Truckee Tahoe: Foodie stops

Before writers and editors visit, I like to share more than a handful of my favorite places in town.
Here's my latest "go to" for Truckee and North Lake Tahoe. Think I'm missing something worth mentioning? Comment below.

Stella at The Cedar House
The most creative place to eat in Truckee-Tahoe and the only local restaurant that grows greens, herbs and veggies on site.
This is THE place for dinner. When Edible Reno Tahoe does a round up of up and coming chefs under 30, Jacob Burton will be at the top. In addition to running Stella, he teaches culinary boot camps at the restaurant, has designed and runs an online cooking school, StellaCulinary.com. Check it out - http://www.stellaculinary.com. Menu and info: http://www.stella.cedarhousesporthotel.com/

Aside - The whole experience at The Cedar House Sport Hotel is out of the ordinary. Imagine minimalism at its best – fine European bedding, satisfying early evening refreshments in the lobby, exquisite guided hikes and recommendations from on site adventure concierges. You won’t want to stay anywhere but one of the rooms in the 40 room boutique “base camp” for outdoor and culinary adventures. In May 2011 The Cedar House owners purchased Tahoe Trips & Trails to complete their vision of a sport hotel. What began as a dream has turned into a frequent destination for Bay Area visitors who come for the weekend and return for on site family reunions and corporate planning sessions. Trip Advisor agrees – top dining in the area and award winning lodging. Info and rates: http://cedarhousesporthotel.com/

Red Truck at the Truckee Airport is a lunchtime treasure. First timers often look at the colorful hand printed menu on the wall and say to themselves or anyone in range, "I'm surprised! Everything looks so good and I don't expect this anywhere in Truckee!" Watch private plane coming and going or take your meal out te door. http://redtrucktahoe.com/cafe.html

Wolfdales, Tahoe City
Here’s a short article I wrote after their Farmers market class a couple of summers ago.
http://www.nicolecheslock.com/1/post/2011/08/-behind-the-scenes-with-douglas-dale.html

T's Mesquite Rotisserie, Incline Village
My favorite taco place in Tahoe Truckee is Ts - fresh, fast, delicious (right next to the movie theater)

Trokay Café, Truckee
Not to miss newcomer on historic downtown row in Truckee. Keep your eyes on their Facebook page as they’ve been remodeling in a new space for the last few months. https://www.facebook.com/TrokayCafe

MORE TAHOE TRUCKEE NOTABLES
Best Italian - Piantta in Truckee, Zia Lina in Tahoe City
Coffee Bar, daily gelato and imaginative coffee art in historic Truckee
Full Belly Deli – best sandwiches for hike, to go for flight
Pour House, the local’s wine shop and tasting room with adjacent cheese shop
New cupcake place, Cake Tahoe
Crescent Café at New Moon Natural Foods http://newmoonnaturalfoods.com/
Smokey’s - Grand Marnier FrenchToast, great for meat lovers and good, filling selections for vegetarians
PlumpJack, Olympic Valley (Squaw)
Mamasake boasts one of the best happy hour deals in town - $5 beer and handroll, Olympic Valley (Village)
Cornice Cantina, Tasty and inexpensive, Olympic Valley (Squaw parking lot)
Six Peaks Grille, Resort at Squaw Creek
Dam Cafe in Tahoe City - healthy (not super-sized) portions. Great burritos packed with flavor, goodness and not food coma inducing

Favorite annual special event - Gourmet Ski Tour, Tahoe City (March, Tahoe Cross Country)
For more event info check out Slow Food Lake Tahoe

En route
Driving east on Highway to 80 to Tahoe, don’t miss a stop at Lone Buffalo http://lonebuffalovineyards.com

Looking for the complete regional restaurant guide plus things to do while visiting? Pick up a copy of The Weekly.