To try and decide each week where and what to eat in and around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.

It’s wintertime and the season isn’t the only that that has changed – so has Tahoe National’s menu. Much like they do a few times a year, they complement their everyday menu items with seasonal world-focused cuisines. This winter is a return to one of their most popular menus (with a few new twists): Japanese. Here’s a peek at a few of their offerings.

Miso Shoyu Ramen: Vegetable broth is seasoned with mushroom tare to give the base of this dish an umami-rich flavor. Added to the broth are noodles, green onion, bok choy, menma (braised bamboo shoots), a marinated egg, togarashi threads, and finished with sesame oil. You have your choice of protein to add, and I cannot recommend the short rib enough.

The broth is layered with flavor and in this choose-your-own-adventure-style-bite, the short rib (braised in a combination of combination of miso, soy, mirin, and stock), is the can’t miss option. The bok choy and mushroom flavors bring depth and richness and if you want to stick a straw in the broth and start slurping, I’d completely understand.

Green Bean Gomae: Gomae is a classic blanched Japanese side dish. Here, it’s green beans that get the call and once cooked and cooled, they get a simple dressing of soy, mirin, salt, and sugar before finished off with toasted sesame seeds.

Invoking a flavor similar to a Thai peanut sauce, the veggie feels almost like a palette cleanser, leaving your taste buds insanely satisfied. They are perfectly cooked to a crisp tender, and the portion is large enough for sharing. Or take it all to yourself – I won’t judge.

The National Roll: Their over-sized take on a sushi roll sees tempura shrimp, nori and cucumber wrapped in a blanket of rice and topped with a spicy kewpie mayo, eel sauce, and a slice of barbecued unagi.

The texture of this roll is amazing, led by the tempura shrimp. It’s a fine balance between sweet and smoky with a little bit of heat on the back end from the spicy mayo. I almost had to take two bites for each slice of the roll – almost. But as soon as I stuffed my face with the bite, I knew right away by belly was going to be happy.

If the rest of the menu items are anything like these, you’re going to be in good hands over the course of the winter. Can’t wait to see what items the next season brings.

Tahoe National Brewing Company is located at 840 North Lake Blvd in Tahoe City. For menu and additional information visit them online at tahoenational.beer or reach them by phone at 530-807-1031.