Loaded with lots of humor and local flavor, Tahoe’s famous landmarks are featured in the ice cream sundaes available at Tootsie’s in Tahoe City created by longtime North Lake Tahoe locals Syd and Mike Earley.

And, the Laker Blue sundae with its luscious blue berry sauce reflects the Earley’s spirit of community involvement as $1.00 of each sundae’s cost goes to the North Tahoe Middle School and North Tahoe High School’s parent-teacher organization, VIPS.

Located in the Lighthouse Shopping Center in Tahoe City,  Tootsie’s is the brainchild of Syd and Mike Earley, who previously owned Syd’s Bagelry in Tahoe City and Dockside Market in Homewood.

“We saw a real need for a fun, old fashioned ice cream parlor in Tahoe City,” explained Syd. “The ice cream parlor is an American institution that is just as relevant today as it was a century ago. The economy goes up and down, but people still deserve to treat themselves, right?”

Sundaes are just part of the fun at Tootsie’s. Self-serve frozen yogurt is sold by the ounce with plenty of fancy toppings to add some sweet pizzazz. Like to drink your treat? No problem, Tootsie’s also offers delicious ice cream sodas and milk shakes.  A hot dog bar has also been added where people can select from veggie, all-beef, chicken sausage or Polish and then add a myriad of toppings.

Located at 950 North Lake Blvd. in the Lighthouse Shopping Center, adjacent to Safeway, Tootsie’s Sundaes and Yogurt is open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. For more information, call 530.581.4300.

Her talent for creating specialty, all natural soups and salads quickly attracted a following of connoisseurs who motivate Shannon to prepare exotic medleys that have reignited this classic combo like the Carrot Ginger soup and Strawberry Fields salad.

As the name implies, Shannon’s creations match the seasons so guests are treated to the freshest, in-season produce.  Five soups, including a vegan selection, are prepared daily which can be found on their Facebook page. In addition to buying organic fruits and veggies locally, Shannon’s delicious rolls are made daily by the Sugar Pine Bakery, another new local hot spot located up the road on Highway 50.

Locals love to brag about their favorites like the Wild Mushroom Bisque, Thai Peanut Mango, Tai Turkey Coconut Basil, Cream o’ Spinach with Cheese, and Black Bean Chili.  Or there are the popular cold soups Shannon has been experimenting with like Watermelon Mint, Coconut Curry Zucchinni, Gazpacho, Beet Root with Garbanzo Beans and Avocado with a Green Chilli Salsa.  Then there are the salads like the Stoned Beet served with fresh spinach, beets, pear, apple, bleu cheese and stone ground mustard vinaigrette.

Not in the mood for soup and salad? Then try the Chicken Pecan Pesto Panini, or the Roasted Red Pepper Hummas with Buffalo Mozzarella, Orange Carmelized Onions and Cucumber sandwich.

Or get there early Thursday through Sunday and try a French Toast Banana Panini, Vegi-Garden quiche or Egg and Pineapple Sausage Corssiant Sandwich.  A coffee bar and baked goods round out the menu.

Shannon’s story is a similar one.  She moved from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe in 1998 to pursue her love for the outdoors.  After a brief departure in 2001 when she attended Cal Poly to obtain a Bachelors in Psychology, she returned to the lake in the summer of 2003 and started working with troubled youth before she turned to gastronomical creations to feed the soul instead.

And we’re glad she did. This little cafe has transformed the unassuming soup and salad combo to rock star status adding new flavor to the South Shore culinary scene.

The 4 Seasons Soup & Salad Café is located next to Sierra Ski & Cycle Works in the middle of South Lake Tahoe.  Dine in or take out.

4 Seasons Soup & Salad Café
3434 Lake Tahoe Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

530-541-4787
www.4seasonssoupandsaladcafe.com

Monday through Wednesday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday – Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Open for breakfast

And, be sure to check out their Facebook page for daily soups and specials.

It’s not a drive-in anymore, but it shouts authentic Tahoe.

The Sno-Flake Drive In South Lake Tahoe.

Keeping it Very Real since 1962. While it’s more of a roadside walk up now, it still fits the bill for Tahoe nostalgia, good burgers and ice cream at the right price.

While the burgers and fries are tasty, the milk shakes and ice cream are the real deal. For under 8 bucks you can get a burger, fries and a shake. Favorites include the South Lake Burger – sauteed onions, mushrooms and jack cheese piled onto a 1/4 lb burger, sweet potato fries and the Peanut Butter Heath Bar shake.

