By Priya Hutner ·
The house signature cocktail Lavender Fields was like a drinking a cup of lemon sunshine ·
I took the beautiful drive up Old 40 to Lake Mary Cabin for dinner recently. Each summer, Sugar Bowl Ski Resort hosts the Lake Mary dining series on select nights to benefit local nonprofits. On the night that I visited, the dinner supported The Donner Summit Historical Society.
Nestled in the pines, the setting is spectacular with dining on the deck overlooking Lake Mary with Mount Lincoln and Mount Disney in the background.
The Lobster Spring Roll with spicy toasted peanuts, asparagus and a soy sesame dipping sauce ·
Our server, Alex Irons, suggested the house signature cocktail Lavender Fields, which she created, featuring a blend of St. Germain liqueur, house-infused vanilla vodka, lemon juice, sparkling Kava and a lavender sugar rim. It was like a drinking a cup of lemon sunshine. Chef Marni Bistany of Five Minute Meals opted for glass of the house Sauvignon Blanc.
The Pan Seared Diver Scallop on a roasted carrot mash and pancetta beurre noisette ·
Alex suggested that we start with the Pan Seared Diver Scallop, which was served on a roasted carrot mash and pancetta beurre noisette, and the Lobster Spring Roll appetizer, served with scallions, bean sprouts, spicy toasted peanuts, asparagus, micro greens with a soy sesame dipping sauce. Both appetizers were perfect for our summer evening.
The Sesame Glazed Grilled Duck Breast was delicious, moist and tender ·
For our entrees, Alex recommended the Sesame Glazed Grilled Duck Breast served on a warm, long bean salad with red potato and scallion and the Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut served on a salad of French lentils, asparagus, roasted sweet corn, and heirloom cherry tomato finished with a beurre blanc.
The Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut was flakey and fresh with French lentils, asparagus and roasted sweet corn and finished with a beurre blanc ·
The duck was delicious, moist and tender, the glaze was not too sweet and the sesame seeds were a nice complement to the dish. The halibut was cooked perfectly and was flakey and fresh. “It is perfectly pleasant,” Marni commented. The Israeli couscous salad was good and was an excellent combination with the halibut.
The Flourless Belgium Truffle Cake topped with fresh whipped cream, blueberries and drizzle of Crème Anglaise ·
I love happy endings and the Flourless Belgium Truffle Cake topped with a thick layer of ganache did not disappoint. Served with fresh whipped cream, blueberries and drizzle of Crème Anglaise, it was amazing.
The menu for the dining series this summer offers a nice selection of options including a lovely vegetarian Potato Rosti entrée, flavored with Grana Padano cheese served with baby squash and sweet corn and finished with an heirloom tomato broth.
Reservations are required with seatings from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 7, 9, 16, 23 and 30, and on Sept. 6 and 13. Lake Mary Cabin is located on Donner Summit tucked behind the Sugar Bowl Academy, just past the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead on Lake Mary Road. For information and reservations, call Sugar Bowl Ski Resort at (530) 426-7002 or visit sugarbowl.com.
Priya Hutner is a writer, health and wellness consultant, and natural foods chef. Her business, The Seasoned Sage, focuses on wellness, conscious eating and healthy living. She offers healthy organic meals for her clients. She may be reached at pria78@gmail.com or visit theseasonedsage.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to read more Tastes columns.
