Renata Haidle is a Romanian-American photographer, writer, and book author. An avid traveler, she credits Paris for sparking her photography career after her first visit there in 2014. Her first photo book, French Riviera, was published in July 2019.

The Timeless Charm of Handwritten Recipes

n a world increasingly dominated by the digital, the handwritten recipe card stands as a testament to the enduring power of human connection. As we hand over these precious keepsakes to our children a...

Shortcrust Crescent Cookies with Turkish Delight

These crescent cookies were a favorite of the writer's childhood, and still are today. She prefers them rolled with Turkish delight, but they can be filled with chocolate, jam, hazelnut paste, or waln...

Billings Embraces Global Voices: World Languages Dinner

Mayor's World Languages Dinner: Billings’ multilingual community gets together for an evening of networking and fellowship that brings together people from all corners of the planet.

Make This: Orange, Raspberry, and Cardamom-Infused Water

Meeting the required daily water intake is made easier with the addition of fresh fruit. Try our orange, raspberry, and cardamom-infused water recipe for a new and refreshing flavor. 

Easter Eats: A Taste of Tradition

From lamb feasts to sweet treats: explore Easter culinary traditions around the world and join the celebration of universal themes through unique global cuisines.

Bake This: Romanian Nut Roll (Cozonac)

Similar in texture and taste to the Italian panettone , cozonac is a traditional Romanian sweet bread that is very popular at Easter, Christmas, and other religious holidays and weddings. Various rend...

Indulge in Love: Swoonworthy Desserts for Valentine's Day

Love is in the kitchen! Express your feelings with a delectable, romantic dessert that will make your date swoon.

Make This: Dark Chocolate Truffles

This Valentine’s Day, surprise your beloved with these homemade, melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate truffles.

Transforming Spaces with Magic City Granite

Thinking of upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor space? Stop by Magic City Granite’s newly opened showroom to get inspired and find solutions tailored to your taste and budget.

Yuletide Bites: Exploring the History of Christmas Foods

Explore the rich history of Christmas foods. From succulent roast turkey to intricate gingerbread houses, Yuletide dishes tell tales of tradition.

Mastering the Pie Crust to Perfection

Discover the artistry of pie-making with a variety of crust options that elevate your culinary creations. From the classic flakiness of traditional pie crust to the delicate sweetness of pâte sucrée,...

Apple Pie Gets a Makeover

A cross between a Dutch apple pie and an apple tart, this simple recipe requires no dough-stretching skills and no rolling pin.

The Dessert Diaries: A Month-Long Celebration of All Things Sweet

From rich and gooey to fresh and fruity, from sweet and salty to exotic and adventurous, there's a dessert personality for everyone. National Dessert Month is a time to indulge, celebrate, and cherish...

Pineapple & Coconut Cake with Chantilly Cream

Enjoy a taste of the tropics with this light and zesty pineapple and coconut cake, which is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Adding crushed pineapple to the cake batter confers a uniqu...

In the Country Kitchen with Grandma

As a kid growing up in the city, surrounded by concrete, exhaust fumes, and constant noise, going to Grandma's country house was so much more than a vacation.

Make This: Stuffed Grape Leaves

Have you ever tried ‘sarmale’? Learn how to make stuffed grape leaves with ground pork, using a traditional Romanian recipe.

A Flavorful Feast

Eating What's in Season: A Celebration of Local Agriculture. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a large-scale producer, August in Montana is a time of bountiful harvest. Our growing season might be...

A Flavorful Feast: Recipes

If you’re looking for a few new recipes, we’ve got you covered. We kept them short and simple. With so much to enjoy outdoors this month, who wants to slave away in the kitchen on a hot summer day?

Shimmer & Sparkle: Montague’s Silver at Paris Montana Mercantile

Montague’s Silver at Paris Montana Mercantile adds a touch of sophistication to Billings’ Downtown.

Commitment to Community: First Federal Bank & Trust

Learn how to get a $1,000 grant for your non-profit or tax-exempt organization, courtesy of First Federal Bank’s Community Commitment program.

Cultivating Community: Maple Moose Coffee and Pop Shop

More than just a java fix. The newly opened Maple Moose Coffee and Pop Shop aims to be the gathering place for the Annafeld community. 

Meet the Roaster: Gary Theisen of Revel Coffee

What goes into making that perfect cup of coffee most of us enjoy every morning? Gary Theisen of Revel Coffee shares his deep knowledge of selecting and roasting coffees from all over the world.

