Taste of Bigfork 2014

Locals had a taste of Bigfork.

Eighteen restaurants provided samples of their cuisine for the annual Taste of Bigfork. Put on by the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce, the event was a fundraiser for the Habitat for Humanity of the Flathead Valley, the Bigfork Senior Center and the Chamber of Commerce.

For many attendees the Taste of Bigfork was about more than sampling the dining options that Bigfork offers, but helping out their community.

“What I love is the fact that it’s such a great effort,” Cathy Hay said, as she sampled a Sour Brown beer from Flathead Brewing Company. She said the event is about Bigfork coming together to give back and contribute. “It’s a testament to the community,” she said.

Julie and Joe Cassetta who live in Bigfork for six months out of the year said this was the first time they’ve been back in time for the event. They enjoyed the variety of food you could eat in one evening.

“It’s the combinations,” Joe said. “You have sushi and then you have a burger.”

Fourth-year volunteer Robert Brown of Kalispell brought along friends John and Debbie Sullivan of Lakeside this year. They were so impressed with the food they tried that John said he plans to make more trips to Bigfork to dine.

“This is really great for local people to come in and see what’s in our neighborhood,” Debbie said.

When asked what some of their favorite dishes were this year numerous people mentioned the Kobe beef buffalo style sliders served by Terra at Mountain Lake Lodge and pistachio crusted pork tenderloin from BruMar Estate.