Posts Tagged ‘dining in Swan Lake’
Saturday, June 12th, 2010
Our second annual World Tour of Beer at the Horse was another resounding success, albeit, a more subdued and dignified affair this year with the soothing guitar of local NPR celeb John Floridis and 26 true beer afficianados huddled over their note cards and Angus Sliders. The pros from Rocky Mountain Wine Distributors pulled out some exquisite and hard to find beers from Europe, California, Pennsylvania and South America – 14 in all were served along with a table laden with the efforts of our new “Kitchen Slave”, Andrea Wight.
(Andrea doesn’t like the term chef or cook so we are calling her KS as
This horse loves the Belgian Duvel!
she has been slaving away in the kitchen learning our menu and creating some wonderful new dishes drawing on her recent experiences at Caneel Bay in St. John and Zola’s in State College PA.)
Andrea spent the afternoon turning out an array of canapes that would make any beer drinker salivate…Beer Battered Mushrooms with Chipotle Dipping Sauce, Angus Sliders with Arugula and Horseradish Cream, Poached Shrimp, Smoked Salmon and Dill Cucumbers, Classic BBQ Wings, Ahi Sashime with Wasabi Ginger Sauce and the piece de resistance…bittersweet chocolate and raspberry truffle squares to accompany the Lindeman’s Frambois (a Belgian raspberry beer that is the nectar of the gods!).
The highlight of the evening was Xingu, a black Brazilian beer that to my pallet tasted like roasted figs…and I love figs.
The Horse added a few of the more popular finds to our Beer Menu for the summer including Victory Prima Pils, Einbecker Pils, Duvel Belgian Golden Ale, Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout and Ayinger Brau-Weisse. On tap for the season are three local beers – Great Northern Brewery’s Wheatfish and Kettlehouse’s Cold Smoke and Double Haul IPA.
If you’re looking for a relaxing escape for a few hours or an evening, take a drive over to the Horse, grab a cold one and set yourself down in our glorious garden…heaven is that close.
Tags: Bigfork bars, Bigfork Playhouse, Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, Live music in Bigfork, vegetarian dining in Bigfork
Posted in Dining in Bigfork, Draft Beers, Glacier National Park, Live music in Bigfork Montana, lodging in Bigfork, Montana bed and breakfast, Montana weddings, Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival, Uncategorized, vegetarian dining in Montana | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
Tuesday’s Tantalizing Travel Tastings At The Horse Join Chef Kate and crew as we explore various culinary regions of the world. You’ll enjoy a tempting six course tasting menu complete with unique beer and wine pairings in the intimate and fun atmosphere of Horse’s dining room or garden.
Each evening commences at 6:30pm with a casual presentation by a local travel professional, and an offering of tasty morsels and conversation regarding the region being explored. Bring your travel adventure stories!
Dinner begins at 7pm. One seating only, limited to 24. Secured reservations required. $69 per person, $109 per couple.
Down Island Cuisine Menu – June 22nd
Carrot Coconut Bisque with Candied Ginger Tuile
Curried Chicken Roti with Cilantro Crème Fraiche
Golden Beets, Fennel & Bahamian Conch Salad with Lemongrass Aioli
Jerked Mahi Mahi with Grilled Mango and Chile Relish Served with Miso Sweet Potato Puree
Saban Spiced Goat Stew with Cruzan Rum Fruit Bread
Burro Banana Tart with Tropical Fruit Salsa
July 13th, 6:30pm – Cuisine of Turkey
July 27th, 6:30pm Cuisine of Argentina
August 10th, 6:30pm Cuisine of Morocco
August 24th, 6:30pm Cuisine of India
406-886-2080 www.laughinghorselodge.com
Tags: Bigfork lodging, catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, eating in Bigfork, Green lodging in Montana, Montana lodging, Montana wedding at Brumar Estates, wedding caterers
Posted in Bigfork Summer Playhouse, catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, Glacier National Park, lodging in Bigfork, lodging in Glacier, lodging in Montana, Montana bed and breakfast, Montana weddings | No Comments »
Thursday, October 15th, 2009
As the snow begins to sugar the mountain tops here in Swan Lake, I begin the task of closing the Horse for the long winter. First the gardens, so lush and beautiful this year, are cut back and a few tears fall as the last of those glorious hollyhocks are stuffed into the mulch bag – their seed pods carefully saved for gorilla gardening around the neighborhood. Those monstrous hanging baskets of sunrise pink petunias are delivered back to the nursery and the drip systems are drained. The herb garden – so prolific this summer – gives up the last sprigs of lovage, savory and tarragon to flavor the fall stew bubbling on the back burner.
