I had the opportunity to get out on the hill yesterday. I had some special guests in town so I thought we'd do something out of the ordinary. I can't count how many times I have been to the top of Grandview Express, sometimes it's twenty times in a day, and I'm so focused on my next run that I'm hardly even aware that there's a lodge right there at 8,852 feet!
You get off the lift and off to the left is the 360 Smokehouse BBQ. There are definitely things out of the ordinary besides the restaurant's location. When you approach you can smell lunch smoking in the outside grill as the cooks cordially welcome you. Once inside you find some hosts offering you slippers and to take your boots and gloves so they can dry them while you enjoy your meal. Have you ever gotten that kind of treatment at a restaurant? At home? Anywhere??
(not taken at time of trip, but you get the idea.)
To get into the dining area you must climb a few stairs but, in slippers instead of ski boots it's no problem. Once inside the atmosphere is quaint with buffalo wall hangings and warm and rustic decor. There is also a full bar in the back. As you approach the menu, you find of variety of delectable BBQ items from smoked pulled pork to prime rib to spicy hot links. I was also pleasantly surprised to find there were vegetarian options on the menu. I had a grilled portabella mushroom sandwich that was served with grilled peppers, Swiss cheese and, of course, BBQ sauce - AMAZING. All of these freshly smoked menu items give the option of a variety of accompaniments including homemade mac n' cheese, sweet potato fries, and fried green beans, just to name a few. FYI there are also salads and some lighter fare, if you're into that sort of thing.
When you arrive at your gingham covered table you have a choice of 3 BBQ sauces to add to your dish du jour, sweet, spicy, and original. This food is sure to give you enough fuel for an afternoon of careening down mountainsides. And if you have room for dessert they serve a mean apple pie a la mode.
To avoid a food coma we took a walk up just a few more stairs to one of the better views I've ever laid my eyes on, and I've seen international sunsets galore. From the top deck, where you can also eat your lunch if you choose, you can take in 360 views of Desolation Wilderness and breath taking shots of Lake Tahoe. The world class views, brisk air and the bright blue skyscape perked me better than a shot of espresso. As an added touch there are maps of the surrounding mountians naming and indicating their elevations. While identifying neighboring peaks, I got a visceral sensation, it's just somehow more meaningful to orient yourself to the great outdoors on top of a mountain.
My guests ( and I ) were so pleased with the experience I had to share it. I know for most of us our first order of business on the hill is getting some turns in but we all have to eat sooner or later. I really recommend, at least once this season, putting away the Cliff Bar and taking the time to sit down, have some great food & hospitality and eat like the Gods on Olympus must have. Hey, and while you’re at it throw in a beer. (Open Daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm)
