David Smith Named Chef at Alder Creek Cafe

This winter, guests of Alder Creek Cafe will be treated to culinary delights of its new chef, David Smith. Originally from upstate New York, Smith worked under great chefs at Chambers Landing and The West Shore Café, and headed up kitchens for Encore Catering, Blue Water Brewery and Homestead Restaurant in Homer Alaska. For the past twenty-two years, Smith served as Chef of Cottonwood Restaurant in Truckee, earning Best Chef and Best Overall Restaurant awards multiple times.

Smith uses a variety of inspiring ingredients to create his menu drawing creativity from many cultures. He sources local, seasonal and organic ingredients whenever possible and seeks out the best natural meats and sustainable seafood.

“As the newly appointed chef at Alder Creek Cafe, I’m excited to bring my cooking style to the Cafe’s new winter menu,” said Smith. “My focus is providing homemade, healthy and delicious options for guests to enjoy year-round.”

Smith’s winter menu debuts Friday, December 22 introducing new items like the Tahoe Food Hub Salad rotating locally sourced organic ingredients, the pulled pork sandwich with honey chipotle, and Butternut Squash Enchiladas served with house-made mole, side salad and avocado dressing.

Smith lives in Tahoe Donner with his family. Together they take full advantage of all that Truckee offers. Through his cooking, Smith has contributed to local organizations like the Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe and The Best of Tahoe chefs, which benefits the Tahoe Forest Hospital Cancer Center.

Alder Creek Cafe is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Trailside Bar offers a variety of unique draft and bottled beers, and a diverse wine list with several eco-friendly choices.