The highway is quiet, the lake even more so. No jet skis, boats or swimmers – just flocks of migrants heading south stopping in for a quick bite and respite. This is my favorite time of year – full of gold light and the smell of winter on the air. The few visitors coming through the door are a hardy breed seeking stillness and ready for any weather Nature may send their way.
It has been an amazing season thanks to the many returning guests who over the years have become good friends. And so many new faces that portend an even rosier future for the Horse. It has been 10 years since the doors opened and what a wonderful ride it has been…fascinating visitors and guests, exciting stories of traveling adventures, quiet moments on sunset contemplations and the absolutely wonderful gratification of knowing that my staff and I have contributed in some small way to making special memories for you and your families.
Although the lodge will be closed November 1 thru April 30, we won’t be idle…upgrades and improvements will take place over the winter to make your 2010 stay even more comfortable. On behalf of Nikki, Cooper, Sampson and Juliet – thank you – for the hikes, the cookies and the new vocabulary (Sampson has incorporated a distinct New Jersey accent and now knows the main theme to Encounters of the Third Kind!)
For all our new and old friends – have a safe and exceptional winter. We’ll be looking forward to welcoming you back to the Horse next year. Kathleen
Tags: Bigfork lodging, catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, Dining near Bigfork, Environmentally-friendly hotels, Green lodging in Montana, Montana Highway 83, Montana lodging, Traveling with pets, Vacationing with your dog
Posted in catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, Glacier National Park, Going to the Sun Road, lodging in Bigfork, lodging in Glacier, lodging in Montana, Lodging near Glacier National Park, Montana bed and breakfast, Montana weddings, Traveling with pets, Uncategorized, vegetarian dining in Montana | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
The Horse is quietly celebrating its 10th year of providing the most intriguing and delicious menu in the valley, but the best kept secret in the Flathead may be a secret no more. Guests have been posting their reviews of the Horse on the nation’s number one independent travel review site – www.tripadvisor.com – in ever increasing numbers, catapulting the Horse to the number one position in the region. Ranked highly in areas of quality, value and service, the Horse continues to deliver consistently great food, affordably priced in an atmosphere of warm Montana hospitality.
Chef/Owner, Kathleen Moon and her superb staff make certain that every visitor has a personal and singular experience, a sentiment stated over and over again in the reviews posted at tripadvisor and bedandbreakfast.com. ‘We’re not for everybody,” admits Moon, “the lodge offers up clean and comfortable, yet very basic accomodations with few amenities beyond the natural beauty of the Swan Lake area…so if you need the pool, the in-room TV, cell service and a perfectly stirred martini…we’ll help you find a nice hotel in Kalispell. But if you want quiet solitude, the company of a sweet dog, a great bottle of wine and a good book, with fabulous food (of course!) then this is the spot.”
To discover the charms of this Laughing Horse, visit www.laughinghorselodge.com and book an overnight stay, or just come out for the some delicious dining and music.
