Getting great deals on wine in the greater Flathead Valley
THE WINE SPY: Jean Manciat Mâcon Charnay Chardonnay 2008
 |
As a Chardonnay lover, my expert contact in the wine business suggested I try a French version. The French typically do not use oak barrels, therefore their Chardonnay’s typically have little or no oak taste. I was a touch skeptical, but upon comparing a moderately oaked version from Napa against a French version with a hint of oak, the smooth, clean finish has me sold on a great new region from which to enjoy wine.
[read more]
PBS releases Mission Mountain Wood Band documentary
‘The Defining Story of This Band’
Mission Mountain Wood Band album photo shoot 1977. Christian Johnson, Terry Robinson, Rob Quist, Greg Reichenberg and Steve Riddle, left to right. - Photo courtesy of John Hennessey via MontanaPBS
Michael Ballard is too young to remember the Mission Mountain Wood Band’s heyday in the 1970s, when five buddies from the University of Montana became the biggest band to ever emerge from the state. Ballard wasn’t there when the group shared the stage with Merle Haggard and Jerry Garcia; when it played in sold-out stadiums alongside Jimmy Buffett, Bo Diddley, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Muddy Waters.
Ballard wasn’t there, but he wants to take you there.
[read more]
Ballard wasn’t there, but he wants to take you there.
Women’s expo raises funds for Violence Free Crisis Line
A Boost for the Abbie
 |
Photo by Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon |
Since 1976, the Violence Free Crisis Line has been here to help the valley. Now it needs the valley’s help. And with 100 businesses signed up for booths at the upcoming Women’s Expo, a fundraiser for the crisis line and its affiliated Abbie Shelter, it appears an initial wave of help is on its way.
The Violence Free Crisis Line, which provides services for women and children experiencing violence, has run into many of the same problems facing other nonprofits in today’s hazy economic climate. Private donations are scarce, grants have been cut and answers are hard to come by.
[read more]
The Violence Free Crisis Line, which provides services for women and children experiencing violence, has run into many of the same problems facing other nonprofits in today’s hazy economic climate. Private donations are scarce, grants have been cut and answers are hard to come by.
Chef Jim Gray
Dessert for Breakfast
 |
I once served as guest chef at a bed and breakfast owned by a friend, whose cook needed to be fired a couple of days before the busiest week of the year for this particular establishment.
The previous incumbent’s infractions are not germane to this story and maybe one week I’ll write about them because they are comically revolting. In any case, unaccustomed as I am to 4 a.m. wake-up calls (and also being finished with work by 9 a.m.), I rather enjoyed the challenge to provide over-the-top breakfasts for 10 guests for five days.
[read more]
The previous incumbent’s infractions are not germane to this story and maybe one week I’ll write about them because they are comically revolting. In any case, unaccustomed as I am to 4 a.m. wake-up calls (and also being finished with work by 9 a.m.), I rather enjoyed the challenge to provide over-the-top breakfasts for 10 guests for five days.
Eat Well
MONTANA MARKET: Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce
 |
Spending my childhood in the Midwest and most of my adult life in Montana, in my opinion, there is nothing better than a great steak for dinner. Since filet is such a tender and lean meat, this dish helps keep the juices in the steak and avoids drying out the meat. The sauce isn’t overpowering, so it just adds more flavor to the dish. The best part, it’s easy for a last minute dinner party.
Ingredients
4 filet mignon (about 1/2 lb. each)
salt and pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. finely chopped green onion
1/4 C. red wine
3/4 C. beef broth (I like Better than Bouillon)
1 Tbsp. butter (slightly melted)
1 tsp. flour
[read more]
Ingredients
4 filet mignon (about 1/2 lb. each)
salt and pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. finely chopped green onion
1/4 C. red wine
3/4 C. beef broth (I like Better than Bouillon)
1 Tbsp. butter (slightly melted)
1 tsp. flour
Neal and Karen Lewing Guide the Port Polson Players Through Another Season
Putting on a Show in Polson for 35 Years
Neal Lewing makes some initial announcements from the John Dowdall Theatre stage before a rehearsal of the Port Polson Players' production of "Annie" in Polson. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon
POLSON – With the opening of the 35th season of the Port Polson Players, Neal and Karen Lewing are having an epiphany of sorts.
Married for 30 years, and in their 27th year at the theater located at the base of the “old nine” of the Polson Golf Club, their children are raised and gone and they’re not getting any younger – so they’re wondering if maybe it’s time to try something new.
[read more]
Married for 30 years, and in their 27th year at the theater located at the base of the “old nine” of the Polson Golf Club, their children are raised and gone and they’re not getting any younger – so they’re wondering if maybe it’s time to try something new.
Beer in the greater Flathead Valley
BEER MEISTER: Ayinger’s Celebrator
 |
We know there are a few beer drinkers in the valley and thought we’d be remiss if we didn’t review some upscale beers occasionally. So, the first Wednesday of each month, our very own Beer Meister will be on the job.
So we’ve picked a seasonal dark beer to celebrate the harvest, which is also an ideal match with the tenderloin in wine sauce.
Ayinger's Celebrator is a doppelbock from Aying Germany that is considered the gold standard of its variety.
[read more]
So we’ve picked a seasonal dark beer to celebrate the harvest, which is also an ideal match with the tenderloin in wine sauce.
Ayinger's Celebrator is a doppelbock from Aying Germany that is considered the gold standard of its variety.
Legendary Halloween celebration attracts people from across the country
Whitefish Dons Its Mask
Illustration by Stephen Templeton/Flathead Beacon
According to local legend, the late Paul Harvey once called Whitefish one of the best places in the nation to be for Halloween. Apparently the throngs of people who travel great distances and the diehards who begin planning their costumes a year in advance agree with the famous radio broadcaster.
Nearly everybody in Whitefish considers Halloween one of the biggest days of the year for the town, and some stake claim to the holiday as the biggest of all celebrations. Wherever it ranks, it’s clear All Hallow’s Eve is a big deal up in these parts. This sentiment applies to both young kids and grown-up kids.
[read more]
Nearly everybody in Whitefish considers Halloween one of the biggest days of the year for the town, and some stake claim to the holiday as the biggest of all celebrations. Wherever it ranks, it’s clear All Hallow’s Eve is a big deal up in these parts. This sentiment applies to both young kids and grown-up kids.
