By Priya Hutner ·
Alaskan Halibut, one of 22 Bistro’s signature dishes
The 22 Bistro is clearly unique. The atmosphere is casual and elegant, but the food is anything but casual. Chef Scott Taucher chats about food: “I love spicy, eclectic world cuisine.”
“We use local sustainable products whenever possible,” he explains.
The restaurant purchases from The Tahoe Food Hub twice a week, and the menu reflects this with the Tahoe Food Hub Salad and Tahoe Food Hub Pasta, both staples at the Bistro.
Billy McCullough of Dragonfly fame is the Executive Chef of 22 Bistro. The menu is seasonal and the two chefs meet at the beginning of each season to create new, innovative selections.
I settle at the bar with Chase Rodgers, a graphic designer, excited to sample what Chef Scott is serving. The Dragonfly Thai Noodle Bowl with Green Curry and Cilantro Pesto is the first dish out. Green curry is one of my favorites, and it does not disappoint.
The Classic Dragonfly Thai Noodle Bowl ·
The Tahoe Food Hub Salad with kale, chard and heirloom tomatoes is topped with crispy parsnips and dressed in a maple champagne vinaigrette. The dressing is sweet and tangy and perfectly balanced to complement the greens. It’s amazing; I’ll order this again.
The delicious Alaskan Halibut is pan seared, served over wild rice pilaf and sweet corn relish, and topped with a roasted red bell pepper beurre blanc and is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
The menu offers a wide selection of choices for every palate. The PBR Stuffed Chicken is a house favorite. I am fascinated that they actually stuff a chicken with a beer can and cook it.
Thomas Walker, the Bistro’s bar manager, blends up the summer signature drink, a Peach Basil Margarita. The refreshing, peachy, citrusy libation is a delicious, creative combination. The muddled basil is a fantastic touch.
Manager RJ Gill, bar manager Thomas Walker & Chef Scott Taucher serve up The Tahoe Food Hub Salad and Alaskan Halibut ·
“We love the integration of cocktails and food pairing,” Taucher says. “I use Thomas’ liquor for my food and he uses our food for his drinks.”
Walker holds up the Shot Ski, one of Shane McConkey skis with numerous shot glasses adhered to it. “You can buy shots for $1 and a portion of the proceeds benefits The Shane McConkey Fund.”
Happy Hour specials include Chicken Satay, Sliders (Kobe Beef or Pulled Pork), Fish Tacos or Nachos all for less than $10. There’s live music on Wednesdays, as well. I definitely want to return. The food is fabulous.
22 Bistro is located at the base of KT-22 in the Village at Squaw Valley and is open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (530) 584-6146 or visit 22bistro.com.