Tags: Bigfork, Bigfork lodging, Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, Dining near Bigfork, Labor Day Weekend Events in Bigfork, Montana, Montana lodging, vegetarian dining in Bigfork
Posted in catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, lodging in Bigfork, Montana bed and breakfast | 1 Comment »
Saturday, August 1st, 2009
The garden concerts at the Horse just keep getting better. The Wilbur Rehmann Jazz Quartet packed them in last weekend with jazz so cool it made the hot evening feel downright tropical. Next up in the garden is guitarist Larry Pattis promising a slightly calmer evening of excellent fingerstyle acoustic music of his own composition. A seasoned performer, Larry was last at the Horse in 2005 just prior to his debut performance on the Millenium Stage at the Kennedy Center. Listeners of NPR will recognize his signature style. The concert begins at 7pm on August 30th, dinner reservations may be made beginning at 5pm. Dinner or a $5 cover. For reservations, call 406-886-2080.
Tags: Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, Food Play by Gael Greene, Labor Day Weekend Events in Bigfork, Live music in Bigfork, Montana Festivals, vegetarian dining in Bigfork
Posted in catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, Live music in Bigfork Montana, lodging in Bigfork, Montana bed and breakfast, Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
A hot summer evening in Bigfork cries out for a light and delectable dinner down the lake. Stop in this week for our cool organic lodge salad followed by Grilled Lobster Ravioli topped with Langostinos and herbed butter. Add a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and heaven is almost achieved. Oh heck, let’s go for the pearly gates!…and end the evening with a piece of warm-from-the-oven huckleberry peach pie topped with Tillamook Vanilla Bean ice cream.
Reservations are a definite must for this dish, so call today. 406-886-2080.
Not into the delectable crustacean? More of a meat and potatoes type? No worries. Kate’s menu features aged prime cuts of beef that will melt in your mouth. So avoid the theater crush in Bigfork and travel a few minutes down Hwy 83 to the village of Swan Lake and enjoy a dining experience ranked #1 on tripadvisor.com!
Tags: catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, Food Play by Gael Greene, Huckleberry Peach Pie, Montana wedding at Brumar Estates, Swan Valley, vegetarian dining in Bigfork, wedding caterers
Posted in catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, Glacier National Park, lodging in Bigfork, lodging in Montana, Montana bed and breakfast, Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival, vegetarian dining in Montana | No Comments »
Friday, July 10th, 2009
It is that time of year again! Huckleberrys and peaches – a match made in culinary heaven. Barbecuing with friends this summer? Insure your welcome by showing up with a fresh Huckleberry Peach Pie-your hostess will love you and you’ll be on the top of the list for more invitations!
Place your orders by Wednesday at 12 noon by calling 406-886-2080 and your pies will be ready for pickup at 4pm on Friday. Pies serve up to 8 people for $25. In addition to pies, Kathleen can create a sinfully sweet Bavarian Cream Huckleberry Torte for $19.
Come out to the Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival on August 8th at the Swan Lake Day Park and explore the many art vendors. Come early and stop into the Horse for a delicious breakfast of huckleberry peach pancakes or huckleberry & goat cheese stuffed French Toast. The Horse is open for breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 2pm. Looking for more tasty huckleberry treats? Check out Eva Gates Homemade Preserves and Vicki’s Montana Mountain Classics in nearby Bigfork!
Tags: Add new tag, catering in Bigfork, Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, eating in Bigfork, Eva Gates Homemade Preserves, Food Play by Gael Greene, Huckleberry Peach Pie, Montana Festivals, Montana Highway 83, Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival, Swan Valley, vegetarian dining in Bigfork, Vicki's Montana Mountain Classics
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Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
Returning for what is sure to be a sell-out performance, Rob Quist and Tim Ryan will be telling their musical stories of the West in the garden at Laughing Horse Lodge on September 5th. Two years ago, these two troubadors held the audience at the Horse spellbound – each man is an accomplished artist but together they are magic. So make your reservations today…$5 cover or purchase dinner at the Horse…by calling 406-886-2080 or dropping an email to laughinghorselodge@gmail.com. The performance will begin at 7pm in the cozy garden of the Horse which is located at milemarker 71.5 on Hwy 83 in Swan Lake, Montana. Dinner and overnight lodging is available.
