April 5, 2023 | Member Submitted
Tastes of Incline has returned! Hosted by P.E.O (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Chapter AC, the event serves as a fundraiser to help local women with educational scholarships. The event is August 24th from 4:30 pm – 7 pm at The Chateau. Tickets are $75 in advance available at Potlatch & $80 at the door.
January 23, 2023 | Miranda Jacobson
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 1/19/23. Written by Miranda Jacobson.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — With plenty of snow falling in the Lake Tahoe Basin this winter, the search is on for the best warm drink to enjoy on a cold day.
Whether you’re looking for a warm cup of coffee or something sweet to eat with the family after a day on the slopes, communities in the basin have something to offer.
We’ve put together a list of the best coffee shops to head to in the basin based off reader’s votes in the Best of 2022 contests on the north and south shores. Keep reading to find your next favorite spot.
January 23, 2023 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 1/19/23. Written by Robert Galloway.
To try and decide each week where and what to eat in and around the basin can be a challenge — there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.
You ever have one of those dishes that no matter what kind of day you’re having you can always return to and know it will instantly put you in a good mood? This week’s feature is one of those dishes for me. I don’t believe I’ve ever dined at the Lone Eagle Grille and not ordered this popular appetizer.
January 23, 2023 | Member Submitted
Glasses Wine Bar is hosting a tasting event! The 6th class in Glasses Wine Bar’s Varietal Class Series is Zinfandel, “America’s Grape”. Taste 5 different examples of the Zinfandel grape including Primitivo, the genetically similar grape to Zin. There will be small bites paired with each wine. Learn how different wine-making techniques, soils, and climate influence the various taste profiles. Special event bottle pricing on wines tasted at the event.
January 16, 2023 | Kayla Anderson
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on 1/12/23. Written by Kayla Anderson.
Lake Tahoe is known for its 300 days of sunshine per year, but in the wintertime an epic Sierra storm or two can come in and blanket the basin making it chilly pretty fast. That’s when a nice bowl of hot, hearty Asian noodles come into play.
After a day of being in the snow, whether it’s after shoveling that berm blocking the driveway, skiing or snowboarding down the slopes, or simply taking the family or friends out to a nice dinner where everyone leaves satisfied, here are some of the best places in Truckee/Tahoe to get noodles. The colder outside, the better.
January 10, 2023 | Miranda Jacobson
Originally published in the Sierra Sun on 1/9/23. Written by Miranda Jacobson.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — A new restaurant, Nevada Jane, has opened in Incline Village.
The cocktail kitchen features a bar and lounge, along with an desirable new menu that is served until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
The restaurant was formally known as Gus’s, which served barbecue cuisine, but after change in ownership to Jonas and Nellie Saia, the duo changed things up and brought Nevada Jane to the North Shore.
December 20, 2022 | Kayla Anderson
Published on the Northern Lights Website
Now that things are back to normal in IV/CB, businesses are continually welcoming locals and visitors alike. And as we approach the holidays, there are several restaurants (ones that have been around forever and even new ones that have sprung up during the pandemic) that offer all kinds of fare to tantalize anyone’s palate.
From grab-and-go Korean BBQ wings or tamales from the San Miguel Mexican market on Tanager to fine dining experiences at places like the Lone Eagle Grille, the Crystal Bay Steakhouse, and others, Incline Village/Crystal Bay has you covered. Therefore, no matter what the occasion is- whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want a delicious meal at a great price, here are some places worth trying out:
FINE DINING
Hyatt Regency/Lone Eagle Grille, 111 Country Club Dr., Incline Village
At the end of Country Club Road where the town of Incline Village meets Big Blue, Lone Eagle Grille offers fine lakeside dining right on Tahoe’s shores. Its menu features meat, seafood, and vegetarian favorites that pair nicely with unique side dishes and a signature Golden Eagle cocktail or glass of wine. Its oversized panoramic windows give most diners a glimpse of the setting sun in a romantic, comfortable atmosphere that can accommodate groups of 2-20 people. It also offers special menus around the holidays that usually consist of a four-course meal, dessert, and wine pairings (so keep a look out for LEG’s New Year’s Eve menu). Call (775) 886-6899 or visit the Lone Eagle Grille website to make a reservation.
