Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels is set to air a Lake Tahoe segment highlighting several local establishments on the Food Network, Friday, June 20, at 8:30 p.m. PDT, reaching over 90 million U.S. households and more than seven million monthly web site users.

Rachael Ray Tasty Travels crew visited some of the finest and fun-filled restaurants that South Shore Lake Tahoe has to offer. They included everything from sushi and teriyaki burgers to fresh mahi mahi and organic food. Here’s a sneak preview of what viewers might be treated to on June 20.

Fresh Ketch
The crew experienced what the Fresh Ketch is known for - pairing excellent seafood specials with an extensive wine list while dining by the fireplace in the downstairs Seafood Bar. The executive chef prepared Cioppino (seafood stew), halibut with fruit salsa and lamb chops. For the past 21 years, The Ketch has combined fine dining with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. The restaurant has been voted Tahoe’s Best Seafood the past five years.

Sprouts Natural Foods Café
Locals rave about the fresh fruit smoothies while a vast menu of sandwiches, burritos, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, wheat grass, homemade vegan soups and rice bowls keeps Sprouts busy for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Naked Fish
One of South Shore’s most innovative sushi spots, where creativity and experience combine to create a menu for all tastes – even non-sushi lovers. A “must-visit mountain-town sushi bar” where the specialty rolls are named after some of the area’s popular experiences; for instance, The Sierra Powder Roll, has white fish, albacore and asparagus topped with wasabi tobiko and wasabi cream sauce. (SKI Magazine, October 2004). Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels sampled the Tuna Roll and the Killer Green Roll, which consists of spicy tempura, soft-shell crab and avocado.

The Burger Lounge
Rounding out the list and fulfilling their craving for hamburgers the crew visited a classic burger joint, The Lounge, featuring the Hangover Helper Burger and the Jiffy Burger - yes, that's right, a burger with peanut butter, bacon, and cheddar. The unique combinations have been gathered during the owner’s extensive travels, and the recipes have become urban legend around South Shore.

“Dining has emerged as a major component in the decision making process to visit a destination,” said Sue Barton, deputy director of Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “For the Food Network to acknowledge South Shore restaurants for their style and cuisine indicates that our area establishments are meeting travelers’ desires.”

Away from the dining, the TV crew enjoyed South Shore’s famous combination of indoor/outdoor attractions with a ride on the Heavenly Gondola, a stop overlooking Emerald Bay, Ski Run Marina, every day life around Tahoe, water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding at Zephyr Cove Stables, gaming, the nightlife at Vex inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, all before calling it a wrap at the Marriott Timber Lodge.

The Food Network is a unique lifestyle network and web site specializing in different ways to approach food - through pop culture, competition, adventure, and travel as well as technique-based information. Travel food guru, Rachael Ray, offers insider tips and travel secrets from around the world for her program.

“The combination of beautiful outdoor scenery and delicious food that the region provides made for a great episode,” said Lauren Metzger, coordinating producer, The Food Network. “We covered some of the areas liveliest and most popular restaurants, and really enjoyed the time we spent in Lake Tahoe.”

The episode is scheduled to air on the Food Network on Friday, June 20, at 8:30 p.m. PDT. For information on Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels visit www.foodnetwork.com.

*This information was provided by the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.