BajaNomad - you guys from lake taco NV area -

you guys from lake taco NV area -

capt. mike - 5-18-2011 at 02:47 PM

anyone been to the basque restaurant close to town?
i wanted to get an idea of their lamb.

bacquito - 5-18-2011 at 02:59 PM

Lake Taco?? About 40 years ago I went to a Basque restaurant while a student at the University in Reno and it was good then!

motoged - 5-18-2011 at 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bacquito
Lake Taco?? About 40 years ago I went to a Basque restaurant while a student at the University in Reno and it was good then!

Mike,
So....I guess the lamb is good....as long as it isn't 40 years old.... :lol:

Bajahowodd - 5-18-2011 at 04:23 PM

Having spent considerable time in the Tahoe area, I must admit that I haven't encountered a Basque restaurant in the area.

That said, my experience has been that the motherlode of Basque restaurants can be found in the California central valley from Bakersfield North, with the center of gravity in and around Fresno.

Funny thing is that for lamb afficionados, if you can find a Middle Eastern neighborhood, you will find nirvana.

As I recall, growing up in the 50s and 60s in the New York area, lamb was much more widely available than it is today. Just makes me wonder if the beef cartel purposely did in the lamb purveyors.

My recent experience is that lamb can be found on menus at a number of high end restaurants, as opposed to someone oing to Applebees or Chilis. Yet, lamb is not to be confused with Kobe Beef as far as being rare and pricey.

Basque Lamb

bajaguy - 5-18-2011 at 05:19 PM

Mike........it is in Gardnerville (just over the hill from S Lake Tahoe). The JT Bar and Dining room. Outstanding Basque food and excellent lamb!!!!

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/eats/jt.htm

[Edited on 5-19-2011 by bajaguy]

AmoPescar - 5-18-2011 at 05:45 PM

Mike...

Don't know if it's still in business or the same...but way back a long time ago...we ate a couple of times at the restaurant atop the ski slopes at Heavenly Valley. The food was amazing...Basque family style dining with very large steaks and portions!!

You rode the tram up and it was included in the meal price. The best time to plan on being there was around sunset. The views of the lake and the sunset were absolutely incredible!!!!!!!!

Miguelamo :yes:

tripledigitken - 5-18-2011 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Mike........it is in Gardnerville (just over the hill from S Lake Tahoe). The JT Bar and Dining room. Outstanding Basque food and excellent lamb!!!!

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/eats/jt.htm

[Edited on 5-19-2011 by bajaguy]

Also, just across the street is the Overland Hotel, another Basque restaurant. Mike, at least go into this place for a drink of picon punch. The food is good too, probably a step down from JT's though. If you have the lamb at either place order the lamb roast over the chops, it is usually a better choice, IMO.

Ken

Osprey - 5-18-2011 at 05:51 PM

Skyking, both of my mothers drowned in Lake Tahoe. One of them just a year before I was born so your Mexi-trash talk is offensive to me and my family. I have your E address at home and if you don't apologize I'll send it to them and they'll tell you how they feel about your insensitivity.

[Edited on 5-19-2011 by Osprey]

bajaguy - 5-18-2011 at 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
Also, just across the street is the Overland Hotel, another Basque restaurant. Mike, at least go into this place for a drink of picon punch. The food is good too, probably a step down from JT's though. If you have the lamb at either place order the lamb roast over the chops, it is usually a better choice, IMO.

Ken

Ken..............the Overland is SEVERAL steps below the JT. I have been developing my Basque dining review skills since 1974 and I must say the JT is the best in western Nevada!!!!

I wouldn't take visitors to any other Basque Dining Room in the Tahoe/Reno/Carson City area.

The other "bests in Nevada" are the Martin Hotel in Winnemucca and the Star in Elko.

[Edited on 5-19-2011 by bajaguy]

bajafreaks - 5-18-2011 at 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

I live in Gardneville and I will agree the JT is very good but there is also the Country Club which is a little south of town its always good. Basque as well as other favorites. From South Lake Tahoe to downtown "G-Ville" is only 30-40 minutes, worth the drive.

Ken..............the Overland is SEVERAL steps below the JT. I have been developing my Basque dining review skills since 1974 and I must say the JT is the best in western Nevada!!!!

I wouldn't take visitors to any other Basque Dining Room in the Tahoe/Reno/Carson City area.

