A Landmark of Taste - Bistro Enzo's Tyler Samson Continues to Elevate Billings' Dining Scene
September 1, 2024
by Brittany Schimke
photo by Renata Haidle
Wood-fired pizza ovens, chef's counters, Mediterranean dishes, and local artwork - can you guess which iconic Billings restaurant this describes? That's right, Bistro Enzo and Wine Bar (Enzo), nestled on the Westend, has been a culinary landmark for 25 years.
Owner Tyler Samson, who took over four years ago, recalls, "I want to respect the history of the restaurant but enhance it." Tyler's journey in the restaurant business began back in college, bartending. With a successful 12-year career in commercial real estate and previously owning The Edgar Bar, an opportunity arose to purchase Enzo in 2020. Tyler jumped at the chance to own his favorite restaurant since he was 21.
Tyler wanted to take what was already beloved and infuse it with new energy. "This has been a special place for me and my family, and I wanted to see it continue," he shares. This vision came to life with the key role of Executive Chef Alex Bean, who, despite having no formal training, rose from dishwasher to chef through sheer passion and mentorship under Chef James Honaker.
Chef Bean's hands-on approach and love for creating something new every day bring variety to the table. "I want to make people happy, spending time with their loved ones," Chef Bean says. Together, they have introduced features like the wine bar and chef's counter, elevating the dining experience. "Dinner and a show," Tyler calls it, describing the chef's counter where guests enjoy a special experience adjacent to the kitchen; a guest has a view of everything going on, interaction with the kitchen staff, on the house emu bush, and exceptional service.
"We strive to have passion. Every dish that we make is something that we would serve to our loved ones," Chef Bean explains. They strive for perfection in their from-scratch kitchen. Everyone who works at Enzo's is super passionate about their job, from the front of the house to the back.
The atmosphere at Enzo's is warm and inviting, filled with local artwork from Kira Fercho and candlelight. The roaring fire in the pizza oven adds to the charm. This dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of the restaurant.
The menu at Enzo is inspired by Mediterranean, French, and Italian cuisines, but Tyler and Chef Bean aren't afraid to innovate. They travel annually to discover new flavors, ensuring the menu stays fresh and exciting. Local favorite dishes include veal piccata, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and Tyler's favorite portobello mushroom mozzarella pasta. There is something for everyone on the menu. They also pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients, like the custom chuck and brisket hamburger blend from Blue Creek Marbled Meats, which can be found exclusively at Enzo.
Enzo is also committed to supporting the community. They participate in numerous local events, host fundraisers, and work with local suppliers like Microgreens of Montana and Seafoods of the World. In the past three years, they've hosted fundraisers for the MSUB scholarship program and have been active in various community activities.
One of the unique experiences at Enzo is the Wine Dinners, a five-course meal paired with featured wine from around the world. These dinners provide an intimate evening of culinary and wine exploration, with a wine representative or a direct representative from the featured winery discussing the wine.
Enzo is family-friendly; if you're lucky, you might catch Tyler's young son, Miles, helping out. The "Miles Pie" pizza is a favorite named after him. Tyler emphasizes, "I wanted it to remain an iconic staple in Billings and keep the legacy going for the community."
Looking ahead, Tyler and Chef Bean have plans for additional catering services and possibly a second location, maintaining the high standards and unique charm of Enzo's. Under their leadership, the restaurant has won numerous awards, including five Reader's Choice Awards for Best Seafood and Most Romantic.
The most rewarding part of their journey? "Watching people connect over food and wine and the amazing feedback we get from our guests," says Tyler. Enzo continues to thrive, remaining a favorite for many in Billings. "You can never argue that if someone makes a comment, 'That's my favorite restaurant,' that's something that somebody can never argue." SLM
Originally printed in the September 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine
Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!
