Sitting on the exact location where Reno began in 1859, the newly renovated River Room in the historical Riverside Hotel is now open for business. Chuck and Jan Shapiro, owners of the thriving Wild River Grille, expanded their business into the space previously occupied by “Dreamers Coffee”.

The River Room has now doubled the size of the Wild River Grille, known for its creative cuisine, extensive wine list and picturesque spot along the Truckee River.

The River Room will continue the Grille’s tradition of live music, entertainment and exceptional hospitality. The new operation will employ up to 50 people during peak season, creating 20 new jobs. The new venue features vibrant décor that celebrates the history and significance of the site. Oversized images from the Nevada Historical Society frame the windows and an enormous image of the old Reno Arch covers the back wall. A fresh and creative menu accompanies the new space.

In the evening you can expect classic infused cocktails, martinis and the new “Ring Toss”, the River Rooms Signature Drink. (Homage to the Reno legend of newly-divorced women tossing their rings into the Truckee River from the Virginia Street Bridge.)

The menu also showcases a tempting array of small plate options and desserts such as brie potstickers, short ribs, and espresso mousse. “In the coming months we will also include a daytime cafe offering fresh sandwiches, salads, pastries and espresso.” said Chuck Shapiro, Owner of Wild River Grille and the River Room.

“Since 2007, we have been a proud part of the urban renewal going on in Reno,” said owner Chuck Shapiro.  “Our patrons enjoy a restaurant where they can meet up with friends to enjoy great food and drink, while celebrating the art and music renaissance of the Riverwalk. We are very excited to offer an additional space for dining, entertainment and relaxation.”

The building, a Frederick DeLongchamps design and on the National Historic Register, was saved from demolition and renovated in 2000 by the City of Reno and Artspace Projects of Minneapolis to create live/workspace for local artists. “We are delighted that the Wild River Grille has decided to expand into the space,” said Will Law, Chief Executive Officer of Artspace. “It is a successful example of a local business that strives to serve the needs of the community within and around the Artists Lofts.”

Check out the River Room at 17 S. Virginia Street or call 775-284-7224.

Greg Hoch, Founder and President of Tahoe Creamery, has been making ice cream his entire life. His father started The Shady Glen of Manchester family creamery in Connecticut in 1952, and Hoch says he never missed a day of work in 21 years. When Hoch started his own family, he decided it was time to branch out and take a stab at making ice cream on his own.

Hoch credits the Northern Nevada Development Authority for convincing him to move his family across the country and make a home in Nevada. Hoch had been considering three states with “an extended ice cream season” and says “they made the best approach”. With over 300 days of sunshine in Northern Nevada, it certainly seemed like a safe bet. “In 2000, we moved out here [Minden] and by June 14, 2002 we made our first batch of Tahoe Creamery ice cream,” Hoch said.

While Hoch grew up in New England, he was no stranger to Reno Tahoe. “I was a ski freak. I started skiing at 16. When most kids were dumping their money on hot rods, I was saving all of my money to go on a ski strip out West. I knew Tahoe was going to be it, it had everything I wanted,” Hoch said.

Tahoe Creamery officially opened in 2004 and has been picking up major steam since then. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the creamery operates for 109 days straight. Tahoe Creamery boasts all natural ingredients with recipes older than 60 years. Having grown up in an era when ice cream was celebrated for being smooth, rich and creamy, Hoch says Tahoe Creamery strives to create a palate pleasing ice cream that would make your grandmother proud.

In a small warehouse in Minden, Nevada, Tahoe Creamery has six full-time employees and nine part-time, and produces up to 2,000 pints of ice cream per week. There are 120 total flavors, with 8 signature flavors in rotation year-round. The seasonal specials include peach in the spring, pumpkin in the fall and peppermint in the winter.

You can find Tahoe Creamery in Northern Nevada convenience stores, 7 Eleven, Save Mart, Raley’s, Sak ‘n Save, Smith’s, Scolari’s, Whole Foods and even in Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in Northern California.

For the old fashioned experience, check out Tahoe Creamery scoop shops inside Grandma’s Fudge Factory in Virginia City, the Gear & Grind Café in Tahoe City and Klunkers at 15 Eagle Canyon Dr Sparks, Nevada.

For more information, visit Tahoe Creamery’s Web site.

Tour of Tahoe Creamery: Reno Tahoe YouTube Channel

Are you looking for a way to unwind this weekend? Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) and Charlie Palmer are hosting the first Napa’s Backyard May 14 – 15, a culinary event celebrating Sierra Nevada’s access to the country’s most abundant growing regions. In other words, it’s an event filled with great local food and wine.

Reno is just a short drive from the heart of wine country and also home to Tahoe Ridge Winery, a Nevada born and bred winery. The weekend’s event will feature 20 wineries from Northern California (T-W-E-N-T-Y!) and several events and competitions that will provide behind-the-scenes access for guests to toast and taste their way through Napa’s Backyard. Proceeds from the event and silent auction will benefit C*A*R*E Chest of Sierra Nevada, a northern Nevada nonprofit agency serving individuals in need by providing medical resources, free of charge.

Schedule:            Backyard Brawl

6 – 9 p.m. Friday May 14 in the Summit Pavilion at GSR

Tickets are $60 per person; VIP tables available by calling 1.829.CARE, prices vary.

The Backyard Brawl is a tasting match-up to award the best food and wine pairing. Sixty of the finest wineries from Northern California will be paired with 20 different dishes created by Charlie Palmer chefs. Join the brawl to see who wins “top pairing” in the People’s Choice and media categories. 

Backyard Crawl

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday May 15, poolside at The Beach at Grand Sierra

Tickets are $30

Fifteen local mixologists will blend their favorite libations for the Backyard Crawl competition sponsored by Tito’s “All American” Vodka. Rain or shine, guests will sample Hog Island Oysters, BBQ favorites and try their hand at mastering the art of the perfect cocktail with a build-your-own fresh-market Bloody Mary bar.