SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – It’s Wednesday, and I just got back from Café Fiore, where I dropped off a loaf of warm sourdough to Owner Nick Ashmore and Top Chef Gilberto Ramos. It’s their last night, and bittersweet and melancholy is how I’m feeling right now.
When I had dinner there with my husband John on Easter Sunday, I asked Nick if he would like one of my loaves. He said, “Yes”, and can you bring it on our final day? I have gifted him loaves in the past, as a “Thank You” to his generous donations these past years, for all the charities and events that I have hit him up for. A truly supportive and active member of our community, Nick and the staff have been dishing up delectable food for more than three decades. So I must be truthful, and confess that I had only eaten at Cafe Fiore once before, and dare I say it was probably 20+ years ago. It is such a special occasion restaurant that we often buy gift certificates for friends and neighbors, when they have done something special for us. Similarly, I have only eaten at Evan’s once, again two decades ago. I don’t get out much!
So when word got out that Café Fiore would be closing at the end of April, I was excited when John said he wanted to go one last time. The best date and time for us turned out to be Easter Sunday. From the first moment of our arrival, I saw what all the fuss has been about this tiny establishment, why people call it their favorite restaurant in Tahoe, maybe anywhere! While there, not once but twice, we sang Happy Birthday to our fellow diners on that Easter Sunday. The gracious staff makes you feel so special, they are not rushing you, taking careful time to answer questions and give polite suggestions. Husband and wife duo Ed and Jennifer are a class act, any other restaurant should be so lucky to have their talents. Then Spencer shows up with more excellent service. Gilberto and David are in the kitchen, plating up the tastiest meals for all of us. And Nick was talking to every table, explaining the same story over and over again, never sounding trite or annoyed. Consummate professionals, all of them. And even with those seven full tables of 2, 4, and 6 tops, and all the staff weaving in and out, the place never felt crammed or jammed. Wishing I had dined there more than twice in twenty years.
Today, I asked Nick what he will miss most about his restaurant. He responded, What I enjoy about every night is celebrating people’s special occasions, and showing my guests the truly relaxing ‘Café Fiore Dining Experience.’
His answer to my second question, what will he be doing tomorrow on his first day off, was quite poignant. He said, I plan on doing what I’ve seen my guests do for 31 years, enjoying all that a Tahoe summer has to offer.
Today final hugs and smiles were enjoyed by us as Thai on Ski Run owners walked up to wish them well tonight, then Nick and Gilberto posed in front of their large cardboard likenesses, a surprise from longtime local friend and guest Scott. I know a lot of photos will be posted on social media by morning, honoring this special owner and his beloved Chef, all staff included. They had a great run.
Gastronomically yours,
Michelle Gomez, Tahoe Art League
