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