALONGS; SRO CROWDS ENJOY FINE FOOD & DRINK! 

Gena Burghoff and Chris Lockhart team up at Jack's.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"I CAN'T BELIEVE I'm sitting in the middle of the wilderness, in Dean, Montana, listening to fabulous live music, sipping vintage wine and dining like a queen. I could be in  Manhattan!"

Pianist Christene Meyers plays at Jack's
again Labor Day Eve, Sunday, Aug. 31. 

Chef Chris Lockhart's talents are honed in his
English background and world travels.

The recent New York visitor was among grateful diners and listeners at Montana Jack's this weekend, while Cookie took to the keyboard for two evenings of piano tunes.  Hostess and manager Gena Burghoff, and her husband, English born chef Chris Lockhart, are at the heart of Montana Jack's success.  Her genteel manner and efficient running of the operation complements his wizardry in the kitchen to make diners feel satisfied and pampered.

A handsome lab enjoys the view, too, at Montana Jack's.

JACK'S OWNER, international entrepreneur Jack Mowell, rescued the historic restaurant a few years ago, dipping deep into his pockets for extensive renovation. He hired a fine staff to carry out his goals.
Burghoff and Lockhart, who enjoy world travel, clicked with the beautiful Stillwater Valley and its eclectic residents. They recently purchased a home near the eatery, to enjoy the scenery when they're not working the Jack's crowds.
FABULOUS VIEWS and superb food and drink make Jack's a visual and culinary pleasure. Both chef and manager capitalize on the eatery's strong suits -- natural and man made.

Rex Anderson, left, plays an improvisational set while
Cookie (aka Christene Meyers) accompanies on piano.

THE TWO are proud that their artfully presented meals are made from scratch, using mostly local ingredients. "We pride ourselves in creating fun new dishes, and giving prompt and friendly service," says Gena, whose sharp eye for a good waiter has recruited personnel from New York and even other continents.
Montana Jack's offers a nightly "amuse bouche," (French for "treat your mouth"), a gift from the chefs to delight the taste buds.
BURGHOFF is known for her gracious greeting of guests, her attentive service, and
management capabilities. Lockhart, who stays mostly in the kitchen, clearly enjoys his backstage job. They started out their business partnership with a food cart in Red Lodge, The Local Yokel.

Gena Burthoff with her parents. Besides her Red Lodge mum,
& Florida dad (Gary Burghoff's Radar O'Reilly from M*A*S*H) 

Jack's menu expanded the "Yokel" concept, serving sliders, tasty specials and sides. Brunch specials range from seafood roll with tarragon mayonnaise, to English breakfast complete with mushrooms and beans.  My favorites, though, are the dinner appetizers -- a gorgeous foie gras with fig syrup, terrific salmon with buckwheat blini, tasty smoked trout salad with peaches.  Recent house guests raved about the 14-ounce ribeye with a skillet of blue-cheese creamed potatoes. Succulent lamb chops are served with mint and lemon quinoa, and the sea bass is melt-in-mouth, with kale, fennel and tiny Parisian potatoes.
Desserts change daily, including divine berry ice creams and a crusty creme brule.
JACK'S IS a treasure.  Let's continue to invest in it -- and reap the tasty, tuneful rewards!

Hunter Peak Lodge between Red Lodge and Cody offers a special get-away.

COMING UP:  We're heading to Sunlight Basin outside of Cody, and a new discovery: Hunter Peak Lodge in the wilderness. Elk out the window and bear stories over home-cooking.  Plus an all-female "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at the world famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Plus more on and off-road fun from California to southern Europe as we continue to have fun in well known and offbeat places. Remember to explore, learn and live and visit us Wednesdays and weekends at:
www.whereiscookie.com