Crystal Bay Casino Steak & Lobster House, 14 State Route 28, Crystal Bay
Open from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., the Crystal Bay Steak & Lobster House right on North Shore’s state line serves surf & turf, Muscovy duck, bone-in pork chops, and salmon filets, along with a variety of hearty sides like the lobster mac-n-cheese to choose from out of a pre-fixe menu. Or you can just go for the 20-oz. T-bone steak a la carte. Pair your meal with one of the many vintage wines, cognacs, or ports on its page-long wine list and you’ll go to bed full and happy. Call (775) 831-0512 to make a reservation.
Azzara’s, 930 Tahoe Blvd. Ste. 101, Incline Village
Family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, fine Italian cooking is a passion for Andrea Azzara and her husband Cord Gitchell. From the moment you enter the Raley’s Shopping Center, you can smell the garlic and butter wafting out of the restaurant. Once inside, you’re greeted by friendly servers, lively patrons, and mouthwatering options.
You can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu from the pasta al dente to the pizzas or specials, but my favorite “treat” is a seasonal stuffed artichoke or tiramisu paired with prosecco. Azzara’s provides take-out, delivery, and in-house dining, but it’s best to get there early to get a seat. Read more about this Incline Village staple in the Winter 2021 edition of Live Work Play, and be sure to keep an eye out for their New Year’s Eve special dinner menu which is usually off-the-charts delicious.
Austin’s/Fumo, 120 Country Club Dr., Incline Village
Known for their gigantic salads, buttermilk fries, and hearty hamburgers, Austin’s is a nice sit-down restaurant with a decent-sized patio for outdoor dining. Located next to Incline Spirits, the Saia family also opened the Cool Mess coffee and ice cream shop as well as Fumo– a cozy lounge that provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails.
PLACES TO EAT (OR PICK UP PROVISIONS) AROUND NEW YEAR’S
Incline Spirits, 120 Country Club Dr., Incline Village
If your plan is to stay in and curl up on the couch with some Netflix or in front of the fireplace with a little bubbly or craft beer, then Incline Spirits is the best place to load up on any aperitif you’re looking for from wine and spirits to non-alcoholic beverages and hard kombucha. They even carry essential items for the morning after such as Tylenol, Swedish fish and The Townie Special. Incline Spirits is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Sage Leaf Restaurant, 893 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village
Located on Tahoe Boulevard across from Starbucks, the former chef from LEG has his own restaurant now and is putting his creative spin on breakfast and lunch cuisine from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday-Monday. Therefore, if you wake up craving healthy and hearty food such as the braised bacon tacos or a Tahoe Food Hub salad, then Sage Leaf is your spot (if you make a reservation in advance). Sage Leaf is also always changing and introducing new menu items all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For more information, visit the Sage Leaf website or call 775-413-5005 to reserve a table.
Susie Scoops, 899 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village
Serving ice cream, smoothies, shakes, malts, and maybe donuts, this place is sure to help you appease your sweet tooth while you’re out doing your holiday shopping. Voted Best Ice Cream Shop in North Lake Tahoe, the Goldenbergs also own Village Toys connected to Susie Scoops (across from Starbucks in the same shopping center) and they are offering 20 percent off all charitable purchases throughout the holiday season to organizations like Toys for Tots and to other families in need.
Drink Coffee Do Stuff, 907 Tahoe Blvd. #20A, Incline Village
If you’re yearning for some fresh air and some sunshine (or maybe snowfall) instead of lazing around on the couch on New Year’s Day, then head over to Drink Coffee Do Stuff located at 907 Tahoe Blvd. #20A open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for a caffeinated pick-me-up. When you’re recharged, head up the hill to Incline’s resident ski resort, Diamond Peak, and take in the incredible view of Lake Tahoe from the top of Crystal Ridge.
Thania’s Juice Bar, 868 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village
Starting your new year off with a healthy quick meal or energy boosting juice is also a subtle way to gently ease into 2023. Fortunately, Thania’s Juice Bar in Christmas Tree Village has a wide selection of healthy, antioxidant-chocked drinks, granola bowls, and vegetarian cuisine. Try the Cactus/Aloe/Lemon juice, lox toast, or seasonal tomato basil soup. This is also a favorite spot of local athlete Lila Lapanja.
