There’s a common saying that there are more cows than people living in Montana. Here’s the thing: it’s true! The Treasure State’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, notably the livestock portion, with around 2.6 million head of beef cattle. That equals about three head of cattle for every human living in the state of Montana. With numbers like this, it’s no wonder that beef is a central part of many home kitchens and local restaurants in Montana. At Feast Raw Bar & Bistro, we take pride in using locally produced ingredients, and that includes our beef. We source our specialty beef from Montana Wagyu Cattle Company, a family-owned and operated ranch located in the heart of the Gallatin Valley in Southwestern Montana. Want to explore how their local Wagyu beef helps us make some of the best food in Bozeman? Read on to learn more about our friends over at Montana Wagyu Cattle Company.
What is Wagyu?
Wagyu is a breed of cattle that means “Japanese cattle.” This breed produces highly marbled beef that is very rich in texture and flavor, making it a delicacy around the world. There are three major types of Japanese Wagyu brands: Matsusaka Ushi, Kobe Beef, and Ohmi Beef. Montana Wagyu raises American-style Kobe beef, which is when certified Wagyu cattle are crossbred with non-Wagyu cattle. American-style Kobe beef has the traditional beef flavor that we know and love in the United States, which is why it is highly sought-after by American diners.
About Montana Wagyu Cattle Co.
The Montana Wagyu Cattle Company raise, finish, dry-age, and pack American-style Kobe beef with the care and precision it deserves. As a “Made in Montana” company through and through, Montana Wagyu personally ensures every aspect of the production of their beef is done in-state through family-owned and operated ranches and businesses. Recently, they partnered with The Galt Ranch to help meet the increasing demand for high-quality, local Wagyu beef.
Unlike mass market producers, Montana Wagyu believes fine beef should be treated like fine wine: carefully and without rushing. They do not use hormones or growth implants when raising their cattle. Instead, they follow the traditional approach of raising and finishing their Wagyu beef on grasses and whole grains. All of Montana Wagyu’s cuts are dry-aged for 28 – 30 days, USDA inspected and stored grade A quality, cryo-vac wrapped, and USDA Prime.
Just like your local butcher, they carry all the cuts of meat you could dream of, from Wagyu brisket to premium steaks. The team at Montana Wagyu is committed to not only providing customers with the best beef possible but giving customers an understanding of the different marbling, quality grades, and cuts available. They firmly believe everyone should be able to experience the dining pleasure of their beef, so they make it accessible via their online shop and by partnering with local Montana restaurants like Feast.
How We Use Montana Wagyu’s Products
Montana Wagyu’s beef is a star in many of our house-favorite dishes. Below, here’s a sampling of some of the meals on our regular menu that feature Montana Wagyu’s beef:
- Steak Frites – Our Steak Frites dish features a 12 oz. New York strip with smoked tomato-scallion butter and crispy french fries. This is a great option for our gluten-free friends, too!
- Butcher’s Cut – This meal frequently showcases a different cut of locally-sourced Montana meat every week with sweet potato gratin, seasonal vegetables, and huckleberry demiglace, also a great option for gluten-free guests.
The Benefits of Locally Sourced Food Suppliers
There’s a reason why we highly value sourcing our food from local suppliers. We love our state, and sourcing local foods helps give back to the local environment, economy, and people. Plus, locally-sourced foods are higher in quality and fresher than ingredients sourced out of state, helping us create the amazing dishes you know and love at Feast. To further explore the power of locally sourced food, check out our article here.
Enjoy Montana Local Food at Feast
Ready to taste some of the best local meat in Bozeman? Make a reservation at Feast Rab Bar & Bistro for dinner tonight! You can quickly reserve your table online or give us a call at (406) 577-2377.