Montana was awarded the #7 ranking by MSN.com in its 2015 article, “The 10 Best States for Retirement,” in recognition of its nice weather, low cost of living, reasonable taxes (well below national average), and scenic beauty. To read the article – Click Here

Executive Chef Jim Carlson: The Joy of Feeding Family

Jim Carlson’s father was the administrator of a skilled nursing home in Minnesota for much of Jim’s boyhood. Every Sunday found the family dining with the residents, and enjoying their company and fabulous stories. The Veterans Wall, with images dating back to the US Civil War, impressed young Jim with awe and abiding respect for his elders.

His first taste of a commercial kitchen was at a local pizzeria. It was love at first bite: the adrenalin rush of a busy night, the enticing aromas, the camaraderie in the kitchen—and especially the happy faces of patrons.

A broader world of fine dining opened when Jim studied under a French chef. It was exhilarating to learn the how’s and why’s of different ingredients and how they blended to make magic.

Through the years, he’s turned his hand in restaurants of every ethnicity and style, from American diners to haute cuisine, from hotels to catering. And while the variety was ideal for expanding his repertoire, Jim’s favorite venues were those with patrons who returned 3-4 times a week, sitting at “their table,” as laid back as in their own home. “Naturally, we came to know just what they liked, and just how they liked it prepared.”

It’s small wonder that Jim found his culinary sweet spot in senior living 13 years ago. What more steadfast group of “regulars” could a chef ask for? Discriminating? Sure, from 70-odd years in their own kitchens. Forthright? Oh yes, no reason to mince words. But a more loyal and appreciative audience you cannot find.

Happily settled at MorningStar of Billings since 2014, nothing warms Jim’s heart more than looking into his dining room, scanning the familiar faces and plating especially for each one.

Jim‘s menus offer our independent and assisted living residents what they are accustomed to as well as comforted by…the traditional fare of their generation.  Menu selections include a perfect Sunday pot roast; chicken and dumplings with velvety sauce (just like Mother used to make); and homemade bread. Yum! More than could ever be measured, dishes like these go a long way toward fostering a sense of Home and Family.

One of our residents absolutely loves raisin pie. For the last nine years, his birthday dessert has been an entire pie, fresh from the oven. The gentleman would quip after his third piece, “That was close, Jim. Let’s see if you can do even better next year!”  Another example of Jim’s dedication regards a new couple who moved to MorningStar of Billings from the East Coast. When they asked Jim for Finnan Haddie (smoked haddock and cream sauce), he researched the dish and presented it to them with a grin. “Thrilled, they said they hadn’t had it in years and it reminded them of home.”

Jim recently made a special trip to the grocer to buy bologna for a resident who (only) wanted a bologna, onion and peanut butter sandwich. He is more than willing to do whatever he can to bring a smile.

He also takes pleasure in broadening palates, introducing residents to the cuisine of other cultures, educating them on preparation techniques and nutrition. “My Jalapeño Cheddar Bread went over big, as did my Lime and Onion Jalapeño Marmalade Bacon.” (He smokes the pork bellies himself!)

Local professional chefs would agree: Jim is the Standard Bearer of senior living cuisine in Billings. He challenged the status quo, and upped the ante, encouraging senior communities throughout the region to enhance not only the quality and variety of offerings, but the entire dining experience. At the local “Taste of Home” cooking exhibition before a crowd of 1,000, Jim demonstrated just how sophisticated senior menus should be as he advocated for nutritious and delicious meals. He believes seniors have earned the right to have the best of the best in tribute to the legacy they have given the rest of us.  And we want you to know, Chef Jim is just one example of our dedicated team who works every day to provide residents with the best independent and assisted living in Billings MT!