Last year, Jamie Minster and Jason Selby decided to move from Charleston, South Carolina to the Flathead Valley to be closer to family. Like any big move, there was plenty of uncertainty, but couple did know for sure that they wanted to open a restaurant.
In September, that plan came to fruition with the opening of the Wich Haus in Whitefish. The eatery specializes in breakfast and lunch, with an emphasis on quality sandwiches made from fresh ingredients. The restaurant is one of the numerous new eateries to open in the last year.
“Our philosophy is to do a few things really well,” Minster said.
Minster said that the Pork ‘Wich is one of customers’ favorites, featuring slow-roasted pork shoulder, provolone cheese, red onions and carrots pickled in-house, sautéed greens and herbed Dijon mustard served on a hoagie roll. Diners have a choice of four sides: blue cheese cole slaw, kettle chips, potato salad and fruit.
Both Minster and Shelby graduated with degrees in hospitality and owned a restaurant back east. Minster runs the front of the house and Shelby cooks.
The couple started looking for a space for a restaurant almost immediately after arriving in the valley and quickly came upon a house along Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish north of the viaduct. They knew it was the perfect spot for a restaurant that focuses on breakfast and lunch, thanks to its proximity to the lake and the main route to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Minster said it’s easy for people to pop in and get a sandwich on their way to enjoy the beach or the ski hill.
The owners of Wich Haus are also looking forward to summer when they can open up their back patio, a space that easily doubles the resturant’s seating capacity.
Wich Haus is located at 105 Wisconsin Ave. in Whitefish and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.thewichhaus.com or call (406) 730-2018.
Just down the street, another new eatery called Rebel Roots Kitchen inside the Palace Bar in downtown Whitefish is serving up healthy and delicious fare. The Rebel “Rice” Bowl features baked tofu or pulled pork atop a bed of garlic-coconut riced cauliflower along with steamed kale and carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, bean sprouts and avocado. Various tacos, soups and snacks are also favorites. Rebel Roots Kitchen is open Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. until they run out of food, usually between 4 and 5 p.m. For more information, visit rebel-roots-kitchen.business.site.
Over at the Stumptown Market, Toast is serving up savory and sweet treats, with a focus on that beloved breakfast staple: toast. Customers can get traditional avocado toast or something a little more exotic like the Manhattan Peel toast topped with an egg, prosciutto, white cheddar and raspberry-jalapeno jam. There are also salads, soups and even pizza. Toast is located at 12 Spokane Ave. in Whitefish and is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.toastwhitefish.com or call (406) 890-4380.
In Columbia Falls, Gunsight Saloon has quickly become a downtown staple in the former home of the Bandit. The bar and grill offers a relaxed environment with a menu populated by favorites, including salads, sandwiches and half-pound burgers. Gunsight is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.gunsightsaloon.com or call (406) 897-2820.
Down in Woods Bay, Bonfire has set up shop where the Flathead Lake Brewing Co. was once housed. Owned by Chef Lisa Cloutier and her husband Brian Anderson, Bonfire is offering classic American-style food with a slight twist. It has also started to offer a Dim Sum Brunch on Sundays in winter that are quickly becoming a local favorite. Bonfire is located at 15300 Highway 35 in Woods Bay and is open Monday through Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit www.montanabonfire.com or call (406) 692-6026.
In Ronan, Little Montana is another local favorite offering up traditional breakfast and lunch fare daily and dinner Thursday through Saturday. Little Montana is located at 63452 U.S. Highway 93 in Ronan, with regular hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/littlemt2018/ or call (406) 830-1467.