SigMT

82 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Loni Carr's color photography is showcased on this rustic brick wall next to the kitchen in the dining room, where patrons are invited to enjoy high class meals even when dressed in ranch attire. Tall Boys Tavern bartenders, Emily Gordon and Josia Anderson, specialize in providing refreshing and tasty beverages while creating a jovial space for guests. Montana-made beverages shine in the Tall Boys bar, with Montana-made liquor, wine and beer offerings. "We dehydrated them and incorporated them in many dishes," says Liz. "And we get our onions and carrots from Twin Hills Colony (of Fort Benton, Mont.)." ese local ingredients create mouth-watering meals, such as Liz's favorite "special occasion" meal shared with her husband – Cowboy Cut Ribeye and Parmesan Shrimp over Pasta. "It's the best of both worlds," says Liz. "Our Cowboy Cut Ribeye is a 22-ounce, bone-in ribeye. You take a piece of the ribeye with shrimp, then swirl in the pasta with the parmesan sauce. en, you'd pair it with a good Montana beer, like Cold Smoke pairs well with it." If there is room for dessert, Liz says she would finish the meal with White Chocolate Crème Brûlée. "It's my favorite," she says. "It's the perfect dinner date." In addition to locally sourced ingredients, Tall Boys Tavern features family talent in its décor. Colorful handles of 10 draft beers, including a Montana favorite, Cold Smoke, and four wines are showcased against a wooden backdrop in the Tall Boys Tavern bar. e pine tree bar and wooden tables featuring community maps were built by Liz's father-in-law and husband, Nate. "Nate wood-burned every river, town, and road in the state map table," she says. "e community map table even includes names of people who lived around here at the time." Sister-in-law and artist Loni Carr of Whiskey Ginger design company produced paintings and photography showcased throughout the restaurant and bar. "She photographed pictures of employees, past and present in vintage character," says Liz. "e paintings are of friends and patrons." Tall Boys Tavern serves food, drinks, and jovial service om 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Menu items can be viewed online at www.tallboystavern.com. ey serve walk-ins, reservations, as well as take-out. Shannon Ruckman has enjoyed writing about Montana agriculture and rural life for 16 years. She has an agricultural communications degree from Kansas State University. She and her family live in rural central Montana and are active in 4-H and FFA.

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