Tucked right outside the heart of the artisan village of Bigfork, Montana is the Culinary Design Studio, a vision realized for Chef/Owner Josh Auerhammer.



The venue is intimate and personal, the layout comprised of a professional kitchen flanked by an open dining room with seating for eight. There are no dividing walls between chef and table, allowing for a casual, easy accessibility to Chef Josh, and guests are invited to get up and mingle in-between courses.


For our Adventure in Taste we requested that Chef Josh prepare the menu. His easy-going, client-centric approach encouraged us to turn all of the decisions over to him, however he does offer clients the opportunity to make all the choices for the menu, or be involved as much or little as desired.


With high anticipation we arrived to a beautifully appointed table with high backed leather chairs, candles and fresh flowers. The layout of Chef Josh’s spotless kitchen is also comprised of an island with seating, providing guests with an opportunity to sit directly opposite Chef Josh as he prepares the evening’s features.


To review our evening’s menu, see the lineup to the left of this page. Equal attention is paid to flavor and presentation, and the result are layered, complex tastes, each dish displaying its own personality.


Highlights from the meal included a complex and exotic African Squash soup with spices directly from Morocco, fresh Alaskan Halibut punctuated by Himalayan Sea Salt, and a rich and incredibly tender Veal cheek set off by golden beets.


Timing is everything in a multi course meal such as the one we enjoyed, and Chef Josh encourages a pressure free environment where time stops at the door. Courses arrive as we are ready, and afterward we sit and laugh among our empty wine glasses, slowly sipping coffee just hot and strong enough for the perfect end to an evening's work of taste exploration.


In addition to private dining the Culinary Design Studio also offers Catering and Sous Vide Carryout, a French method of packaging fresh food which allows for easy reheating with boiling water once home. The fresh flavors and local ingredients of Chef Josh's carryout ensures both a delicious and healthy option when your day on the lake or trail may go a little longer than anticipated.


We are always thrilled to find new gems in the valley, and the Culinary Design Studio certainly qualifies. The creative flavors, attention to detail and unique atmosphere combine to make an evening you won't soon forget. For a special evening that feels miles away from the outside world highlighted by unforgettable flavor the Culinary Design Studio is a must.

Tell Chef Josh that Jay and Hillary sent you!

 

During Bigfork's busiest season of summer space to enjoy this experience becomes increasingly limited. We encourage you to  make reservations as far in advance as possible. Arrangements can be made by contacting Chef Josh directly at 406-270-4255, or by email by clicking here. Maximum seating for the dining room is 8, and there is a 4 person seating/ $250 minimum including gratuity, which roughly translates to $10 per course per person. BYOB, however Chef Josh will make suggestions for pairings perfect for your particular menu.

 

Contact Chef Josh to reserve
your special evening.

Culinary Design Studio
8531 Highway 35
Bigfork, MT
406-270-4255

Email Chef Josh Here