SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Tahoe, while known for its praised recreational activities and killer views, is also home to some pretty tasty food – if you know where to go.
From culinary school in Switzerland to the pacific coast working in Michelin star restaurants and fine dining establishments, Bryan Maina brought his love for food to Tahoe six years ago, spending his days finding his favorite food spots and learning Tahoe’s history.
As a chef, Maina’s ability to pinpoint complimentary flavors and impeccable presentation sparked an idea that would lead him to creating Taste of Tahoe Tours. He began the tours in June of this year after quitting his job to put his all into his business.
“I really immersed myself in the history and the day-to-day life of living out here, so my goal with the tours is to try and incorporate the local aspects with the evolving food scene in Tahoe,” said Maina.
Offering a variety of tours ranging from four-stop brunch tours to four-course dinner and scenic tours, Maina said his goals for each tour’s location is to show folks that there’s more to Tahoe than the hustle and bustle visitors, and even locals, often see. Part of the tour’s excitement is not knowing where you’re going. You place your trust in Maina as he takes you along for the ride.
“They get to get a feel of the local streets, the local vibe,” Maina said. “We don’t take them to the casinos, and we don’t spend a lot of time in the village.”
When scheduling a tour, Taste of Tahoe will request allergy information, dietary restrictions, and depending on the tour, your preferred coffee or tea order.
As the Tribune followed along on a four-stop brunch tour, the group was greeted with deliciously rich coffee before being guided to a nearby creperie where upon entering, Maina gave a brief, detailed history of how crepes came to be.
From there, we were guided on a short half-mile walk to another brunch hotspot where decadent blueberry french toast and savory avocado salmon lux found our taste buds, followed by a favorite local establishment to many, offering an explosion of flavors in the form of a shrimp and grits dish.
Mary Joy Lipari was visiting from Rochester, New York. She and her group of two others joined the tour with hopes of learning more about Tahoe.
“We wanted to see different areas of Tahoe and try the different tastes of food that are here,” said Lipari. “We loved the tour guide, and the history of some of the food. It’s been a wonderful experience.”
The tour finished with lakeside mimosas, upbeat spirits and newfound knowledge about Tahoe’s past, including the Harvey’s bombing and its historic Pony Express.
“What’s really surprising is we’ve had a lot of locals do our tour,” said Maina. “When I say locals, I mean people from Truckee, Minden, Gardnerville – people who have done all the touristy things, and they’re looking for a new experience.”
There are tours open throughout the week and weekend, with group options also available. To learn more about Taste of Tahoe Tours, or to book a tour, visit tasteoftahoetours.com or check out their Instagram: @tasteoftahoetours