San Miguel Tahoe Store, 895 Tanager St., Incline Village
Over on Tanager Boulevard right next to the Hive Collective, a new and authentic Mexican market opened. Find household staples like laundry detergent and cereal along with a whole refrigerator case of flavored coconut waters, leche, non-alcoholic sangria, Electrolits, and ballenas of cerveza. It also sells a floor-to-ceiling display of spices to go along with your chicharrons or flavor one of the gigantic slabs of meat available. In that department, you can find el pastor, cuts of ranchera style beef, and 12-lb. wheels of queso fresco. Its produce section features fresh veggies as well as ready-to-cook nopales (cactus), along with a wide variety of galletas (cookies) and topos (tortilla chips) to go with your homemade guac. Every once in a while, they’ll serve up special tacos and guaraches; check out San Miguel’s Facebook page to stay in the loop.
Wing’s Korean Chicken, 893 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village
Located on the other side of the building shared with Starbucks and Susie Scoops, Wing’s may look tiny, but it has a big menu with a lot of items chocked full of flavor. Try the Galbi or K-sauce wings (normal or boneless) made with their proprietary sweet Korean BBQ sauce recipes, with pickled radish on the side. Or dare your friends to try the spicy wings (one of the sauces has five peppers in it- including ghost pepper), If you do so, keep a cold drink or bottle of Soon Hari Yogurt Soju Korean liquor on the side to help calm down your flaming tastebuds.
RECENTLY OPENED RESTAURANTS IN IV/CB
While it’s true that the pandemic changed our lives in many ways, it also offered some people in the IV/CB area to pursue their dreams of opening their own restaurant. Here are a few new businesses that have opened in 2022…despite all the challenges that lay before them:
Nevada Jane, 930 Tahoe Blvd. Ste 601, Incline Village
Owned by the same family that runs Fumo, Austin’s, and Cool Mess in the Country Club Shopping Centre, the Saias have taken over the former Gus’ barbeque restaurant and turned it into an upscale eatery and cocktail lounge open until midnight on weekends. Its Latin street food inspired menu includes elotes, steak frites, pork belly, and halibut. Read about them more in this IVCBA Member Profile and be sure to head over there for a nightcap and a snack soon.
Ohana Diner at Bowl Incline, 920 Southwood Blvd., Incline Village
Built by renowned chef Sam Choy, the newly opened Ohana Diner in the remodeled Bowl Incline serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week. The “Godfather of Poke” characterizes his cuisine as “a melting pot of the freshest ingredients from every culture on the Hawaiian islands” and the bowling alley also serves incredible cocktails and late-night snacks. Read about Incline’s newest restaurant in the Winter 2022 edition of Live Work Play magazine.
Happy Tiers, 868 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village
Happy Tiers Bakery started out making extravagant and memorable cakes for special occasions happening in Incline Village/Crystal Bay but has since morphed its menu to include hot chocolate bombs, quiches, pies, its signature delicious cinnamon rolls, and more in its new brick-and-mortar location in the Christmas Tree Village. Read about their incredible journey in the Winter 2022 edition of Live Work Play magazine.
Mehfil Bistro, 868 Tahoe Blvd. 18-19, Incline Village
Those of you who’ve been around for a while may remember a Sri Lankan restaurant in the Christmas Tree Village called Indu’s. The space has been vacant for a while, but recently the Mehfil Indian Bistro moved in and is now open. Find vegetable samosas and pakoras, tikki masala, allo gobi, and paneer combinations. Its extensive menu includes all of your favorite Indian dishes, and there’s a Mehfil Bistro in Truckee as well.
December 7, 2022 | Kayla Anderson
Shop Local, Shop Small
Tis the season for holiday shopping, and what better way to celebrate your loved ones than by getting them something unique, original, and made or sourced in your own town. And from now until Christmas, there are dozens of events, shops, and promotions within Incline Village and Crystal Bay that are worth checking out. Here are a few options for finding gifts close to your holiday home:
Panache (930 Tahoe Blvd. Ste 204, Incline Village) next to Raley’s in Incline Village carries home décor items such as nice-smelling candles, Tahoe-centric coffee table books, and warm women’s clothing, everything from stylish activewear to Emu boots and slippers.
You can also scoop up comfortable, warm second hand clothing at the Village Christian Thrift Shop (799 Southwood Blvd., Incline Village), Pet Network Thrift Store (760 Mays Blvd. Ste 9, Incline Village), and Tahoe Family Solutions (774 Mays Blvd. #13, Incline Village) all in and around Mays Boulevard. All these thrift stores have kitchen appliances, furniture, sports equipment, greeting cards, and an abundance of other good finds, so you can really stock up on gifts while saving money and supporting worthy causes. Tahoe Forest Hospice Gift & Thrift (893 Tahoe Blvd. Ste 1500, Incline Village) also has an amazing assortment of items, and its staff is super friendly.
