The 26th Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival, considered one of Lake Tahoe’s premier gourmet events, is scheduled for September 9 -11 at the Village at Northstar in Truckee, California.

Friday, September 9

The always hilarious, annual rite of passage is the 8th Annual Village Grape Stomp and Vineyard Luncheon. Costumed teams furiously stomp fresh-from-the-vineyard grapes competing to extract the most juice.

Saturday, September 10

Day two of the festival showcases some of the best culinary programs in the region, including three free outdoor seminars held in the heart of the Village at Northstar.

• “Outdoor Grilling” with Mark Estee, chef and owner of Moody’s Bistro & Lounge and Burger Me
• “Cookin’ Hard Rock Style” by Chef Jason Gronlund, senior director of culinary and executive chef for Hard Rock Café International
• “Cuisine Unique Cooking Demo” hosted by Douglas Dale of Wolfdales’s Cuisine Unique

Saturday’s events include matching bold California wines with American BBQ food at “Some Like it Hot” with Chef Lars Kronmark, “Thai Spring Rolls” hosted by Nothing To It Culinary Center (a great opportunity for budding chefs to cook alongside their parents) and a festival favorite, the Gourmet Marketplace Wine and Brew Walk.

Sunday, September 11

Day three is the pinnacle of the festival with the Culinary Competition and Grand Tasting. It’s a gastronomic dream as 30 of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers and chefs from the Lake Tahoe region are paired with premium world-class wineries charged with creating the best marriage of food and wine.

For a complete list of festival programs, event descriptions, cost and to purchase tickets, as well as book deals on lodging, head to www.TahoeFoodandWine.com.

By, Cody Haener

If you’ve been craving Crystal Shrimp or longing for a Godzilla Roll but cannot decide where to satisfy your hunger, you’re not alone. With fresh fish flown in daily, Reno Tahoe has an abundance of the freshest sushi bars in the country. We believe you can’t go wrong with choosing any of the region’s sushi restaurants, but here are a few of our fans’ favorites.

We asked our near 20,000 followers on our Facebook page, “Where is your favorite all-you-can eat sushi spot?” Many responded, casting their votes for a variety of local sushi bars but it was Hiroba Sushi on Skyline Boulevard that came out on top. Hiroba Sushi offers an exciting menu in a hip and energetic environment. Their chefs are quick to take and prepare your order, even when the recently expanded restaurant is packed, as it usually is. Enjoy their all-you-can eat lunch menu for $17.95 or their all-you-can eat dinner menu for $22.95.

Taking second place was Ijji Sushi on East Prater Way in Sparks. Larger than most sushi bars, Ijji Sushi is the perfect place to bring a large party for any occasion.  They recently added, to their already extensive menu, an assortment of delectable new items such as the Island Long Roll and the Hawaiian. Stop by for all-you-can eat lunch for $15.95 or all-you-can eat dinner for $20.95. 

Coming in at a close third was Sushi Pier 2 on South Virginia Street. Sushi Pier 2 has been a local favorite for many years, and for a good reason. Their friendly service compliments the restaurant’s relaxed and social atmosphere equipped with large flat screen TVs. Join in on the all-you-can eat fun at lunch for $16.99 or at dinner for $24.99. 

Along with these local favorites, Reno Tahoe also offers exotic sushi dining experiences inside our casinos. Explore your mouth-watering options at:

Sushi Bar on the Sky Terrace – Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

Oceano – Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

Sushi Sake – Eldorado Hotel Casino

Rim – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.

Kokopelli’s Sushi - Circus Circus Hotel and Casino

Ichiban – Harrah’s Reno

Noodle Hut – John Ascuaga’s Nugget

Sushi Saga – Siena Hotel Spa Casino

Written by,
Cody Haener

Feed the need for electric nightlife at BuBinga Lounge inside the Eldorado Hotel Casino, where all new theme nights are heating up the weekend.  Enjoy Skyy High Fridays with Skyy Vodka and Addiction Saturdays beginning Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6.

Start the weekend on cloud nine with Skyy High Fridays, where guests don’t pay cover with a local driver’s license or student ID before midnight.  Enjoy an open bar featuring Skyy Vodka drinks from 10pm to Midnight for just $10, and VIP bottle service is available by request all night long!

On Saturday nights it’s hard to fight Addiction, the all-new habit forming dance party experience.  A double DJ lineup will raise your pulse along with delicious, fresh drinks from BuBinga’s expert mixologists.  See for yourself as DJ DTR and DJ (((xmfredie))) blow your mind with unbelievable beats and mixes.

The heat is on this summer at BuBinga Lounge.  Join the party, it all starts this Skyy High Friday and keeps your Addiction fed through Saturday night!  Doors open at 10pm and standard cover is $10 for girls, $15 for guys.  Dress code strictly enforced.

For more details and the latest updates visit www.eldoradoreno.com or call 775-786-5700.