Eggs Every Way

Aside from their health benefits, eggs are just dang delicious, and there are many ways to prepare them. Below, we’ve compiled three delicious recipes that could be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinne...

Meet the Farmer: Carah Ronan of Rodi Farm

Get to know your local farmer: Carah Ronan, 5th-generation Montanan and owner of Rodi Farm, practices sustainable, organic agriculture and prioritizes the health of her land, her animals, and her comm...

Meet the Chef: Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co.

Community-minded Chef Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co. aims to throw the biggest party in the state, every single day.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese, Pumpkin Seeds, & Honey-Balsamic Glaze

No more mushy, boring Brussels sprouts! Take these tiny cabbages to a new level with a delicious recipe from Chef Jason Haagenson of Diamond X Beer Co. 

A Dream in the Making: Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse

This Valentine’s Day, take your beloved to Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse for a date night filled with the flavors, colors, and rhythms of Brazil.

Profiteroles with Raspberry Sorbet

Impress your Valentine’s Day date with a dessert classic! Melt-in-your-mouth cream puffs and juicy raspberries come together to create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

The Science Behind Our Love of Chocolate

For thousands of years, humans have devoured chocolate; the average American eats roughly 10 pounds per year. It’s long been associated with Valentine’s Day, but why? Read this month’s issue to learn...

Fighting Food Waste

An estimated one-third of the food produced in the US ends up in landfills. That's roughly 80 billion pounds of food each year! What can we all do to reduce waste?

Sweet Mac and Cheese with Wensleydale and Craisins

This version of mac and cheese is sweet and fruity and comes together in less than an hour.

In with the Old AND New

An avid collector of antiques, Claire DePinto has a passion for finding pieces that have a story to tell and can completely transform the look and feel of any space.

Bake This: Christmas Cookies

Just in time for Christmas, we offer a couple of ideas that are simple and fast: a traditional shortbread cookie that comes together in minutes, and a vegan chocolate cookie that is based on ripe avoc...

Meet the Chef: Lisa Rembold of Seconde Pasta

Chef, restaurant owner, teacher, pasta maker - Lisa Rembold of Seconde Fresh has worn many hats during her culinary journey.

Pumpkin Pappardelle with Brown Butter, Prosciutto, Goat Cheese, and Pecans

All the late autumn vibes in this colorful pasta and roasted veggies dish from Chef Lisa Rembold of Seconde Fresh. @stories_yet_untold, @secondefresh

Business Spotlight: Montana Smiles Orthodontics

Meet Dr. Ryan and Sarah Hecht, the husband and wife team that set out to serve their community and “Make Montana Smile,” one set of braces at a time.

Meet the Gardener: Anna Rogers

For Simply Local staff writer Anna Rogers, gardening is a passion, a skill, and a constant drive to do better. A way to connect with the earth and its bounty, and a path to building community.

Make This: Croque-Madame

If our interview with Chef Dirk Frickel got you inspired to cook, here is something really easy that you can fix for a weekend brunch, an everyday lunch, or a light dinner - salad optional.

Meet the Chef: Dirk Frickel

Dirk Frickel, executive chef and food and beverages manager at Hilands Golf Club, is driven by a desire to deliver great locally-sourced food, and to make his guests happy.

Cook This: Zucchini Frittata

One recipe has stood the test of time in our family and is a perennial presence at our summer dinners on the patio.  Give this recipe a try if you have a similar zucchini problem, or simply pick some...

Upping the Game: An At-Home Golf Experience

With the help of a golf simulator, you can improve your game with endless combinations of practice features; track your performance, and challenge yourself while playing alone or with friends and fami...

Meet the Chef: Teri Haddick - Get Baked!

"I want to provide people with a home-cooked meal that they didn't have to cook themselves." Meet Teri Haddick, the Billings businesswoman that helps you put a homecooked meal on the table in 45 minut...

Cook This: Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake

Get a good start on your week by preparing this hearty and comforting casserole by Get Baked! owner, Teri Haddick.

Retro Revival

Designer Kara Gainan-Dahlberg helps a Billings couple transform their 1954-built home into a stylish mid-century modern haven.

Montana Brewers Bring Their Best at Brews & BBQs

Mark your calendar for the 12th annual Brews and BBQs outdoor beer festival, taking place July 16 at MetraPark!

