Orozko Lounge in John Ascuaga’s Nugget offers the world’s super-premium tequila brands along with delicious tapas, every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. – a great way to toast the work week’s end! Half-price shots of select premium tequila will be featured each week in addition to 2-for-1 flavored Margaritas. 

Tequila tasters can sample from among famous makers such as Tres GeneracionesAnejo, Reposado and Plata; Patron Silver and Anejo Gold; CorralejoAnejo and Reposado, Cabo WaboBlanco; HerraduraAnejo and Reposado; Partida Silver and many others. Tequila Fridays beverage menu also features flavored Margaritas: strawberry, peach, mango, Midori, raspberry, blueberry and pomegranate.

A wide choice of mixed drinks rounds out the selection, including The Basque Flag, the Mexican Hurricane, and Tara’s Triple Platinum Margarita, a limoncello version of Long Island Ice Tea.

Orozko Lounge’s “Over the Top Tapas” menu changes weekly, with offerings like Ahi Poke with Won Ton Chips, Artichoke and Goat Cheese Fritters, Lime Infused Pork with Grilled Sea Scallop, and Oven Roasted Beet Carpaccio salad with Maytag Bleu Cheese.

Those who like to share their love of tequila can sample any of Orozko’s Amigo Specialties, like Beto’s Blue Diablo, 44 ounces of pure pleasure in a Nugget souvenir glass (with two straws!) or the Orozko-Rita. Both drinks feature 1800 brand tequila.

If you’re planning a trip Orozko Wednesday through Saturday, here’s what’s going on!

Wednesdays Every Wednesday night from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. is Nugget Jazz Night featuring nationally-known jazz recording artists in the Orozko Lounge. There is no cover charge for these events. Schedule is available at janugget.com.

Thursdays Every Thursday night from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. is Wine Tasting Thursdays featuring top wines from all over the world specially paired with delicious tapas created by our world-class culinary team. It’s only $20 per person for this gourmet wine and food experience.

Saturdays Saturday night is The Ultimate Martini Bar at the Orozko Lounge from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Orozko’s famous signature and ultra premium martinis are only $5 each.

Rain, snow or shine, a trip to Lake Tahoe is a guaranteed good time. I knew regardless of my dining experience, I would at the very least enjoy my drive up to the Lake. Working in the tourism industry and social media world, I couldn’t escape the buzz surrounding the new West Share Cafe - the newest indulgence along the shores of Lake Tahoe, directly across the street from Homewood Ski Resort.

 The setting is elegant, rustic, warm and inviting, and the view is absolutely breathtaking. You feel as if you’re sitting on the clear blue waters of Tahoe. The lunch menu has a nice variety of burgers, fish & chips, salads, wings, sandwiches and soups, and the kids don’t get skimped either! We ordered the chicken strips platter for our toddler, and requested a side of fruit in lieu of the fries. Her meal was hands down the best one on the table, and the healthiest kids entree I’ve ever seen - at a great price! Lunch ranges anywhere between $10 – $18, with dinner entrees starting as low as $12.

 The room was a blend of families, skiers fresh off the slopes, business meetings and a few romantic couples at the bar. With a setting this beautiful, it’s the perfect setting for any group or occassion.

After our meals, we went upstairs to tour the Inn portion of the West Shore. If you’re looking for prime lodging with a more intimate feel, this is the place for you. All suites are approximately 500sq ft and feature fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, down comforters, soy bamboo micro fiber robes, and most importantly, a deck overlooking Lake Tahoe.

For more information on the West Shore Cafe and Inn, check out their website: http://www.skihomewood.com/westshorecafe.