Northstar California’s Summit Smokehouse Re-Opens With A Fresh New Look

The Summit Smokehouse at Northstar California re-opens Dec. 14, 2018, weather permitting, after being renovated physically and conceptually to focus on a creative menu with simple, hand-crafted ingredients. The concept extends beyond the kitchen into the beverage station, which most notably hosts no single-use cups in alignment with the company’s Commitment to Zero.
 
The menu focuses on meats smoked low and slow, using mesquite, hickory and applewood chips for a smoky, sweet flavor. House-made BBQ sauces complement the meat with a range of spice. Indoors, the menu features classics such as smoked tri-tip, banana cream pudding alongside southern style sides. The indoor experience is designed to be shared with family and friends at a table planning the next trail to explore. The outdoor patio offers a separate atmosphere with smoked sausages and walk-up beer service for a mountaintop après ski setting. The patio menu pairs well with relaxed Adirondack chairs overlooking the Sierra and soulful music playing all day long. 
 
The adult beverage menu, including the local favorite outlaw Bacon Bloody Mary, Summit Mule and Summit Sweet Tea, aren’t the only worthwhile thirst quenchers. The beverage station debuts unexpected pop flavors from Stubborn Soda, made without artificial sweeteners or flavors. The beverage vessels are as modern as the liquid itself featuring the elimination of single-use cups reducing significant amounts of waste.
 
“Removing single-use cups is another great project in our momentum toward the Commitment to Zero at the Summit Smokehouse. This commitment includes zero waste to landfill, zero net emissions and zero net operating impact on forests,” said Director of Mountain Dining Roger Cardoza. “In addition, our efforts to compost and integrate Eco-Products alongside a great menu make for a holistically improved experience.”
 
Beyond the menu and flatware is the restaurant’s new interior design. The walls feature hand-drawn chalk murals from Bay Area artists light by vintage-inspired fixtures. Details throughout the dining room and patio are drawn from Nature paying homage to the very setting that draws guests to Mt. Pluto.
 
“Diners can expect a welcoming atmosphere with a service team who knows the menu as well as the mountain,” said Northstar Vice President and General Manager Nadia Guerriero. “The creativity and attention to detail that has gone into the Summit Smokehouse is an example of how we’re continuing to re-imagine what ski resort dining looks like.”
 
Skiers and snowboarders are invited to celebrate the restaurant re-opening on Dec. 14 at 8:30 a.m. followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:45 a.m.
 
Summit Smokehouse is a ski-in, ski-out restaurant located off the Comstock Express chairlift.