Cedar House Truckee for culinary arts & wellness

“IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR again; the white blankets have been peeled away, revealing an astonishing natural playground, exuberant to the eye and body.”

This eloquently sums up summer in the Sierra—from a hotel that offers an abundance of imaginative adventures in culinary arts and recreation.

The Cedar House Sport Hotel combines European-style lodging with an avant-garde restaurant called Stella and a creative in-house touring company called Tahoe Trips & Trails.

The Cedar House has become a hub for Truckee’s mushrooming foodie scene, ranging from all-natural burgers at Burger Me! (named a “Best Burger” by Esquire magazine) to Stella’s recent honor from Food & Wine magazine.

Earlier this year, Stella Chef Jacob Burton was nominated for The People’s Best New Chef award by the national magazine. “We’re so enthused that Food & Wine has recognized Chef Jacob’s incredible talent, creativity and professionalism,” says Patty Baird, owner of The Cedar House and Stella.

Stella features unique meals and an open kitchen. On a recent night, we enjoyed an entree of pan-roasted salmon, with baby bok choy, shitakes, Chinese cabbage, yucca fries and sauce ponzu, while our guest had curry-crusted lamb rack, with edamame, salisfy and cashews, cilantro lime yogurt and Vadouvan spice. The flourless chocolate cake for dessert was divine.

Stella also has launched its “Think Like a Chef” lunch lectures with a four-course tasting menu, wine pairings and a talk that teaches you to “think like a chef.” One recent lunch featured winemaker Milla Handley of Handley Cellars in Philo (Mendocino County).

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Cedar House also offers some imaginative outdoor adventure programs, whether you’re a hotel guest or not. Tahoe Trips & Trails guide and botanist Kelly Boire guides you on an exploration through the curious world of plants.

Is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail a daunting yet romantic dream? Wendy Lautner Speicher, author of Day Hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, will lead you on a day trip that includes a gourmet lunch and time for journal writing. TahoeTrips.com

Cedar House Sport Hotel
10918 Brockway Rd., Truckee
866-582-5655
CedarHouseSportHotel.com