MISSOULA AND WESTERN MONTANA - Montana and Wyoming - page 289

kidding. Eating a huckleberry cherry pie, straight from the box and still a bit warm, on the
shores of Lake McDonald is a memory that will stay with you forever.
Although Montana is not known for its sushi, Whitefish residents could not live without
Wasabi Sushi Bar (419 2nd St. E., 406/863-9283, www.wasabimt.com , from 5pm daily
May-Oct., from 5pm Mon.-Sat. Nov.-Apr., rolls $5-18), with classic nigiri and sashimi, a
contemporary twist on sushi and tempura, and plenty of grill items that include steak, duck,
scallops, fish tacos, and more.
While there are a handful of elegant high-end eateries in Whitefish, Tupelo Grille
(17 Central Ave., 406/862-6136, www.tupelogrille.com , 5:30pm-close daily, $14-32) is a
unique choice with a wonderfully Southern-inspired menu and an exceptional wine list. Just
down the block is another gem: Latitude 48 Bistro and Red Room Basement Bar (147
Central Ave., 406/863-2323, www.latitude48bistro.com , 5pm-close daily, $13-29) is an urb-
an oasis with a phenomenal menu that offers small plates like seared beef tips and lamb
sirloin, creative wood-fired pizzas, and substantial main courses in a fusion of traditional
and contemporary trends.
For foodies looking for another unforgettable meal, Café Kandahar (3824 Big Moun-
tain Rd., 406/862-6247, www.cafekandahar.com , 5:30pm-9:30pm daily mid-Dec.-late Mar.
and mid-June-late Sept., market prices) on the ski hill cannot be over-touted. The menus
change nightly, but in addition to the à la carte masterpieces, the chef always offers a
5- and 7-course tasting menu and an 11-course degustation menu. Sample dishes include
pork belly confit, Hudson Valley foie gras, and elk roulade. But it is the way that Chef
Andy Blanton masterfully combines delicate flavors and exquisite ingredients that captiv-
ates diners. Make no mistake, this will be a pricey meal. But a phenomenal one.
INFORMATION AND SERVICES
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce (406/758-2800, www.kalispellchamber.com ,
8am-5pm Mon.-Fri.) and Flathead Convention and Visitor Bureau (406/756-9091,
www.fcvb.org , 8:30am-4pm Mon.-Fri.) are located in the historic Great Northern Depot
building (15 Depot Park, Kalispell). The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce (520 E. 2nd
St., 406/862-3501, www.whitefishchamber.org , 9am-5pm Mon.-Fri.) is open year-round.
The Flathead National Forest Headquarters (1935 3rd Ave. E., Kalispell, 406/
758-5200, www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead ) has helpful information for campers and hikers.
Kalispell has the Flathead County Library (247 1st Ave. E., 406/758-5820,
www.flatheadcountylibrary.org , 10am-8pm Mon.-Thurs., 10am-5pm Fri., 11am-5pm Sat.),
and the main post office (248 1st Ave. W.) is at the corner of 3rd Street.