Ski season 2022-23: 4 new restaurants at Mammoth and Tahoe

Schussing and shredding are certainly important components of snow season. But all that powder play requires sustenance, too. Of course, there are plenty of hot spots at California ski resorts where you can grab a bite, whether you’re craving a Big Mountain pizza from Northstar’s Rubicon, high-end burgers at Heavenly’s Gunbarrel Tavern or a pulled pork sando and a sudsy IPA at Mammoth’s Distant Brewing.

There are newcomers, too. Here’s just a sampling of new eateries to explore, from the Voltaggio brothers’ buzzy new Italian eatery at Mammoth to a trendy brunch spot in South Lake Tahoe.

Celebrity chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio soared to fame on “Top Chef,” and the competitive brothers’ culinary chops have since fueled a James Beard finalist nod for Bryan and Michelin star for Michael’s restaurant. Now, the brothers are turning their attention to Mammoth meals with a modern Italian American concept, Vulcania, slated to open at The Village at Mammoth in January. (It’s a partnership with Levy, which does hospitality for Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, as well as the Mammoth ski resort.)

The restaurant’s name gives a nod not to volcanos or Roman gods, but a ship — the MS Vulcania, which originally brought the Voltaggio family from Italy to the United States. Expect midcentury modern-meets-1980s Italian style in the decor, and a menu of Italian-American dishes with a twist.

Think braciole made with hanger steak, rigatoni served with arrabbiata sauce, brown butter and basil, and mortadella pate with charred and pickled grapes. The Voltaggios say, “The menu we have put together is a reflection of what we cook for our families in our own homes.”

In South Lake Tahoe, where the new Desolation Hotel opened this spring, there’s a new restaurant, as well. Desolation, which is owned by the same team behind the recently renovated Wylder Hope Valley, took over the old Tahoe Villa Motel at 933 Poplar St. and gave the property a Japanese-meets-Scandi design vibe that permeates its town houses, studios and suites.

Expect intriguing cocktails and seasonal fare at Maggie’s Restaurant and Bar, which opened in August on the hotel’s third floor and offers 360-degree mountain views. The brunch lineup ($16-$23) from chef Skyler Chauss includes French toast with lemon curd and raspberries, omelets, benedict variations — including one with short rib — and a shepherd’s pie made with elk. The dinner menu ($32 to $148) showcases fresh pastas, game meats and vegan options, as well as a signature cheeseburger ($21).

Also new in South Lake Tahoe: The food truck-centric Lakeview Social, a live music venue, coffee bar and outdoor hangout that opened at 3135 Harrison Ave. this summer. There’s a tap trailer offering suds and wine, fire pits to keep things toasty and a food truck serving up bibimbap, smash burgers, crispy chicken sandos and breakfast sammies. It’s the newest enterprise for owner Luca Genasci, who also runs two of Tahoe’s AleWorx locations.