By Priya Hutner ·
When I venture out to eat, I want my food to be an experience. I want to be seduced by my meal from the first sip of wine, to the appetizer, main course and all that accompanies my foodie journey here in Tahoe.
Cottonwood Bar & Restaurant is one of my favorite food haunts. The atmosphere is comfortable and friendly with a vibe that includes a trip back in time. Photos of Truckee’s past and vintage skis hang throughout the establishment. Antiquity surrounds you.
The food is consistently good. Cottonwood’s Caesar Salad is the best I’ve had anywhere, hands down. I am always up for the Caesar Salad Challenge. Anyone? This Caesar is served with whole Romaine leaves dressed in tangy, garlicky, lemony, cheesy flavors, is topped with toasted baguette croutons, a true taste bud extravaganza.
Happy Hour buzzes every night of the week. French Margaritas and Moscow Mules are high on the list to try. The crew behind the bar make a mean drink.
Most recently, I indulged in Cottonwoods’ Butternut Squash Enchilada, with Ancho chile mole, cilantro, white cheddar cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds. The dish offers a unique blend of spicy flavors and creamy textures.
The music is local and always good, and I made a special point to get out and hear Ann Marie Sheridan play recently.
Roasted Yellow Corn Polenta Gratin with fresh mozzarella, tomato and roasted garlic with an almond and red bell pepper romesco and the butternut squash ravioli with sage brown butter, parmesan and pepitas are both delightful appetizers. I do love sauces.
The entrees are enticing. Choose from the Grilled Fulton Farms Natural Chicken Breast served with a Truckee Sourdough pretzel roll, brie, arugula and pickled onions, or a Pine Nut Crusted Sole served with herbed rice and a tomato dill beurre blanc.
Also featured on the menu is a Seafood Stew in a saffron-tomato broth served over linguini and a Grilled Marinated Wagyu Beef Bavette Steak topped with a béarnaise sauce.
The Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with herbed truffle butter and shaved parmesan cheese is a seasonal dish and not to be missed.
Cottonwood serves up great fun, excellent food and great drink specials with an awesome view of downtown Truckee.
Cottonwood Restaurant is open from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. and is located at 10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee, off Brockway Road. For more information, call (530) 587-5711 or visit cottonwoodrestaurant.com.
