After three days in South Dakota (Black Hills) it was time to start venturing back west and our first stop was a night in Cody, Wyoming. As luck would have it — it was rodeo night, which actually is every night during July and August in Cody, but first dinner at Proud Cut Saloon.
Rocky Mountain Oysters were on the appetizer list and someone….couldn’t resist ordering them. These thinly sliced bull testicles are first drenched in flour and fried until deep golden brown and to tell the truth…taste just like chicken (hahaha). I requested some buffalo sauce for a kick of heat, which gave them a fried chicken wing type of flavor — they were nothing I’d crave, but interesting. A Buffalo Sirloin for dinner with Brussels Sprouts and side salad to cut all that richness….I need some salmon soon, but when you’re in the land of beef — it’s all a must.
As for the Cody Rodeo — it was a hoot. The rodeo clown cowboy was in a chicken suit and he was hilarious. The riders were impressive and we enjoyed sipping on the traditional Coors light and Michelob light at the rodeo — when in Rome.
On my way into the rodeo there was a live bull in a tight rack situation — which at first glance I thought it was fake, but when it moved – it startled me. Sort of odd, but I guess it makes for a photo op – idk…..
We stayed at the Chamberlin Inn in Cody, established in 1903 – a historic spot in town. It was dotted with antiques and some of the wallpaper was missing in places, yet it felt good to take a night out of the RV and get a hot bath in a clawfoot tub. The next morning, we had one of my most favorite meals of the trip at Sitti’s Table. My Mushroom Toast was beautifully prepared with a splash of champagne vinegar and super caramelized mushrooms – gave it the perfect balance of earthiness. A hearty Breakfast Sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese on a homemade bagel was also a huge hit. A gorgeous Matcha Latte really satisfied my California girl cravings — something I often drink at home.
The shopping in Cody on Sheridan Avenue was surprisingly fun and we scored some nice jeans, a couple of sweaters for fall, and a few classic t-shirts from the local area. Late morning we were off to Yellowstone from the east gate and stayed one last night just outside of the park in West Yellowstone at Mack’s Inn in the RV before we headed further west. The views through the park were incredible – Bison, Elk and mini steamy pools of sulfur bubbled with delight on a drizzling day. A bison jumped out in front of our RV and headed to the side of the road just next to us — otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten this close.
When we arrived at the RV Park it was still raining a bit, but we could still mange to light the grill for dinner of Wagyu Steak and Grilled Artichoke. There’s nothing like a good grilled artichoke and this is how I prepared it.
Grilled Artichoke with Chipotle Mayo
- 1 globe artichoke, cut in half
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- salt and pepper
- 1/3 cup good mayonnaise
- 1/4 Chipotle chili in adobo, minced
- olive oil for cooking
(Serves 2)
To Prepare:
- Place cut artichoke in cold water in a saucepan along with half a lemon.
- Boil for 25 minutes and drain. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Heat grill until hot – 400 degrees or gray coals with a bit of flame underneath.
- Place artichoke on grill and cook cut side down for 8 minutes, flip and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove and squeeze with remaining lemon.
- Mix mayo and Chipotle chili together in bowl, if desired, and use as dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Headed out early from West Yellowstone to drive to Hailey Idaho to visit some family and have a meal together. Power House was a local spot serving up burgers, salads, and local fare. The best part of the dinner was getting to know family and me meeting them for my first time. We hope to see them again soon this fall.
We headed to Sun Valley Lodge for a quick night cap at Duchin Lounge in the hotel. The featured cocktail of the night was a drink made with Nectarine Vodka and Pinot Noir — stellar tasting. The mixture of red wine and spirits seems to be popular in cocktails and I enjoyed how it smoothed out the sweetness of the drink, and gave it better balance.
After a quick sleep — off through Idaho to stop in Twins Falls for a quick breakfast — mentioned by our Uber driver the night before – Norm’s Cafe. Norm’s was serving up egg and bacon as well as their famous biscuits and gravy. Now, I’m not usually a biscuits and gravy girl, but on this trip I had had them at another spot and wanted to size-up the gravy, and compare and contrast the buttery biscuit. It passed – it was flaky buttery good.
Driving through Nevada now and heading to Truckee, California for a couple of nights before heading home. Talk to you soon.
No Comments