Reno-Tahoe

Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino presents a Ferrari-Carano Jazz Dinner featuring music from CeCe Gable on Thursday, July 9 at 6 p.m.

Chef Neil Campbell will pair the five-course meal with selections from Ferrari-Carano vineyards. The inclusive meal is $99 per person.

The first course is a Lollipop Colorado Lamb Chop surrounded in blueberry, a balsamic butter sauce (PreVail, West Face, ’04.) The second course is a Chilled Leek, Chive and Potato with English Clotted Cream (Fume Blanc, ’06,) followed by a Butter Lettuce and Double Cream Roquefort Cheese Salad (Alexander Valley, Chardonnay ’06.)

For the main course, guests will enjoy a Filet of Fresh Chilean Sea Bass with Lobster Crust, Butternut Squash Risotto and Caviar Sauce (Tre Terre, Chardonnay. ’06.)

Dessert is an Apricot Chocolate Ganache, Almond Pecan Nougatin and Chocolate Mascarpone Cream in a Hazelnut Sweet Dough Shell (Eldorado Noir, ’06.)

For reservations, guests can call Silver Legacy at (775) 329-4777.

Last night I needed to pay back my wife for all the late hours at work and at home, so I recommended we try a localfondue establishment called The Melting Pot.

We arranged for a babysitter and headed out.  Upon arriving, I was first amazed at the scale of the restaurant – from outside The Melting Pot looks pretty modest, but it’s actually quite large; two stories with tables that were set for two to 10. We also noticed a large contingent of high school kids … apparently it was prom night.

After being escorted around a great bar and wine cellar, we sat in a comfortable booth near the back. Drinks were ordered and we reviewed the menu. Our waitress walked us through the menu, and made a few suggestions about her favorites. We decided to try the “Big Night Out” which includes your choice of a cheese fondue, any salad, choice from three different selections of meats and, of course, a desert fondue.

We chose the Spinach & Artichoke Cheese Fondue, which includes: Fontina and Butterkäse cheeses, spinach, artichoke hearts and garlic.  It was accompanied by three different breads, Grannysmith apples and a selection of different raw vegetables.

As we started to finish the cheese fondue, a busboy named Pablo quickly cleared our plates and refilled our drink order.  Our waitress brought or next course, two Insalata Caprese salads, and helped us decide how to cook our meats. We chose to use oil so that we could also tempura a few items, but other options include infused broths.

Meats and vegetables included lobster, teriyaki-marinated sirloin, white shrimp, marinated pork tenderloin, filet mignon, breast of chicken, potstickers, mushrooms, a spinach cheese filling, two types of tempura batter, melted garlic butter, and a variety of sauces – bleu cheese, spicy cocktail, light mustard sauce, plumb sweet-and-sour and teriyaki. For desert we indulged in fondue called the Flaming Turtle, made mostly of milk chocolate, caramel and chopped pecans, which were flambéed tableside, accompanied by several types of cake, brownies, fruits and marshmallows.

All in all the meal took a little over two hours to complete, so make sure you plan accordingly. For what we received, in both ambience and food, the price was within what I would expect.  The service was wonderful – everyone was helpful and knowledgeable about the establishment.  I would also note that this is not necessarily family friendly … not due to the restaurant, but having hot oils and broths with skewers can’t be a safe option for smaller children. I would suggest you try out this if not for dinner, then for at least a special dessert for you and your significant other.  Also I would suggest making reservations, especially if it is a special day for you.

The Melting Pot
6950 S McCarran Blvd, Reno 89509
(775) 827-6500
www.meltingpot.com

Lunch Hours
Daily 11 AM to 2 PM

Dinner Hours
Sundays 4 PM to 9 PM
Monday to Thursday 5 PM to 10 PM
Friday and Saturday 4 PM to 11 PM

A new donut shop just opened up in Reno, and it deserves to be talked up, not just because they make donuts, but that their donuts are made with the best ingredients and oils, and some are over a foot long.  Something also to note is that you can get a fresh cup of Joe and a glazed for only $2.

