Within a minute of stepping through Stella’s doors, I’m sipping a pomegranate prosecco aperitif and catching up with a friend. Seeing the already-present guests mingling in the intimate space featuring an open kitchen and taking in the décor, I know that this dinner, whimsically titled Go Fish, offers much more than a delicious night out.
Enjoy intimate dining at the Stella Pop Up Dinners | Jeff Freeman
Conceived by owner Patty Baird, Stella Pop Up Dinners are themed dinner parties at the famed eatery located steps from the Cedar House Sport Hotel’s entrance. Baird and her husband own and run the property, a feast for the eyes and spirit.
Stella at the Cedar House Sport Hotel offers themed dinner parties. | Jeff Freeman
“Many of our best dining experiences take place at home; they tend to be affairs where the entire menu is delectable, one course flows into the next just like good conversation,” says Baird. “Pop Ups offer an opportunity to connect with one another over delicious dishes without all of the work and clean up.”
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“Old friends chat over delectable bites and acquaintances
become friends over the meal.”
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Once a standard restaurant, the venue has been delighting residents and visitors with out-of-the-ordinary events that combine exceptional people, surroundings and preparations for truly special dining experiences.
The oyster hors d’oeuvre. | Nicole Cheslock
Stella’s approachable and friendly culinary team comprised of Ben Knox, Lupe Solis and Alex Downing are behind the spectacular offerings. Pop Ups include one menu, one seating and interesting information about each of the courses. Diners are encouraged to ask questions and connect with the chefs and servers. The kitchen is not off limits.
While catching up with Jocelyn Maddox, who arrived with wine from her family’s Lone Buffalo vineyard, I sample and savor the hors d’oeuvres, enjoying each one more than the previous: oysters, sliced Hawaiian Ahi with a touch of black lava salt followed by a tasty lump crab toast with crème fraîche and fine herbs and crunchy deep-fried baby octopus.
The first course, Hamachi Tiradito, is both beautiful and enchanting with hints of cilantro and lime and an unexpected smooth popcorn puree. Next up, a delicious wood-fired duo with baby squid and mussels. The main course is a Bouillabaisse featuring a tender Langoustine, Branzino, scallop and spot prawns. I’m relieved that my taste buds had been pleased but my stomach, not over stuffed. The light Tres Leches cake is a wonderful way to top off the evening. Old friends chat over delectable bites and acquaintances become friends over the meal.
Expect additional treats peppered throughout the meal. One of my favorites during Go Fish is the simple, small glass cup of Genmaicha. The subtle, smoother, house-toasted brown rice is both comforting and calming.
“For the adventurous diner, Stella Pop Ups offer exquisite experiences to enjoy with other diners,” adds Baird. Highlights of the 2015-16 winter series have included the Après Ski Pop Up Dinners that were designed to warm the belly and brighten spirits with hot mulled wine, chicken broth with gnocchi dumpling and Calvados braised beef cheek plus an unforgettable dark chocolate Pavlova with pomegranate sauce, caramel marshmallow and shortbread.
Upcoming events
Walking into Stella for the dinners offered on March 25 and 26 will be like stepping into Italy. In the spirit of an Italian Easter meal, begin with Arancini mozzarella stuffed fried risotto and Pizzagaina tartlets with prosciutto, capicola and pepperoni, among other morsels. The first course is Sarde alla Beccafico, a fried sardine stuffed with pancetta, brown butter pesto and sweet peppers followed by hand rolled linguini with sea urchin beurre monte, osetra caviar, chive and grana padano. Next enjoy Agnello Da Latte Arrosto, roasted lamb shoulder, fennel pollen, asparagus and patate al forno. Top off the evening with Stella’s take on Spumoni Cannoli.
On April 1 and 2, All Things Wood Fired will be featured. When daytime temperatures translate to frolicking in the nearby lakes and hiking from morning until dusk, the Summer Supper Club will satiate appetites on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Expect a similar format to the Pop Ups – a welcome aperitif, good conversation in a friendly beautiful place and memorable tasting menu topped off with exquisite sweets. Detailed menu and prices are available online. (See Events in each issue of Tahoe Weekly for upcoming Pop Up Dinners.)
Pop Up Dinners and other culinary events are held at Stella at the Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee | (530) 582-5655 or cedarhousesporthotel.com
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