Rob, Jerry, Donna and myself took a week off from work and headed out the 395 towards Mammoth Lakes www.visitmammoth.com for some fun in the snow. We left on Saturday the 6th at the beginning of a big storm front – it rained about half the time we were driving and snowed lightly once above Bishop. Roads were clear of hazards (including other cars), so it was a quick trip. We checked into our little condo around 4:00ish, settled in and then hit the Vons for a weeks worth of groceries.
Our in-home menu for the week consisted of chicken tortilla soup, chicken parmasan over linguini pasta, Mexican sopas and spicy sausage stuffed portabella mushrooms. All were delicious.
Our meals out were not as exciting…
First outing was to Burgers Burgers www.yelp.com/biz/burgers-mammoth-lakes.com located across from Mammoth Village on Minaret. I’ve come here every time I’ve visited Mammoth in the past as they make good, large burgers perfect following a day on the slopes. This visit was hohum for the most part. Rob and I split the buffalo burger which was overdone and dry - it was only saved by the grilled onions and mushrooms piled on which were quite tasty. French fries are okay, not the best – but overall, prices at Burgers is reasonable and they’re filling. They also have milk shakes (Rob had vanilla which tasted good, but was runny), and Mammoth Lakes beer on tap…which I thought was all blah except for the nut brown ale www.mammothbrewingco.com
Our 2nd outing was up the ski lift at June Lake www.junelakeloop.com – WOW, this is a steep climb up to the top and take about 15 minutes. Luckily it was an incredibly clear day, not a cloud in the sky. Once at the top you could see for miles, absolutely incredible. Their food at the mountain top lodge was quite good too. I had a grilled chicken sandwich with swiss cheese which came on a soft ciabatta-type roll and crispy fries. The soup special was a corn and sausage chowder and was delicious. Not being a fan of heights, I thought the ride down the ski lift would be difficult, but it was actually easier then the climb up – could have been due to the spicy bloody mary’s I consumed during lunch, which were also very good.
Wines we enjoyed during our stay included Herman Story Grenache www.hermanstorywines.com, Roessler Pinot Noir www.roesslercellars.com, Terry Hoage ‘The Hedge’ Syrah www.terryhoagevineyards.com, Venge Champ de Fleurs white blend www.vengevineyards.com, Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon www.drinkcannonball.com, Chronic Cellars Sofa King Bueno www.chroniccellars.com, Villa Creek Willow Creek Cuvee and Barrel 27 Rhight Hand Man www.barrel27.com, Dubost Homestead Red www.dubostwine.com and a lovely 20 year Tawny Port from Ferreira.
All wines were great, especially after a day playing in the snow.