Crumbs in my 'Stache: Twofers, halfsies and cheap dates

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

By Ben Cannon

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-“So, are you going anywhere this off-season,” is, to me, one of the most annoying questions so breezily asked this time of year.

“Nowhere,” I say, sometimes adding in a surly tone, “I have a real job.”
Okay, I admit that’s probably not a completely fair reaction to have when friends and acquaintances boast about upcoming travels to Latin America and India, but those of us more or less tethered here (granted, not a bad place to be bound) by work can probably relate.

For those of us who are tied to home as conventionally as those who live and work in, say, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and for those who stick around for whatever reason, at least the coming weeks and months will bring some great off-season dinner specials.

At Mountain High Pizza Pie, where someone in mid-March reportedly defaced a stack of Planet Jackson Holes featuring a smug mug of soon-to-be Jackson restaurateur Alex Von Salad, who said there is “no good pizza” locally (apart from his own, which no one has tasted yet), you can get a large, two-topping pie for $10. That is roughly half what Mountain High usually charges.

For some fine provincial Italian food, Nani’s has two-for-one specials on all of their entrees and wines by the glass.

Much of the wait staff at Nani’s either walked out or was let go earlier this year, but someone with the restaurant said they are nearly back to full staff. Not to argue that it’s not worth the price for authentic dishes with an option to upgrade to freshly made pasta (for $5), but dinner with wine and dessert at Nani’s can be a bit much for regular visits. As far as an off-season special goes this, to me, is one of the more enticing deals around. And it’s a good place to bring a date. I mean, it seems like it would be. I don’t get asked to go on too many dates.

As per its usual shoulder season deal, Merry Piglets will offer 2-for-1 fajitas and house margaritas. The restaurant, which often sees more valley visitors than locals at its prime location just a block from Town Square, should have more townies piling in for a good price on hearty Tex-Mex style fajitas, complimentary chips and salsa, and, of course, the margs, which, despite that they are ‘lower’ shelf are very drinkable at half price.
Nikai, which will shut down until April 23, will reopen with $6 rolls. As the cost of living in Jackson Hole goes up, so too do off-season rolls at Nikai – they went up a buck last fall.

If you can’t decide between the rack of lamb or the elk tenderloin, ask what the house recommends at The Blue Lion, which, if you ask for the deal when ordering, will take 20 percent off the bill from now through late May. Remember: you have to request the special before they ring you up or you’ll have to pay full price like everyone else.
Look for off-season specials starting at the Silver Dollar Grill, which will also offer 2-for-1 entrees, as well as Cascade, located in Teton Mountain Lodge.
If you need me I’ll be at Nani’s, probably eating alone.

Photo by ANDREW WYATT
Jimmy Hand spins pizza dough at Mountain High Pizza.

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Crumbs in my 'Stache: Twofers, halfsies and cheap dates | Planet JH News Article: Restaurants And Dining

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