Karma Tahoe (868 Tahoe Blvd. Ste. 12, Incline Village) in Christmas Tree Village started out as a women’s clothing boutique but expanded to include children and men’s clothing. Find gently used boots, shoes, purses, and jewelry too.
Speaking of jewelry…if you’re thinking of taking your relationship to the next level, consider checking out specially sourced turquoise, stone, and metallic necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings at family generational business The Potlatch (930 Tahoe Blvd. Ste 401, Incline Village), or the glimmering Forever Rox jewelry store (930 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village) to find priceless diamonds, also located in the Raley’s Shopping Center.
For things exclusively made in Lake Tahoe, Handmade at the Lake (865 Tahoe Blvd. Ste 104, Incline Village) sells quilts, kitchen and bath accessories, Lake Tahoe ornaments, bath sets, and pottery made right here in Tahoe.
FOR THE FOODIE IN YOUR LIFE:
Raley’s (930 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village) and Happy Tiers Bakery (Christmas Tree Village, Incline Village) has you covered, with sweets, specialty breakfasts, and more. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe Provisions (111 Country Club Dr., Incline Village) also has Tahoe made snacks and to-go treats that are made right here at the lake, and you may get to catch a glimpse of its impressive holiday gingerbread display. Sunshine Deli (919 Incline Way, Incline Village) sells delectable pastries, specialty donuts made inhouse, and other belly-filling yet healthy breakfast and lunch items.
Alcohol makes a good gift for those ages 21 and older, and there’s no better place to find it than at Incline Spirits & Cigars (120 Country Club Dr. Unit 25, Incline Village). If you’re looking for more of a laidback wine night, head over to Glasses Wine Bar (760 Mays Blvd. Ste. 8, Incline Village) to grab a bottle to share with friends or pour your own glass our of one of its many wine dispensers.
A great idea for hostess and holiday gifts with a Tahoe flair, the thoughtfully curated Tahoe Welcome Basket are chock full of unique locally crafted food and artisan products.
FOR THE KIDS:
If you are shopping for young ones, The Potlatch has an entire kids books and games section. And while you’re so close, it’s worth meandering across the parking lot about two hundred yards away to cuddle up with the soft plush toys at Panache. To find a whole shop dedicated to kids, venture over to Village Toys (899 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village) that’s now located next to Starbucks on the corner of Highway 28 and Village Boulevard. Buy an unwrapped gift for charity (Toys for Tots and others) and receive a 20 percent discount through the holiday season.
Have you checked out the new Bowl Incline (920 Southwood Blvd., Incline Village)? If not, consider buying a bowling session for your family for an experience you’ll never forget in the newly renovated building. There is something for everyone here, including three pool tables, a state-of-the-art arcade, cornhole boards in an outside enclosed patio area, and a fancy cocktail menu for adults. Learn more about the business’s reinvention in the Winter 2022 edition of Live Work Play magazine.
FOR THE GARDENER/INTERIOR DESIGNER IN YOUR LIFE:
If you have that special person who takes pride in their yard and home, check out High Sierra Gardens (866 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village) for a lovely variety of plants and their holders, or put together a nice fresh flower bouquet to bring to your party host. For a gift that lasts a bit longer, head over to ACE Hardware (910 Tahoe Blvd. Unit 103, Incline Village) for tools, hoses, paint, appliances, barbeques, and other garden equipment.
For more interior decorating, Village Interiors (868 Tahoe Blvd. Ste. 9, Incline Village) sells furniture, art, and will even design your space for you, and the new Bridget Giroux Design (Above Drink Coffee Do Stuff in Incline Village) mother/daughter team brings a fresh, modern take on how to design a mountain rustic home with aesthetic tastes close to the Holly Hunt brand. Every month, the design studio also hosts exhibits featuring local artists in its pop-up gallery and hosts a holiday shopping event open to the public in late November/early December.
FOR THE SKIER OR SNOWBOARDER:
For all things outdoor-related, visit the Village Ski Loft (800 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village) for socks, skis, snowboards, goggles, jackets, pants, and more. It also carries mountain bike and hiking accessories for the summer aficionado. If you have a four-legged that you like to explore the outdoors with, pick up some stocking stuffer treats for them at the newly expanded Pet Station (800 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village) located underneath VSL.
