Slim Pickins: Bring your own …

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

By Tyler Alford

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Yellowstone National Park has reported its busiest month, ever, which means that gaper traffic, in Cruise America RVs and Idaho Budget Car Rental Suburbans, was at an all-time high. Restaurants are slammed, hotels are overbooked, traffic is chaotic and even that damn moose in the Gros Ventre is tired of having his photo taken.

Thankfully though, we have ways to get away from the mainstream traffic and find sanctuary in the company of Jacksonians, like ‘Bring Your Own Booze’ (BYOB). Due to archaic liquor laws and a town council that fails to understand that a “retail liquor license” should be for retail businesses, a few restaurants around town don’t even bother trying to meet the requirements for restaurants wishing to sell alcohol.
It makes sense, limit the number of free-pouring bars in a tourism and hospitality-driven town so that all of the gapers land in either the Town Square Tavern, The Virginian or Sidewinders. Ironically, the “Tav” and the “Virg” are also the two locations that police in town are on record for stating to be the two most violent and distress call prone establishments.

Luckily, the Pink Garter Theater recently won the right to buy a full liquor sales license by the town, and now they promise to offer live music nearly every night of the week. Formerly mentioned establishments have been offering a trip to the Idaho Falls Emergency Room or a burning cigarette in the eye; oh, and karaoke.
As I was saying though, a few rogue locations allow BYOB, which is perfectly legal (for now), such as Teton Thai and Betty Rock Cafe.

On Tuesday, I stopped by Jackson Hole Wine Company, a retail alcohol sales location, and purchased a few beers and rode my metrosexual cruiser over to one of Jackson’s three Thai cuisine locations, Teton Thai. My friend and I sat inside for a short while chatting with Sam Johnson, owner, and making fun of the line of tourists outside all staring angrily at the local crowd with their PBRs and occupied seats. Soon enough, we took our beers and waters to a table where we listened to reggae tracks being spun by a live DJ.

Being able to pair your own meal before you even arrive is a pleasure, and costs less. I had the Salmon Panang, an entree served only in the summer, and one of my absolute favorite dishes in Jackson. Rich, red curry and fresh salmon served with perfectly steamed rice. Johnson has explained before that he feels that state, county and town regulations are too much of a hassle to bother with attempting to sell alcohol. Understood.

Another location for BYOB that I visited this past week was Betty Rock Cafe. Becoming increasingly popular, this family-friendly neighborhood cafe also offers all-you-can-eat pizza on Thursday.

While the ovens are small, the flavors are interesting and filling if you have time to commit and the right amount of bottles to sustain. I sat outside with a large group of friends, downing slice after slice in the cool summer evening and watched a storm system developed on the horizon.  Among the interestingly topped pies, “Sunrise Surprise” is a red sauce pizza served with bacon bits, fried egg and arugula. For about $16 dollars you can have an enormous bowl of salad, and as much pizza as your stomach can handle.

With almost every bar and restaurant in close proximity to each other, you can still get your whiskey shot poured in front of you after you finish dinner. Good luck making it in and out of the bar in those skinny jeans, though. JHW

Jackson Hole Wine Company is located at 200 W. Broadway. 739-9463.
Betty Rock Cafe is located at 325 W. Pearl. 733-0747.
Teton Thai is located at 135 N. Cache. 733-0022.

photo by Mary Grossman
BYOB is part of the culture from Betty Rock Cafe to Teton Thai (above).


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Slim Pickins: Bring your own … | Planet JH News Article: Restaurants And Dining

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