Sounds like a heart attack, but what better place to have one than Tahoe? Besides the traditional burger offerings, they’ve added soups and salads to the menu for the more health conscious.

Located on Harrison Avenue adjacent to Highway 50, it’s a South Shore landmark and a pleasant surprise.

Local’s Night – Wednesdays
4pm to closing – 20% off everything

Look for the Ice Cream Cone.

Sno-Flake Drive In
3059 Lake Tahoe Blvd. (in the middle of town)
530-544-6377

Starting Thursday, July 8th, the landmark North Shore eatery and the Tahoe City Farmer’s Market combine in offering an educational and fun cooking class.  A few spaces are still open, but act quick!

Participants arrive at Wolfdale’s at 9am on Thursday mornings.  After introductions, the class is broken up into four groups – each with a course assignment: appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert. Each group then accompanies Chef Dale to the nearby Commons Beach, location of the weekly summer Farmer’s Market. Members pick the freshest fruit and vegetables from regional ranches and farms. Returning to the restaurant, Chef Dale shares his culinary magic, instructing and guiding the aspiring staff in the creation of their four-course luncheon.

Diners enjoy their preparations with a sit down meal. Wolfdale’s sommelier Jim “JB” Budny adds to the festivities with a selection of wines to pair with each course.

The Wolfdale’s Farmers’ Market Cooking Workshop costs $90 per person and class size is limited.

Summer 2010 Classes will take place Thursdays starting at 9am on July 8th, July 22nd, August 5th, August 19th, and possibly September 9th.

To find out more information and to sign-up, please inquire at Wolfdale’s at (530) 583-5700.

Celebrating its 32nd season, Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique is located at 640 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City. Mentioned as one of the Robb Reports’ 100 favorite restaurants, the lakeside eatery features fresh seafood, meats, game and exotic produce. Wolfdale’s serves lakeside dinners nightly during summer months.

It’s easy to see why this is a favorite local spot. Full of local character and charm, including Lake Tahoe’s favorite detective’s favorite breakfast, the Owen McKenna Omelette.

The Red Hut Café was opened in 1959 and was originally called the old Donut Shop located at Stateline before it was physically moved to its current location. When Dick and Nancy Gardner purchased The Hut from Mac and Lorraine in 1984, they made sure the original layout and charm remained untouched.

An L-shaped breakfast counter and old fashioned booths occupy all the space inside. Vintage Tahoe photos and soda pop posters cover the walls. Inside you’ll hear people reminiscing about the good old days, or just catching up.

Besides the nostalgic atmosphere and local vibe, the breakfast and lunch dishes are well loved with little to no surprises. Just good home cooking.

Especially if you’re looking for a local celebrity’s dish. You see, the Red Hut is a favorite hangout of private detective Owen McKenna, who is featured in Todd Borg’s award-winning mystery thrillers set in, you guessed it, Tahoe.  An obvious regular of The Hut, Owen craves his made to order omelette.

It turns out that one of Owen’s fans went into the Red Hut and wanted to order an Owen’s Omelette.  So guess what? The Red Hut now serves the Owen’s Omelette made with eggs, cheddar cheese, fresh-cut tomatoes, Killer Salsa, and a dollop of sour cream on top.  Todd’s eighth mystery thriller, Tahoe Heat, will be released August 2010. Click here for more details.

The Red Hut has 3 locations now.  Honoring its history, the newest location on Ski Run Boulevard includes an ice cream parlor and has added a touch of nostalgia with old Tahoe photos and memorabilia. It even has a few of the old lift chairs from Heavenly Ski Resort hanging from the ceiling.

But if you’re looking for the original, the state-of-the-dying-art of home-style breakfast joints in Lake Tahoe, head to the original Red Hut located at 2749 Lake Tahoe Blvd (Hwy 50) next to Meek’s Lumber.  And, if you see a handsome Harlequin Great Dane out front, don’t worry. That’s Spot. McKenna’s loyal companion.

And a Tahoe tradition.

Started in 1977 by Swiss trained chef, Peter Vogt and his wife Helen, Tahoe House is still family owned and operated by daughters Caroline and Barbara.

Lucky for us, Peter and Helen brought their love of European style breads and pastries to Tahoe. French baguettes, sourdoughs, focaccia and ciabattas – made fresh daily.

