"Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time." - Katrina Mayer

"Culinary Passion: 

Journey of Chef Todd Engel"

From an early age, Todd Engel was drawn to the kitchen like a magnet. While most preschoolers were stacking blocks, Todd was busy shaking jars of cream to make butter—delighted by the transformation from liquid to solid. As he got older, he started writing breakfast menus for his parents and leaving them outside their bedroom door. By the time most kids were begging for video games, Todd was asking for pots, pans, and chef’s knives.

At just 12 years old, he landed a dishwashing job with a respected Chicago catering company. It didn’t take long for him to move beyond the sink—learning to make pastries, cakes, and sauces from scratch. Those long hours behind the scenes gave him a hands-on education in what it takes to make great food.

Todd’s passion for cooking came naturally. His father, a law student at the time, took over kitchen duties while Todd’s mother worked full-time. The meals were simple but satisfying, and Todd absorbed every moment of it—the smells, the rhythm, and the satisfaction of feeding people well.

In high school at Homewood-Flossmoor, Todd found his path. The school offered three culinary classes—two focused on the basics and nutrition, and one on international cuisine. Todd took them all, arriving each day with his own knives and a growing sense of purpose.

After graduation, he studied liberal arts at Prairie State College before enrolling in the prestigious culinary program at Kendall College in Chicago. There, surrounded by seasoned chefs and classic French technique, Todd was exactly where he belonged—learning, creating, and sharpening the skills that would define his career.

Today, Chef Todd Engel brings that lifelong passion and skill to The Iron Horse Brew Pub, where he crafts inventive, satisfying dishes that celebrate flavor, comfort, and community.

As snow blankets Missoula's peaks, the city buzzes with winter activities blending outdoor thrills and cozy indoor escapes for 2025.

Snowbowl leads with skiing, snowboarding, and events like the SOS Fair and Winter BrewFest, perfect for après-ski fun.

Explore cross-country skiing at Blue Mountain Recreation Area, offering forested trails with breathtaking views.

The serene Rattlesnake Wilderness invites gentle snowshoeing amid wildlife and creekside beauty.

Downtown sparkles with the Indigenous Made Winter Market on November 29, featuring local artists and crafts.

Join free festivities at Holidays on Higgins on December 6, lighting up streets with holiday cheer.

Indoors, the Missoula Art Museum showcases regional exhibits, while the Butterfly House provides a tropical retreat.

Catch shows at the Wilma Theater or learn about conservation at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Pattee Canyon offers fat-tire biking, and the Montana Natural History Center brings interactive learning inside.

Missoula's mix of tradition and new spots warms hearts, from mountain adventures to festive gatherings.

Amid soaring grocery prices in 2025, hamburger helper is surging back into American kitchens as a budget-friendly favorite.

Families are rediscovering this one-pot wonder that combines ground beef, pasta, and cheese for a comforting, affordable meal.

It's a nostalgic nod to simpler times, helping locals stretch dollars without skimping on flavor.

Homemade versions outshine boxed mixes, starting with browned beef, onions, and garlic in olive oil.

Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then add broth, tomato sauce, and uncooked macaroni to simmer together.

Finish with cream and cheddar for creamy perfection that feeds crowds on a dime.

Customize with veggies, turkey, or spicy cheese to suit tastes and boost nutrition.

Local cooks praise its versatility amid rising beef costs, turning 'struggle meals' into hearty delights.

Even breakfast twists with hashbrowns are trending, but dinner remains the star for family bonding.

This savvy dish combats inflation, proving economical eats can still warm hearts and homes.

The Iron Horse -- A Missoula Favorite!! 

Craving BBQ done right?

The Notorious P.I.G. smokes meats daily, starting at 4 AM, and serves them fresh until they sell out - making every bite a testament to care and flavor.

Located in downtown Missoula, this spot blends Southern pit-barbecue traditions with Montana ingredients to deliver a menu that keeps locals coming back again and again.

Q: What is the population of Missoula, Montana?

A: Answer: Approximately 75,516.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Missoula?

A: Answer: Hiking, fishing, and kayaking are popular outdoor activities in Missoula.

Q: Is Missoula, Montana known for its craft beer scene?

A: Answer: Yes, Missoula is known for its vibrant craft beer scene with several local breweries.

Missoula's community is uniting to save our doggy Missoula, championing rescue efforts for vulnerable pets.

Locals are stepping up with adoption events that rehome Labradors and other breeds from tough backgrounds.

The Humane Society of Western Montana provides affordable vet care and training, easing the path to forever homes.

In a heartwarming boost, dogs from California shelters arrived in early 2025, thanks to collaborative transports.

Missoula Animal Control facilitates matches, ensuring joyful pairings.

New leash rules in the North Hills safeguard dogs and wildlife alike.

Nonprofits have snagged grants to train rescues for conservation roles, giving them purposeful new lives.

Annual events like Pet Fest spark volunteerism and donations among dog enthusiasts.

These tales of transformation inspire more fostering and adoptions in the area.

By joining in, residents are creating a safer, happier haven for every pup in Missoula.