Spoon — Restaurant in Tahoe City

Staff: 10/5 Food: 4/5 Service: 10/5

We were probably the first ones to visit upon opening this season. We were greeted warmly and emphatically by two front-staff members, who clearly have a passion for the food that they serve. They mentioned that they rotate menus every season, so we were the first to try this menu! They're currently doing takeout only but may change as the season progresses.

We ordered the following:

pear mac and cheese app: delicious! However we did find it slightly lacking when you got a bite without pear lamb shank entree: cooked very well-- fall-off-the-bome tender. Flavor didn't knock our socks off, unfortunately. Paired very well with the pickled red onion and grits that it was served on salmon entree (pictured): our favorite! The skin was perfectly crispy and the flesh was delectably soft. The chef made a heavenly combination by serving it with oyster mushrooms and a bacon-romesco sauce. Absolutely delicious! black beans with cilantro scallion "crema" side: i did not particularly enjoy this above other black beans, but my boyfriend really did. caramelized onion grits: neither of us liked it very much, sadly, but the staff was so excited about it I feel bad writing this. Fun side story: i was waiting for my bf by the door when i heard the staff raving about how amazing the grits were amongst themselves. On the way back to the car, i told my boyfriend, who of course had to go back in and get it. As he ordered the grits, a staff member lit up and, while loading up a to go container, excitedly told him to smell it, "doesn't it smell so good?!"

Total time to receive order: ~25 min (she estimated half hour when we paid)

I had to run back in after the meal to snap pictures of the menu for this review (which i only decided to do after eating, since i had such a great experience). When i did, not only the front counter employee asked but the chef also wanted to know what i thought of the meal. He had an insanely genuine and eager curiosity-- details like this compound to the fact that everyone here really cares about what they do and they do it with pride.

I will definitely return, if not for the...

"Old cabin quirky serving delicious meals" My husband and I decided to try a new-to-us Tahoe City-area restaurant. Google search brought us to Spoon. Spoon is less than two miles from our home but we had never been.

THE GOOD: 1) Spoon opens EARLY FOR DINNER!!! We had skipped lunch that day and wanted a hearty meal without having to wait until 5 or 6 o'clock. We were there at 3:20 and every entree was available. 2) REALLY GOOD "COMFORT FOOD WITH A TWIST" (their slogan). Our two dinners were delicious-- grilled shrimp over pasta and pork loin w/mashed potatoes. We also enjoyed a spicy mushroom soup and a hearty quinoa/veggie green salad plus perfectly prepared squash (not too crunchy nor mushy). Desserts were a homemade, fresh-baked apple (no canned stuff here!) cake and a large, chewy brownie. 3) This tiny restaurant is lovingly run by husband-and-wife owners who really know their stuff--- cordial, welcoming and work hard to please their guests. 4) Everything on the menu can be ordered "to go" and picked up for consumption at home.

THE LESS THAN GOOD: 1) Tiny, old, A-frame restaurant is rather quirky/shabby. Eating on the main floor lacks any kind of dining atmosphere (think "grocery store/deli" experience) and getting to the second floor seating is via very steep stairs.

HOWEVER, WE WILL BE BACK!!! The owners, the good food, and this little, hidden jewel is completely worth supporting. Hope you take...

Out of the chicken parm on a Friday - that's a drag, when you only have about 6 main dinner entrees. But the entire menu is fun, if not concise.... if you can't find something you like you may not like food.

Of course, this is a quaint little local's quick take out joint or semi-romantic weeknight quick dinner. The dining inside is tight for sitting, and warm... but the outside is cute in a shaded glen.

The Tri Tip was wonderful. The salads were fresh and obviously delicious ingredients - all displayed in the fridges by the cashier. It's a small place... but tasty with friendly service. the BBQ pizza crisps were great, the soups were delicious. Really wish we had tried the soft serve, because the brownies were fine... not disappointing but not as epic or interesting as people on yelp made them out to be.

For well traveled people, this is a LOT like Snarf's in Boulder. Like.. wow... but otherwise it's just a quaint place with some locals do some excellent food. I am adding a star to make it 5 because I can't help but love the style and tone of the place, on top of the food.... but remember:

this is just a little joint, a little spot... it's not foodie haven or some epic dining experience. It's a quick, solid, fresh, local, delicious take out spot. If that's what it is trying to be.. then 5 stars easy.

They even box all take out properly... which is...