Updates from the West Shore

Hi, this time it’s Courtney, reporting in after a week in Lake Tahoe, specifically the West Shore. I have to say it was one of our best yet, which is saying a lot since I think this is about year 25 of Tahoe summer.

We rented a house from Tahoe Luxury Properties which I highly recommend. We had friends and kids and kid’s friends and friend’s kids all flowing in and out through the week. The weather was a perfect 80 something during the day and never too windy for a boat ride. And, Tahoe felt very fun and buzzy—

• Savoie has opened (finally) in the old Pfeifer house location in Tahoe City and it is THE reservation to get. We were lucky enough to be invited to join some friends who were ahead of the game and had a fabulous meal. The interior feels very French ski-lodge in an updated way which, in my opinion, is pure perfection! The food, also French inspired, is like nothing offered in Tahoe at the moment, very upscale, farm to table and inventive.

• Sunnyside has been bought and rumor is that it will “all” be new next season. I am assuming menu updates and decor changes which has me excited, but not everyone. This is an institution and deserved a last visit to the deck before who knows what?

• Chambers Landing was taken over by new management a couple of years ago and guess what? the food is good! While the pier bar is always crowded, the reservations in the restaurant are not hard to grab. Their famous turkey tacos (and Chambers punch) are no longer available but can be found around the corner at Dockside, served counter style with generally no wait so we are considering this a win win. (Also, Chambers now serves a “Chambers Crush” instead of a punch which is essentially the same thing but I didn’t say that!)

• It seemed easier than ever to book wake surf sessions at High Sierra— and they report a mellower summer. I think most Tahoe regulars have given into the craze and bought their own boat which is just fine with us because there is nothing better than a boat-on-demand that you don’t own!

• I hiked almost daily, ending with a butt buster up Ellis Peak. Literally swearing to myself up the last few rocks and then again when I realized the “downhill” was not all down, I was really proud the next day. This is one worth doing but start early, wear sunscreen and bring water!

• The Farmers Market on Thursday mornings is happening and the goods are incredible (and $$$). If you have a gluten free family member like me, be sure and stop by the GF bakery, the bread is insane. My oldest child is obsessed with the samosas that you grab in a bag and re-heat later and the produce will just make you joyful (and never return to Safeway.)

• The bears are still roaming- we had a driveway visitor a couple of times but nothing more.

• Still haven’t made it to Sylva, but I keep hearing how good the food and cocktails are and am determined that I will make it there soon!