Western towns aren’t normally known for haute cuisine, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Wild Sage at the Rusty Parrot Lodge in the center of Jackson.
You enter the restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner either through the cozy bar which faces the street or the grand hotel lobby, complete with antler chandeliers.
Several things grab your attention right away – the open kitchen run by French-trained Chef Hugo Goodwin and the floor-to-ceiling windows with a stunning view of East Gros Ventre Butte. If the weather permits, you can sit outside in the shadow of this gorgeous landscape. The wall dividing the restaurant and the bar features glass cases showcasing the restaurants exceptional wine collection.
The menu is also exceptional and changes with the seasons and the availability of sustainable and local ingredients, which can be weekly. Chef Goodwin’s cuisine can be described as French sensibility meeting the Rocky Mountain West, celebrating place and palate with a modern spin on classic dishes.
We began our dining experience at Wild Sage with an amuse bouche of duck pâté from the chef, who also made the rounds speaking to diners. Then it was on to the delicious first course of summer fluke carpaccio, dressed with tomato ponzu and garnished with cherry tomatoes and charred garlic scape.
The cucumber soup was a refreshing surprise on a warm summer night. We expected it to be cream-based, but it was simply cucumbers blended with cilantro and other herbs in a deep green sea of freshness.
Our main course was the rack of lamb, cooked to absolute perfection medium rare.
Yes, we did make room for dessert because the choices were so tempting, and settled on the light and airy hazelnut and chocolate layer cake, topped with several large candied hazelnuts.
The restaurant’s wine list is curated by sommelier and French wine scholar Nicole Cox. Not surprisingly, it offers a distinct focus on French wines from top vineyards along with a carefully selected array of varietals from boutique producers.
We were in a bubbly mood – how could you not be when in Jackson – and settled on the N.V. Jean Vesselle Reserve Champagne.
Wild Sage at The Rusty Parrot Lodge, 175 N. Jackson Street, Jackson, WY 83001, (307) 733-2000
