Dining at a Higher Level at Truckee's Dragonfly

I've eaten at the Dragonfly in historic downtown Truckee twice over this last summer. The first time, I wasn't very hungry so ate light but fell in love with a wonderful little appetizer called Crispy Gomashio Rice Balls - delicious, gluten-free, and a version of which I hope to have in our upcoming cookbook! In August - my family and I sampled half the menu. Rice Balls again; then Heirloom Tomato-Watermelon Salad to share; and next an appetizer-entree called "Sizzling Stone” Flank Steak with Green Papaya Salad and Peanut Sauce. I'm a little embarrassed but must confess that, as there was some delay in the arrival of the stone and so much food excitement on the table (albacore, sushi, salads, rice balls, soup, fish with mango salsa, etc.); I got confused and thought my dish was something like Steak Tar Tar. When the server arrived with the "stone" I had already eaten one piece - raw. Ha - smiles turned to laughter! I cooked the remaining steak on the "sizzling stone" and enjoyed it with my green papaya salad. Yum!

On both occasions, we sat outside on the beautiful upstairs balcony which is equipped with umbrellas, heaters, and blankets! The interior of the restaurant is beautifully decorated with warm wood tones and soft, colorful art. On the way to the ladies room you can't miss the beautiful Asian carved wood door at one end of the sushi bar. Owner-Chef, Billy McCullogh, who studied under Douglas Dale of Wolfdale's in Tahoe City, offers an artistic version of Pan-Asian cuisine. He's made available some wonderful free recipes! Although not advertised, the restaurant has a gluten-free menu and...hallelujah, they even have gluten-free tamari available for your table!

Chef Billy is one of 27 restaurateurs participating in the 2nd Annual Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week from October 2 - October 9. In 2010 the Dragonfly received a five-star award from Tahoe's Best.com and this year offers a four-course dinner: $40 for your choice of Sushi Roll, Sizzling Stone Flank Steak, Plantain and Panko Crusted Basa, Banana Stuffed Won Tons with Coconut Ice Cream and Chocolate Dipping Sauce. All I have to say is "wait for the stone"!

For those of you with food sensitivities, I spoke to Maitre'd, Jason Dobbs, who said that the Basa (fish) can be grilled (without the Panko), the Won Tons & Ice Cream can be substituted out for a sorbet. He wisely recommends customers let their server know about their allergy or intolerance because the marinade for the flank steak is not - but can be made - gluten-free. One can also order off the regular menu. If you like sushi, creative Asian-fusion cuisine, or excellent service, friendly to those with food sensitivities visit the Dragonfly.

But back to restaurant week. To my dismay, there are few restaurants offering a special-priced lunch and none that advertise being gluten-free friendly. We found one menu (besides the Dragonfly's) that appeals to our gluten-free food loving taste-buds. Will take our own delicious dessert - maybe our Raw Cacao After-dinner Mints!. For some reason bread pudding and ice cream seem to be this year's standard dessert-fare, with a few exceptions . All's well and good - however, Dawn & I don't do gluten, white sugar, and very little cow milk ingredients. If you do, have at it! Otherwise, make sure you shop the menus and inform your server before ordering.

dailypictures.info

So stay tuned for our take on our gluten-free lunch at a non-participating restaurant, a visit to Emerald Bay, our dining experience, and perhaps - I know it sounds odd but - a visit to a dream hardware store, Swigard's Truevalue, that I've been telling Dawn about!

The truth or dare for our readers this week: please share your most embarrassing dining experience with us - just for fun! Anyone? I bet someone has an artichoke story to tell...

One more thing, if you are considering participating in Tahoe's restaurant week make reservations next week! Check out the list of menus and participating restaurants and subscribe for email menu updates if you like.Discounted accommodations are available as well!

Till Dawn's post next week on our favorite leafy green - KALE...Eat well, be happy, and know that love IS in every bite of Life!

Deb