Tags: Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, eating in Bigfork, Labor Day Weekend Events in Bigfork, Montana, Montana cowboy poetry, vegetarian dining in Bigfork
Posted in Dining in Bigfork, Live music in Bigfork Montana, lodging in Bigfork, lodging in Glacier, lodging in Montana, Montana bed and breakfast | No Comments »
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
In Montana, beef is royalty, but occasionally even a carnivore craves greens and fish and the kitchen at Laughing Horse Lodge is pleased to oblige. The menu presented by chef/owner Kathleen features many dishes based on organic and natural ingredients that can be stepped up with responsibly harvested fish including sushi-grade Ahi and line-caught Alaskan Salmon.
For a warm summer evening try her signature Polynesian – organic baby farm greens tossed with dried organic cranberries, diced apples and ginger glazed pecans topped with a seared Ahi steak and fresh gorgonzola crumbles drizzled with a zingy wasabi ginger dressing…and that green stuff on the edge of the plate? It’s not guacamole, but freshly made wasabi…sizzling!
Kathleen’s large entrée salads – The Rancher, The Yucatan Stack and the Polynesian – are meals in themselves, but if you are looking for something with a bit more heft, put in an order for the Organic Basil Pesto Linguini brimming with gently sautéed vegetables, or the Mango Ahi served on a bed of organic wehani red rice steaming with the flavors of Thailand.
And so that our carnivore partners don’t feel left out, there’s a 14oz natural Buffalo Ribeye served up with a tantalizing Wild Berry Glaze, natural Angus Sirloin aged to fork-tender perfection, Angus Prime Rib and of course, the famous ½# steak burger served on a homemade foccaccia bun.
Wild Salmon, Savory Black Bean, Natural Chicken or Steak...The Burger is King!
The dining room is open Wednesday through Sunday at 5pm with a public brunch Saturday and Sunday 8am – 2pm.
Reservations definitely suggested…406-886-2080.
Tags: Add new tag, Bigfork lodging, Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, eating in Bigfork, Food Play by Gael Greene, Huckleberry Peach Pie, Swan Valley, vegetarian dining in Bigfork
Posted in Bigfork Summer Playhouse, Dining in Bigfork, lodging in Bigfork, lodging in Glacier, Montana bed and breakfast, Montana weddings, Uncategorized, vegetarian dining in Montana | No Comments »
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009
Now in her tenth year as owner, chief cook and bottle washer, Kathleen continues to bring in the rave reviews for Laughing Horse Lodge from locals and visitors who have discovered this Swan Lake dining ‘secret’.
This season, Kathleen heats up her menu with nightly specials from the ‘over the top’ Asian flavor sensation of Saffron Soba Noodle Cake to the Norman Rockwell down home comfort of savory meatloaf floating in a sea of Crimini Mushroom Prime Rib gravy.
The Horse offers a laid-back, old Montana dining experience where the value is on the plate – mostly organic, always fresh and totally delicious ingredients prepared with care, presented with joy and affordably priced.
So if you are a foodie looking for the best the Flathead has to offer, take a short drive to Swan Lake and see what Kathleen is cooking up for the evening… “hmmm…all natural Tuscan-style Black Angus Prime Rib, or a large steaming bowl of clams swimming in a broth reminiscent of late summer nights in Capri?”
The dining room is open 5pm Wednesday – Sunday for dinner with a public brunch offered Saturday and Sunday 8am – 2pm. The kitchen is closed Monday and Tuesday night so that Kathleen may bring her creative skills to the private homes of the Bigfork/Swan Lake area for parties from 12 to 100.
Reservations definitely suggested…406-886-2080.
Natural Porterhouse Pork Chop on a Green Chili Frittata
Tags: Add new tag, Bigfork bars, Bigfork lodging, Dining in Bigfork, dining in Swan Lake, Environmentally-friendly hotels, Food Play by Gael Greene, Huckleberry Peach Pie, Montana wedding at Brumar Estates, wedding caterers
Posted in Dining in Bigfork, July 4th events in Bigfork, July 4th events in Montana, lodging in Bigfork, lodging in Glacier, lodging in Montana, Lodging near Glacier National Park, Montana bed and breakfast | No Comments »
