Toulouse in South Lake Tahoe is a new restaurant that serves New Orleans-style cuisine.
When we last visited South Lake Tahoe for fun and food, I was looking for some new dining joints to try. Hot off the top of the list came Toulouse, a new dig locals and visitors raved about on Yelp.
I was sold.
I booked a table for the late evening. We visited the restaurant after having a wonderful day in South Lake Tahoe, enjoying other food stops, bowling at Tahoe Bowl, and seeing the Magic Fusion Show at the Loft Theatre.
New Orleans Cuisine & Heartfelt Cooking at Toulouse
Located off Park Avenue by Lakeside Beach and amongst the South Lake Tahoe motels that skirt the large casinos, Toulouse is tucked in a grove of trees and adjacent to the Station House Inn.
There’s a lovely covered patio on the exterior, and the inside feels cabinlike and cozy.
At our table were myself, my husband Barrett, and my brother Caden. We were greeted by a bubbly, excitable waitress who sat us quickly and gave us info on the latest specials to think about while we ordered drinks. The original Toulouse Sazerac is a mix of absinthe, rye whiskey, cognac, a sugar cube, cold water and bitters. Yum, yum! A glimpse into New Orleans life with a hint of Lake Tahoe living.
As a starter, we enjoyed the sausage and crawfish poutine. Delightfully filling and flavored with focus. The plate was filled with French fries, crawfish tails, andouille sausage, smokey pimento cheese gravy and topped with green onions.
For my entrée, I had the butternut squash ravioli. I’m not sure if it’s still offered, but it was scrumptious. Baby kale, toasted pine nuts, and a sage light cream sauce. I was so happy to enjoy it! I’m a huge fan of the subtle flavor of sage, so that added to my excitement.
Barrett ordered the blackened salmon, which featured smoked red pepper lemon sauce, quinoa, asparagus, mushrooms, baby kale and toasted pine nuts. He orders salmon often and loved this take on the dish.
I’m already planning my next visit.
At the end of our night at the restaurant, we shared a classic crème brulee. We were stuffed from everything else delicious, so we would have ordered more if not topped off already.
Ultimately, I have to go back. With only one meal, I didn’t get to try everything that looked so tasty. Toulouse also offers New Orleans-style gumbo, fried boudin balls, crawfish etouffee, burgers, po’boys and more.
I’m hoping to try it all eventually, as we often visit South Lake Tahoe to try different restaurants and food.
Toulouse, our paths will cross again. I guarantee it!