Cook This: Curry Spaghetti Salad

The soy and curry-based sauce is pretty simple and straightforward, and the entire preparation takes less than 30 minutes, which makes this recipe ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Dining Al Fresco

We have rounded up some of the most popular suggestions for dining al fresco, from burgers to seafood, or even a simple cup of mid-day coffee and a chat with a friend.

Meet the Chef: Commons 1882's Ken Rakstad

“There is no magic formula. If you have really great food, great drinks, and great service, you're going to have a restaurant full of people.” - Chef Ken Rakstad.

Make This: Roasted Eggplant Dip

This flavorful eggplant spread originates from Romania, where it is a staple at the summer dinner table. You can serve it as an appetizer or as a light lunch.

Patio Perk Up

Revamping an old-fashioned area of your home doesn't have to be a complicated and costly affair. Especially when it comes to outdoor spaces like decks or patios, a bit of research and creativity go a...

From Flower Farm to Table: Cooking with Edible Flowers

If you've never tried adding edible flowers to your cooking and baking, here is a quick guide to get you started.

Seared Scallops with Jezebel Sauce

This recipe takes seared scallops to a new level, thanks to the sweet and spicy Jezebel sauce combined with the balancing acidity of fresh grapefruit and the crunchy bed of fried parsnip.

Meet the Baker: Batter + Crumb's Amanda Brown

Amanda Brown, owner of Batter + Crumb, has successfully balanced work and family life, despite starting her small business just as the 2020 pandemic was emerging.

Mix This: Roselle Lemonade

Click onwards to learn how to create this simple and flavorful mocktail!

Perfectly Pretty Perennials: Planting Tips from Local Experts

To guide us in selecting and maintaining suitable plants, we've consulted with two local gardening experts: BJ Martin of Nana's Bloomers and Kate Rossetto of Lady Kate's Garden.

Good Greens: Simple Salads for Every Taste

With very little effort and a bit of imagination, you can transform your salads into the star of the meal, and add a healthy dose of necessary nutrients while doing so.

Meet the Chef: Nick Steen Gullings of Walkers Grill

Born and raised in Montana, by the time he reached adulthood, Chef Nick Steen Gullings decided that cooking was something he could do well, and he poured his heart into it.

House of Greens

Living in Montana, our chances of being surrounded by lush green hues are limited to the warmer months of spring and early summer. To get the most out of the healing and uplifting properties of this f...

Perfect Platters: Party Food Planning Tips

Throwing a memorable party might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of careful planning and organization, even the most fearful of us can achieve it. We put together a few helpful ideas to guide y...

Mini Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce

These mini meatballs make an excellent party appetizer: simple, quick, and delicious. They are equally delicious added to lunch or dinner.

A Montana-Made Success Story: Town & Country Foods

When Andrew (Andy) Perlinski started his grocery business in 1966 in Livingston, Montana, he would have had a hard time predicting that 50-some years later, the company would grow to serve not just hi...

Setting Up a Home Office

With more people working from home than ever, we turned to Rebecca Langman, interior designer and owner of Revision Custom Home Design, for advice on setting up a functional, comfortable, and aestheti...

Chocolate for the Heart: A Brief History in 40 Fun Facts

Chocolate is the "food of the gods." This is the literal translation of Theobroma cacao, the Latin name of the tree that produces the cocoa bean. We've gathered 40 fun facts about this delectable deli...

Strawberry Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Combining the discreet taste of chocolate with the freshness of ripe strawberries and just a hint of orange, this version of red velvet cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Meet the Baker: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Emily Cook is in the business of kindness. The moment she greets me in her bright and cheery bakery, Nothing Bundt Cakes, it is apparent that she is one of those people whose existence is meant to bri...

Bedroom Escape: 7 Steps to Recreating Hotel Comfort at Home

Bringing the calming comforts of a luxurious hotel room into our home.

That's SO Cheesy

Taking side dishes to the next level with the heavenly addition of cheese.

Drinkable Desserts: Palisades Park

Try this drinkable dessert named after a popular Red Lodge Mountain ski run. Inspired by a long day on the ski slopes, it is equally great as an after-dinner cocktail or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

A Cozy Home is a Happy Home

We're talking 5 tips for making your home more comfortable with Cushing Terrell's Maggie Hardt.

Easy Entertaining: Dessert Charcuterie Boards

When we think charcuterie boards, we generally think savory, but these dessert boards are the perfect sweet treat!

