Ted’s Montana Grill
Bozeman, Montana
“Hard work is its own reward.” That’s how the old saying goes anyway.
My guess is whoever came up with that ridiculous statement was a vegetarian because for me, reward means prime rib!
After a brutal two weeks of hard work in Montana, combined with over a year of my soul getting ripped out of me bit by bit, I was ready to go home.
I was also ready for a pat on the back in the form of a nice dark beer and a big slab of red meat.
A few minutes of searching the internet didn’t yield much, so I headed to a little area in downtown Bozeman where I had seen several bars and restaurants.
It was early Sunday evening, however, and many places were closed.
But Ted’s Montana Grill wasn’t, and the buffalo head outside was calling my name. I obliged Mr. Buffalo Head, sat down at the bar and ordered a beer — a Bozone Plum Porter from the local Bozeman Brewing Company. It was a pretty good, pretty smooth dark beer.
Perfect to compliment that steak I had my heart set on. I won’t say Ted’s had an impressive beer list though. They didn’t.
But at least there was only one American puke beer on tap, Bud Light.
I took a look at the appetizers, which had several nice choices like the Bison Nachos.
But I decided against it. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of room in my stomach for steak.
I settled on a 16 ounce prime rib — rare.
Instead of a side salad, I ordered the bison chili.
The chili was good. A tad sweet for my taste, but still very good. I kicked up the heat with some Tabasco.
The best part was the fresh jalapeno garnished on top. It added a refreshing heat without sending me scrambling to down my beer.
Of course, on a Sunday evening, I was all about football. But there was only one TV, and I couldn’t really see it from the bar.
It was that “dead” time between the late afternoon game and the evening game, so the TV was turned to the news anyways.
I finished my chili and beer, ordered another Bozone Plum Porter and waited about 30 seconds for my steak.
And then it arrived. 16 ounces of perfectly-cooked awesome.
It had a nicely seasoned crispy edge and warm pink goodness throughout. To be honest, I was in heaven with every bite.
The au jus was also pretty good. It could have stood a tad more salt, but since I like dabs of horseradish on my prime rib before I dip into the au jus, there was no complaining.
As far as the baked potato and the green beans? They were eaten, but they were like the homely 5th bridesmaid at a wedding. You forget she was there until you go back and look at pictures.
I ordered one more beer, finished my plate and somehow managed not to fall off my barstool after all that meat, beer, and homely bridesmaid vegetables.
The task at hand was done. All that hard work did pay off.
Rating: Seriously Thought About Buying the Shirt
