Local Tastes Better: The Chalet (Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ)
Sponsored by the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
YES, there is great sushi in the White Mountains! Explore the mountains all day, then take foodie refuge at The Chalet. Imagine Ahi Tuna topping off tempura-battered squash "Surf boards." These are THE BOMB! Crunchy warm veg contrasts the buttery and cool tuna delectably. Though next time I am not sharing. For a sushi newb, this is your easy button. Can any good foodie resist Salmon Sahimi? Sashimi is a true test of quality. As my mountain man scarfed down the fresh Salmon Sahimi, his family gazed with amazement. He used chopsticks with flair! Not to mention he mixed wasabi into his soy sauce like a real pro. It was such a turn on! (In my early 20s I nearly trained as a sushi chef in L.A. Have I told you that?)
Teenagers save up their money for tech, clothes, makeup, etc. I saved my high-school cash for sushi. HERE at The Chalet. Yellow-Jacket Pride! What kept me coming back? The Sunset Roll. What's inside is delicious but doesn't matter. Tiny slices of citrusy lemon are the jewels of this salmon sensation! Yes, you eat them. Then they haunt your foodie dreams. (Insert drool here.)
My less-fishy in-laws ordered up the Duck appetizer. Our table mowed it down in a matter of seconds! Crispy duck skin, juicy dark meat, and a surprising blueberry barbecue sauce. DARN TASTY! If I could have one wish, it would be a Signature Cocktail to complete the experience. Final Tips: Sit at the sushi bar! If you really want to impress your date, order the Rum Cake. Sacrificing the last bite may have been one more reason I fell for my mountain man way back when. Don't judge a book by its cover. It is the food at The Chalet that keeps the mountain happy. And full!
Loving Local Everyday,
Jane
