Tahoe Thanksgiving
 

Any good recommendations for Thanksgiving Dinner in Tahoe?

No takers? Would Plumpjack be a good bet?

Plumpjacks is a terrific restaurant. Will you be in Squaw Valley? If the drive from your location to Squaw Valley is very far it could be problematic if the weather is bad. Where will you be located?

Squaw Valley Lodge. It looks like its about 100 yards away.

I've never been to Tahoe. I assume there will be snow. Will it be difficult to get the family off the mountain to the Nevada side of things? I have a 4wd.

&quot;<i> assume there will be snow</i>&quot; You really can't assume anything. Maybe - maybe not. The resorts REALLY hope for a good snow pack before Thanksgiving because it can be their biggest revenue period of the season. But some years the first real storms don't blow in until Dec or Jan.

There <i>should</i> be some snow but amounts are anybody's guess at this point.

If the roads are clear (high likelyhood in November) then to get to the Nevada side (I assume Reno?) it is pretty easy...just hop on I-80 East and head down the mountain.

If there is snow on the roads having 4WD will most likely keep you from having to put chains on.

If the roads are closed to all traffic just hang at the lodge until they reopen.

We dine at the Lone Eagle Grill, at the Hyatt Resort in Incline Village a couple times a year, but were up there 5 years ago for Thanksgiving, too. Their holiday dinner was fantastic, the atmospher so comfortable.
There had been snow, but it was melting away and the roads were clear. Of course it changes yearly.

If for any reason you want to get to Reno from Tahoe, it's fast to go 431, MT. Rose HW, BUT...IF the weather is not that great or there are road restrictions, it would be better to use 80..longer way but safer. The Mt. Rose summit is over 8,000 feet to it can be &quot;hairy&quot; up there, when it's actually not so bad at lake level or below.

Thanks a million for these tips and advice. I can't find my notes, but I'm pretty sure Plumpjack is $60 prix fixe. I will check on the Lone Eagle, that might be more in keeping with a reasonable budget.

I don't ski, but I love the mountains. Snow is fine. No snow is fine. Getting buried like the Donner Party would be problematic :-)

But one can always lay in a sufficient supply of libations.

We just returned from Squaw. It's a great place for a holiday. Plumpjack's beats the Hyatt...but no matter...if you are at Squaw you are already at Plumpjack's. Incline is at least a half hour drive. I hope you do have snow - but right now California is hot and dry. Cold nights in Tahoe, for sure - and by Thanksgiving it should be nice and chilly!

I checked on the Lone Eagle Grill, and the price is about the same, except for lake side dining at the Hyatt. Might as well stay with Plumpjack if you are going with $60 for Thanksgiving.

HYATT REGENCY: The Sierra Cafe will serve a buffet featuring roast beef, ham and turkey from 2-9 p.m. Selections include pineapple-mint sauce, au jus, apple-cranberry relish, pumpkin bisque, Caesar salad, ginger-carrot salad, sweet potatoes, baked cod in a basil cream sauce, ribs, garlic-mashed potatoes, and apple and pumpkin desserts. Cost is $34.95 and $15.95 for children ages 5-12.

The Lone Eagle Grille offers the same menu as the Sierra Cafe, but with extras, including a mashed potato bar, a seafood display, an ice cream station, pies and cakes. It is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Breakfast items will be served until 3 p.m. Cost is $59.95 and $29.95 for children ages 5-12.

FOLLOW UP:

Went to Plumpjack. A very pleasant, well served dinner. Light crab salad, a &quot;Plumpjack Martini&quot; (with ice wine and flavored vodka -- not too much kick), as I recall, a smoked turkey/mashed potato entree and a delicious chocolate dessert. About $340 for four (Only one glass of house white wine, I'm the lone drinker at the table.)

Staff was very nice, but seemed kind of concerned that the patrons would fly into a lather easily or something. Apparently they took to heart a complaint that the meal was over the top the previous year and trimmed it down. I would say they succeeded, the whole thing was just filling without crossing over into Thanksgiving painful.

Never been to Squaw before. Found all the workers there very mellow and kind -- sort of like surfers without the edginess.

Definitely enjoyed the hot tub and pool in the chill air.

Excellent trip.

Now time to work up the courage and face the REAL snow.