Our Story

‍ ‍ hef Star Ironside is a seasoned culinary professional with more than 25 years of experience in the culinary industry. She holds both a Diplôme de Cuisine and a Diplôme de Pâtisserie from the prestigious French culinary academy, Le Cordon Bleu. Chef Ironside is also a certified culinarian and has earned multiple certifications through the American Culinary Federation. She has trained under two ACF Certified Master Chefs and earned multiple medals through culinary competitions within the ACF network.

Among her most meaningful honors is an award from the United States Special Forces, recognizing her contributions to morale while stationed at Fort Bragg. Her extensive travels across the United States and abroad have helped refine her palate and shape a distinctive style of flavor fusion that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Chef Ironside resides in the picturesque Flathead Valley with her husband and youngest son. Several years ago, Star and her husband, Marty, left the corporate world to launch S&M Tacos, a food truck that quickly became a beloved fixture at local festivals, markets, events, and breweries. Encouraged by its success, they later opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant inspired by the taco truck’s bold flavors and devoted following.

In March 2019, The House of S&M was established in The Emporium building in downtown Kalispell. Captivated by her vision for the historic property, Star assembled an investment group to purchase the building. Through hard work, dedication, and plenty of paint, Star and Marty helped transform the once-dilapidated structure into a downtown gem. The Avenue at The Emporium has since evolved into an active indoor mini-mall and event venue. As part of that larger vision, Chef Ironside transitioned The House of S&M to focus exclusively on elevated catering, private dining, and chef-driven event experiences.

Today, The House of S&M is known for luxury catering, private dinners, Chef’s Table experiences, weddings, corporate events, galas, and large-scale community celebrations throughout the Flathead Valley and beyond. Chef Ironside and her team regularly serve events ranging from intimate multi-course dinners to major gatherings of 600+ guests, bringing the same level of artistry, organization, and hospitality to every table.

A committed advocate for community investment, Chef Ironside’s work extends well beyond the kitchen. Through The House of S&M, she regularly supports nonprofit galas, donor dinners, corporate gatherings, arts events, and large-scale community celebrations throughout the Flathead Valley. Her team has catered events for organizations such as the Flathead Food Bank, CASA for Kids, Samaritan House, Flathead Warming Center, Glacier Art Museum, FVCC Foundation events, PechaKucha, and other local nonprofit and cultural partners.

A patron and supporter of local arts and culture, Star contributes to creative programming and community arts initiatives throughout the valley, reflecting her belief that food, art, architecture, and civic life all shape the character of a place.

Chef Ironside currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Flathead Food Bank, sits on the Flathead 4-H Foundation Board, serves on the My Montana Wedding Advisory Committee, and was recently appointed to the Downtown Kalispell Architectural Review Committee. She is also an alumna of Leadership Flathead, a sustaining member of Women Who Wine, a Tattoo Girl Wine Brand Ambassador, a Mill Food Recycler Affiliate Partner, and a member of the Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Lakeside/Somers Chambers of Commerce.

Through The House of S&M, Chef Ironside has also developed a food stewardship program focused on reducing waste and supporting local community needs. Her kitchen operates with a closed-loop sustainability model that includes compostable serviceware, edible leftover donation, and food waste diversion through Mill Food Recycler. Scraps are converted into grounds for her family’s 4-H chickens, whose eggs are then sold locally or donated to Samaritan House.

Outside the kitchen, Star is an avid reader, painter, sewist, gardener, snowboarder, and dedicated gym enthusiast. Her creative life, community service, and culinary work all share the same foundation: discipline, imagination, and a deep love for building things that leave a lasting impression.