This family run business got its start in Camarillo, Ca, where they have been making donuts for over 30 years at the sister store “Rolling Pin Donuts”.  DoughBoys is run by Bob, Marge and Jay (whom you may remember from his UNR baseball days) Kenny, and every once in a while you can find even younger generations behind the donut case.   DoughBoys gets its name from the Army enlisted soldiers and non-commissioned officers in World War 1.

One thing to note is the donuts and pastries at DoughBoys are not small, even the donut holes are larger than the fist of most children.  The Tigertail is over a foot long and the Bearclaws could really fit on a bear.  They even have specialty donuts like; the Wolf Pack Paw (a smaller claw dipped in frosting and either chocolate chips or sprinkles – just right for kids), the Chocolate Chip Roll (just like a cinnamon roll, but topped and filled with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting) and even 8 different filled croissants.  Also don’t forget their good coffee and colder options of juices, milk and sodas.

Make sure you stop by when the urge arises and try one or a dozen.  You won’t be sorry!

DoughBoys Donuts
57 Damonte Ranch Parkway
Reno, Nevada 89521
775-85DOUGH (36844)

Open daily from 5am to 10pm

“Donuts. Is there anything they can’t do?” – Homer Simpson

By: Melinda Chemor

The old, pink building is not much to look at, but the food at Bangkok Cuisine is worth the venture in.  The parking is difficult and the alley is dark, but the smell of the food lures you inside.

Bangkok Cuisine serves up traditional Thai dishes, which range on a spiciness scale from 1 to 10. Photo by Becca Ewert/Nevada Sagebrush

When you walk toward the entrance, the enticing smell of meat and spices greet your nose. The restaurant is ornately decorated with trinkets. The cashier desk displays their famous homemade peanut sauce for sale by the jar. The costumed hostess is quick to seat us.

The conversation, laughter, sizzling food and plates clattering hide the fact that the restaurant does not play music. The menu is not too intimidating. There are traditional Thai dishes, but the detailed descriptions allow you to order with confidence.

For an appetizer, the golden baskets ($11) sounded a little intimidating since they mention fried tofu but it was actually very good. The tofu was accompanied by mushrooms, baby corn, peas and carrot mix inside a soft, flaky pastry shell with a side of their famous peanut sauce. The peanut sauce looked a little daunting, but a small taste was all I needed to completely drizzle my golden basket in peanut sauce.

For the vegans out there, the Bangkok Cuisine is very accommodating and advertises on the front of their menu that they will specially prepare their dishes for vegans. Vegetarians will enjoy the veggie pud thai ($9) which also included fried tofu that was surprisingly delicious. The dish also comes with stir fried noodles, egg, ground peanuts and garden veggies to make a deliciously sweet dish served in a large platter decorated with a slice of red bell pepper. The portions are big and served family style.

For the meat lovers out there, the beef bamboo shoots ($8) are also good, the beef is stir fried and served with bamboo shoots, mushrooms and scallions. It was not as flavorful as the veggie pud thai, but it is nothing a little peanut sauce can’t fix. The dish was colorful with the reds of the bell peppers, the green of the scallions and the yellow of the bamboo shoots.

All dishes come with a side of rice and you can mix and match your table’s orders onto your plate thanks to the family style serving. The spiciness ranges from 1 (mild) to 10 (above native Thai hot).

For a daring dessert there are the traditional deep fried bananas. These served with ice cream ($5) may not seem appealing, but one bite and you will be hooked. The slightly greasy, crunchy outside is complimented with the soft, gooey banana inside. The experience is heaven in your mouth.

For the less adventurous they also offer plain old vanilla ice cream ($5) but don’t judge a dish without trying it.

Bangkok Cuisine
55 Mt. Rose St.
Reno, NV
Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.  Sun.: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Melinda Chemor can be reached at arts-entertainment@nevadasagebrush.com

Chinese New Year dinner will be served January 26-January 31 at The Buffet, the Eldorado’s newly remodeled restaurant. The delicious Chinese New Year feast changes nightly at The Buffet, covering an array of specialty Chinese dishes.

