Après at the West Shore Café Offers
Something for the Whole Family
Written by Jenn Sheridan
After a long day on the slopes, it’s nice to bring the family back together to share tales of lessons, explore new runs, and enjoy being back on the mountain. It’s especially nice when you can find a restaurant that has something to appeal to everyone in the family. West Shore Café and Inn, located in Homewood, Calif., is just the right balance of elegant and casual, with dishes for everyone, from the pickiest little eater to the refined epicurean. So slip off those boots, slide into something comfy, and head over to Tahoe’s only lakefront après scene.
Guests of all ages are welcome to indulge in s’mores at West Shore Café’s firepits
For the Kiddos
Warm your bones next to one of West Shore Café’s lakefront firepits and roast marshmallows as you watch the sun set behind the peaks of Homewood Mountain Resort. S’mores are complimentary from 3 to 5 p.m. every day the restaurant is open. Okay, we said it’s for the kiddos, but you know you’re going to want one too. Don’t be afraid to indulge. A full kids’ menu also is available, with favorites such as mac and cheese, pizza, and chicken tenders.
Wines That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Sing
Thanks to the expertise of in-house sommelier Lisa Small, West Shore Café features a rotating list of well-rounded wines from around the globe, with an emphasis on wines that are biodynamic, organic, and SIP certified. In addition to staple varietals, the list features new-to-market and small-batch offerings, giving people the chance to discover new favorite flavor profiles. Small works closely with the restaurant’s executive chef, Robb Wyss, to choose wines that complement the restaurant’s signature dishes. When you visit, be sure to ask for a recommendation from her.
“One of my favorite things about wine is how it brings people together. I can go up to a table of complete strangers with the bottle of wine they ordered and begin talking about either the producer of the bottle or the varietal they selected, then leave the table feeling as though I just made new friends,” Small says. “I love sharing my knowledge and passion for wine, and I firmly believe that being able to share wine with the people you love is part of what makes wine and the wine industry great.”
Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. West Shore Café has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for the past five years running.
Craft Beers and Cocktails That Celebrate the Tastes of Northern California
For those who are more inclined to enjoy a cold IPA or lager, West Shore Café features a rotating tap of beers from some of the best breweries in the Northern California and Nevada region. From local Tahoe favorites such as Alibi Ale Works and FiftyFifty Brewing to regional staples such as Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., there’s something to whet your palate.
However, the cocktail menu is where the bar at West Shore Café really shines. An evolving menu crafted by bar manager Brittany Alexander features house-infused spirits and creative cocktails that will quickly become your new favorites.
Culinary Crafts from Executive Chef Robb Wyss
The après menu at West Shore Café isn’t your usual helping of fries and nachos. Instead, executive chef Robb Wyss chooses a limited selection of favorite items from the menu to be enjoyed solo or shared with a group. Using seasonal ingredients, Wyss creates dishes that are flavorful, filling, and sure to warm you up after a day on the slopes.
“I have come to love creating dynamic cuisine for people to enjoy,” he says. “I am passionate about designing culinary dishes from local farmers’ products and exploring new cuisine that signifies the local growing region. When I put my creativity and passion into a dish, I feel like it translates to my customers and their experiences and keeps them coming back for more.”
Don’t feel like you must limit yourself to the après menu — stick around for dinner to fully experience chef Wyss’ culinary excellence. From the tenderest smoked beef short rib to delicately seared scallops or pan-roasted gnocchi, each dish leaves guests feeling satiated yet wanting more.
When to Visit West Shore Café and Inn
West Shore Café and Inn regularly hosts private events, which means its hours fluctuate often. For the most up-to-date schedule, visit Westshorecafe.com or call 530-525-5200. Sign up for the e-newsletter for exclusive discounts and information on special events.