It’s one of Tahoe’s most cherished stops, particularly for their brewed to order Alpen Sierra Coffee with the frothy top.

But that’s not all. Everything they do is gourmet.

Deli sandwiches on their famous bread, homemade soup, salads, grilled packaged meats, cheeses, wines, deviled eggs – take them with you or relax by the fire.

A main attraction are the Tahoe House gourmet sauces, dressings and seasoning rubs.

BBQ sauces like Sizzling Habanero and Chipotle, and classics like Wasabi Lime and Thai Peanut. Raspberry Walnut and Sesame Cilantro dressings, and seasoning rubs like Jamaican Jerk.

The selection and flavors are endless.

You’ll definitely be hooked.

Not in North Shore? Don’t worry – you can order online.

Tahoe House
Bakery and Gourmet Store

625 West Lake Blvd., Highway 89, 1/2 mile south of the Tahoe City “Y”.
Telephone : (530) 583-1377
Toll Free Line : (877) 367-8246

Open 6 am – 4pm Sunday -Thur; til 6pm Friday and Saturday

Click here to see their full line of gourmet products and recipes!

He is Tahoe’s original coffee roaster, and has made it an art form.

Today, Alpen Sierra is recognized as the premier roaster of specialty coffees in the Sierra Nevada. Just one taste and you’ll see why locals insist on Alpen Sierra.

Christian brings a world of flavors in every cup. Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Columbia, Vienna, Italy and Sumatra.

Only the finest beans from around the globe are roasted to perfection to stir the senses and ignite the palette. Favorites like the House Blend, Peru Norte and Rainforest Blend are not only full bodied, but distinctly aromatic.

Alpen Sierra coffees are also good for the birds. Serving certified organic, fair trade, bird-friendly and shade-grown coffees. Check out their full line of sustainable coffees online.

While Alpen Sierra coffees can be found throughout Tahoe, be sure to visit their coffeehouse:

Alpen Sierra Coffeehouse
3940 Lake Tahoe Blvd. (Hwy 50 and Pioneer Trail)
South Shore
Open daily til 7pm for breakfast and lunch
(530) 544-7740

The atmosphere is reminiscent of old world coffeehouses found throughout Europe. Gathering places for locals and visitors alike to share their day’s adventure or to conduct a little business using the free wifi surrounded by the stunning photography of local artist J.T. Ravizé.

Want to savor Tahoe at home?

Alpen Sierra makes it easy. Their auto-reorder program and the Taste of Tahoe Program allows you to receive a pound of their Special Coffee Of the Month saving you up to 10-25% off regular prices.

The Blue Angel Café in South Lake Tahoe is an international food market of exotic flavors and textures that rival the authentic dishes found in their homeland.

The artist behind this South Shore hot spot is executive chef, Jens Dressler.

Jens’ fascination with international street fare and world cultures started at a very young age when he lived above a South African restaurant. The enchanting smells and enticing aromas, bustling market place overflowing with lively banter, colorful spices and fresh ingredients captured his heart and imagination.  His obsession with street food intensified as he continued to travel and work at restaurants in Germany and England and aboard cruise ships.

These experiences left an indelible impression on Jens who has brought his philosophy to Lake Tahoe.  Like many great chefs, Jens considers food an expression of the local culture and its heritage, not just sustenance.

The menu at Blue Angel Café is ever changing, based on Jens’ whim to introduce new culinary sensations to his loyal following. In addition to classic American fare, you’ll also find Vietnamese Style Phó Soup, Portuguese-inspired spicy Chicken Wings, Falafel Sandwich, Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shank, Oaxaca Tacos, Grilled Tuscan Bread Salad and Beef Bourguignone. Just a few of Jens’ hand-crafted masterpieces.

Overwhelmed? Then try a daily pasta or fish special. You’ll think you died and went to Heaven!

A full bar serving regional wines and micro-brews, and big couches around the fireplace create a cozy British pub atmosphere.  Free WIFI and local roasted Alpen Sierra Coffee and desserts are also available. And, for a taste of real local culture head up to The Loft for live entertainment, local art and monthly wine tasting events during select months.

The Blue Angel Café & Loft
1132 Ski Run Blvd.
Open daily 8am to 9pm
(530) 544-6544

Case in point is the restaurant’s third annual “Dinner in the Barn” series at Sierra Valley Farms near Sierraville.  Estee and Moody’s Chef de Cuisine Guy Frenette will prepare a feast using produce so fresh it grew in the field hours before they serve the four-course meal in a 1936-era barn.