Speaking of skis, check out the line of Praxis sticks made right here in Incline Village (848 Tanager St. Unit J, Incline Village). Take them up to our local, community-owned Diamond Peak Ski Resort (1210 Ski Way, Incline Village) and pick up a signature DP gift item at its shop within the base lodge.
November 23, 2022 | Grace Hubrig
Shop local! Shop small. Visit the retailers and locally owned businesses in Incline Village and Crystal Bay for your holiday shopping!
Check out the local deals happening on Small Business Saturday, November 26:
SHOPPING / GIFTS
• November 26: 15% off in-store shopping (excludes bulk ordering for events)
• November 25: 20% off all Holiday items and 20% off all clothing
• November 26: 10% off Storewide
• November 25 – 27: 20% on Lake Tahoe-Opoly or Lake Tahoe 1000pc Puzzle OR save 30% if you buy them both!
• All Holiday Season: 20% discount on all charitable purchases (including Toys for Tots & all church fundraisers that are providing toys to needy children)
• Free gift-wrapping
Elevated Water Sports Boat Club:
• Until December 31: $1000 off initiation
• November 25 – 26: Sale, stop in to check it out
• November 26: 10% off storewide
FOOD / DRINK
• November 26: 25% off online orders at coffeetahoe.com using code “COOLMESS25”
• November 25 – 26: Biggest wine sale in their 6-year history, over 80 wines are up to 50% off retail prices, quantities are limited
• November 26: 10% off entire purchase
• November 25 – 26: half off late night menu appetizers from 5pm – midnight (every Friday and Saturday)
• November 26: First beer is half price with an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots
Additionally, TALBOT Fine Art Gallery will be open this weekend and will have Tahoe Flags, Stickers and Fine Art Available.
Handmade at the Lake has knitted hand warmers and headbands ready for the cold season and holiday gifts!
Send a North Lake Tahoe eGift Card and support local businesses! The eGift Card can be used at participating locations throughout North Lake Tahoe. The Incline Village/Crystal Bay locations are: IVGID Rec Center, Nina Photography, The Grille at The Chateau, Village Toys, and Diamond Peak Ski Resort.
Support Toys for Tots at any of the locations below:
May 25, 2022 | Mike Danahey
If you’ve dined out in Incline Village, chances are you’ve stopped by Austin’s for some comfort food, FUMO for breakfast or dinner and drinks, Cool Mess for ice cream or coffee or Gus’ Open Pit Barbecue for some smoky Santa Maria-style deliciousness.
Those spots are all part of Nellie and Jonas Saia’s Tahoe Fresh Co./Tahoe BBQ business. By supporting them, patrons keep their dining dollars local while satisfying their appetites.
They also help nourish Incline’s young minds, as Tahoe Fresh Co./Tahoe BBQ frequently lends support in a number of ways to Incline’s public schools.
“We continue to be thankful for the support of the community and want to be a part in helping make this community strong,” Tahoe Fresh Co./Tahoe BBQ Office Manager Lisa Richards said.
In February, the company’s various spots donated gift cards for the Incline Elementary School Mardi Gras fundraiser. For the auction at Incline High’s Annual Crab Feed March 19, Tahoe Fresh Co./Tahoe BBQ is offering a NCAA March Madness Sweet 16 package, a private party for up to 50 guests March 24 at Gus’s, with some special guests and food included.
Tahoe Fresh Co./Tahoe BBQ restaurants have also provided eats for celebrations like Teacher Appreciation Week. Cool Mess donated gift cards to be used in the public schools’ positive behavior rewards program.
“The business has encouraged guests to give via a QR code at the tables in its restaurants,” Richards said. “We also tried to assist the Incline Education Fund with a Dollars for Scholars promotion late last year.”
“We are eager to see what opportunities there are to participate in future IEF giving campaigns,” Richards said. “They do such great work for all our schools, and we are happy to assist their efforts.”
Tahoe Fresh Co./Tahoe BBQ restaurants also provide jobs for a handful of Incline High students to give them real world work experience.
Richards said, “Many of our team members have attended Incline schools, come to work for us during summers, or to support themselves once they graduate and are attending local colleges. The Sais’s have two children of their own attending IES, “who were blessed to be born and raised here,” Richards said.
Visit the restaurants online
Austin’s Cool Mess FUMO Nevada Jane
**This article originally appeared in the Spring 2022 issue of LIVE.WORK.PLAY., IVCBA’s magazine. See it and read other stories and issues here.