JH Underground – news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Teton Dems are gathering tonight at Betty Rock to watch the election results and congratulate candidates on a race well run.

There will be food and drink specials, and Betty Rock will stay open late on what could be a late night for the presidential decision. The party will start soon after polls close at 7 p.m.

I expect we’ll have local results around 9. Betty Rock has a TV for national coverage and wifi for the latest updates.

Come by for a burger and beer. I plan to be there at some point. On such a momentous night, the pull of home is strong.

Let’s hope we have a lot to celebrate, locally and nationally.

Posted under County Government, Democratic Party, Food, Politics, Town Government, Wyoming Legislature

Tags: campaign 2012, restaurants

As widely reported last week, Thai Me Up won a surprising two gold medals and one silver to lead Wyoming breweries at the Great American Beer Festival on Oct. 10-12 in Denver. Snake River Brewing Co. added to its hardware collection with one silver and one bronze.

The Casper Star-Tribune sent a correspondent to cover the festival (tough gig, eh?) who has written a nice feature about the evolution of craft beers in Wyoming, starting with the opening of the Brew Pub in 1994. (Otto Brothers in Wilson actually started first; the company now is Grand Teton Brewing in Victor, Idaho.)

For Thai Me Up, a self-described “nanobrewery” (for producing small quantities of beer), the achievement is particularly sweet. Owner Jeremy Tofte is a third-generation brewer, the Star-Tribune reports. The restaurant garnered gold for its Melvin IPA and 2×4 Double IPA and silver for its Cherry Freak fruit beer.

Fret not, cheap drinkers: The preferred mead of Jackson skids, PBR, also won gold in the American-style lager competition.

Posted under Business, Food

Tags: beer, restaurants

Update 10/13: The discounted bottles have sold out (see comment).

For more than three years, since Wyoming Whiskey first went into an aging barrel, thirsty drinkers have asked Dave DeFazio when they can taste the bourbon. “When it’s good and ready,” has been his stock reply.

Well, it’s just about good and ready.

The state’s first distillery is installing bottling equipment and expects to have its initial shipment of 2,500 cases in stores by Dec. 1. The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole is taking advance orders and offering a 20 percent discount, with 750 ml bottles priced at $40 instead of $50. Other retailers also have waiting lists.

On Dec. 1, DeFazio and business partner Brad Mead are hosting a party at the distillery in Kirby, Wyo., about a four-hour drive from Jackson, replete with tastings, tours and a band. Mead’s brother, Gov. Matt Mead, will help christen the brand. The all-day affair begins at noon.

Read More…

Posted under Business, Wyoming

Tags: beer, matt mead, parties, restaurants

As if last weekend’s wedding of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel didn’t create enough celebrity buzz, Stephen Colbert appears to be in Jackson Hole on vacation. He stopped in for a bite recently at Pizzeria Caldera.

His Super PAC hasn’t made a donation to my campaign. Yet.

(Photo via Jamie Storrs/Terra PR)

Posted under Entertainment, Politics, Republican Party, Town Government

Tags: campaign 2012, Media, restaurants, stephen colbert, tourists

From Fish Creek to the Hudson, folks know a good breakfast.

Nora’s, the rustic eatery in Wilson, received a James Beard Foundation award Monday night at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, New York. The restaurant was one of five chosen as “America’s Classics” for “timeless appeal, beloved in its region for quality food that reflects the character of its community.”

The Empire State Building was lit in orange for the occasion. Restaurant founder Nora Tygum did not attend, but her daughter, co-owner Kathryn Tygum Taylor, accepted the award on behalf of the family.

A crew filmed this video for the Beard Foundation in March. A starring role goes to Nora’s huevos rancheros, after a hot plate of which I always go home, as Kathryn says, fulfilled.

Posted under Food

Tags: restaurants