Recently, a work trip took me to the unexpected culinary destination of Billings, Montana. While my schedule was jam-packed with professional commitments, I managed to carve out time to explore the local dining scene, ranging from well-known chains to unique local spots.
A Familiar Start at Texas Roadhouse
The first evening in Billings, my colleagues and I found ourselves at Texas Roadhouse. Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant about dining at a chain restaurant, preferring to experience local flavors, but the camaraderie won out. I ordered a Texas Peach Fuzz to drink, which proved to be a refreshing choice with just the right hint of sweetness and alcohol. For dinner, the filet steak and grilled shrimp were my picks. While the dish was well-prepared, the overwhelming saltiness was a bit of a letdown, leading me to drink three glasses of water just to balance it out. The meal was good, but I couldn't help but feel that a local establishment might have offered a more unique dining experience.
A Relaxing Evening at City Vineyard
The following night, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a local coworker, and we decided on City Vineyard. The atmosphere here was a stark contrast to the previous night – calm, inviting, and decidedly more upscale. As a wine bar with a diverse beer selection, it offered the best of both worlds. After some debate, we opted for beers, and I chose a small flight before settling on a glass of the Western Cider Whiskey Peach. The beers were delightful, each offering a unique taste profile that was a treat to my palate.
For our meal, we started with their deviled eggs, a dish elevated by the unexpected addition of bacon. My main course, the steak and butternut squash tacos, was a revelation. The combination of flavors and textures was nothing short of amazing, and it was a dish I would eagerly recommend to anyone visiting City Vineyard. As the evening progressed, I chose a Strawberry Basil Spritz for my next drink, a choice I somewhat regretted as I wasn't in the mood for champagne. Nonetheless, the drink was well-crafted, and I made a mental note to try their wine selection on my next visit.
A Casual Dining Experience at 406 Kitchen and Taproom
On my final day, I ate at 406 Kitchen and Taproom with another colleague. This place had the vibe of a typical bar, but the food and drink options were anything but ordinary. I decided on the Highlander Strawberry Wheat, a pleasant and light beer choice. The Montana burger was my lunch selection, featuring Carolina BBQ, Monterey jack cheese, crispy onion, fried jalapeno caps, and garlic aioli, paired with garlic parmesan fries. The burger was a delightful mix of flavors – savory, spicy, but not overwhelmingly so, creating a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
Reflections on Billings' Culinary Scene
Billings surprised me with its range of dining options. From the familiar comfort of Texas Roadhouse to the unique flair of City Vineyard and the casual yet flavorful offerings at 406 Kitchen and Taproom, each experience was unique in its own way. As I anticipate returning to Billings in the coming months, I find myself excited to delve deeper into the local food scene. Billings may not be widely recognized as a culinary hotspot, but my experiences suggest that there's plenty of unexplored potential in this Montana city.
Comments