The other "bests in Nevada" are the Martin Hotel in Winnemucca and the star in Elko.

bajaguy - 5-18-2011 at 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajafreaks
I live in Gardneville and I will agree the JT is very good but there is also the Country Club which is a little south of town its always good. Basque as well as other favorites. From South Lake Tahoe to downtown "G-Ville" is only 30-40 minutes, worth the drive.

Freaks.......we will have to get together at the JT one evening for dinner!!!!!

tripledigitken - 5-18-2011 at 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

We both agree on JT being the first choice. I have fond memories of the Overland Hotel as it was the first Basque restaurant I ever went to with my Dad back in the early 1970's. Back then the steaks came out piled up on a platter, all you can eat!

Ken

capt. mike - 5-19-2011 at 06:24 AM

thx ! yes - that's the one on roadamerica.com
so we're going there.
and Ken i'll hit that bar too.

osprey - WTF?? have your meds expired maybe? up the lorazepam a little.

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
thx ! yes - that's the one on roadamerica.com
so we're going there.
and Ken i'll hit that bar too.

I first went there in October of 1974 and have been going back on at least a monthly basis...........

Mike, ask them to show you how to stick a dollar bill on the ceiling.........and don't forget to try (only one) a Picon Punch.

If Marie (one of the owners) is there, tell her Terry sent you!!!

wessongroup - 5-19-2011 at 07:15 AM

One of the most enjoyable lunches one can have ... IMHO (prefer French basque) style, however ... never had any trouble with the Spanish basque that I can remember ...

Great cooking .... thanks for the memory...

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
One of the most enjoyable lunches one can have ... IMHO (prefer French basque) style, however ... never had any trouble with the Spanish basque that I can remember ...

Great cooking .... thanks for the memory...

The JT is French Basque....next time we go, I'll do a food report with photos........

Barbarosa - 5-19-2011 at 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
thx ! yes - that's the one on roadamerica.com
so we're going there.
and Ken i'll hit that bar too.

I first went there in October of 1974 and have been going back on at least a monthly basis...........

Mike, ask them to show you how to stick a dollar bill on the ceiling.........

I presume it involves a silver dollar.

If this turns into an event, I might be interested in goin' over the hill.

DENNIS - 5-19-2011 at 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
picon punch. Ken

http://www.c-cktaildb.com/ingr_detail?id=17

Jeeeezo...I can't believe they still make this stuff. In my fifteen years behind the bar, we were never without a bottle of it buried on the back-bar gathering dust. Never once had a request for it.

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barbarosa
I presume it involves a silver dollar.

And a thumbtack.....among other things...........

Maybe one of these Friday or Saturday nights we can do a Nomads dinner at the JT.......

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
picon punch. Ken

Dennis.........it is a signature drink of the Basques

Good, but deadly.....my "personal best" when I was much younger was 6 at one sitting......now I limit myself to one!!!

tripledigitken - 5-19-2011 at 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by Barbarosa
I presume it involves a silver dollar.

And a thumbtack.....among other things...........

Maybe one of these Friday or Saturday nights we can do a Nomads dinner at the JT.......

Let us know when you plan to do that I don't need too much of an excuse to drive up 395 through the Sierras.

:spingrin:

[Edited on 5-19-2011 by tripledigitken]

DENNIS - 5-19-2011 at 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Dennis.........it is a signature drink of the Basques

Probably explains why it never sold in Newport Beach.

Trueheart - 5-19-2011 at 08:43 AM

I believe that Amer Picon is not available any more, but I would love to hear differently. I think the Basque restaurants now use Torani Amer, which is second fiddle to Amer Picon. Fortunately, I have a couple cases of the real McCoy. Great drink. After a large Basque meal, a little stomach settler is in order, like Cuarenta y Tres with cream.

I've enjoyed all three restaurants in G'ville for 40 years. For an even wider comparison, if you have the opportunity, try the ones in Elko and Winnemucca. Although I haven't been out that way in quite a while, their Basque meal experiences were up to the challenge.

Barbarosa - 5-19-2011 at 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Trueheart
if you have the opportunity, try the ones in Elko and Winnemucca. Although I haven't been out that way in quite a while, their Basque meal experiences were up to the challenge.

I would *never* be out there. I-80 sucks the big one. US 50 is pure magic. (Somewhat reminiscent of Baja, actually. 80's probly reminiscent of Hell.)

Trueheart - 5-19-2011 at 11:08 AM

I would not drive out to Winnemucca or Elko simply for a Basque meal either, but they do a good job. Since I have business that will take me near Winnemucca, I'm looking forward to experiencing it again in the near future.

