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Billings exploded when the railroad arrived, and good food was here to stay. Montana Avenue anchored the first establishments serving oysters, chop suey and steaks. Modern comfort arrived with the Northern Hotel and never left. Locals sipped, savored and swung at the Skyline, Bella Vista, Elmo and Windmill Supper Clubs from the 1930s to the 1960s. Entrepreneurs debuted the Level 3 Tea Room, La Toque, Bruno's and New Moon Cafe. Beef still reigns at the Rex, Jake's and Bistecca at the Granary. Writer Stella Fong testifies why names like Yegen, McCormick, Schaer and Honaker have persisted throughout Billings' culinary history.

Billings' local food scene is bootstrapping and standing tall. Renowned restaurants like TEN boast menus that showcase distinctive local ingredients from trout roe to foraged mushrooms. Restaurants and artisans source from centuries-old establishments like the McGowan family farm, which provides grain to Trailhead Spirits distillery. Mingling regional cuisine with the cosmopolitan influences of far-flung cities, homegrown spots like Lilac and Field House garner national attention with their daily dishes. Teppanyaki cooking and innovative global offerings are quickly diversifying the foodscape. Food journalist Stella Fong provides an eclectic sampling of the people, restaurants, producers and suppliers that contribute to the city's growing palate.