Buck's T-4

"Gourmet Treasure in Big Sky"

The sweet strains of Diana Krall wafted through the air as Gaby and I savored wild game delicacies at Buck’s T-4.  Housed in a converted 1950’s hunting lodge, the restaurant has a casual steakhouse vibe that belies the epic dining treasures inside.  

We started with the Buck’s Sampler- a taste adventure comprised of delicate strips of house cured duck bacon, locally-raised and buttery smooth house-smoked organic rainbow trout, and house-made wild game pistachio pate (I’ve dined all over France, and this was still one of the best pate’s I have ever tasted).  Nestled on a bed of tender arugula, the meats were accompanied by spreads and house made chutneys, with thin rounds of toasted baguette on the side.  My especially daughter loved the smoked trout and duck bacon, of which she had second helpings.

I am a huge fan of Montana and Wyoming microbreweries, so I chose a locally brewed Beltian White beer, from Harvest Moon Brewing in Belt MT, to go with my meal.  I was not disappointed.  The Beltian White is similar to a Blue Moon- smooth and light but with additional notes of coriander and orange peel.  
Caipirinha’s and spiced pomegranate mojitos (two of my favorite drinks), looked tempting, and I will try them both next time.  

Buck’s kid’s menu would make any foodie parent proud- beyond the usual chicken tender offerings, Buck’s does a child’s size grilled beef tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes.  My daughter was also happily entertained by the crayons and activity sheets which the waitress supplied.  There is also a full game room, with every arcade game, foosball, and pool.  Hello?  Can we say dream restaurant for parents??

For my entrée, I went off the reservation and ordered the bison tenderloin.  Topped with locally made golden panko-crusted, lavender and fennel pollen-dusted goat cheese, the tenderloin exceeded my expectation of what meat should be- lean and flavorful, delicious and healthy.  I’ve forever been ruined on beef.  The cloud of garlic scented mashed potatoes and perfect green bean accompaniment sealed the deal.

I thought the meal couldn’t get any better, until the waitress presented us with a painfully delicious skillet chocolate chip cookie for dessert.  I guess my loquacious daughter put it best when she described it as “blood curdlingly amazing” (where do they get these ideas??)  Soft, gooey chocolate confection in a piping hot skillet, topped with ice cream.  Yes please.  

As my daughter chirped away about various random topics as only a 5 year old can (pontificating on the length of Iguana tongues, and making math puns along the lines of “4’s wear tutu’s because 2+2=4”), I savored my meal and plotted the my next escape to Big Sky, the gourmet ghetto of Montana.  

Disclosure: Although I received complimentary dining from Buck’s, my reviews are always my own opinions.  This review was not influenced by the restaurant staff or its affiliates.