Nevados -- Perfect for a night out

Nevados is the classic Mammoth restaurant-- and if rumors are true, its days are numbered at its current location. 

Why is Nevados closing soon (ish)? Because RePlay (formerly known as InterWest) is scraping it to build a condo-tel with a cluster of 'social spaces,' tiny condos and townhomes. The new development, Yotelpad, is aimed at youthful visitors and will command one of the busiest corners in town at 6042 Minaret St-- current site of Nevados. (Click any of the links to learn more about Yotelpad and how to reserve a pad of your own!) Read on to hear about how you can make the most of what will possibly be the last hurrah for Nevados.

Since you're reading on, congratulations! Great choice! In my opinion, Nevados offers some of the best food in town. That's high praise for a restaurant that has been in operation for over 30 year and hasn't fallen into the tourist-town tragedy of a fantastic place that nose-dives into poor quality food service over time. The ahi, which used to be a menu item, is now offered as a special and is a fantastic choice. Their lamb is cooked to perfection. My only complaint is fairly minor. I like a perfectly crafted plate, on which each element is carefully selected to compliment the main dish. Serving "steamed vegetables" of broccoli and carrots with both lamb and ahi just not right. Ain't right at all-- but there are plenty of restaurants who makes this error.

That said, I do love Nevados, and recommend it wholeheartedly. It is one of my favs for a night out with my honey. 

If you go, here's what you need to know:

• Make reservations, especially on Saturday but always on weekends and anytime you want to be assured of getting a table.
• Ask for a table at the window.  There are plenty of windows, most with nice views of the Sherwins. If its summer, try to get a place at the patio.
• Be prepared for noise, as the acoustics aren't great, the space is fairly small, and the bar is loud.
• Don't expect romance. The space is open, tables are close, and there are usually children, some of them unruly.
• Think twice about bringing small kids. The restaurant will welcome them, but 
• Buy a bottle of wine. Why? Because. Wine. Their list is long and well-selected.
• Order whatever your server suggests. 
• If you aren't very hungry, eat at the bar or if you are in the dining room the staff may be willing to service you off the bar menu. Lighter bites, but still delicious.