Where to eat in Jackson Hole, US: Chef Wes Hamilton

Wes Hamilton joined Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the US in 2007 to launch Couloir Restaurant, the resort's first fine-dining establishment. Now the executive chef for all on-mountain dining, Hamilton has overseen a remarkable expansion of options. The winter 2015/16 season marks Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's 50th anniversary. See www.jacksonhole.com.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN JACKSON HOLE?

Gather Restaurant – Clark Myers, the executive chef is a damn good cook, and everything on the menu is usually spot on. I actually don't really sit at a table. I usually just sit at the bar and eat whatever Clark sends my way. The restaurant is right off town square, and has a really sexy atmosphere. See www.gatherjh.com. 

THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR? 

Haderlie Farms, in Star Valley, Wyoming (60 miles south of Jackson), is a biodynamic farm producing super high-quality dairy, vegetables and pork.  I love the butter and the raw milk. The farm is part of the Hole Food Rescue program and the rescued oranges are the secret feed for the animals.  

WHAT IS JACKSON HOLE'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?

King Sushi – this little restaurant in the town of Jackson is just really solid and straight-forward. They get really inventive with their sushi, but keep it seasonal. You have to be crafty, they don't take reservations, but it's worth the wait to get a table. See www.kingsushijh.com.

PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?

A late lunch at Il Villaggio Osteria​ after a day of skiing; they serve lunch straight through to dinner, but you have to ask for the salumi pizza because it's not on the menu, but they will make it and it's absolutely perfect. See www.jhosteria.com.

FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN JACKSON HOLE?

I'm a creature of habit – and almost weekly you'll find me at the Q Roadhouse. It's the kind of place with peanut shells on the floor; super low-key.  I love the smoked chicken wings and hush puppies – then I wash it down with the Rombus IPA they make in-house. See www.qjacksonhole.com.

PLACE TO GO FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT?

The Rose – this in-town haunt has always been a great place for cocktails but now they've started serving dinner.  Chef Rene Stein's tasting menus are totally up my alley, simple dishes with local ingredients and lots of style – he's a rock star. See www.therosejh.com . 

BEST TIME TO VISIT, AND WHY, FOODWISE IN JACKSON HOLE? 

September and October are, in my opinion, the best time to visit.  We have amazing weather, the summer crowds are gone, and local food is hitting its peak.  The farmers' markets are in full swing, and so many of the restaurants incorporate the local harvest into their menus.  

WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN JACKSON HOLE?

We have a great restaurant scene in Jackson, but that doesn't mean you always have to eat out – don't miss taking a meal with you for your trips outside.  We have multiple really cool local grocery stores, which carry all kinds of locally sourced produce, meat, bread, cheese, beer and more.  I like to hit the markets and pack a picnic for my trips to Grand Teton or a day on the river.