Rainbow Ranch

During the summer I tend to spend most of my time in the Gallatin River valley—it is where I work, live and play and I love it here. However, when the opportunity came up to travel a valley over to experience Moonlight on the Madison River Camp I jumped at the chance.

Meghan and Karen drove from Big Sky, I drove from Bozeman, and we met there. The drive itself was fantastic—there were storm clouds out the window on my left and clear blue skies out the window on my right. I wondered which would stick around for dinner. As it turns out the rain never came, only the beautiful lighting that accompanies the mix of dark clouds and sunshine. It was a perfect evening for river camp.

When we arrived at camp Anne warmly greeted us, gave us an orientation of camp, and invited us to enjoy games (croquet, horseshoes, Bocce ball), fly fishing or a cocktail by the river before dinner. Although no children were there that night, there is a “Little Fletcher” teepee for children to hang out in and play games. I know my 4-year old would have loved it!

After touring the cabins with Janette, Director of Resort Sales and Marketing for Moonlight Basin, Meghan, Karen and I joined some friends from Buck’s T-4 at a riverside picnic table for dinner. The four-course meal of regional, farm fresh cuisine and local beef on the grill was fantastic.

As the sunlight faded and the sky filled with stars, I sipped coffee by the campfire and thought about what a beautiful setting this would be for a wedding or family reunion.

Whatever the occasion may be, Moonlight on the Madison Riverside Camp is definitely worth adding to your list of things to do when visiting the Big Sky area.

Thanks to Janette for inviting us.
- Turi

It has been a little over two months now since the fire devastated the main lodge. It seems the worst of it is now behind us and we are starting to see glimpses of the phoenix rising out of the ashes.

Although we still do not yet know what caused the fire, we do know that no foul play was involved. I have been truly amazed by the CSI-like investigation and the whole insurance process. As anyone who has dealt with a business loss like this knows, it is a rather complex and time-consuming process. Nonetheless, we are planning for the rebuild as we await the final okay to knockdown the burnt structure and rebuild a new one. In brief here is a list of what we have done, are doing, and are hoping (keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able) to do.

• We are closed for this summer.
• Our guests have been contacted and relocated.
• We will rebuild the lodge to look like a replica of the previous.
• We are striving to rebuild in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
• We’d like to be rebuilt and have a grand reopening in June of 2009.
• We are currently taking reservations for next summer.

In the meantime, we will be doing a few events this summer to keep us on our toes and to keep Chef in the kitchen. In addition to the Bite of Bozeman and the Big Sky Food Festival, Chef Tom Donohoe will be involved in cooking classes, special dinners and fundraisers all using the wonderful facilities at the Bridger Kitchens. Contact us or check the blog for details over the coming months. Also, feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or just to say “hello”—we miss interacting with our guests.

Thanks again for all your support.

- Turi

The Rainbow Ranch Restaurant recently received the distinguished DiRoNA award. By definition, a DiRoNA award restaurant stands apart from all others, the restaurant is characterized by consistent excellence in all facets of the dining experience—food, beverages, service and environment. It consistently provides exceptional quality, value for the dollar and a memorable experience.

We are grateful for such recognition and look forward to re-opening with this newly donned honor.

Last night the Rainbow Ranch crew traveled to Billings to take part in the MSU-Billings Wine & Food Festival. This is a fantastic weeklong event and fundraiser for MSU. Our part was to put on a special dinner for 90 people. The dinner, dubbed “Big Sky Flavors” took place at the historic Rex in downtown Billings. The Rex graciously surrendered their kitchen to Patrick and Chef Tom to prep dinner on Sunday, and then we combined forces to serve an exquisite 8-course meal paired with wine on Monday evening.

It was a huge success and we all enjoyed being back in the game again. Talk of the fire and rebuild took a backseat as we do what we do best—provide exceptional food, wine and service in a comfortable setting.

Thanks Chelsey for letting me take over your blog again!
- Turi

Today’s blog entry is written by Turi Hetherington. Twelve years ago Turi started out at -RR as a server in the restaurant, since then she has taken on the role of event coordinator, assistant lodge manager and marketing director. Although she receded from management four years ago to have more time to spend with her son, her commitment and dedication to -RR has not abated. It is with great sadness that she writes today’s blog entry.

On Tuesday, April 22 a devastating fire nearly consumed the main lodge of the Rainbow Ranch. Fortunately no one was injured, even little Poindexter our resident black Manx is okay. The fire blazed for nearly 12-hours destroying the restaurant, lounge, wine cellar, laundry room and offices.

Remarkably, the 21 rooms, three cabins, hot tub and wedding venue were not affected by the fire. Investigators are still combing through the ashes, trying to determine the cause of the fire.

With the loss of the building we also lost a bit of Big Sky’s heritage. For generations the Rainbow Ranch Lodge has offered travelers good food and friendly hospitality. Over the last thirteen years Patrick has poured his heart and soul into putting the -RR restaurant on the map as a world-class establishment.

However, with springtime comes new life and for us that means rebuilding a world-class lodge and restaurant. When you come to visit this summer some things will be different, but much will be the same. The Gallatin River and surrounding mountains are beautiful as ever, the rainbow trout are waiting for you to cast a line in the pond, and the infinity-edge hot tub is warm and inviting.

As it is too early to determine our exact plan of action, in the interim the hotel will remain open. We hope to operate the restaurant out of the riverside gazebo.

In place of the front desk, check-in will occur across the river at the Bald Eagle Cabin, which now serves as our offices. The cabin is across the river from -RR, the first log cabin on the right.

We will keep you all posted with plans and progress.

Thank you for your support.