Long time local and radio personality at KMTN is known for knowing a good meal.
You may recognize Mark “Fish” Fishman’s voice from his job as Music and Program Director at 96.9 KMTN radio, but aside from turning listeners on to new artists in the music industry, he’s constantly looking for a good meal. The long-time local is a connoisseur of dining out around Jackson.
Originally from Atlanta, Fish grew up with some serious Southern food. “Country fried steak, black eyed peas, fried okra! Being Jewish, I grew up with some serious Jewish food, too: matzah ball soup, barbecue brisket and corned beef sandwiches.” Needless to say, if you’re looking to eat well around town, Fish is the person to talk to.
Fish has been in the valley since 1989 when he moved here for “one ski season,” so he’s seen restaurants come and go, but never wavered in his love for a good meal with family and friends. He’s also been known to try out a recipe from Dishing or two!
My profession in the music industry has allowed me to turn the listeners of Jackson and Teton Valley on to some of the great new artists out there and I often hear about it through emails, chats at the post office and grocery store or while seeing them live at one of our local venues. Music and food have quite the connection.
Mark Fishman
What is your favorite restaurant in Jackson and any favorite dishes there?
There are as many answers to this question as there are layers to an onion. Let’s break it down for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Let’s start with breakfast…
Nora’s of course if you want the Jacksony place (I usually only go in the off season these days), and The Virginian and Bubba’s. For a cup of coffee and a pastry, Persephone and Picnic or Cowboy Coffee and Pearl Street Bagels.
How about lunch?
For lunch, I tend to go to The Virginian quite a bit. I love The Virginian salad. They have great soups, breakfast all day and meatloaf with mashed potatoes on a cold winter day. They also have a massive fish taco on Fridays. I tend to eat at China Fun and Chinatown for lunch quite a bit as well as the Streetfood at the Stagecoach, Miazga’s, The Silver Dollar Bar & Grill and Cutty’s. If there is a beer lover in the group, a visit to Wyoming oldest brewery Snake River Brewing Co. is a must. Killer food too, so plan on hanging out.
Weekends for brunch?
Café Genevieve. But my all-time go to has to be Sweet Cheeks Meats on Scott Lane. Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch if you’re going skiing, hiking or to take up to Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone. Pick up an aged ribeye for the grill while you’re there.
Last but not least, dinner?
For dinner, it’s all about whether I have my kids or if I’m going out for an adult dinner. With the kids, we tend to visit any of the Blue Collar Restaurants. Sidewinders (kids can play in the playroom, adults can watch sports), Liberty Burger or Merry Piglets (next to each other so if one is too busy we have a back up), or Bubba’s. My eldest and I are also fans of Noodle Kitchen. If it’s an adult dinner with friends or a business associate, I would usually take them to the standards like Snake River Grill, Blue Lion, The Bistro, Oresetto, or The Kitchen. But for a more casual dinner, it’s El Abuelito, Big Hole BBQ, Pinky G’s (also great after a show) and Teton Thai in Teton Village.
Any go-to take-out places?
For takeout, it’s gotta be Chinatown, Sweet Cheeks, Thai Plate, and Bapp.
Any favorite off-season specials?
Do we have off seasons any more?
Friends or family are in town visiting, what’s your go-to?
Well hopefully they are in town when there’s a special event happening. One of my mom’s (again, see southern/Jewish and add mother) favorite food events is the annual Wilson Volunteer Fire Department Chicken Fry during the summer. Insider tip for you southerners: stop by Micky D’s and grab yourself a sweet tea. I also love the increased food truck presence at concerts and events. Variety is the spice of life.
When folks fly in, first stop is no question: take a left outta the Jackson Hole Airport to Moose, and stop at Dornan’s. You’ll find the best view, not to mention a killer bloody and an amazing wine selection. Have something to eat while you’re taking in that view!
