Chef Matt Harris of J&G Grill at the St. Regis Deer Valley, Utah is busy catering to the stars who fly into Park City for Sundance the rest of this month. When he finally gets a break from the kitchen he likes to escape to Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to climb. “It’s still very, very isolated and remote out there,” he says. “Jackson is a bustling little town and then you drive out toward the park and get on the trails and by the time you get climbing you could be the only one around for miles. I go as often as possible.” Despite the remoteness, Harris has found some surprisingly good spots to eat. Here, he shares some of his favorite food finds from climbing adventures.
Dornan’s
“You don’t expect to find much in terms of fancy groceries and artisanal products once you get outside of Jackson, but I discovered this great deli-grocery in the town of Moose which is right on the way into Teton National Park. I couldn’t believe their cheese selection. You’re out in the middle of no where and expect grocery store squares of cheese wrapped in plastic but they had a really high quality selection of artisanal stuff from small producers in nearby Utah and imports from France, Italy, and Switzerland. They also had a selection of charcuterie and, shockingly, an incredible wine shop with producers like Catena, Williams Selyem, Penfolds, and Far Niente. All of the locals know to stop here before they go to Yellowstone. 12170 Dornan Rd., Moose, WY; (307) 733-2415; dornans.com.
Gran Teton Brewing Company
“I like that this brewing company has a local focus. Their signature brews include the Teton Ale and Sweetgrass APA, but they also do special seasonal releases in small batches. Their Idaho Pale Ale is made only with ingredients—barley, hops, malt—from Idaho. Non-drinkers can try their homemade sodas.” 430 Old Jackson Highway Victor, ID; (208) 787-9000; grandtetonbrewing.com.
Mountain High Pizza Pie
“This isn’t the most high class spot, but it hits the spot, especially after climbing all day. They do a great pie. I like their thin crust pie with pickled peppers and sausage.” 120 West Broadway, Jackson, WY; (307) 733-3646; mhpizza.com.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
“When I get thirsty I definitely go to the old Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. It’s really touristy, but it’s always fun. Grand Teton Brewing makes a beer for them but they also have a good selection of craft beers and of course saddle bar stools.” 25 North Cache Dr., Jackson, WY; (307) 733-2207; milliondollarcowboybar.com.
