edible notables
CULINARY OASIS
A food extravaganza awaits at yoga-centric Wanderlust.
WRITTEN BY ERIN MEYERING
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WANDERLUST
Between rigorous handstand prep classes and meditative nature hikes at Wanderlust Squaw Valley, you may find yourself famished — hungry not only for food but, also, fuel, and a connection to what you’re eating.
The goal for Wanderlust’s food scene is to uphold notions offered by festival organizers: balance and integrity. That’s why yoga and music festival leaders provide various wholesome, sustainable, local, natural, and organic options.
Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or carnivore, and whether you’re a snacker, big meal lover, or wine enthusiast, you’ll find an opportunity to indulge at Wanderlust.
“Yoga has much to do with health and balance, so it makes sense to incorporate a fresh and well-prepared food style with the physical practice of yoga,” says Sharon Davidson, an attendee of last year’s farm-to-table dinner.
In mid-July, during the festival, Wanderlust Squaw Valley will host several local food trucks and purveyors. If you attend, you’ll probably grab a bite from one of them while shopping the local vendors along the way to your next class.
But the good news is you don’t have to be a devout yogi to experience the food scene at Wanderlust. The farm-to-table dinners, offered on Friday and Saturday evenings, along with Uncorked, the festival’s premier wine event, require tickets sold separately from festival attendance.
The farm-to-table dinners are a great option for satisfying hungry yogis, music junkies, or even locals looking for a unique and memorable dinner experience. They include a prix fixe menu with several drinks.
The star chef? Billy McCullough, chef and owner of the now-defunct Dragonfly Restaurant in Truckee, will craft a menu for the second consecutive year. McCullough strives to provide fresh food, using local farmers through the Tahoe Food Hub, an organization that connects local farmers to restaurateurs. His thoughtful menu and passion for seasonal, sustainable food will compel many to ride the gondola up to Squaw’s High Camp — a beautiful venue offering a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada.
Festival regulars may go for yoga, live music, or the breathtakingly inspiring scenery. Regardless, phenomenal food options await those who attend.
Erin Meyering attended Wanderlust Squaw Valley in 2014. She discovered a strong sense of community through the connection with people made through sharing food and yoga practice. Although she attended the farm-to-table dinner alone, she gained connections and friends she stills sees in her weekend Vinyasa classes.
EXTRAS
Wanderlust Squaw Valley
July 16 – 19
Olympic Valley
Farm-to-Table Dinners: $108
Uncorked wine event: $25
For details, visit http://www.Wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley
