Getaway Reno-Tahoe

Swiss Dining in the Sierra

By Natasha Bourlin

Lake Tahoe has often been called the “American Alps.” When temperatures dip, much like the Swiss, Tahoe locals and visitors seek out sustenance that warms the body from the inside out while tickling the taste buds delightfully.

Gastronomically speaking, almost nothing seems more Swiss than letting tasty edible tidbits swim in steaming, melted cheese or chocolate. Fiending for some fondue now? Let us allure you with these menu items inspired by the Swiss but offered regionally.

IDLE AWAY YOUR TIME

At the Idle Hour in South Lake Tahoe, gaze at the cerulean lake and surrounding pines over an enticing pot of fondue for two. Toasty French bread and fruit can be dipped into luscious, melted cheese while tasting several of their complementary artisan wines. idlehourlaketahoe.com

Down the hill in Reno, find flavorful fondue kits made to order at The Flavor Studio. Fine Alpine cheeses curated with the help of the region’s “Queen Brie” Laura Conrow are blended to melting perfection. All ingredients — including another other key addition, Kirsch — are packaged with cooking instructions, cornichons and a French baguette. Other dippable selections can be added on, such as sliced Jamon Iberico, steamed cauliflower, baby potatoes, apples, shrimp, meatballs and more. The Flavor Studio team has also selected several wines that pair impeccably with the fondue to take home for an additional cost. theflavorstudio.com

MELTY GOODNESS

Take a seat at Liberty Food and Wine Exchange in Downtown Reno, order one of their craft cocktails, beers or a glass of wine, and dip brioche pretzel

twists and apples into a hearty pot of molten gruyere cheese blended with white wine. Guests can also have fun experimenting with dipping some of Liberty’s other mouthwatering small plate items into the cheesy goodness too. Charcuterie dipped in gruyere? Yes please! libertyfoodandwine.com

Cheese is glorious when melted … but so is chocolate. Visit Dorinda’s Chocolates for exquisite dark, milk or white chocolate callets, aka chips, ideal for melting into chocolate fondue. Purchase Dorinda’s decadent, globally acclaimed Valrhona chocolate in quarterpound increments to melt down into dessert — or heck, perhaps even breakfast — then decide what you think will be fabulous dripping in world-renowned chocolate. Having a party? Call ahead and order the callets in bulk. dorindaschocolates.com

FINE DINING FOCUS

On Tahoe’s West Shore, a staple of fine cuisine has stood fast since 1920. In 1965, two immigrants from Switzerland took over the stately restaurant that featured a facade and interior fitting for both the Alps and Tahoe, dubbing it Swiss Lakewood.

Settle in amidst the alpine decor. Fondue is not the focus here, instead serving European delicacies ranging from a pristine rack of lamb and wienerschnitzel, to escargot and oysters Rockefeller. Cap off the meal with a delicate,

CONTENTS

en-us

2021-11-15T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-15T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://getaway.pressreader.com/article/281676848174746

Getaway Reno/Tahoe