The town of Kings Beach in North Lake Tahoe has long been known as the laid-back and more blue-collar part of the lake.
Currently, the small town’s main square, street and the beach itself are getting a minor makeover.
As part of the changes, the Tahoe Central Market and Deli has become the new place to pick up healthful food, unusual beer and wine, delicious sandwiches and luscious smoothies.
Tahoe Central Market and Deli is located right in the middle of Kings Beach in North Lake Tahoe — Photo courtesy of Tahoe Central Market and Deli
Longtime North Lake Tahoe residents the Habeger family found a niche in the health-conscious area with a market that serves fresh, organic produce; meats and seafood; a selection of organic packaged food; and unique beer and wine.
All that comes alongside a gourmet deli that serves daily soup, fresh juices and smoothies and sandwiches full of natural meats and greens.
The market sells local and organic produce, meats and cheese — Photo courtesy of Tahoe Central Market and Deli
The market and deli partners with local producers and farms in the regional area and brings in fresh ingredients and grocery items every day. Many of the farms are located in the mountains, valleys and foothills near Lake Tahoe.
The market also has an organic deli with local eggs, milk and cheeses.
The deli serves $7.95 sandwiches that you can take right to the beach — Photo courtesy of Tahoe Central Market and Deli
The deli and juice bar keeps it local with breads from Truckee Sourdough Breads and keeps it simple, with each sandwich costing only $7.95.
You can make your own or choose from Tahoe-themed sandwiches like the Controlled Burn – with smoked turkey, chipotle mayo, Pepper Jack cheese and the deli’s Bomb Spicy Slaw – or the Dang Good Sandwich, which comes with oven-roasted chicken, bacon, avocado and sprouts on a Dutch crunch roll.
The market has a front deck where you can enjoy your food across from the beach. Or you can just take your food and eat right by the water.
The deli's various smoothies include California nuts, chia seeds and fruit — Photo courtesy of Tahoe Central Market and Deli
The juice bar at Tahoe Central Market and Deli serves both juices and smoothies (12 ounces for $5.95 or 16 ounces for $7.95) with an interesting twist. The juice menu includes the Sunshine, with apple, ginger and lemon; the Super G, with grapefruit, grape and ginger; and the All Green, with cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, parsley and lemon.
Smoothies start off with a base of flax or chia seeds, and they're finished with fresh fruit, yogurt, milk, coconut water and nuts.
You can choose from ones like The Dankness with kale, spinach, cucumber, celery, apple, pear, ginger and lemon, or go for the It’s Nutty with cashew, almond, banana and yogurt.
Top off a grocery visit or meal by picking up an unusual beer or wine made by local breweries like Clown Shoes, New Belgium, Auburn Alehouse and the Caldera Brewing Company near Ashland, Ore.
The market also has a wide range of regional and unusual beers — Photo courtesy of Tahoe Central Market and Deli
