What’s new in dining: Fresh fish in Truckee, BBQ, craft beer and more

SIERRA FOOTHILLS CHAMPION ON WHEATIES BOX
Nevada City snowboarder Evan Strong, who recently won a gold medal at the Winter Paralympics in Sochi, became the first elite para-athlete to appear on an iconic Wheaties box.

“Despite my injury, I never stopped challenging myself to grow and reach new milestones,” says Evan. “I hope my story will serve as an inspiration for others.”

Strong credits his success to a strict raw food diet and athletic drive, joining other local Olympians. Evan’s family owns The Fix for Foodies in Nevada City, which specializes in raw food dining. SuperFoodFix.com

BAM DAZY BBQ
Named for two beloved Boston Terriers, Bam and Daisy, Bam Dazy BBQ in North Auburn—visible off Hwy. 49 at Shale Ridge Rd.—is cooking up some of the region’s best barbecued ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken. It also offers catering.

Bam Dazy BBQ is a real barbecue pro. It participates in Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned events. BamDazyBBQ.com

DIEGOS
With the arrival of spring, we like to enjoy al fresco dining at Diegos in Grass Valley, redolent of a Latin American neighborhood cafe. The patio features original tile work, a trellis and colorful plantings.

We love the Lomito sandwich (roasted, shredded pork topped with guacamole, tomato and sauerkraut on fresh-baked bread and served with grilled veggies). The house-made Sangria, with plenty of fresh fruit, is delicious. DiegosRestaurant.com

JERNIGAN’S TAP HOUSE AND GRILL
With major-league baseball returning this spring, Jernigan’s in Nevada City is the ideal spot to eat a burger (house-ground Niman Ranch beef), drink craft beer on tap and watch a ballgame on their flat-screen TV. JernigansGrill.com

EMILY’S CATERING & CAKES
This summer Emily’s Catering & Cakes plans to open a retail store for homemade cakes, cupcakes and desserts at 421 Colfax Ave. in Grass Valley, or “The Avenue.” It also will sell homemade jams, salad dressings and other condiments. It also will be home to Emily’s popular catering business. EmilysCateringandCakes.com

Fresh Fish in Truckee
Truckee has a growing number of fresh, reasonable seafood options besides what you catch in the river.

Fresh fish arrives almost daily at Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Fish Market. Its “wicked fresh” fish includes lobster, salmon, scallop, haddock, shrimp or halibut, in a sandwich, wrap or salad. Morgan’s makes a classic Lobster Roll (shown above) also sold at Truckee’s popular Thursday Night Market. MorgansLobsterShack.com

One of the best fish sandwiches around is at JAX at the Tracks in Truckee. It is the dill-crumbled fish sandwich, served with homemade tarter sauce and coleslaw.

The sandwich was featured on the popular Food Network program Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. (See the video on our website SierraCulture.com). JAXTruckee.com