Exploring new local restaurants and eateries is something Anki and I always look forward to in our travels. Anki, being a vegetarian, we’re typically looking for something that has interesting vegetarian options - one where the chef doesn’t remove meat  from a dish designed to be enjoyed with meat, to make something vegetarian. But rather, one where they think about offering a complete experience from the plating and visual appeal to the well balanced palette and flavor and even better - wine recommendations.

Besides the food, we’re also interested in the chef and the folks working in these eateries and sitting down to talk to them (when possible) and learning about their lives, and listening to stories. We come in as strangers and leave as friends. 

Ernie’s Café

In West Yellowstone, the wonderful hosts at the “1872 Inn” (where we’re staying), recommended this cute li’ll Bakery and Sandwich shop called “Ernie’s Bakery”.
When we got there, we were greeted by Matt - the host and manager & an almost empty case of baked goods. “They’re all gone, we got here too late!”, I exclaimed. Matt smiled and said - “Don’t worry, there’s one for now, but come back tomorrow earlier in the morning for more :)” 

He then got us situated with some Cappuccino, sandwiches - a smoked salmon on a fresh sourdough bread and an Avocado & sprouts on fresh sourdough. When asked about the sourdough, he mentioned the sourdough here doesn’t get as sour as he’s used to in France, but it’s tasty none the less. Sourdough bread being a naturally leavened bread tasted different in different places because of the minerals in the local water, naturally occurring yeast (the desirable kind), and temperature and humidity. Lots of variables, which offer interesting variations. 

Back to the Café, the vibe of the place felt like there was a story there. It had been around for over 35 years. So, once all patrons were sitting down and enjoying their food, I walked over to Matt to get to know more about his story.  

From Lyon, France to Yellowstone,

“Ernie’s Bakery” is currently owned by Matt & Caroline. Matt manages the store and hosts patrons along with his crew, while Caroline is the chef, the artist in this studio. Her cakes & pastries are indeed a work of art and they’re delicious. This French family are originally from Lyon and they fell in love with Yellowstone in one of their travels. So one winter, Matt tells me, they were traveling in the Caribbean when - “We saw this shop was on sale, and thought this would be the best opportunity to move here. So we bought it and moved.” For the past 8 years, they’ve been serving folks on their way to the Yellowstone National Park.

P.S. I went back this morning again and am writing this post over a Cappuccino and Hazelnut chocolate beignets.