Cheers to the 2026 James Beard Semifinalists in Montana's Yellowstone Country!
Wild Crumb, Bozeman
The 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalists were announced last week, and several of Montana’s Yellowstone Country chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists have been honored. These "Oscars of food and beverages" celebrate excellence in culinary arts and a commitment to community and equity.
We're thrilled to live in an area with such a wealth of culinary talent! The semifinalists are all exceptional, and if you happen to head our way, any one of them is well worth a visit. Of the eight Montana businesses nominated, five are right here in our region, with four in Bozeman.
Blackbird Kitchen, a longtime local favorite, was nominated for Outstanding Restaurant. Their wood-fired oven turns out great pizza, and the menu is rounded out with local meats, delicious vegetables, and homemade pasta and salads. The atmosphere is understated yet elegant and always humming with lively conversations.
Wild Crumb, also a fan favorite, is nominated for Outstanding Bakery. Breads, pastries, pies, cakes and tarts all grace their shelves, and given the line out the door on any given day, you can see for yourself how popular it is! (Don’t worry, the line moves fast!)
Jarrett Wrisley, Shan, Photo by Jupiter Flores
Jarrett Wrisley, from Shan, is nominated for Best Chef: Mountain (CO, ID, UT, WY, MT). Last year, they were nominated for Best New Restaurant, and we couldn’t agree more! Chef Wrisley spent 20 years chasing deliciousness across Asia and has brought these flavors to life in Bozeman, Montana. It’s a family-style affair, and I have yet to dine with anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with their food.
Brett Evje and Michael Ochsner are nominated for Outstanding Restaurateurs for PLONK, with locations in Bozeman and Missoula, and J.W. Heist Steakhouse in Bozeman. PLONK has long been known for its food, cocktails and ambiance, and J.W. Heist is another slam-dunk on the restaurant scene. Their wood-fired cuisine is artistry in and of itself, but their whole program is classy, with beef, seafood and classic cocktails of the highest caliber.
Michael Oschner, Brett Evje, PLONK, J.W. Heist
In Red Lodge, One-Legged Magpie came on the scene with a bang, and we’ve loved everything we’ve tried. Their nomination for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program gives a nod not just to their cocktail menu (which is fantastic) but also to their Soberbird Bottleshop, which sells non-alcoholic beer, wine, and cocktail makings.
Congratulations to all the semifinalists for their well-deserved recognition. And a big thank you for creating warm community spaces with incredible food to nourish our hearts, bodies and souls.