South Lake Tahoe Highlights Culinary Adventures

South Lake Tahoe’s culinary scene has seen many changes this year, with new restaurants and renovations that appeal to an eclectic collection of tastes. Tahoe’s dining experiences are about the huge variety of food, the people you meet, and the locations that make it memorable.

ICONIC LAKE VIEWS AND MILESTONES

Camp Richardson Resort, celebrating 100 years, recently opened The Grove Restaurant, a nod to its rich past and original name, Copeland’s Grove Resort, (formerly the Beacon Bar & Grill). Menu highlights include a miso salmon; fried chicken and ricotta beignets and coleslaw, spicy agave, and powdered sugar; a bison BBQ bacon burger. Signature cocktail choices range from a barrel-aged Whistle Pig Maple Old Fashioned; The Kokanee made with Hendrick’s gin, house made cucumber cordial, soda, with lime garnish; and, of course, The Rum Runner.

This summer Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino is observing 80 years and showcasing two celebrity chef restaurants: Lisa Vanderpump’s Wolf by Vanderpump which opened in April, and Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen that just opened an expansion with 56 additional seats, new bar, and new entry due to overwhelming popularity. As guests enter Wolf, a magical realm unfolds, transporting diners to a surreal setting, similar to outside under trees – a scene filled with twinkle lights, straight from a romantic fantasy movie. Popular items include goat cheese balls, smoked bourbon boneless bites , Wolf signature double smash burger, paired with Vanderpump Frosé, Sheep's Clothing, Pumptini, or Peter Rabbit a Herb Garden Margarita.

Locally owned, Elements Eatery & Bar opened this summer, and provides Mexican-American fusion with chilaquiles, avocado toast, and sourdough pancakes for breakfast, and tacos, burgers, pastor reuben, enchiladas and Mexican hot dog (bacon-wrapped with grilled onions and home-made special sauce) for lunch and dinner. Chef Gabriela Chavez has put her years of experience and passion for food into the menu and most sauces are made in-house. Must-try items include their cold-pressed juices (add alcohol if desired) --which originated as a juice stand at the local Farmer’s Market in nearby Meyers–and the fried chicken sandwich. Also, try morning yoga on the outdoor lawn or sip cocktails and dance to a live DJ under the lights in the evening overlooking the lake.

Maggie’s, inside of the brand new Desolation Hotel highlights a slow braised short rib with crispy polenta cake, broccolini, short rib jus, and micro greens as well as a grilled octopus with quick pickled cucumber frisee salad, lemon cilantro oil, grilled lemon wedge, micro sorrel. Clara’s Got Kick is the most popular cocktail - a spicy combination of reposado tequila, honeydew & jalapeno housemade sweet & sour fresh jalapeno or Thierrys lemon & berries featuring Meyer Lemon and lemon infused vodka, like an adults strawberry lemonade. Fun fact: all of their cocktails are named after employee pets.

For more information, events, promotions, packages, and weather conditions explore Visit Lake Tahoe: www.VisitLakeTahoe.com.