CULINARILY-INCLINED CINEMA

Tahoe Art Haus takes movie snacks to the next level.

Written by Claire McArthur
Photos by Jen Schmidt

Forget the stale packages of Sour Patch Kids. Don’t expect your popcorn to be covered in a chemically engineered, butter-like substance. Instead, at the Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema in Tahoe City, enjoy an elevated movie-going experience that includes a thoughtfully stocked snack bar to accompany your indie documentary or blockbuster film. 

Movie magic

In 2014, the Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema opened in Tahoe City’s Cobblestone Center, in a movie theater space in dire need of some TLC. 

“It was stuck in the ‘80s,” says Melissa Siig, co-owner of the cinema with her husband, Steven, and partner, Mark Gogolewski. “The theater was really rundown, and they had one super grumpy employee. So a lot of locals didn’t even go to the theater anymore.”

Melissa worked as a journalist, penning articles for publications such as SKI Magazine, while also employed as the editor for Truckee/North Lake Tahoe’s independent newspaper, Moonshine Ink. Steven produced his own ski films and worked as a cinematographer for Warren Miller, Standard Films, and other documentary filmmakers. It always was his dream to own a movie theater one day, so when the lease opened up on the Cobblestone Cinema, the Siigs knew they couldn’t let the opportunity pass. 

The cinema got a makeover with rocking leather seats and couches in the back. But the one-screen cinema is much more than just a movie theater. 

“We do major motion pictures, but we also show independent films and ski movies. We will do local movies by local filmmakers, live music events, DJ shows, plays and ballet performances,” Melissa says. 

Big-screen bites

In place of the old concession stand, the Siigs constructed a wooden bar where moviegoers can purchase craft beers, including selections from Incline Village’s Alibi Ale Works and a specially brewed Art Haus Ale made by FiftyFifty Brewing in Truckee. Also on offer are hard cider, wine, Prosecco, and kombucha from FOLK Brewing Co. in Stateline. 

Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema offers nine beers on tap at any time, including ciders and a nitro tap. High-end bottles of craft beer, wine, and Prosecco also are available

Made-to-order hot dogs, pretzels, pizzas, and grilled cheese sandwiches are available to take into the theater, but the most-loved food feature is the ingenious popcorn spice bar. 

The spice bar offers a variety of popcorn seasonings, including the traditional salt, pepper, and real butter, as well as up to 20 other creative options

“We’re proud of our popcorn. It’s non-GMO popcorn. We pop it in coconut oil, and we use real butter, so there’s nothing artificial,” Melissa says. “There are about 20 options at our spice bar. We have salt, nutritional yeast (which is my favorite), chili powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, Parmesan, Creole spice, Sriracha, nacho cheese spice, white Cheddar, and bacon salt.”

The spice bar offers a variety of popcorn seasonings, including the traditional salt, pepper, and real butter, as well as up to 20 other creative options

Exciting additions

In December 2018, the trio behind the cinema decided to expand its footprint at Cobblestone Center with the creation of the Tahoe Tap Haus, and they brought on new partners, Stacy Wydra and R.J. Gill. 

“It was a good fit because we could do dinner-and-a-movie specials. It’s the only outside food we allow in the theater,” Melissa explains. “We call it a fresh twist on neo-California pub fare.” 

Featuring everything from burgers to naan-wiches, Tahoe Tap Haus’ menu is chock full of creative dishes and “haus-made” sauces and dips that set the restaurant apart. 

But the Haus team is not stopping there. 

“We are trying to build a theater in Truckee,” Melissa says. “We are currently looking for investors.” 

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Claire McArthur is a freelance writer who thinks all movie theaters should follow the Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema’s lead and up their snack game. You can reach McArthur at Clairecudahy@gmail.com. 

Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema
475 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City
530-584-2431 • Tahoearthauscinema.com