Feast is what it promises by name: a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. A modern treat in Bozeman, Montana and a step away from the ordinary of the little college town, Feast specializes in seafood and atmosphere. The restaurant itself is small with only a dozen or so tables but the feel of it is transporting. Adorned with greens, blues and blacks the colors are at one exciting and relaxing, transporting diners to a seaside restaurant with oysters and Muscadet. Modern lighting throughout accents the unique feel of the space and with dangling metallic chandeliers and light fixtures. The bar seats around 10 people and the high blue metal chairs contrast against the bright green wall of the back bar giving it a striking feel.
Feast is co-owned by executive chefs Steve Kuntz and Caroline Doern. The two tie their passions for great food with a commitment to green practices, working with, whenever possible, sustainably-grown products to create a seafood fusion-focused menu. The menu itself is focused on simply prepared but delicious lighter fare which is a daring move in a town where people lean towards dishes like bison, elk and deer. But, clearly there is a demand for it. Since they opened, the restaurant has been busy and the local response has been overwhelmingly positive. Raw dishes include items like the Shellfish Feast; a plate spilling over with oysters, crab claws and poached shrimp but tying in with the Montana feel and the fusion focus there are also dishes such as Bison Carpaccio. On the exotic side you can also find plates of Ethiopian spiced gold lentils, Vietnamese chicken wings and a local favorite, the oxtail broth with braised pork and rice noodles.
There is no liquor served at Feast, but there is wine and beer and a creative team coming up with wine- and beer-based cocktails to add breadth to the beverage menu. Feast features both wine and beer on tap and “cocktails” such as the Grapefruit Radler with Czech pilsner, fresh lime and grapefruit soda. Imbibers can also find a fun wine by the bottle list and sake. Their wine list matches their food seamlessly with one of my all-time favorite pairings of Muscadet and oysters – how can you go wrong?
Happy hour is Tuesday through Sunday from 3:00 – 5:30 pm featuring $1.50 oysters, $1 off tap beer and wine by the glass and an awesome deal of $10 for 3 oysters and a glass of bubbly. Additionally, staying true to their mission of sustainability, Feast donates 10 percent of their oyster sales every Wednesday and Sunday to a local cause – creating sustainability in their own backyard. With a little bit of something for every palate, Feast is a treat to have in Montana and a must hit for anyone visiting the area.
