By Abbie Digel Explorebigsky.com Editor
Big Sky – There’s nothing better than retiring to the
Moonlight Lodge after a day exploring Lone Mountain
on ski or board. With the big couches, warm
fireplace, tall ceilings and vast windows overlooking
snowy ridges and tree-lined groomers, why would you want to leave?
This year the dining area in the lodge has a
fresh face: Jack Creek Grille. Take the menu of
a cozy city bistro, add mountain touch, sweeping
views of Lone Peak, and Moonlight Basin’s
first-rate hospitality, and you get an original Big Sky experience.
Guests can take their time sitting at any of the
high tops surrounding the bar or the cozy leather
chairs and couches. The bar menu is complete
with nachos, sliders, local brews and specialty
cocktails. Bustling with an exciting après crowd,
the lodge is the place to recount the day’s action.
The Jack Creek Grille is named after the creek
running west through Moonlight Basin resort’s
property, ultimately flowing into the Madison
River. The private 10-mile Jack Creek Road
follows this drainage west of Big Sky; the area of
conservation easements and private land abuts the
Lee Metcalf wilderness and is an important wildlife habitat.
The Grille’s approachable menu offers rustic Montana
cuisine, simple comfort foods and Asian-American
inspired dishes with chef Eric Stenberg’s personal
flair. Using local food from Gallatin Valley Botanical
and local meat distributors, the plates are served at
reasonable portion sizes and price points.
Stenberg, a longtime Montana chef fresh from the
Club at Spanish Peaks is excited to offer an everchanging
menu with frequent specials to Moonlight
guests and locals.
“People are leaving saying they are impressed with the pricing
structure and fun atmosphere,” said Carrie Chapin,
the restaurant manager. At press time, the Jack Creek
Grille had been busy every night since opening. Reservations are recommended.
The staff is quick and knowledgeable, and will guide
you through the extensive wine list, pairing the perfect
red with their Red Lodge Beef Tenderloin, or a crisp
white with the Pan Seared Paradise Valley Trout.
The kids’ menu has all of the favorites: mac n
cheese, spaghetti and grilled chicken, all priced at
a savvy seven dollars each. Kids love the colorful
menus with games and coloring sheets.
It’s hard to choose from kitchen favorites such
as house-made vegetarian lasagna, a risotto with
caramelized butternut squash, and a classic bison
burger. The salads are a standout, especially the
Quinoa, which is made with a lemon yogurt vinaigrette
that adds a tart contrast to the sweet
dried cherries.
The dining room has plenty of seating for large
and small parties alike, and guests also have
to option to sit by the fire or stay in the bar to
enjoy their meals.
Jack Creek Grille is also open for lunch. “If
you’re looking for a sit down lunch, and then
getting right back on the hill, Jack Creek is
perfect,” Chapin said. The lunch menu has
lighter fare, but with plenty of carbs and
protein for a full day of hitting the slopes. Try
the flatbread pizza or the fish tacos and wash
it down with a cold Moonlight IPA from Lone Peak Brewery.
Like its namesake, Jack Creek Grille is genuine
Montana: individuals and families will want to
return during their stay because of the comfort of
the atmosphere, the friendliness of the staff and the simple, delicious menu.
Call (406) 995-7777 for reservations, menu updates
and specials. moonlightbasin.com
