Sunday, 20 February 2011

The Many Flavors of Lake Tahoe

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

On Lake Tahoe's serene and stunning North Shore, you can find anything from hearty log cabin style meals, to award winning continental cuisine. Restaurants are family orientated and there is a big emphasis on fresh seafood. At Incline Village, The Big Water Grille has spectacular panoramic lake views and an extensive variety of fish, seafood and even some unusual items such as the grilled 'white stag' elk chop! Also at Incline Village is the popular Hacienda De La Sierra where you can enjoy excellent Mexican food in a colorful and vibrant atmosphere. Voted 'Best Mexican Food', 'Best Happy Hour', and 'Best Inexpensive Meal', this is a fun place to relax with friends and try the famous fajitas and margaritas.

While on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the Pfiefer House is well worth a visit. One of Lake Tahoe's oldest restaurants, and also one of its finest, the Pfiefer House is owned by Franz Fassbender, a culinary gold medal winner. Franz has successfully instilled the culinary traditions of old world charm and atmosphere, and prepares all the food fresh daily. European specialties such as Vienna Schnitzel, Hungarian Beef Goulash and Rack of Spring Lamb are offered along with many other interesting and delicious choices.

The Resort at Squaw Creek is a great place to stay, ski, shop or dine. There are 4 terrific dining options at the resort, and you can take advantage of them regardless of if you are a guest, or staying outside of the resort. There's the Six Peaks Grill that offers fresh produce, seafood and steaks and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sandy's Pub, where you can find burgers and microbrews in a lively sports bar atmosphere, Sweet Potatoes Deli, that has gourmet coffees, light breakfast and casual lunches, and then finally the Ristorante-Montagne, which is divine California Italian cuisine in a bistro setting. Add to these great options the beautiful setting, and the activities and quaint shops located at the resort, and this is a wonderful place to have some fun and a good meal at the same time!

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

On the South Shore of Lake Tahoe is where you will find most of the casinos and larger resorts, as well as more in the way of nightlife and entertainment. There are plenty of great restaurants both inside and outside of the casinos, and just as on the North Shore, the choices are varied and there is something for all tastes. In Stateline, Nevada, the Edgewood Terrace Restaurant sits overlooking Lake Tahoe from the Edgewood Golf Course Clubhouse, and offers casual elegance in truly breathtaking surroundings. The menu is superb and the view is one of the best around. Edgewood is a great choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two, or perhaps lunch after a morning enjoying one of the most scenic games of golf you will ever play!

Meanwhile if you are looking for something a little more casual, then try Ernie's coffee shop on Emerald Bay Road. This is an old fashioned diner that is very popular with the locals and where you will find really good American food at inexpensive prices. The service is great and the LA Times describes Ernie's as 'the undisputed king of coffee shops in Lake Tahoe.'

Even with such a wide variety of excellent restaurants on the South Shore to choose from, it's impossible to forget the incredible options that the casino resorts offer. There are so many of these resorts in the area and each one with its own fine selection of everything from upscale restaurants to chic lounges and fun, casual eateries. Harrah's Lake Tahoe, for example, has seven different dining options, so finding something for everyone is easy. The Forest Buffet is located on the 18th floor and offers amazing views of Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Mountain. There are daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with a special seafood buffet on Fridays and a Sunday champagne brunch. The Summit is Harrah's crown jewel restaurant and serves award winning continental cuisine on the 16th floor. Dinner is accompanied by music and the chef changes his menu weekly. North Beach Deli is where you can find soups, salads, subs and delectable breakfast pastries, or try Café Andreotti for regional Italian cuisine served in a bistro style atmosphere.

Away from the glitz and energy of the casinos, the Paddle-wheeler MS Dixie sits in serenity on the lake at Zephyr Cove. This historic vessel was voted 'Best Boat Cruise' for a dozen years running, and a dinner cruise provides a unique dining experience while taking in the beauty of the lake. Select from a flavorful menu of entrees such as filet mignon or seared ahi tuna, enjoy cocktails or fine wines and watch the sun set over the water. Choose from an early dinner cruise with the family, or maybe the sunset dinner dance cruise if you are looking for a romantic and memorable way to spend an evening with some-one special.

Whether you are enjoying a winter wonderland adventure or relaxing under the summer skies of Lake Tahoe, you will find that opportunities to savor meals with your family and friends are all part of the fun. Lake Tahoe boasts some incredible dining choices for every taste and every budget, so make discovering the many flavors of the lake a part of your whole Tahoe experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellie_Cominos