My family loves Tahoe summers. You can escape the Sacramento triple-digit days and soak in the cool mountain air while dining by the lake or taking in a few holes of miniature golf. So when a very significant birthday of mine was on the horizon, I knew a long week in Tahoe was exactly where I wanted to be on my special day.
While there are many amazing restaurants in Tahoe perfect for a special occasion, I have three kids under 5, so going out for a fancy meal isn’t always an option. Thankfully my thoughtful husband took matters into his own hands, and hired a chef to cook me the ultimate birthday dinner at the house we had rented in Tahoe City. Chef Derek Hagglof of Real Tahoe Food created a custom menu that was incredible starting with nibbles on the patio with a glass of Champagne and heaping spoonfuls of Burrata atop crisp grilled bread with homemade tomato jam. Pure birthday bliss! Chef Derek even enlisted the help of my very curious 4-year-old in the preparation of my birthday cake, which warmed both my heart and my belly.
Being able to celebrate my big day with friends and family in the comfort of home (with “Toy Story” quietly playing in the background) made this a birthday I will never forget.
Kim’s Birthday Menu
Burrata with Grilled Sourdough, Tomato Jam, Roasted Garlic, Oven Dried Grapes, Honeycomb
Crab Fritters with Tarragon Aioli
Roasted White Corn Soup with Caramelized Shallots
Maple Pork Belly Risotto with Chive Oil
Braised Short Rib with Cauliflower Mash, Grilled Asparagus and Buttermilk Onion Rings
Molten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream and Espresso Ganache
Mickey Mouse Cake
I love a good party, especially when it’s my son’s birthday party. Weeks (OK, months) in advance, I’m cooking up themes, menus, games, decorations…but one piece of party puzzle I leave to the experts…the cake! Yes, I realized long ago that I can bake up a tasty cake, but my decorating skills are definitely lacking. Last year I met Tessa of Style Sweet CA (formerly known as The Frosted Cake Shop), and she is an official member of the Birthday Party team.Tessa’s cakes have become an anticipated focal point of my son’s parties beginning with the Special Agent Oso masterpiece she created last year. Since a Thanksgiving trip to Disneyland last year, my son has been obsessed with Mickey Mouse, so I once again turned to The Frosted Cake Shop to create a culinary work of art, and hot diggity dog, did Tessa deliver! Not only is this just the cutest cake, but it tasted delicious as well with moist chocolate cake and buttery vanilla filling.
The Frosted Cake Shop
1820 29th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
916-453-1981
Photo courtesy of The Frosted Cake Shop