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Ski resorts, forest adventures and a gorgeous freshwater lake top the list of Big Bear experiences. However, it’s

Big Bear’s gourmet food and home-style cooking that will satisfy your gourmet appetite!

Big Bear’s variety of cuisines, sensational signature dishes and other unique culinary twists caters to all “tastes” of life.

If you prefer lake views and succulent entrées with a flair for presentation, choose Evergreen International. This steak and seafood restaurant offers elegant ambiance and exceptionally fine cuisine with an extensive wine list sure to please.

Nottingham’s Restaurant offers a formal, yet cozy, dining atmosphere perfect for romantic dining. Quintes-sential California cuisine – steaks, seafood, grilled entrées and pasta specialties are accented with the select wines from Sonoma and Napa Valley.

Consider a dining experience at the historic Knickerbocker Mansion! The Bistro at the Mansion offers exquisite dinners on Friday and

Happy hour (facing page) © Louis G. Weiner Photography

Rustic wood (facing page) © Laura Patterson

Pasta and wine, chef © iStock

Burger, pie © Photos.com

Saturday nights with a chef’s menu that is sure to please the most discriminating palate.

Captain’s Anchorage, once owned by Hollywood great Andy Devine, is known for its filet mignon stuffed with Dungeness crab, topped with artichoke hearts and smothered in a rich béarnaise.

Big Bear’s wide selection of ethnic fare brings flavors from the Far East, Nepal, Bavaria, Mexico and Tuscany. Himalayan Restaurant tops the list for a unique cultural dining experience with the best Indian and Nepalese food in California, using only the freshest and finest ingredients and spices. For “old world” charm, head over to Old Country Inn for Germanfavorites, such as bratwurst, knockwurst and schnitzel. Sweet Basil Bistro offers a country Italian menu with gourmet dishes, such as lobster lasagna or grilled chicken breast with a creamy basil pesto over linguine.

No matter what you crave, Big Bear has it. A pizza is always a good choice after a day of playing in the forest or on the lake. Nobel Roman’s Pizza located in the Funplex serves a little slice of Italy in generous portions. If you like lots of cheese and pepperoni, this is your spot!

Perhaps a casual place for a juicy burger or grilled chicken sand-wich is to your liking. Desi’s in the Village has a sports bar atmosphere and is known to add an extra kick to its buffalo wings, and don’t forget to

try a deep-fried dessert. Yum! Not only does Big Bear

Mountain Brewery brew its own micro brews, it also serves delicious cheeseburgersand homemade chili. If you’re on the north shore, stop by The Gold Pan Restaurant for a genuine home-style meal. Bill Knick’s Café located inside The Big Bear Discovery Center is well known for its robust and flavorful soups.

For giant proportions, dine at Grizzly Manor Café where

pancakes are bigger than the plate! Sonora Cantina’s Big Juan Burrito weighs in at a hefty five pounds plus and contains four different meats. For those with a hearty appetite, Cowboy Express Steak House is a definite choice for a thick T-bone steak.

The mountain air and barbecue blend perfectly with the sweet aroma of slow-cooked meats glazed with plenty of sauce. B’s Backyard Bar-B-Que located at the water’s edge offers beef, pork and chicken and a variety of sauces. Jasper’s Smokehouse and Steaks uses a live wood-fired smoke pit for juicy and tender barbecue specialties.

The Copper Q located in the Village sells fresh bagels, artisan pastries and coffee cakes, cappuccino-flavored cupcakes,high-quality coffee and luscious espresso. Take the time to hang out and learn some culinary tips from a guest chef at The Copper Q’s cooking demonstrations. For your sweet tooth with a craving for something sugary, whether it’s chocolate, cinnamon or a lemon tart, you’ll enjoy the variety of baked goods at Sugar Pine Bake Shop.