Ted Turner’s Restaurant in Connecticut Is a Promised Land for Bison

I've heard for years that Bison meat is better all-around than typical beef from cows. Bison is leaner, lower in calories, and packs just as much protein.

I spent my formative years growing up in Oklahoma. I know, you'd think that I rode a Buffalo to school, right? I never even saw one in person -- or on any menu. That changed when Mrs. Large and I stopped into Ted's Montana Grill in South Windsor this past weekend. I'm a well known carnivore, and I was not disappointed.

Oh, by the way, the "Ted" in Ted's Montana Grill? Ted Turner. Yes, that one.

Evergreen Walk, the outdoor retail complex in which Ted's is located, is gorgeous. And the restaurant itself is pure class. Beautiful wood tables and booths line the perimeter, tin roof, and the space evokes that old-West steakhouse that other places try to imitate.

Growing up through the 80's, while watching Ted Turner's rise to billionaire status, I remember reading that Turner purchased massive amounts of Montana real estate. Thousands and thousands of acres. Turner became the Bison champion of North America.

If you're reading on your phone, the above quote is "Do something. Either lead, follow, or get out of the way" - Ted Turner

The central message put out by Ted's is sustainability. There are no plastic straws, only paper ones, and they're really cool to use. What a different feel! Turner has taken the lead when it comes to preserving the American Bison.

Onto the meal. We started with the Salt & Pepper Onion Rings, which looked like they carved one whole massive onion into a serving. Outstanding. I ordered the No. 11 Burger, which was bison, horseradish cheddar, mushroom, and horseradish sauce. Bison has a subtle taste not unlike beef. I ordered it medium-rare, and it came out perfectly.

There are only 44 Ted's Montana Grills -- Connecticut is lucky enough to have two. Hartford and also South Windsor. I highly recommend it. The service was exceptional, the food was delicious, and the price? Slightly more than your average fast/casual burger place. On average, the burgers are in the $11-$17 range.