JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

August led me to the tiny mountain town of Jackson Hole, at the entrance of the Grand Tetons near Yellowstone. Just landing in the airport, the only one inside a national park in the US, is a thrill. The Tetons’ jagged peaks pierce the bluest of blue skies, making a majestic line along the valleys of grass and wildlife below.

Near this natural wonder is the tiny, walkable little cowboy/tourist town of Jackson. Thanks to a city law, all architecture must fit the mountain theme, so log cabins and rustic chic abound, looking not unlike the architecture around much of Tahoe or Aspen (I loved the historic Wort Hotel, capturing the charm and history of the Old West: www.worthotel.com).

The bad news is, it is a tourist town so most establishments cater to that constituency (and all that implies). Sure, if you can afford thousands on leather coats and cowboy boots, you’ll find some unique stuff. But if you’re a world-seasoned traveler or live in a major world city, the look will charm, but the substance behind, not always as much. I found that though there are a couple popular sushi or Nuevo Latino restaurants in town, this hardly makes the choices comparable to what you can eat in many great cities. Of course, you don’t come here for the food, because cities don’t offer such wildlife, splendid nature and views. And I was lucky enough to meet some amazing, kind locals and see their lovely homes… But in my unstoppable search for great, local meals, wherever I may be, from the smallest to largest town, my sights were charmed by many down-home bars and restaurants, while my taste buds were feeling a bit left out.

I WISH I could have made it to Jackson’s most famed restaurant, Snake River Grill (link), a rustic chic dining room I merely peeked into. With a dear friends’ wedding festivities every night I was in town, I couldn’t get away long enough for a fine dining meal, though I was dying to try the North Dakota Elk Chop with Spiced Bing Cherries and Sweet Potato Fries (at a shocking $49!) or a more humble Sugar Snap Peas with Sesame and Mint ($6). From what I hear, this is Jackson’s shining mecca for food, albeit at a price.

I’d be tempted to come back in Winter (Summer is the busiest season with the town completely overrun by tourists) for sleigh rides among moose and elk, world class skiing and warm drinks by roaring fireplaces.

Here are my Jackson food stories: