Editor Pick
Cottonwood
- December 26, 2000
- Rated 3 of 5 by
food&fun from Truckee, California
Cottonwood is a Truckee institution. Located in a rustic mountain lodge at what was once a small ski area, it overlooks downtown Truckee and the peaks of the Donner Pass. A window table provides a romantic view at sunset in winter, as the Alpenglow turns the snow pink.
Cottonwood is deservedly famous for its Caesar salad (the recipe is a not-very-well-kept secret among locals). What appears to be an entire head of Romaine lettuce is separated into individual leaves and dressed with the most killer-garlic dressing known to man. It is meant to be picked up, leaf by leaf, and eaten with the fingers. Another potential for a romantic event, if the garlic doesn't dampen the romance!
The appetizers and main courses tend to be influenced by the flavors of the Southwest, New Orleans and the Caribbean. In other words, the chef has a heavy hand with the spices, especially the peppery-hot ones. The BBQ baby back rib appetizer is delicious, but may numb your lips. The garlic of the Caesar salad may make it hard to taste any subtle flavors for at least a day! An appetizer of Jerk-spiced fried rock prawns with Cajun tartar sauce is another example of the chef's preference for the well-seasoned. Seafood stew with Andouuille sausage is a favorite of mine. The spicy sausage gives a unique flavor to the shellfish stew. And there is always enough left over to take home for lunch the next day. The menu varies with the season and with what is available. Sometimes rabbit appears; salmon and pork loin make frequent appearances in various preparations. Desserts are homey, like a big chocolatey brownie topped with ice cream, or a fruit crisp, similarly adorned. The main course portions are large, so you might not have room for dessert -- I usually don't. There is a full bar and wine list with many wines by the glass.
From journal Where to Eat in Truckee