South Lake Tahoe restaurant redefines fine dining with eclectic menu and great service

What many knew as Passaretti's for over 30 years in South Lake Tahoe has been transformed into "The Lake House," not only a fine dining restaurant in a beautiful, extensively remodeled place, but also home to Lake Tahoe Catering.

Aiming for a goal of understated perfection, new owners Jeff and Misty Sparrow created an ambiance of concrete and chandeliers, wood and art, all in an attempt to bridge the gap between fancy and casual.

The wait staff even wears T-shirts instead of bow ties, though a tuxedo would fit the menu, which features such delicacies as lamb, fillets, Portabella mushrooms and scallops. They also carry fine wines and California craft beers.

"Upscale comfort food" is how the Lake House website describes a menu that contains a lot of gluten free items. You won't see the typical "GF" label though, as Sparrow said many think if its gluten free it doesn't taste good. "Expect great food," he added.

"Our wait staff is the best in town," said Sparrow. "Everyone will have a great experience."

He was able to bring Chef Jimi Nakamatsu to The Lake House from another SLT restaurant. "We have a phenomenal chef and crew," said Sparrow. His other chef, Martín has taken over evening meals so Jimi can tend to the kitchen during the day.

Sparrow is also excited to have manager Ellie Mabe on board.

The Sparrows operated the food and beverage for Tahoe Seasons Resort and ran their Lake Tahoe Catering business out of that timeshare resort near Heavenly for eight years. When their lease came up for renewal they were told they couldn't stay and they were faced with just 30 days to find a new place to run their business. It was then they learned of the Passarettis retiring and selling their restaurant. The timing was perfect and the Sparrows purchased it and moved in. The kitchen was remodeled first so they could run their catering business, then they moved into the bar and seating areas.

It took nine months, from February 1 to October 31, to remodel the old Passaretti's. Sparrow likened the remodeling project to being pregnant (though he himself hasn't been pregnant, he and his wife are parents to seven- and ten-year-old daughters). He said you go nine months creating this baby, then are happy when its safely delivered, but then faced with years of raising the baby.

Sparrow is no stranger to opening businesses in South Lake Tahoe. Since 1999 he has opened Whiskey Dicks, Fat City Food Company, and Buttermuffin, among others. He was successful and grew the businesses, then sold them and moved onto new ventures.

He invited locals to stop by and try out The Lake House. He not only wants to make the Tahoe visitors happy, but he wants to keep the local happy.

The Lake House is open for lunch and dinner daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It is lcoated at 1181 Emerald Bay Road in South Lake Tahoe. For more info, visit their website http://thelakehousetahoe.com/