Contact: Tracy Owen Chapman
Weidinger Public Relations
775-588-2412

LOCALS KNOW A GOOD BRUNCH WHEN THEY TASTE IT

(South Shore, Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev.) – Whether guests are looking for a hearty breakfast before seeking outdoor adventure, a tremendous buffet featuring a spread from around the world, or a relaxing environment to sip a second cup of coffee and read the paper over breakfast, South Shore has a number of local favorites to offer those hungry for a memorable experience and a delicious meal.

Weekend Brunch Highlights

Long considered Lake Tahoe´s best buffet, the Forest Buffet atop Harrah’s Hotel & Casino brings a colorful, festive atmosphere to the dining area while enhancing the spectacular views of the Lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada. Serving cuisine from around the world as well as the popular Friday night Seafood, Saturday night Steak, and famous Saturday and Sunday Brunch, the Forest Buffet has been voted "Best Buffet" in the annual "Best of Tahoe" readers´ poll conducted by the Tahoe Daily Tribune; additionally, Casino Player Magazine readers recently selected the restaurant as "Lake Tahoe´s Best Buffet."

The Hungry Bear Restaurant inside the Ridge Tahoe Hotel is open on Sunday mornings for Tahoe’s Best Champagne Brunch. Friendly staff serves up a delectable, four-course, sit down brunch that is second to none in the Tahoe Basin and includes a platter of fresh fruit and famous homemade banana bread; shrimp cocktail; champagne or mimosa; and a selection from the dessert tray as well as a breakfast entrée choice of Belgian waffles, eggs benedict, omelets, salmon, steak and eggs, frittata, or a traditional country style breakfast platter.

Departing from historic Zephyr Cove, NV, just minutes north of Stateline on Hwy. 50, and operated by Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina, the M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler has been voted "Best Boat Cruise" at Tahoe for ten years running. It hosts a historic breakfast buffet, scenic champagne brunch, dinner, dinner/dancing and sightseeing cruises.

Situated right on the water in the Tahoe Keys Marina, the Fresh Ketch restaurant offers fine dining upstairs with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada and casual dining by the fireplace in the Seafood Bar downstairs. When warmer weather prevails, the waterfront lawn offers Tahoe's most stunning sunsets. The Fresh Ketch is well known for pairing great food and wines, great service, and great views for over 21 years; the restaurant has been voted Tahoe’s Best Seafood five years and counting.

High atop Harvey’s Resort and Casino on the 19th floor, the 19 Kitchen & Bar offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe from every table along with one of the most eclectic, yet welcoming menus to be found anywhere. From sumptuous, multi-course meals, wonderful weekend brunch specials, or just a late night snack, 19 Kitchen & Bar offers one-of-a-kind cuisine, guaranteed to please every taste.

The locals have named the Beacon Bar & Grill at Camp Richardson’s Resort the Home of the Rum Runner. The Beacon Bar & Grill offers guests spectacular lake views, stunning sunsets, live music in the summer, and memorable weekend brunches make this restaurant special in that everyone who stops in stops back again.

Breakfast Hot Spots Endorsed by Locals

A long time local’s breakfast favorite since 1959; the Red Hut Café has kept its original décor, friendly atmosphere and hearty portions. Four-egg omelets and The Usual, which includes two eggs, ½ orders of biscuits and gravy, and hash browns, are some of the local favorites at this family owned and operated restaurant. The Red Hut Café is located in both the California and the Nevada side of the state line.

The Blue Angel Café, on Ski Run Boulevard, features a sophisticated wine bar serving exclusively El Dorado County wines. Creations from the scratch kitchen include quiches, pizza, and pasta dishes. A distinct European flair gives this casual operation the feel of an international gourmet bistro. The Café is co-owned by Rosie Cowen and Eunie Lyle, both of whom attended trade school in Europe.

The Sprouts Natural Foods Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Locals rave about the fresh fruit smoothies, and there is an array of breakfast specials, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, wheat grass, homemade vegan soups, and rice bowls that keep the place busy from opening to closing.

Ernie’s Café on Highway 50 by the “Y” has been serving a traditional American breakfast to regulars and visitors for so long it wore out its old building and had to open a new one. Voted a local favorite for the past nine years, Ernie’s has been serving hearty breakfasts to hungry patrons for 25 years.

Enjoy riverside dining all day and all night at Lake Tahoe’s must see restaurant, American River Café. Serving a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections featuring contemporary and unique favorites, the café is conveniently located on the lower level of Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.

Other local breakfast favorites everyone can’t help but rave about include: the Driftwood Café, Sidestreet Café, 207 Café, Bert’s Café, and the Alpina Café. Log on to www.bluelaketahoe.com for more sample menus, location information, and additional eateries.

Access to Blue Lake Tahoe
The Reno/Tahoe International Airport provides 180 daily flights with nonstop service to 20 destinations, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and Salt Lake City. An additional 24 destinations are serviced via direct, one-stop flights from RTIA. The airport is just 55 miles from South Lake Tahoe and is accessible via the South Tahoe Express, a luxury shuttle service. The Lake Tahoe Airport is a year-round all-weather facility with professional services located in South Lake Tahoe, CA for the general aviation and corporate executive traveler.