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Written by By Paul Raymore
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Monday, 12 May 2008 |
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 The Space
Nestled amongst the pines in the heart of Truckee's Tahoe Donner neighborhood sits The Lodge — a classic American Bistro that is open to the public, with a beautiful dining room and exceptional outdoor dining options in the summertime. Inside, diners are treated to classic mountain architecture with contemporary accents in both the dining room and the pub area, with exposed beams, slate floors, fireplaces and nice views in each room.
Outside, guests can choose from the expansive second-story deck or the more intimate ground-level grotto when the warm weather beckons.
 The Food
Executive Chef Lew Orlady has been developing his own style of seasonal American bistro cuisine since graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He has cooked in the demanding culinary markets of New York City, San Francisco and Sacramento before relocating to the Tahoe area. Orlady describes The Lodge as “ a classic American bistro serving contemporary seasonal continental cuisine with French and Pacific Rim influences,” which translates to mouth-watering appetizer and entree choices presented with grace.
Appetizer, such as the Crispy Potato Gnocchi and Scottish Smoked Salmon on Rosemary Roasted Garlic Focaccia, are perfect for sharing as they are large enough to be a meal by themselves for the not-so-hungry. Three salads and a soup of the day round out the starters on the dinner menu.
Entrees include the Grilled Braised Angus Beef Shortribs with tangy horseradish-whipped potatoes, crispy onion rings and a port wine demi; Wild Alaskan Halibut Tacos with Brentwood white corn confete, fresh pico de gallo and avocado salsa; Pan Roasted Baja Diver Scallops served on a bed of truffled celery root, topped with peashoots and microgreens; and the fresh fish of the day, just to name a few.
And be sure to check back throughout the summer as Orlady changes the menu to reflect the produce and other ingredients that are at their peak at any given time.
The Drinks
The Lodge's 12-page wine list, which won a 2007 Wine Spectator Award, includes something perfect for everything on the menu and offers a good selection no matter what your price range. If a unique cocktail sounds better, try the Black & White Cosmo, or anything crafted with the house-made pineapple-infused vodka.
Gotta Try
The Peppered Seared Ahi Tuna Sashimi is an appetizer you won't soon forget — lightly seared tuna presented with an intriguing combination of sauces is accompanied by a Grilled Asian Spring Roll sticking straight up out of a ramekin. It's a dish almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Tidbit
In addition to the outdoor dining options available everyday, The Lodge also features a beautiful outdoor pavilion perfect for weddings or other large parties with room for up to 250 people, and a private dining room indoors for up to 60.
Happy Hour is another great reason to check out The Lodge with $3 draughts, $2 domestic bottles, $4 house cabernets and chardonnays, and $4 well drinks from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
 Price Range
Appetizers start at $8 and go to $15, dinner entrees range from $12 to $34, while items on the pub menu go from $8 to $23 (with most in the $8 to 12 dollar range). The lunch menu, when available, will include items priced under $13. And the impressive kids menu offers upscale and healthy choices in smaller portions from $4 to $12.
Hours of Operation
Dinner begins at 5 p.m. daily. The pub will open at 4 p.m. starting in June, and lunch is planned during July and August this summer starting at noon. The outdoor dining options will open Memorial Day weekend and stay open through the summer and warmer months of the fall.
Location
12850 Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee, California
Contact
(530) 587-9455
www.thelodge-tahoe.com
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