In a place where fantasy becomes a reality, the food served up in the local eateries needs to be equally blissful. The Village at Squaw Valley offers visitors more than just epic skiing conditions, the hungry have plenty of options to quench their thirst and fill their stomachs, from burgers, pizza and beers to sushi, sake, wine and martinis. Northstar is making strides to create an ambiance similar to Squaw with the idea of appealing to all the senses, not just the powder-hungry seventh sense engrained in most people living or frequenting the area.
In the Village at Northstar new restaurants are popping up at every corner. Cabanas fully equipped with fire-pits and plush couches plus mini-bars line the sides of the ice-skating rink strategically placed in the center of the village. Off to the side with views of the rink and cozy fire-pits sits a unique new gourmet pizza, pasta and salad joint. The aforementioned may sound like a recreation of Squaw’s Fireside Pizza Co. and in many ways Rubicon Pizza Bistro is, only more gourmet.
The menu offers a few classics revamped from Fireside like the ‘Rubicon’ garlic chips, and the ‘Rubicon’ pizza, which is an exact replica of the ‘Fireside’ Pizza. Of course for a pizza place to succeed, classics like cheese and pepperoni pizza must be in place. Partial owner Ray Villaman’s concepts thrive on transcending on to the next level. Head chef Mark Vacarro, a.k.a. ‘Chef Pepperoni’, has used his Thailand training and experience in two of San Francisco’s finest dining establishments to enhance all the menu options. The Thai Red Curry pizza is a direct descendant of Mark’s experience in Thailand with crisp yellow bell peppers, diced tomatoes, red onions, marscapone cheese and garnished with fresh lime, basil, and cilantro. This brilliant combination tantalizes the taste buds with every bite.
On the pasta menu, Mark has put together some amazing creations. The Italian Shrimp Pesto Penne is just as decadent as it sounds with fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, sautéed onions and roma tomatoes topped with jumbo prawns and garnished with sharp aged parmesan shavings.
For starters Rubicon Pizza Bistro offers a few succulent yet light salads like the Whole Leaf Caesar with parmesean mousse and the Apple and Pecan salad tossed in the house balsamic vinaigrette topped with candied pecans and a brie cheese mousse.
With a full bar and a lengthy wine list and the promise of late night aspirations, Rubicon Pizza Bistro spices up Village life at Northstar.
