September 16, 2015 | Category: Tahoe South, Uncategorized

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]One of the best parts of my job is that I am able to tell people about new, fun stuff in my favorite place on earth, South Lake Tahoe. And when I was recently invited to newly opened Jimmy’s Restaurant at The Landing Resort and Spa, I jumped at the chance to check it out.

When I arrived at the bar at 5:15, it was comfortably full, with a mix of hotel guests and locals. I enjoyed a lovely 2007 Russian River Zinfandel as I waited for the rest of my party – while charging my phone! The individual outlets (and under-counter purse hooks) are a definite bonus; and really, if you’re going to Instagram your evening (as we do), it helps to have a full battery.

For Tahoe South Restaurant Week, Executive Chef Maria Elia has carefully selected a variety of small plates, and we tried them all! Each plate was artfully composed, without looking overly engineered or pretentious. Here are my personal standouts:

  • Carrot Keftedes: Chef Maria Elia’s signature plate, this roasted carrot, tabouleh vegetarian “meatball” is perfectly balanced with tzatziki sauce and pomegranate seeds.
  • Kataifi wrapped Feta: Shredded fillo dough is wrapped around deliciously salty Feta cheese, and deep fried.
  • Kalamata Toast: My favorite savory dish, with pulled lamb, baba ghanoush, and pomegranate on toasted bread; amazingly delicious!
  • Seared Tuna: Perfectly seared ahi tuna, with capers and wood roasted cauliflower. Beautiful and delicious!
  • Wood Roasted Confit Chicken Wings: The wings were tasty, and the salty-citrus olives complemented the wings perfectly.
  • Roasted Beets and Apple Salad: I love roasted beets, and this dish was truly beautiful as well as yummy.
  • Chicken Liver Pâté: I am not personally a fan of pâté. I did try a bite, because it would be rude not to, but Lauren was over the moon for this dish with its balanced sweet and earthy flavors.
  • Brandy Hot Chocolate Shot: A generous shot of brandy and a homemade walnut and cinnamon marshmallow put this hot chocolate to the top of all of my lists. This is how every meal should end. Even breakfast.

The dining room is beautifully appointed, with enough “nooks and crannies” to provide an intimate atmosphere for your meal. The lighting was perfect as well – lights were dimmed enough to soften the mood, but bright enough to read the menu and actually see your food. Conversation ranged from the usual “What brought you to Tahoe,” to the recent construction progress in town, to “I like pâté! I didn’t know I like pâté!”

Overall, the food was wonderful; the staff was professional, knowledgeable and friendly; and the attention to detail both in the décor and the menu was evident and appreciated. For a visitor, this is a lovely gem in South Lake Tahoe’s growing culinary crown. It’s dressy without being stuffy. For the locals, pull the high heels out from the back of your gear closet and pretend like you’re back in the big city. You don’t have to dress up, but you won’t feel out of place if you do. Add Jimmy’s to your short list of restaurants to try for Tahoe South Restaurant Week and beyond!

Words by Georgette Hartley
Photos by Lauren Lindley[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]