BASS LAKE – Have you been to Ducey’s on the Lake lately? We’re talking: discounts.
The signature restaurant at the Pines Resort is a mainstay for delicious cuisine, with a mouth-watering menu thanks to Chef Johnathan Frabotta, who cooks with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and aims for flavors that jump off the plate.
It’s pretty well-known that Ducey’s on the Lake gives diners the chance to experience a fine steakhouse with sizzling beef and pork, seasonal seafood, unbeatable pastas, and a wide array of dishes made with fresh, California-grown ingredients.
Now, here’s a question for locals: do you know that Ducey’s offers you a 15% discount every day of the week, and for a limited time through August on Thursdays, locals get a whopping 20% discount on a great meal at the lake?! Wait, there’s more. Have you heard of Ducey’s Daily Deals?
Daily Deals and more at Ducey’s on the Lake
Daily Deals for Ducey’s include free breakfast for kids, multiple dinner specials and those locals’ discounts we already talked about. Ducey’s also features a Sunset Menu available year-round from 4 – 6 p.m., with a three course meal in the price range of under $20.
“We realize that people may not go out to eat as often as they did a few years ago, but we want to make it possible for them,” says Dorota Petty, Revenue and Marketing Manager.
“I did a poll on our Google+ page, asking people what would make them want to come to Ducey’s more often. Most people said promotions and specials, so I sat with restaurant manager Tony Diaz and Chef John and we came up with Daily Deals for Ducey’s.”
With the locals’ discount, an upcoming Concert on the Lake set for Friday, Aug. 21, and Ducey’s Daily Deals happening all week long, it’s a good time to check in with the lovely lakeside resort that’s a perfect combination of fancy, comfortable, fun, and delicious.
“Most people do not realize that you don’t have to celebrate a fancy occasion to go out to eat at Ducey’s,” Dorota says. “We are really more affordable than people perceive us, especially when you look at the Sunset Menu. We are great for celebrating any special occasion, and also for regular, everyday dining, company lunches, holiday dining and even private parties.”
Among the reasons 120-seat Ducey’s remains top on the list of go-to restaurants in the area is its stellar staff. With a warm design and the style of a classic mountain lodge, Ducey’s on the Lake has a long history that frequently includes multi-generational employees.
“Most of our employees are local and have been with the company for number of years, and we also have some seasonal, newly hired employees. We do hire a lot of young, local residents, and often we are their first workplace. In many cases, their parents or grandparents used to work for us.”
While Ducey’s is considered a premium workplace location, everyone knows business comes first.
“Even though our staff can have fun while working — after all, we are all at the lake, — they know the importance of customer service. Our employees always make sure our guests are well taken care of and they have a good experience at the lake.”
Much of the credit for the restaurant’s continued success over the recent years goes to Chef Johnathan Frabotta, who has been working with the establishment since 2011.
“Chef John is a great asset to the Pines Resort and Ducey’s On the Lake, and we are really fortunate to have him working with us. He is passionate about food and the whole process, from ordering the produce, to preparation, through cooking to presentation,” Dorota explains. “All these elements are equally important to him and he emphasizes that with his staff.”
Frabotta is a fan of organic produce, and likes to order from local vendors whenever possible to keep it fresh. Speaking of fresh, it’s a good idea to note that menu ideas at Ducey’s are renewed seasonally, as well.
“Our menu gets changed every year around spring, so you can never get bored or too tired of seeing the same stuff. We always try to keep customers’ favorite on the menu and replace less popular items with more exciting choices. John always says he likes to see people happy and enjoying his food. That’s the reason he doesn’t stay behind the scenes and often can be seen in the dining room, speaking to people.”
Great service, delectable food, and a beautiful view are always on hand at Ducey’s, drought or no drought. Sure, the lake may be down but where else would you rather be?
“The lake is still beautiful, the weather is great and a lot of people sit outside, enjoying it. Dining at Ducey’s, considering its history, is an experience of its own. With the unique décor, great and affordable food, plus a super friendly staff, there is not much more needed.”
Currently the management at Ducey’s is extending a special offer to area residents, whose loyalty doesn’t go unnoticed throughout the year.
“We always emphasize how much we appreciate the locals and their business. In the off season, when we do not see as many tourists, it is locals that keep us going, and we realize that. We offer a year round, 15% off discount for locals in both restaurants – just mention that you are a local. Also, for a limited time, in August, we increased the discount to 20% off on Thursdays.”
On Sept 23, local residents Kyusun and Sunwha Choe will mark their five-year anniversary owning the resort and Ducey’s.
“They have made many improvements and worked hard to make Ducey’s a go-to place for locals and families in general.”
Dorota says the establishment’s policy has always been to listen for customer feedback and react accordingly. Ducey’s is one of the biggest employers in the area, with nearly 150 employees.
“We are a part of our community, consistently learning and adjusting to whatever is happening in terms of weather, lake level, fires, the economy, and other elements that are beyond our control,” according to Dorota. “We want people to realize that we do listen to them and their suggestions. Our Guest Services manager monitors the reviews and we really appreciate any feedback, and try to address any concerns and learn from them.”
Coming up on Friday, Aug. 21 is Ducey’s Concert on the Lake, a night out that is meant to be enjoyed by multiple generations, just like nearly everything else at Ducey’s.
“I love to hear the stories from our hotel guests that they use to come here with their grandparents and now they are bringing their own children to see how fun Bass Lake is. It is great to feel like we are a part of their family history.”
Looking for something more low-key? Ducey’s Bar and Grill is known for fast and friendly service in a more casual dining atmosphere, with burgers, salads, fish, and a large variety of drinks and beer. Ducey’s Bar and Grill also features several plasma TVs for sports fans.
Ducey’s Concert on the Lake features The Stallion Dance Band on Friday, Aug. 21 for a $5 cover charge. More information here.
On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29 – 30, be sure to stop by the Pines Village and check out the Bass Lake Craft Fair.
Summer hours of operation at Ducey’s are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., seven days a week. Ducey’s is located at 39255 Marina Drive in Bass Lake, CA. (559) 642-3131
