Dinner With Chef Heather Hatwan At The Lodge Of Townsend
 | Author:
Victor Sample
Vic Sample: MT43 News Treasurer |
Victor Sample
From Chef Heather Hatwan:
“Big Sky Culinary Classes & The Lodge of Townsend are pairing up once again, to initiate an elevated, fine dining experience IN Townsend!
We all know there is a need and desire for a different fare, a high-quality food establishment that we can enjoy without having to drive to another town, here in Townsend.
Together we are collaborating to create a restaurant-type environment that feels, looks, tastes and exemplifies the styles we drive miles to experience.
Heather Hatwan & Tina Homann believe bringing to Townsend what we (and your expressed interest) ourselves would like to enjoy & would benefit the community immensely. Our idea is to have 3-course dinners, 4 times a year with a full kitchen staff and wait staff. This concept would be a “Reservation Only” dinner to help us prepare efficiently to provide you with the service and meal you deserve. The menus will be carefully curated using the freshest of local ingredients including vegetables, grains and meats.”
On Saturday, June 8, Chef Heather and Tina Homann hosted the first of the Big Sky Culinary Classes dinners at the Lodge of Townsend. The menu was a dinner salad, beef filet steak with risotto and a chocolate mousse dessert. We were seated with friends of ours and had a wonderful meal and enjoyed some great conversation.
The salad featured very fresh greens and spinach along with feta cheese and strawberries with a vinaigrette dressing. Chef Hatwan cooked the steaks medium unless requested otherwise. The filets were prepared perfectly! The entrée came with risotto and asparagus. Risotto is notoriously hard to prepare well – and Chef Hatwan did it really well. The chocolate mousse - provided by Hailey Curtis - was served with a raspberry and whipped cream and was really, really good.
Our servers were Chrissy Rouse and Sara Murgel. They seated us and served our meal. They were delightful and made us feel welcome and well-cared for.
The Lodge of Townsend does not have a wine/beer license; so attendees were advised to bring their own wine or beer. Due to the Montana “Bottle Club” law, the servers at the dinner were not allowed to uncork or serve any wine. They were able to provide wine glasses. The couples at our table all brought bottles of wine which we shared.
It was an excellent meal with excellent company – and a chance to chat with many friends at the dinner!
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Pam Sample
Image 1 Caption: Left to Right: Janine Stone, Dan and Jeanie Mainwaring, Tina Homman, Dan Tuxbury, Teri Blahnik.
Photo Credits: Pam Sample
Image 2 Caption: Jen Dalrymple, Linda Cousineau, Karen Susag and Jane Slyker
Photo Credits: Pam Sample
Image 3 Caption: Sara Murgel preparing to serve the salads
Photo Credits: Pam Sample
Image 4 Caption: Filet with Risotto and Asparagus
Photo Credits: Pam Sample
