Frank Kerstetter
After 40 years of cooking, I consider myself a lucky man because I still love what I do every day. The saying might seem a little cliché but it has held true for me all these years: “You will never work a day in your life if you love what you do”.
I started at age 16 as a dishwasher. In 1981, I graduated from the Culinary Institute of American. I was the Chef de Cuisine at Papillion Café in Cherry Creek, Colorado. During this time Papillion was chosen by Gourmet Magazine as one of the "10 Best Restaurants of the West." I also worked Pastry/Sous Chef at Mirabelle in Beaver Creek and had dishes featured in Bon Appetite Magazine. I have been with Forrester’s since 2006.
Resumes & dates are nothing without learning from those who have motivated, inspired, mentored and taught. Over time, I’ve developed what I’ve learned into my own distinct style. My first Chef Jean Jacques Gage (Picots Place) taught me what a sense of urgency meant and that great cooking was in the finesse. Culinary School taught me how to be a true professional and to respect the profession. My time with Pierre Luc (MirabelleRestaurant) taught me how to work hard and that if cooking was truly easy, everyone would be doing it.
Radek Cerney (Pappillion) showed me how to organize myself as an executive chef and to also see the importance of presentation on a plate; creating the "wow" factor that truly engages the diner with each dish served.
Jon Mendoza (Viand) helped me shift from the old school culinary mentality into the world of contemporary cooking, while always looking at everything through fresh, young eyes.
Heroes along the way for me have been Jeremiah Tower, Alfred Portale, Thomas Keller, Marco Pierre White and Emeril Lagasse. All have had a big influence on my evolution as a chef and my overall career. However, there are also countless Chefs and cooks I have worked with over time who have provided me the greatest inspiration. I learned so much from such a wide variety of brilliant people.
The kitchen is my workshop. I love coming to work to a clean and organized kitchen each day. I’m proud to walk into the shop with all its plates, pans, tools, mixers, knives, cutting boards, stoves, griddles, ovens and gadgets. Just being in the kitchen is exciting and it never gets old. I find solace, peace and affirmation in the environment. I completely lose myself in the creative process.
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"Exceptional Experience"
My parents and I spent 4 fabulous days at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort. We caught lots of good-sized trout and had the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation. We hope to return there this fall or next year. The lodge and lodging was first class, the food was exceptional, the staff was wonderful, and the fly fishing with their guides Jaime Anderson and Jim Wilkins was fantastic! My parents are beginner fly fishers, and I had never fly fished before. Thankfully, our hardworking, patient, and enthusiastic (and humorous) guides were really excellent instructors who helped us master the basics. Thank you to Fran and Nick, Chefs Frank, Fran and Leanne, Jean, Matt, and the wonderful staff at Forrester's for a vacation that exceeded all our expectations.- Stephen B. -
"This place is absolutely world class!"
My Father and I spent 5 days there hunting and fishing with Forresters. This place is absolutely world class! Francine and Nick are super nice and extremely attentive and will ensure you have everything you need - down to the last detail. The guides (Cash, Sean, and Ray) were truly experts in their craft. Oh, and the food was amazing! I would strongly recommend them.- Adam R. -
"Can't Wait to Return to Forrester's!"
Our first visit to Forrester's will definitely not be our last! Cozy, well-appointed cabin, yummy cuisine, and best of all, our fishing experience! We're still newbies at fly-fishing, and our fantastic guide, Matthew Granberg, could not have been more patient, knowledgeable and accommodating (as well as humorous and entertaining!). Being on the river with Matthew as our guide was definitely the high-point of the trip. Will definitely be back!- Rusty -
"Novice or expert, you’ll succeed."
With thousands of fish per mile, and the guide to put you on them, novice or expert, you’ll succeed.- Tim Boyle -
"It could not have been a more perfect trip"
Having never fly fished or been to Montana for that matter, I had no idea what to expect. Arriving at Forrester's we were greeted with warm smiles, sandwiches, drinks and all types of snacks. That was just the tip of the ice berg as far as food goes. Every meal was 5 courses and way beyond my expectations. I tell my friends it was by far the 3 best consecutive meals Ive ever eaten. The cabins are perfect and stocked with everything you will need including fresh ground coffee. The fishing was everything I had hoped for, patient guides and plenty of fish. We caught 32 fish the second day and had to skip the last 3 miles of the river due to heavy rain! Forrester's is a First Class family owned fishing resort that I will definitely be returning to. It could not have been a more perfect trip.- Guest -
"With the terrific bird hunting and excellent food at Forrester’s, we have a great vacation every time."
Mayo and I have come to the Bighorn for four years now, and for the last three years, we have arrived at the lodge to find the same convergence of fun repeat guests who hail from all over the country. We’ve become good friends, and will even be meeting up for some quail hunting in Georgia this winter. The group has a good mix of men and women. Some of us women hunt, some walk with the hunters, and some stay in and enjoy the peace and quiet of the lodge. We’re a little raucous at cocktail hour which we enjoy. With the terrific bird hunting and excellent food at Forrester’s, we have a great vacation every time.- Susan -
"Hats off to a well run lodge and outfitter!"
I was given the opportunity to visit Forrester’s on a last minute trip. Everything was top notch! Spent 4 nights and 3 days fishing. Food was mind blowing. Staff was incredible! Guide was patient (and my first time fly fishing) and worked his butt off for us. Rooms were clean and beds were comfortable. If you’re still debating, let this review seal the deal. Hats off to a well run lodge and outfitter!- B.H. -
"Incredible Positive Experience!"
Have you ever thought about fly fishing and catching rainbow trout? Have you ever thought of staying in a special place away from it all? Have you thought about staying in a place where there is a resident chief and professional fishing guides? Then you must consider taking a vacation in the south of Montana, close to Yellowstone Park, called Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort! For example, I have barely fished in my life yet on one outing on the Big Horn river, with our guide, I caught 11 trout! After the fishing experience our family was treated to a five-star dinner that was also served professionally and the portions were very generous. We live in Tennessee, which is not very close to Montana, but my wife and I are still hoping to return to Montana just to stay at Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort.- D. Saw
Where Every Moment is Exceptional
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Unparalleled LuxuryExperience the epitome of luxury at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, where every detail is meticulously curated to provide guests with a lavish and unforgettable retreat amidst the stunning landscapes of Montana.
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Culinary ExcellenceIndulge in the finest cuisine at Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, where our expert chefs create culinary masterpieces using locally sourced ingredients, promising a gastronomic journey that delights the senses.
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Tailored ExperiencesAt Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, we specialize in crafting personalized adventures, ensuring each guest enjoys tailored excursions tailored to their preferences and skill levels.
Book Your Stay
Visit our world-class Montana hunting & fishing lodge!
Forrester's Bighorn River Resort, perched above Montana's Bighorn River, offers unparalleled luxury hunting and fly fishing experiences amidst breathtaking vistas, private riverbanks, and deluxe accommodations, making it the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable adventures in the untamed Montana foothills.
Fort Smith, MT 59035 Map & Directions