With an affinity for neon, Jason Borbet’s art is as captivating as his love for living in the Tetons. The Teton Valley artist has called Victor home since 2016, after a storied career in arts and entertainment in New York. Borbay, who describes his work as “a mashup of East meets West,” started working as an artist full time in 2009, setting up his easel all around New York City before a brief residency in Jackson in 2015. He recently opened a brick and mortar shop, Borbay Studios & Gallery, in the heart of downtown Victor, where he’s excited to get to know visitors and locals as they pass through town.
“Living here is so much more than we would have ever imagined,” says Borbay, who lives in Teton Springs with his wife and three kids. “The dining options are often surprising for people who pass through quickly. But we really have some world class dining here. Throughout all different industries we have people who are really passionate about living here—artists, and chefs—it’s a really cool time for this area.”
What is your favorite place to dine out in Jackson and Victor? Any favorite dishes?
On the Teton Valley side, the Grille at the Bronze Buffalo Ranch is amazing. Chef Christian Bustamante is absolutely fantastic. They do cowboy cauldron cook outs and grill right in front of you while you have cocktails. Top menu picks are: elk ragu al la bolognese, Carman Ranch strip loin and charred broccolini. Then, of course the institution: The Knotty Pine. Adam makes the best fresh squeezed greyhounds in the world and their New York strip is insane.
On the Jackson side, we love the Spur, especially when going out with the whole family since they have a kids playroom. The food and cocktails are spectacular, especially the fried Brussels sprouts, Apré Spritz and spicy margaritas. Local is also a favorite, it’s actually where we named our son! They have great burgers but I always have to get a steak.
Where’s your go-to for takeout?
Chiang Mai is so good, and right down the street. The owner, Sopidta is spectacular. I’m a pedantic guy when it comes to Thai food and always order chicken pad thai, but there’s an amazing duck curry dish my wife adores. Wanderlust Bistro is also really good, and is constantly updating their menu.
What’s your favorite specialty cocktail or beverage in town?
The Sundance Kid at the Bronze Buffalo is off the charts, or a greyhound from the Knotty. They always start making one the minute I walk in. High Point Cider in Victor is amazing, and also Jackson Hole Stillworks. I love those guys. I painted one of their bottles and road tripped with Chas and Travis to the Wyoming Governor’s Conference. Their sloshies and spirits are incredible!
If you were to go out for a treat, what’s your go to and where?
Huckleberry shake at Victor Emporium, no question.
What’s your top choice for lunch in town?
We go to the Westside Yard for lunch all the time, my kids are obsessed. My daughter, Vega, loves their cheeseburgers. Big Hole BBQ used to be my go-to lunch staple before the fire, but I know they’re getting ready to open again.
Friends or family are in town visiting, where do you take them?
I love showing off the valley; dining and drinking here is so much fun. Lots of people come to town in the summer, so I like to take them to my gallery, then work our way down to Westside, then to the Emporium for a shake and a drink at the Knotty. A great day in the valley.