Bake This: Mixed Berry Pavlova

Dazzle your guests with this festive dessert named in honor of illustrious Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Meet the Baker: Brookie’s Cookie Dough

Meet Brooke Alderman the brains and baker behind Brookie's Cookie Dough.

10 Questions for Fancy Sushi Executive Chef Jack Wang

Jack Wang is the executive chef at Fancy Sushi, the beloved Billings restaurant that has been treating us to various Asian cuisine delights for more than a decade.

Sushi Made Simple: Homemade California Rolls

Rolling your own sushi can be slightly intimidating, yet if you give it a try, you will find that the process is quite enjoyable and not all that difficult. All you need is patience and a light hand.

The Hygge Home

As temperatures drop and fall starts to settle in, our need to make our homes snug and warm is becoming a priority, a preparation for the winter ahead, for a sort of hibernation of the soul, restorati...

Craft Beers And Innovative Cuisine

The Midway Grill and Brews hosts a variety of Beer Dinners in partnership with local breweries, get a peek at what to expect so you can know before you go!

Perfect Pairings

Sarah Skarsten, new owner of Yellowstone Cellars and Winery offers us some tips on creating perfect pairings.

Seizing the Moment - An Interview With Jason And Jen Marble

“I want people to feel like they're coming to eat at our house, to feel like they're part of the family." -Jen Marble

Mix This: The Pomelon

Celebrate summer's end with a rosé refresher

Downsizing, Designer-Style

Empty nesting and ready to downsize? Let's look at how you can do that "designer-style."

Cauliflower: A Veggie Garden Rockstar

Who would have ever guessed that the humble cauliflower would grow up to become a veggie garden rock star. Check out these delectable recipes to try this summer!

Local Farmers' Market Harvest

Go behind the scenes with Healthy By Design's Gardeners' Market!

My House Is Your House

When Ben and Michele Flanagan started designing their dream home, they had a very clear direction in mind. They wanted a home that would accommodate their generous and welcoming lifestyle, where frien...

Grill This: Petite Sirloin with Parsley Sauce

Next time you visit the butcher, give petite sirloin a chance. Despite its reputation as a less tender cut of meat, it grills beautifully in just minutes, and it can be quite delicious if prepared pro...

Grillmaster: An Interview with John Thomas

"I never improvise when I am baking, but I do when I am cooking. As the saying goes, cooking is an art, baking is a science." - John Thomas

From Farmhouse to Chic House

What was old is new again with a remodel, leaning towards fresh, contemporary looks.

10 Benefits of Eating Seafood

According to MyPlate, the nutrition guide published by USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, we should all be eating at least eight ounces of seafood every week.

Cook This: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Preparing this culinary delight at home is easy and requires little time to make; a perfect dish for a busy day.

A Study In Modernism: The Golf Course Residence

What happens when one spouse prefers rustic and the other traditional? They meet in the middle and create a masterpiece in modernism.

Let's Do Brunch!

Up your brunch game with these 7 recipes!

Kibler & Kirch Presents: The Flowerie

Kibler & Kirch Presents is a new retail space designed as a pop-up store. Their first theme could not be more appropriate for spring: everything flowers. Introducing The Flowerie.

Grab and Go: Making Healthy & Fast Meals at Home

Life is busy, check out these 5 lunch ideas (and 3 salads!) that you can make ahead of time so that you can grab and go!

Wellness Matters: An Interview with Nicole Griffith

"Our goal is to help change the way people eat by making eating healthy simple; this remains at the core of everything we do." - Nicole Griffith, Well Pared

A Few Grams of Happiness: The French Macaron

“Macarons only have a few grams to stir our senses.” - Pierre Hermé

Meet the Baker: Andrea Vacek of Bluebird Sweets Custom Cakes

Andrea Vacek of Bluebird Sweets Custom Cakes creates the most stunning of delectable delights.

Bake This: Guinness Chocolate Cake

St. Patrick's Day or not, this Guinness chocolate cake comes together quickly and effortlessly and is a delight any time of year.

The Sweeter Side of Things

Explore the *sweeter* side of Billings (just in time for Valentine's Day!)

Mix This: The Escapade

Mix this for a drink that will take you and your special someone from Italy to the Caribbean, via a French château or two. It is the perfect cocktail to fuel your wanderlust.

Curried Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy and fragrant soup is the perfect comfort food.

Le Fournil Offers a Taste of France in Billings

In late 2017, François Morin followed his passion and opened Le Fournil, an artisnal French bakery.