December Food Adventures: From Billings to Nashville and Back Home
- Kathryn Simpson
- Jan 18
- 5 min read
December was not just a month of chilly weather but also one of warm, delightful culinary discoveries as I ventured through Billings, MT, and Nashville, TN for work, before returning to savor some local gems in Utah. Here's a detailed recount of my gastronomic journey:
Billings, MT
Day 1: A Protein-Packed Start
My food adventure in Billings kicked off with a strategic stop at Protein Bar and Kitchen in SLC airport. Seeking something to fuel my morning with high protein and satisfaction, I opted for the Beauty Brew Latte and the PB&A Oatmeal, following the cashier's enthusiastic recommendation. The latte, subtly enhanced with protein powder, was a revelation in smoothness and flavor, while the oatmeal, rich with the sweetness of bananas and the crunch of chia seeds, was a comforting and filling delight.
Arriving in Billings too early to check into my hotel, I sought out Asian Sea Grill. Here, I indulged in a lunch combo that was a treasure trove of flavors - General Tso’s shrimp, sweet and sour chicken, all served with brown rice and an eggroll. The experience was not just about the food; it was about the joy of trying something different, like opting for shrimp over my usual chicken, which brought a refreshing change to my palate.
The evening was marked by a visit to Enzo, an upscale restaurant that welcomed me despite my casual attire from travel. Here, I was treated to an exquisite Alaskan halibut special, preceded by a crisp Caesar salad, accompanied by a glass of cabernet sauvignon that surprisingly complemented the fish, and concluded with a creamy crème brulee that was the perfect sweet note to end the night on.
Day 2: Local Flavors
After a day filled with work, we ventured into Santera Cocina and Tequila on the recommendation of local aficionados. The Ritual Santera was a culinary masterpiece, combining chicken, shrimp, peppers, squash, avocado, rice, and a rich poblano sauce into a dish that was both comforting and exciting. Paired with a cucumber jalapeño margarita, this meal was a highlight, leaving me pleasantly full and content.
Day 3: Airport Eats
My departure from Billings was sweetened by a meal at the airport bar, where I enjoyed a philly cheesesteak alongside a glass of red blend. Though a tad greasy, it was the comfort of familiarity before the journey home. My sweet tooth then led me to Cinnabon, where I picked up churros and cinni-minis, treats that became a delightful breakfast surprise for my family the next day.
Nashville, TN
Day 1: A Delayed Start
Nashville greeted me with a flight delay, which gave me the opportunity to start my day at Red Rock Brewery in the airport with a hearty breakfast burrito and coffee, setting a positive tone despite the wait.
Upon arrival, a chat with my Lyft driver led me to Slim and Husky’s, a gem within walking distance of my hotel. The P.R.E.A.M pizza was a delightful concoction of white sauce, various meats, and veggies, while the Too Short Cakes cinnamon roll with its strawberry glaze was a sweet indulgence I wished I could replicate back home in Salt Lake City.
Day 2: Unexpected Delights
The next morning brought an unexpected twist at Bluestone Lane when my order was mixed up, leading me to the BL Big Brekkie. This mistake turned into a blessing with its rich avocado toast, perfectly poached eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies. After a productive workshop, dinner at Church and Union was a communal affair with a family-style spread that included my favorite, the potatoes, alongside perfectly cooked steak. The evening continued with the vibrant energy of Nashville's bar scene, ending at Kid Rock’s bar, where the music kept me out later than planned, but it was worth every moment.
Day 3: Final Bites
Before heading back, I revisited Slim and Husky’s at the airport, grabbing another pizza and a cinnamon roll for Erik, which, despite not being fresh upon arrival home, was still a hit.
Back Home in Utah
Local Discoveries
Red 8: Our go-to for Chinese cuisine, Red 8 became the backdrop for a festive gingerbread house making session with friends. The classic orange chicken was a crowd-pleaser, while the kung pao shrimp offered a spicy twist. Accompanied by soups, egg rolls, and wontons, this meal was a heartwarming gathering of flavors and friends.
Colossal Lobster at HallPass: An outing with a new work friend led us to HallPass, where I indulged in the Maine Lobster Roll and the unique clam chowder fries at Colossal Lobster. The lobster was fresh and succulent, but the saltiness of the fries was a lesson in moderation. Despite this, the experience was delightful, a testament to the joy of trying new combinations.
Silverside Deli: Erik's errand turned into a culinary delight when he stopped by Silverside Deli. We shared the monthly specials - Thai Basil Chicken and Beef and Cheddar, each half sandwich revealing a different culinary story. The beef and cheese hit that classic deli spot, while the Thai basil introduced an exotic flair, making us eager to return.
Dough Lady: A morning after Madi's swim class brought us to Dough Lady, a place we'd seen praised on social media. The line was long, but the wait was justified by the exquisite cinnamon rolls, both fresh and frozen, along with their seasonal offerings like brown butter chai rolls and spiced eggnog rolls. Each bite was a revelation of texture and flavor, justifying the splurge for these sweet treats.
Villaggio Pizza: Family pizza night at Villaggio Pizza was an adventure in itself. The Coney Island pizza, with its unique twist of crumbled bacon and ham instead of Canadian bacon, was a revelation, especially with the sweet pineapple. Nonna’s Lasagna Pizza, with added sausage, was like eating lasagna in pizza form, a culinary trick that delighted us all, though the spice level was a bit much for the girls.
The Break: A pre-Christmas visit to The Break, a local bar known for its food, was a reminder of the simple pleasures. The SLC cheesesteak, with its surprising addition of cream cheese, was a crave-satisfying delight. Erik's Kendrick BBQ BK smashburger didn't quite deliver on BBQ flavor, but the shared break mac n’ cheese was a unanimous family favorite, rich and indulgent, perhaps a bit too much so, but perfectly comforting.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Our spontaneous dinner at Mountain Mike’s Pizza before visiting the aquarium lights was a happy accident as our Plan A fell through. The kids were thrilled with the crispy pepperoni, while the adults savored the Pineapple Chicken Luau and Pikes Peak pizzas, each slice a story of flavor harmony. The cheese bread was the cherry on top, making for a memorable family night out.
December was a month filled with culinary stories, each meal a chapter in the book of my travels and local explorations. From the protein-packed beginnings in Billings to the serendipitous delights in Nashville, and the comforting, familiar tastes back home, this journey was as much about the food as it was about the memories made. Until our next gastronomic adventure, bon appétit!
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