The next Dinner in the Barn will be served August 28-29, 2010.

“Dinner in the Barn” has proved so popular that this year’s event has been expanded. Estee and Gary Romano, whose family has owned Sierra Valley Farms for 100 years, will host the dinners eight evenings throughout the summer: June 19 -20, July 24 – 25, August 28 – 29 and September 4 – 5. The dinners allow people to make the connection between the food they eat and its origin and enjoy the experience of being on a farm.

“This is truly a celebration of food, farm and community,” said Estee. “And it’s as fun for us as it is for the people who attend. Having our pick of the freshest seasonal produce available is a chef’s dream, and I really enjoy the creativity of working with what’s available.”

Diners will gather for a four-course meal served family style at Sierra Valley Farms, a certified organic farm and native plant nursery on the Feather River. Estee and Frenette will improvise the menu based on which fresh, organic vegetables are ready to be picked or pulled from the ground that day. The selections, which can also be adapted to accommodate vegetarian diners, will be paired accordingly with red and white wines.

The atmosphere is as important as the fresh-picked produce. Guests will enjoy the meals while seated inside a barn built in 1936 by Romano’s uncles. Once a hay and calfing barn, where the farmers separated the cows from the calves, the building is now used for winter equipment storage and will be transformed into a rustic dining venue for the event. Through the open back door, diners will have a glimpse of the vegetable crops and a panoramic view of Sierra Valley. Live music will add to the festive atmosphere.

Prior to the event, guests can participate in a tour of the farm to observe firsthand where their meal is coming from and to hear the stories behind each of the outbuildings, many of which were kept intact but renovated to retain the charm of the farm. One of the outbuildings is the former grainery where Romano’s uncles used to make oats, wheat and barley. As a child, Romano and the other kids would visit the farm’s dairy, pour sour milk into grains they had gathered from the grainery then feed the pigs.

“When you go to a restaurant you eat, and you leave,” said Romano. “Whereas at the ‘Dinner in the Barn’ series I talk about how we pick the vegetables and Mark talks about how he prepares them and why. It’s a holistic approach from the field to the fork.”

The “Dinner in the Barn” series isn’t the first time Estee and Romano have paired up to offer fresh, local ingredients. The two have built a strong and enduring working relationship, allowing Romano to personally deliver special hand-selected lettuces and spinach straight to Moody’s back doors. The Sierra Business Council awarded the duo a 2008 Vision 2020 Award for their commitment to the support of sustainable agriculture.

The farm tour begins at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 6 p.m. Each “Dinner in the Barn” event is $125 per person, which includes the four-course dinner, wine, beverages, farm tour, tax and tip. Kids are welcome, but will be charged the adult price. That evening’s menu will be available the day of the event. The event is limited to 60 people and is expected to sell out. Truckee Tahoe Transportation will offer guests rides to and from the barn dinners.

Located inside the historic Truckee Hotel on Commercial Row, Moody’s Bistro & Lounge is known for its locally sourced ingredients served in an informal atmosphere reminiscent of Tahoe in the 1920s. The restaurant serves a variety of Contemporary American specialties in a range of affordable price points, as well as a seasonal drink menu made with fresh herbs and fruit. The lounge also is home to live jazz shows by top U.S. and international acts. Moody’s is located a few minutes from Interstate 80 at 10007 Bridge Street in Truckee (on the corner of Commercial Row).

For reservations to “Dinners in the Barn,” call Moody’s at (530) 587-8688.

Literally.

Walking into Mountain Nectar in the Village at Squaw Valley is completely different than its brand name coffee neighbor. And the vibe is 100% Squaw.

And Pete the owner (and janitor…) has lived in North Shore for over 30 years.

Loud music. Casual. Coffee beat. Stickers expelling the virtues of mountain living. The small space adds to the rich social texture, and naturally prohibits computers.

The organic selection and specialties are also fresh and tasty:

• Coffee
• Juices
• Smoothies
• Bagels
• Wraps

The California Avocado Club wrap was gigantic, delicious and had the perfect ratio of ingredients.

Be sure and check out the bulletin board. And, get your punch card. You’ll be back.

Mountain Nectar – 2 locations:
Village at Squaw 584-6161
Tahoe City 581-4800