Charlie Soule's journey into the culinary arts started out with a stint battling dishpan hands and continues as he celebrates the 20th year of his Crystal Bay restaurant Soule Domain.

A graduate of North Tahoe High School, Soule went from bottle washer to lunch cook at Tahoe City eatery Tomfoolery.

"I tried college for a year, that didn't work out so I became a lunch cook, then dinner," Soule said. "I liked the lifestyle of being a dinner cook, because I was able to spend my days at the beach or skiing."

Soule then went into construction work but the gig wasn't very steady, so it was back to cooking, this time at the Hyatt.

"I also did a stint at Christy Hill in Squaw Valley but I wasn't really going anywhere," Soule said. "And then my uncle called and asked if I wanted to have my own restaurant."

Soule said he wasn't ready, but figured he could make up for inexperience by focusing on other areas.

"I had just enough knowledge, but I had a lot of drive to succeed," Soule said. "That and the fact we served breakfast, lunch and dinner got us through the first two years."

A self proclaimed chef, Soule said his menu, which started out as country French, is constantly evolving, incorporating Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican influences.

"Everything is a learning experience and I think that's what keeps us unique," Soule said.

Soule is also learning about the ingredients that are becoming part of his creations, accepting new knowledge about what is and what isn't healthy.

"Years ago, we weren't really educated on the processing of ingredients or additives we were buying," Soule said. "Now, if my suppliers can't give me fresh, organically grown products, I search for them. It may cost more, but that's what I want to serve my guests."

The restaurant has been rated as "the best place to take a date" 13 years running by the Action Guide.

Soule, along with his brother Steve, have been offering guests, many of whom are regulars, the culinary fruits of his experience, starting from dishwasher to college dropout, to owning his own well-known, 20-year-old restaurant.

Since a business doesn't turn 20 every day, Soule and his staff have about a week's worth of celebrating planned.

The party kicks off on June 14, the actual anniversary, with hors d'oeuvres and partying.

"It will be pretty unstructured and we'll have a lot of the regulars here. Everyone will get something free," Soule said.

The next day will feature a benefit for the North Tahoe Lakers Booster Club of NTHS.

"I graduated from there and this is to help out the sports program," Soule said.

June 17 will feature a wine maker dinner, with wines from the Sierra Foothills.

The whole celebration will culminate in a family gathering on Father's Day.

"We'll have all the uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces over for a big dinner and it should be a great way to cap it all off," Soule said.

Soule Domain is open for dinner seven days a week and located one-half block up Stateline Drive next to the Tahoe Biltmore.

For reservations call (530) 546-7529.



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