Summer in Montana, there’s really nothing quite like it. We spent July in the heart of Big Sky Country, in a town called Dillon, where I embarked on an incredible, if a bit bonkers, adventure: three back-to-back week-long fishing camps. As a personal chef, these intensive culinary expeditions are always a highlight of my year, and this trip certainly didn’t disappoint in terms of scenery, sustenance, and unexpected… wildlife.
The rhythm of those weeks was a wonderful blur of early starts, preparing full-on breakfasts to fuel a day on the water, followed by planning and executing proper dinners to welcome back the tired but happy anglers. And yes, it included the Fourth of July! We celebrated with some classic American grub, and the distant bangs of fireworks only added to the magic of that immense Montana sky.
One of the most memorable — and perhaps most “Montana” — moments of the trip came when I discovered a field mouse had decided my car was the perfect place to set up a summer home! A tiny nest, meticulously built, right there under the bonnet. It was a charming, if slightly inconvenient, reminder of just how close to nature we truly were. After a careful eviction and a good clean, I was back on the road, sans rodent co-pilot.
Despite the relentless pace, there were moments of pure joy and connection. My son, his wife, and my new grandchild came to visit, filling our temporary camp with laughter and the sweet coos of a new baby. It was a precious time, a chance to share this beautiful place and my passion with the people I love most.
And even with all the cooking, planning, and mouse-wrangling, I wouldn’t have been in Montana if I hadn’t nicked a few moments for myself. Whenever a window of downtime opened up, I grabbed my waders and fly rod, slipping into the cool, clear waters. There’s a certain kind of peace that comes with casting a line, the gentle rhythm of the river, and the anticipation of a bite. Those quiet moments, surrounded by the stunning Montana landscape, were the perfect way to recharge amidst the busy cooking schedule.
Leaving Dillon after those three weeks, I was tired but incredibly fulfilled. My heart was full of Montana’s beauty, the warmth of family, the challenge of creating delicious meals in a remote setting, and yes, even a laugh about my brief encounter with a very determined field mouse. It’s these experiences, both in and out of the kitchen, that make being a personal chef such a rich and rewarding journey.