The Road Less Eaten Comes to Lake Tahoe
By: Ryn Muat
Lake Tahoe’s South Shore recently welcomed The Road Less Eaten, a culinary adventure series hosted by Chef Biju Thomas. A lifelong cyclist and self-taught chef based in Boulder, Colorado, Biju is renowned for co-authoring the FeedZone cookbooks and co-founding SkratchLabs, a Boulder-based hydration and nutrition company. His innovative approach to nutrition and cuisine has made him a respected figure in culinary and athletic communities. Joining him was Olympic gold medalist and humanitarian Hannah Teter, a Vermont native who relocated to South Lake Tahoe, approximately 14 years ago to pursue her snowboarding career. Beyond her athletic achievements, Hannah is known for her philanthropic efforts, including founding Hannah’s Gold, a charity that supports clean water initiatives in Kenya.
Biju and Hannah kicked off their Tahoe time with Clearly Tahoe, experiencing the crystal-clear waters through transparent kayaks. This adventure provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the chance to peer into Lake Tahoe’s famously blue waters. If you’re planning a trip soon, check out our activities page to dream up the best ways to experience Lake Tahoe for yourself. You can explore by season or type of activity, whether you are looking for thrills or relaxation, or both.
Their adventure continued at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Adventure Peak. From hiking trails to exhilarating zip lines and a full-on mountain rollercoaster, Adventure Peak caters to adventurers of all ages. The panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains are jaw-dropping and worth the trip all on their own.
Biju’s culinary journey began at Azul Latin Kitchen, where he sampled Latin-inspired dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Well known among locals for their top-notch margaritas and tasty tacos, this eatery has a vibrant atmosphere and is right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe’s downtown. The culinary team behind Azul combines inspiration from years of travel with years of experience working in restaurants to form a fresh take on Latin American food.
Next stop on the tour was Toulouse, a charming bistro with a great story. Toulouse is a collaboration by four friends who first met in the nineties on Toulouse Street in New Orleans. After that fated meeting, as they parted ways one of them said, “Our paths will cross again.” And cross they have, as together they cooked up a dream to bring the famous flavors of New Orleans to the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. With its authentic Creole cuisine and warm hospitality, Toulouse transports diners to the spirited streets of the French Quarter. The restaurant’s live jazz performances and classic Southern cocktails add to its charm, creating an immersive cultural experience to match the rich and delicious menu.
Biju also visited Maggie’s Restaurant, nestled within the Desolation Hotel. The restaurant is named for Maggie’s Peaks, a hike that features some of the best views in the basin and is also one of the more approachable ways to summit a mountain at just 4.1 miles out and back. Maggie’s offers an elevated dining experience that walks the line between casual and elegant, local and worldly. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients making it a favorite dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Watch the episode to see their incredible plating and don’t miss the rack of lamb if you go.
The last stop on Biju’s culinary journey was at Elements, a lakeside eatery known for its fusion approach to Latin American classics. Two of the three owners were born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, and for their innovative menu they’ve blended family-style Latin American cooking with classics like eggs benedict or a fried chicken sandwich. The menu is so good that it’s hard to choose what to order, whether you’re looking at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This restaurant also features a beautiful bar and DJs on the weekend, making it a good choice for a nightcap as well.
View the episode here to see all the savory goodness with your own eyes, and explore all of the South Shore’s flavors on our restaurants page.
