Nothing builds a hearty appetite like a day of paddling whitewater. The shared excitement and adrenaline demand quality calories. We have learned to prepare for large appetites. Enjoying a meal on the shore of a sparkling river is an integral part of all our trips, and is the perfect way to celebrate the experience.
When it comes to delicious food on the river, we have you covered. Sierra Mac is committed to providing nutritious meals to all of our guests and guides. Our food coordinator, Armando has been with us since 1982 and has refined our menu to perfection. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and a varied selection to please a variety of guests. Meals are prepared with the finest quality ingredients and our versatile guides are as skilled in the kitchen as they are at guiding the rapids. Although our menu may change slightly from trip to trip to keep it interesting, this article will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.
A typical river lunch includes a choice of breads and a complete deli style sandwich bar. A selection of meats and cheeses is complimented by a variety of fresh vegetables including tomatoes, avocados, pickles, greens, olives and condiments. Seasonal fruit, trail mix and cookies for dessert. Beverages and water are also provided. Day 2 lunch can vary and usually includes one of Chef Armando’s salad creations.
Multi-day rafting trips include dinner and breakfast prepared at camp. Setting up a kitchen is the first order of business. Appetizers including gourmet cheeses, breads, fruit and sliced veggies with artichoke dip are served shortly after reaching our secluded riverside campsite. Dinner is served a bit later after guests have had a chance to set up their tents and sleeping areas. The evening meal is always a great time to share stories and reflect on a day well spent. Dinner options include grilled rib eye steaks, salmon, or Portobello Mushrooms. Guests can specify their choice of dinner entree during the reservation process. Grilled asparagus or other seasonal vegetables, pasta or garlic mashed potatoes and fresh salad round out the menu. Dinner is always followed by one of our dessert specialties from the Dutch Oven. Fresh baked strawberry shortcake or brownies with whipped cream can taste pretty sweet at the end of a long day of paddling.
Guides are up early the next morning preparing breakfast and readying the rafts for a second day of rafting. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee while they prepare a scrumptious hot breakfast of eggs with tomatoes and fresh basil, red-skinned potatoes and sausage links. Fresh seasonal fruit, granola and yogurt are available for lighter eaters. Go ahead and have another cup of coffee or tea, you’ll want to be alert for Clavey Falls!
If you or someone from your group has special dietary considerations, please let us know in advance so that we can accommodate any specific dietary requirements.
Of course we think our food is exceptional, but don’t take our word for it, here are some reviews on Trip Advisor and Yelp from guests who have enjoyed our meals:
“The Sierra Mac kitchen crew whipped up delicious food and drinks for everyone daily – it’s easily the best camp food out there – more like a gourmet meal at a restaurant than seemed possible given the location.”— Kim S., San Luis Obispo, CA
“I was impressed by the deli spread put out for lunch – we had sun dried tomato pesto, fresh avocado, watermelon, and oranges in addition to the traditional lettuce, tomato, and deli meats. Would definitely recommend Sierra Mac and rafting on the Tuolumne!”— Martha W., Los Angeles, CA
“Lunch is sandwiches. Good sandwiches – build your own out of good quality ingredients. Plus cookies. Dinner is always different but sumptuous, always more delicious in the wilderness. While the guides are making dinner is an excellent time to swim or hang out on the beach.”— Dawn P., Oakland, CA
“We stopped for an hour for lunch and Scott and the guide from the other raft created an amazing spread of food for a fabulous buffet. There was more than enough to eat. “— Syd, Cheshire, England
