Sean Davis
This historic building in downtown Truckee has a fascinating history back to the 1800s as everything from a hotel to the Truckee bus station and a Bank of America branch.
Since 1974, it has been home to one of Truckee’s treasures for food, drink, entertainment and great hospitality, the Bar of America.
A recent spectacular remodel stays true to the craftsmanship and materials one would expect from artisans in the 19th Century while opening the spaces and bringing a wonderful refresh to the wood, leather and fixtures that help to create a special atmosphere.
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“Its rich body, crisp acidity and slight salinity played perfectly with the Dayboat Scallops.”
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Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is one of the New Zealand SBs that brought this grape to stardom worldwide and the 2014 version, $14 a glass, is classic with its refreshing acidity, citrus and sweet herb. It was a wonderful match for the Beer Battered 6 Shooter Jalapeno Shots, where the jalapenos are stuffed with sausage, cherry peppers and cheddar cheese and fried to crispy heavenliness.
Next was a California classic, the Talbot Kali Hart Vineyard Chardonnay, $12. This glass of yummy is from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey and its rich body, crisp acidity and slight salinity played perfectly with the Dayboat Scallops with warm quinoa and berry salad in orange beurre blanc.
Bar of America features wood-fired pizzas and as mushroom lovers we could not resist the Shrooms Pie with wild mushrooms, artichoke hearts, parmesan and arugula. The earthy flavors and perfectly charred crust called for wine with a little soul and the tart cherry and forest spices of the 2011 Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir, $15 a glass, matched the pie note for note.
With our palates poised for some big flavors we moved to Napa for the 2012 Miner Family Sangiovese, $49 a bottle, dark berries, orange zest, leather and a real herby freshness from the wine danced beautifully with Pan Seared Lemon-Rosemary Chicken offered with wild rice, king trumpet mushrooms, spinach and pancetta.
Rationalizing that we were going stay right here and dance the night away, we felt no guilt in ordering the Apple Crisp with carmel and vanilla bean ice cream. General Manager Tom Ballou suggested the Graham’s Tawny Port that brought smoke, spice and roasted nuts on the rich palate and we found the match to be sublime.
A visit to Bar of America always means great food, wine and entertainment, and you’ll find that Ballou and his staff really deliver on their mission, “To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, serve delicious meals from sustainable harvests, provide friendly and embracing service, and offer an irresistibly fun music and special events calendar.”
Bar of America is located at 10040 Donner Pass Road in Truckee. For more information, call (530) 587-2626 or visit barofamerica.com.