Menu items include Char Su Bau – a traditional BBQ Pork Bun, Roast Suckling Pig, Mongolian Beef, Sweet & Sour Pork, 5 Spice Chicken Wings, Roast Duck, Clam with Ginger and Scallions, Ginger Beef, Peking Pork Chops, Kung Pao Chicken, Ginger Crab with Green Onion and Fried Fish with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce. Traditional favorites like Fried Rice, Pot Stickers, Sui Mai-Spring Rolls and BBQ Ribs are also being served.

While dining, enjoy traditional entertainment from Liu Qi-Chao, Master of Chinese Instruments from 4 pm. Chinese New Year Buffet prices for Monday-Thursday are $15.99 for adults, $10.99 for Gold Members & above and $7.99 for children ages 4-10. Friday and Saturday prices are $20.99 for adults, $15.99 for Gold Members & Above and $9.99 for children ages 4-10. Free Li Shee, or Lucky Money, will be given to each guest.

For reservations please call 800-648-5966. In Nevada, please call 775-786-5700.

By: Ruth Anderson

In a fading pastel pink strip mall, reminiscent of a 1970s fashion faux pas, sits Mi Ranchito.

This affordable, authentic Mexican restaurant features burritos for only $4.50, among other delectable deals.

The restaurant has cold, florescent lighting and an eclectic choice of décor. The walls are an uncanny combination of off-white, beige and pink. On the wall closest to the entrance is a print of Diego Rivera, a world-class Mexican painter and husband of Frida Khalo.

As customers enter they are greeted by a cacophony of sound. The Rowe Ami jukebox bursts with music, playing a customer favorite, “El Cuervo” by Alegres de la Sierra. The television perched in the corner always has the latest news and soap operas, giving those who don’t speak Spanish an excellent introduction to the language.

Mi Ranchito’s food and experience are as authentic as they are wonderful.

“Their food is so delicious,” said Erin McQueen, a University of Nevada, Reno student. “I am a huge fan of the tacos and I have heard that the wet burritos are the best.”

Servers are always friendly and have an uncanny ability to remember returning customers’ preferences. The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from commonplace to the exotic.

Customers can order beef head (cabeza) and cow tongue (lengua) in many dishes. For the less adventurous, Mi Ranchito offers chicken, vegetable or beef steak (carne asada) as fillings in burritos and tacos. They also supply a menu with combination and seafood plates.

Among their more popular dishes is the wet chicken burrito with red sauce. It has the instant pang of spice with a comfortable finish. Others may like Mi Ranchito’s irresistible carne asada tacos, which excellently combine cured beef with a garnish of cilantro. Each of these dishes should be paired with their homemade chips and salsa, which is an impeccable accompaniment to any dish.

Throughout the years, menu prices have increased slightly (by about fifty cents) and the customers have changed from neighborhood locals to include UNR students. However, the food has remained deliciously delectable.

Martha Rico and her family have owned and operated the restaurant for eight years, always maintaining the highest standard of service.

Mi Ranchito’s cook, George, is most noted for his speed and excellence in serving Reno the best in Mexican food.

Another member of Mi Ranchito’s staff is Rico’s daughter, Juleanna Uribe, who has worked at the restaurant since they opened.

“I was very little when I began washing the dishes,” Juleanna said. “I have been here since the beginning.”

Regardless of taste, Mi Ranchito has a quaintness that it’s hard to match. Whether it is “El Cuervo” playing from the jukebox, the atmosphere or the authentic food, customers are able to experience a taste of old Mexico. The staff quickly becomes like family and the cravings for the food linger long after the plate has been cleaned and the meal paid for.

