While many of us navigate the uncertainty of challenging times, immersing ourselves in nature is one way to reduce stress and explore Tahoe’s beauty. Whether it’s sitting on Lake Tahoe’s shores, hiking, biking or getting into the back country, food is an essential aspect of spending time outdoors.
“We spent a lot of time researching items we wanted to carry with flavor profiles we wanted and items you won’t find anywhere else.”— Chris Schuster, West Shore Market
When going to the grocery story can fill some with anxiety and you just need a few things, try one of the local general stores and explore some of their unique offerings or grab food to go and enjoy outdoors.
Truckee
Sticks Market has been a fixture at Donner Lake for almost 30 years, serving a variety of tasty sandwiches. The market has a wide selection of beer and wine, deli meats and cheeses, fresh produce and the best dill pickles. Poke on the Lakepoke bowls return to the menu soon. They are delicious and perfect on a hot summer day. The market has an excellent location; grab a dock and enjoy your lunch.
Heading up to Tahoe Donner to bike or hike? It’s the perfect time to stop at Z Marketplace Deli on Northwoods Boulevard. With a daily lunch special, they have a variety of sandwiches and wraps. I love their turkey pesto panini and French dip sandwiches. Wednesdays through Fridays, they fire up the grill and barbecue. They also offer fresh produce, a cheese and crackers selection, wines and yummy chocolates. It’s an easy way to grab and go.
Glenshire General Store on Dorchester Road in the Glenshire neighborhood is another gem. It offers beer, wine, fresh burritos and sandwiches, as well as produce and organic groceries.
Olympic Valley
Planning some outdoor activities in Olympic Valley or Alpine Meadows, visit Alice’s Mountain Market, a family-owned and operated gourmet general store in the Village at Squaw. They have all manner of grab and go pre-packaged sandwiches, chips, and beverages for your Shirley Canyon or Five Lakes hike.
West Shore
Down the West Shore of Tahoe, West Shore Market is a fantastic neighborhood market at Sunnyside.
“The goal during our remodel was to create a space you want to come into. It’s comfortable. We spent a lot of time researching items we wanted to carry with flavor profiles we wanted and items you won’t find anywhere else,” says co-owner Chris Schuster.
The coffee bar features a specialty roast created for the market by a roaster in Reno, Nev. Schuster recommends trying the cinnamon rolls and scones: “It’s what we are known for … make sure to try the Leo Leo gelato.”
The deli prepares gourmet sandwiches. The shelves are stocked with locally sourced items, craft beers, wines, spirits and fresh meats, poultry and fish products. The organic produce is from Tahoe Food Hub. The market has everything you need, including sundries, cookbooks and kitchen and houseware items.
Obexer’s General Store & Deli, located at Obexer’s Boat Co., was founded in 1911. Located in Homewood, the family-owned market features groceries, produce, snacks and a coffee bar. The menu features breakfast bagels, specialty burritos, custom-crafted sandwiches — their Brown Sugar Pepper Bacon is made fresh daily. Obexer’s is unique and their food is delicious.
South Shore
As you roll into South Lake Tahoe, check out Camp Richardson General Store & Café, which serves breakfast and lunch. The store offers an excellent selection of wines and beer and to-go food items and camping supplies. Don’t forget to check out its sister stores across the street – the Ice Cream Parlor or Coffee and Confectionary.
I’ll feature local, specialty markets in the next edition and at TheTahoeWeekly.com.
Corner Markets
Sticks Market | 13710 Donner Pass Road | facebook.com/sticksmarket
Z Marketplace | 12716 Northwoods Blvd. | Z Marketplace Deli on Facebook
Glenshire General Store | 10095 Dorchester Drive | facebook.com/glenshiregeneralstore
Alice’s Mountain Market | 1850 Village South Road, Olympic Valley | | alicesmountainmarket.com
West Shore Market | 1780 W Lake Blvd. | westshoremarket.com
Obexer’s General Store | 5300 W Lake Blvd. | obexersgeneralstore.com
Camp Richardson General Store |1900 Jameson Beach Road | camprichardson.com
The Village Market | 770 Mays Blvd. Incline Village | villagemarketincline.com