I've travelled extensively on both 50 and 80, and I consider them both decent. It's all about where one's exploits and travels take them.

There are those who would *never* go to Baja also, I'm just not one of those.

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 11:19 AM

Truehart........try the Martin next time you are in Winnemucca

bajafreaks - 5-19-2011 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Trueheart
I believe that Amer Picon is not available any more, but I would love to hear differently. I think the Basque restaurants now use Torani Amer, which is second fiddle to Amer Picon. Fortunately, I have a couple cases of the real McCoy. Great drink. After a large Basque meal, a little stomach settler is in order, like Cuarenta y Tres with cream.

I've enjoyed all three restaurants in G'ville for 40 years. For an even wider comparison, if you have the opportunity, try the ones in Elko and Winnemucca. Although I haven't been out that way in quite a while, their Basque meal experiences were up to the challenge.

I believe they use Pimm's for picons.

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajafreaks

Quote:

I believe they use Pimm's for picons.

Tried to buy a bottle of Amer Picon a couple of years ago from the JT, they couldn't get it....now using Torani Amer.

Picon Punch:
Torani Amer
Grenadine
Club Soda
Brandy float
lemon peel

DENNIS - 5-19-2011 at 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajafreaks
I believe they use Pimm's for picons.

Pimm's Cup has 5 or 6 bases, none of which is Orange as in Amer Picon.
All of these recipes are old and all but obsolete in the bar scene, gone the way of the "French 75" and so many others that Prohibition came up with to mask the vile flavor of Moonshine and other cheap contraband.
One older brand that's still available today, and which I particularly enjoy is Compari. Mixed with soda it's an excellent drink. Available at Duty Free as well.

Picon trivia

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 12:39 PM

Amer Picon is an orange bitter cordial created by a Frenchman named Gaetan Picon in 1837. It's bitter formulation consists of cinchona bark, oranges, and gentian - once popular as an aperitif

Read more: Amer Picon® orange bitters information http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc158.html#ixzz1MpSH5evP

thx Terry

capt. mike - 5-19-2011 at 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
thx ! yes - that's the one on roadamerica.com
so we're going there.
and Ken i'll hit that bar too.

will do! we are 3 couples on this trip in 2 planes and one van rental so i'll have to get em all to go with us.

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike

will do! we are 3 couples on this trip in 2 planes and one van rental so i'll have to get em all to go with us.

They won't regret it, and may be visitors to MEV on a permanent basis!!!!

Trueheart - 5-19-2011 at 01:58 PM

Baja guy:

Yep, the Martin, thanks for the reminder. And when in Elko, the Star.

Over 6 years ago I purchased the last cases of Amer Picon in Nevada, so I was told. Sold most, but kept a little. Still have about 15 bottles. I take one with me when I go "Basqueing" ... raises the eyebrows of the proprietor, and next he places a call to his liquor rep only to be aksed, "where did that guy get that"? My sweetie and I usually drink Picons for free and one meal gets comped, uh, provided I leave behind a half bottle or so.

A good place to find left over bottles of Amer Picon from long ago is old, off the road taverns. I check the bottles on hand, and sometimes spot one. It can usually be purchased for song, since very few know what it is or how to use it. "I'll give you $10 for that bottle" usually works, and the bartender pockets the $$$, and all are happy.

bajaguy - 5-19-2011 at 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Trueheart
Baja guy:

Yep, the Martin, thanks for the reminder. And when in Elko, the Star.

Over 6 years ago I purchased the last cases of Amer Picon in Nevada, so I was told. Sold most, but kept a little. Still have about 15 bottles. I take one with me when I go "Basqueing" ... raises the eyebrows of the proprietor, and next he places a call to his liquor rep only to be aksed, "where did that guy get that"? My sweetie and I usually drink Picons for free and one meal gets comped, uh, provided I leave behind a half bottle or so.

A good place to find left over bottles of Amer Picon from long ago is old, off the road taverns. I check the bottles on hand, and sometimes spot one. It can usually be purchased for song, since very few know what it is or how to use it. "I'll give you $10 for that bottle" usually works, and the bartender pockets the $$$, and all are happy.

