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.

As grilling season winds down, it’s always good to remind yourself about what good barbecue can evoke. Whether it’s sunshine, family time, smoke rings, or that perfect spice rub, it’s typically always going to come down to one thing: the meat. This week’s feature is definitely all about the meat – and it’s one of my favorite cuts of all time.

That cut just so happens to be the brisket. This primal cut must be a labor of love – there’s no way around it. If you don’t give it enough time, the connective tissue doesn’t break down, and you don’t get the tenderness that brisket is known for. Luckily, the brisket in this dish smokes for about eight hours after a simple treatment of salt and pepper. Once cooled, it is sliced and ready for action. It’s placed on a bed of mixed greens and draped in melted provolone with your choice of barbecue sauce (sweet or vinegar), and all wrapped inside an Italian roll.

As it should, the brisket is the star of the show. Deep, rich and tender with pockets of bark, the smoky beef flavor hits all the notes of a symphony orchestra. The buttery tanginess from the cheese does its part to marry up the deep flavor from the beef and the slight sourness from the vinegar sauce. Throw in the greens for a little texture and brightness and this sandwich will have you thinking about summer all over again.

I realize it’s fall now, but hey, sometimes the transition needs to happen slow. If you’re one who agrees, perhaps this sandwich is your bridge to get you there.

Tree House Cafe is located at 8160 North Lake Tahoe Blvd. in Kings Beach. For menu and restaurant information visit them online at treehousecafekb.com.