Cooking meals at home has ramped up significantly in the last few months. For those of us who cook, inspiration is essential to prepare something different and out of the norm. Yet, we want to cook simple and easy recipes during the summer months. And, a visit to a specialty market can elevate meals to a new level. Trying a new condiment or sauce can offer a new twist on your standard recipes. It’s fun, inspiring and creative.
What makes a store a specialty market? For me, it’s one that pulls me in to look at the products on the shelves. It offers an experience, has an array of unique sauces, condiments and packaged goods often from different ethnic or global regions.
What makes a store a specialty market? For me, it’s one that pulls me in to look at the products on the shelves. It offers an experience, has an array of unique sauces, condiments and packaged goods often from different ethnic or global regions — maybe an Ethiopian berbere dry rub or Asian marinade for the steaks or an infused vinegar to elevate vegetables or a seasoned dressing to change a salad from OK to amazing. Several markets around the lake stand out and are worth a visit.
READ Priya’s feature on Tahoe’s corner markets
Truckee
Truckee Food Shop on Donner Pass Road is a unique specialty shop. They prepare delicious organic farm-to-table foods, but also make ethnic-forward, one-bowl meals and a variety of ready-made items for dinner. Homemade pickled vegetables, sauces, and condiments will add pizzaz to entrees and side dishes. With a daily special of pre-made dishes, this makes it super easy to pick up an evening meal.
The Pour House in Truckee is one of my favorite places in town. Dean Schaecher and Christa Finn have made their specialty shop one of my routine stops. The shop carries a selection of artisanal cheeses from Dedrick’s Cheese. I am addicted to the marinated goat. Looking to create a charcuterie board? They have a unique variety of salamis and cured meats. Try the boar, it’s delicious. Gourmet crackers, spreads, dried fruit and nuts — Marcona almonds, candied walnuts and pecans — are perfect for appetizers. And if you need a fix of dark chocolate, they have a variety of tasty confections.
Both are incredibly knowledgeable about their wine and have delicious wine for every price point. The Pour House has all the necessary items for a lovely antipasto for dinner, small garden party or appetizers for the evening meal.
“We offer two wine clubs for people that are not afraid to try different kinds of wines. The wines are seasonally reflective,” says Christa.
Tahoe City
Market 28 in Tahoe City is a serious specialty shop with an array of off-the-beaten-path products — from caviar to savory jams and olives, to shrubs, teas and more. The selection of canned and jarred items, unique rice and pasta products can change your meal perspective. Try the boquerones white anchovies on a grilled Caesar salad for a starter, followed by a lobster risotto with a side of fresh burrata with arugula, and grilled summer tomatoes on garlic bread. This is a perfect summer dinner. Place an order online or visit the store by appointment. It’s definitely worth making plans to order in advance.
Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet on West Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City is fabulous. They open early and have delicious coffee and beautiful baked goods. The smell of baked bread is enticing. Shelves are lined with gourmet sauces that can elevate any meal you make. Try the Zinfandel marinade for tri-tip. The bourbon peppercorn steak sauce calls for the grill to be fired up. Maybe a Moroccan curry rub on chicken thighs with a Tuscan Herb Lemonade Marinade over wild rice is tempting. Add some zip to your salad and mix the artichoke walnut pesto with a bit of mayonnaise for a new twist on salad dressing. Pick up the Sacher Torte, a chocolate cake layered with raspberry and topped with a chocolate ganache or a Cannoli Cream Cake for dessert.
Kings Beach
In Kings Beach, don’t miss a stop at Tahoe Central Market, which is fantastic. They have great sandwiches and salads, a juice bar and a great selection of beers, including a variety of gluten-free beer. The shelves are packed with fun and exciting items, leaving you plenty of time to spend at the beach. They also offer online ordering.
Incline Village
La Tienda Latina is the only Mexican grocery store in Incline Village offering everything from produce to made-to-order dishes, grocery items and a deli in the Village Center.
South Lake Tahoe
The Cork and More on Al Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe is one of the premier specialty stores in the Tahoe Sierra. The products lined on the shelves can be a mealtime game changer. Dipping oils, infused vinegars and oils, chutneys, hot sauces and barbecue sauces and spices will enhance the meals you serve. They have beautiful tapenades that are great for appetizers; the mustard is divine on burgers and in salad dressings. The enormous deli has beautiful pre-made salads to accompany your lunch or dinner. The wine and beer section is extensive with many choices to pair with whatever meal you decide to serve.
Get creative and explore some of the region’s unique markets to elevate and enhance your meals. Enjoy new and innovative palate pleasers to change up your next lunch or dinner.
Make sure to call or visit the stores online before you go to check for hours of operation during the pandemic
Specialty markets
The Cork and More |1032 Al Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe | thecorkandmore.com
Market 28 | 275 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City | market-28.com
La Tienda Latina | 785 Southwood Blvd, Suite 1, Incline Village | facebook.com/latiendalatina785
Tahoe Central Market | 8487 North Tahoe Blvd., Kings Beach | tahoecentralmarket.com
Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet | 625 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City | tahoe-house.com
Truckee Food Shop | 12030 Donner Pass Rd., Ste. 3, Truckee | truckeefoodshop.com
