We have introduced you to many of the chefs of the Flathead Valley over the past year or so. Only once in the last nine issues did we get treated to a true catering specialist. On that occasion, we had the pleasure of spending an evening enjoying the offerings of Ali Hinderman-McCarthy of Ali Caters, Inc. at the Gilman Dinner Affair (November/December '04). Everyone wondered when Ali would open her own restaurant. This demure young lady dazzled with food, not words.I haven't had another opportunity to test the catering world, until now. But demure, quiet and unnoticed are not words that describe our storied chef this issue. I was asked for weeks about scheduling an evening at John's Angles Catering. Little did I know what I was walking into. I asked Joe Mititello and his wife to join my wife and me to experience the food and help take some pictures for this story. Easy enough - see some dishes, lay them out, get some shots and report back. Au contraire!When we arrived at the 30-acre ranch just outside of Whitefish - the Team Anderson family facility - we were a little confused but went with the flow. This property looked like a training facility for horseback competitions - jumping and other such events. We weren't far off in our guess. We were greeted by Kristen Anderson and the other Angels at the door of a large, new home under construction. We got a quick tour of the house and the show began - and I do mean show. We were given a tour of the property and the stable of Olympic Champion horses. Kristen (sometimes replaced by 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward) gave a demonstration of show jumping. WOW! I am now totally baffled. We were brought back to the dining room of the main house for the start of the most unique evening I have had reviewing food in this valley.We were seated in one of the two dining rooms and told that our host would soon join us. The four of us sat in a daze. Soon, John Anderson appeared (could this be Bosley?). John began to tell us of the recent loss of a valuable ring. He seemed very concerned, as this was a gift from Ktisten, and he almost accused us of somehow being involoved in the loss! The music began, and the Angels appeared in costume from the '70s TV show, Charlie's Angels, and the party began. Oh, now I get it - Murder Mystery Theater. How cool is this?Before the first course arrived, the mission was revealed and the clues began to appear. We were called upon to help solve the mystery of the lost ring. Our host/chef Kristen Anderson was animated and totally absorbed in this presentation. A former Miss Teen Montana, Miss Montana and a paricipant in the 1993 Miss U.S.A. pageant (first runner-up), Kristen is as beautiful as she is talented. On top of all that, she is a world-class show jumper and talented chef!During the show, we were underway in a dining experience none of us were expecting. This seven-course meal started with a cheese platter of some of the most phenomenal imported cheese I have ever had, plus Kristen signature venison sausage. Angels' Punch was just that - a solid blow - WOW!As we sat enjoying the performance of the Angels serving dinner in character, the clues came as fast as each course - but we weren't much help at the beginning. I think Joe and I were to lost in the food. Wild scallops drizzled with sweet pepper sherry sauce was our first treat to start dinner. Problem was, there was only one...this could have been my main course. Each time the music played, the Angels appeared with another clue and course. Now I have to tell you, when Kristen appeared with the signature Jumbo Lump Crab and Wine Souffle, both Joe and I looked back to see where the balance of this dish went after we about licked our plates. Next came Tomato and Bleu Cheese Bisque and fresh organic greens. I could have called it a night, but then the main course of Polynesian New York strip steak accompanied by a tomato bowl, rice and carrot boat arrived. The secret sauce was just that - a closely held recipe.More clues, incredible wines and great entertainment came fast and furiously. I fotgot I was working and had too much fun. Laughter and conversation filled the room, and our host, John Anderson, was full of stories and history of this family and partnership. We were running out of time, and clues and an opportunity to get up from the table and begin our search were appreciated, since if we ate another bite, they would have to carry us out to the car. The last clue seemed to open our eyes, and off we went throught the house. Wandering through the home, we couldn't help but notice the treasures of Kristen's riding and beauty-event past, alone with the family's art collection. We all semmed to go in different directions, and soon a shout came from the second dining room. Joe had discovered the lost ring! With its discovery came a prize, and we all returned to the table for desert, a choice of apple pie or creme de camel.Now I have to tell you, you might go to a local restuarant and get an esoteric dining experience, but you will not have the fun that we had this evening. Kristen's offerings can be tailored to your group's likes and dislikes or dietary needs. A 24-hour notice for reservations is required. Groups from four to 20 are not problem at the ranch, or you can also arrange for a private party at your home or alternate location.Team Anderson also offers kids' riding adventures and mission-mystery luncheons, Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 2:30pm. Bring them to john the Angels to learn or continue developing riding and jumping skills. This gold medal team will saddle up and give riding instruction from the world's best. After an exhilarating expericene, it's off to solve private mysteries . Kid's menus include all their favorites.Special thanks to John and his Angels for this awesome treat. Call 270-4600 and make your reservations early and often!Call: (555) 555-5555
John's Angels Catering
story by Michael Laurino featured in Flathead Living issue Nov/Dec 05