Mi Ranchito
500 Denslowe Dr. Reno, NV 89512
Hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ruth Anderson can be reached at editor@nevadasagebrush.com

By: Colleen Hagen

The Dandelion Deli and Café features fresh baked cookies, quiches, sandwiches and salads with great options for vegans and carnivores alike. Photo by Scott Barnett

For almost a year now my vegetarian friend Krystal has been bugging me to try Anthony’s Dandelion Deli and Café on Wells Avenue, a restaurant catered to vegetarians and vegans.
As a recovering vegetarian myself, I am not adverse to a good meat-free dish.  But my affinity for the stellar vegetarian/vegan haunt Pneumatic Diner had kept me from taking Krystal’s suggestion seriously for months.

Last Friday, I finally decided to give Dandelion a try. I planned on scoping it out with my sister before meeting Krystal for lunch on Saturday, only to discover that Dandelion is closed on weekends.  As such, I went big and decided to try several dishes at once, ensuring that I sample from both veggie dishes on the menu and from the few meat dishes they serve.

After placing our order of a turkey dip ($6.75), small Greek salad ($5.95), deli-style turkey sandwich ($6.05) and the day’s special, a falafel sandwich ($6.95), we took a seat at a small table in the center of the empty café. Between the wooden chairs and tables, multitude of quaint dandelion-themed décor and strings of patio lights, it felt a bit like waiting to eat lunch in your friend’s grandmother’s kitchen: a little unfamiliar but warm and welcoming.

Baskets full of bags of potato chips sat in front of the deli case, where pre-made salads and sandwiches were available for purchase.  A refrigerated drink case at the back of the restaurant was full of waters, teas and natural sodas.

The food arrived plated simply, the sandwiches accompanied only by one carrot stick, one celery stick and a sprig of parsley.  My turkey dip was served with an almost neon yellow turkey au jus.  Having only sampled the classic beef-based au jus, it was an odd sight to be confronted with.  It was then that my sister, Katy, noticed that the only meat this deli offers is of the fowl persuasion: chicken and turkey, no red meat.

The salty au jus added much needed flavor to the otherwise boring sandwich of Dutch bread and turkey.  The simple bread-with-meat combo works better with roast beef dips, and my sandwich was in need of some sort of dressing.  Katy’s deli sandwich was much tastier, full of flavor from the vinegar, oil, oregano and fresh veggies.  The Greek salad was also good, made with fresh greens, generous crumbles of feta, a light dressing and Greek olives.

The falafel special came in a whole wheat pita with chunks of cucumber and tomato and a messy and disastrous sauce.  The brown-yogurty mess was bland and did nothing to save a too-dry falafel.

The lunch ended on a high note, however, with a thick, chewy and soft vegan cookie ($1.65).  No meat-eater would have ever guessed the “chocolate” chip cookie wasn’t the real-deal.

Falafel disappointment aside, the meat and dairy-free dishes at Dandelion are generally worth a try.  But speaking as a carnivore, I think I’ll dine with my vegetarian compatriots elsewhere.

Anthony’s Dandelion Deli and Café
1170 S Wells Ave # 2 Reno, NV
Hours: Open Weekdays 7am-4pm; Sat 10am-4pm

Colleen Hagen can be contacted at editor@nevadasagebrush.com

Reno’s newest redevelopment achievement, the West Street Market, has added another dimension to the culture of downtown, with a rotating farmers market, outdoor space for vendors and indoor space – currently under development – for local food, drink and retail businesses.

From its inception, the market has been developed to provide customers and sightseers a place to “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” foods and goods, stimulate an entrepreneurial town center, and create a venue for entertainment and educational events. The ambitious goals of the development are already becoming reality – it has already attracted A-list vendors and retailers, and the events are bringing good crowds.

Check out these great events:

• Saturday Farmers and Chefs Market
• Wednesday Eco-Market hosted by Nevada EcoNet
• Friday night Artisan Market hosted by the Holland Project
• Edible Landscape Demonstration Garden

The Indoor Market will open in October, with 15-18 permanent prepared food and fresh food vendors, artists, demonstrations, entertainment and education. The roofed indoor market features 8,494 square feet in three buildings, according to the City of Reno.

To see photos from the Holland Project, click here.

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