By Blythe Beaubien
Lone Mountain Ranch PR Manager
BIG SKY – Nick Steen has been honing his culinary skills at Big Sky’s Lone Mountain Ranch since 2013. Steen, LMR’s Executive Chef, will return to his Billings roots this spring for the Montana State University-Billings Foundation’s Wine and Food Festival, May 11–16 at multiple locations in Billings.
Steen, a Billings native who was named one of the 2014 Top 10 Chefs in the Northwest by “The Culture Trip” website, will headline the week’s opening event on May 11 at 6 p.m., at The Rex in historic downtown Billings. The theme of the guest chef dinner is “Modern Montana” and will showcase new cooking techniques as well as flavors reminiscent of Montana’s culture. Steen will partner with David Maplethorpe, Executive Chef at The Rex, for an evening of culinary indulgence for a cause.
This is the 23rd year for the MSUB Foundation’s Food and Wine Fest and last year’s event raised $311,000. The foundation advances the goals of MSUB through the solicitation, investment, and stewardship of financial support for the university. The foundation also promotes philanthropy, campus and community partnerships, and educational opportunities.
“This event has grown significantly throughout the years, and I am honored to take part in something that gives back to the university and the surrounding community” Steen said. “I’m really excited to show the unique style of cooking that I’ve learned in various restaurants to the foodies in my hometown.”
Visit winefoodfestival.com to learn more about the MSUB Foundation’s Food and Wine Fest and to purchase tickets.