Great ideas........maybe we can meet at the JT for dinner (always looking for an excuse...er, reason)

mtgoat666 - 5-19-2011 at 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
picon punch. Ken

.it is a signature drink of the Basques

after eating basque food in bakersfield, then eating basque food in spain,... i think the basque food in bakersfield is highly over-rated.
the bakersfield food is all so heavy.

i suspect the bakersfield basque food is stuck in the 1950s, and current restraunteurs are not thinking creatively or updating their menus.

Marc - 5-28-2011 at 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Dennis.........it is a signature drink of the Basques

Probably explains why it never sold in Newport Beach.

I make the best Pecon Punch mix in the world. It's a secret.

bajaguy - 5-28-2011 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
I make the best Pecon Punch mix in the world. It's a secret.

Prove it!!!

Marc - 5-28-2011 at 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
I make the best Pecon Punch mix in the world. It's a secret.

Prove it!!!

I would....but it's a secret.

Bob H - 5-28-2011 at 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
thx ! yes - that's the one on roadamerica.com
so we're going there.
and Ken i'll hit that bar too.

osprey - WTF?? have your meds expired maybe? up the lorazepam a little.

Capt Mike, while you are in Gardnerville, hit the bar at a place called "Full Belly Deli" You might run in to a good friend of mine, his name is Herk!

Another great bar nearby is Jethro's Oven and Grill.

Bajahowodd - 5-28-2011 at 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
picon punch. Ken

.it is a signature drink of the Basques

Way too many so-called Basque restaurants in the Western US do not have a clue. Fried chicken???

Marc - 5-29-2011 at 08:43 AM

I am to lazy to look it up, but I will if anyone wants the name of the best Basque restaurant Paris. Located in the 7th district. It's been there for 80? years. There are meals you just don't forget!

[Edited on 5-29-2011 by Marc]

Bajajorge - 5-29-2011 at 09:34 AM

I can only agree with Bajaguy, JTs in Gardnerville has got to be the most Muy Bueno, Gusto Mucho, etc etc. The best one in western Nevada. The other good ones are in Winnemucca by the RR tracks(can't remember the name) and there are a couple in Elko that also have great food.

durrelllrobert - 5-29-2011 at 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

The JT is French Basque....next time we go, I'll do a food report with photos........

They only use the one-in-a thousand french sheep?

durrelllrobert - 5-29-2011 at 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Truehart........try the Martin next time you are in Winnemucca

Every weekend it's full of Mormons sucking down the Amer Picon and playing the slots :lol:

stimbo - 5-30-2011 at 07:45 AM

If you are cruising the back roads, try the Heydey Inn in Wellington. It's perhaps 10 minutes from Topaz (and 395) and well worth the detour.

Marc

Gypsy Jan - 5-30-2011 at 02:07 PM

Do you mean Auberge Etchegorry?

Marc - 5-30-2011 at 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Do you mean Auberge Etchegorry?

Jan it was Chez L'AMI JEAN. Not to far away from Augerge and smaller.

bajaguy - 5-30-2011 at 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Truehart........try the Martin next time you are in Winnemucca

Every weekend it's full of Mormons sucking down the Amer Picon and playing the slots :lol:

Actually, it's not......when was the last time you were there???

bajaguy - 5-30-2011 at 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stimbo
If you are cruising the back roads, try the Heydey Inn in Wellington. It's perhaps 10 minutes from Topaz (and 395) and well worth the detour.

Been there, done that..........the JT still beats them all!!!!

durrelllrobert - 5-30-2011 at 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Actually, it's not......when was the last time you were there???

During the 2010 speed week at Bonneville

wilderone - 6-3-2011 at 02:31 PM

Lamb when you could have prime rib? Check the casino specials. I always liked Hunan Garden at South Shore - drop in next door to Brothers - you'll probably like it. So much food in Tahoe, why go to Gardnerville? I'd rather head to Placerville, hit some wineries (that's a fun day) and smaller places in between. I love the Tahoe area and miss it big time.

bajaguy - 6-4-2011 at 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
Lamb when you could have prime rib? Check the casino specials. I always liked Hunan Garden at South Shore - drop in next door to Brothers - you'll probably like it. So much food in Tahoe, why go to Gardnerville? I'd rather head to Placerville, hit some wineries (that's a fun day) and smaller places in between. I love the Tahoe area and miss it big time.

A. The question was asked about a specific Basque eating establishment.

B. Casinos are noisy, smoke filled places......why ruin a dinner?

C. Why go to Gardnerville???....to get out of Tahoe and have a BASQUE dinner.

D. Placerville was not mentioned in the original message

[Edited on 6-4-2011 by bajaguy]