DAY TRIP FROM SOUTH RENO: GENOA, NEVADA'S CANDY DANCE FAIRE

Genoa, Nevada's Candy Dance Faire takes place each year on the last full weekend of September.  Genoa is Nevada's oldest settlement, established as Mormon Station in 1851.  The town's population is approximately 220, but this festival draws hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors. 

The event began in 1921, when Genoa residents sold candy to raise money for street lights.  A community dance called the Candy Dance is part of the festivities, along with candy sales, kids' activities and booths where you can buy everything from Baltic Amber to Redneck Bird Feeders. 

During our visit this weekend, my husband and I saw a recreation of an Old West Shootout and enjoyed great people-watching at the Candy Dance Faire.  The actors in the shootout were collecting money for children with autism, so it was for a wonderful cause. 

And it's obvious that the Candy Dance Faire organizers have quite a sense of humor. 

My only complaint about this event is that we sat in traffic for almost an hour, after exiting U.S. 395 to enter the town of Genoa.  Cars were crawling into the parking area at a snail's pace.  Since this is an annual and very popular event, it would seem that someone could find a way to improve traffic flow. (Parking, by the way, was a reasonable $5 per car.) 

But aside from the traffic jam, the Candy Dance Faire was a much bigger and more entertaining event than we had anticipated.  We'd definitely recommend it to South Reno locals as well as tourists in Northern Nevada.  Genoa is just a bit South and West of Carson City.  And getting to Carson — from South Reno— is much faster now that there's a new freeway route (I-580 in Washoe County). 

For more information about historic Genoa, Nevada and its special events, call (775) 782-8696 or visit http://www.genoanevada.org/ .

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SOUP, SANDWICH AND A VIEW: YOSH'S UNIQUE DELI IN SOUTH RENO

South Reno-based Yosh's Unique Deli has been hiding in plain sight, at 85 Foothill Rd. #4, for more than a year.  In other words, I'd driven past it a zillion times without really paying attention.  Thank goodness I finally wised up!  My first visit, at lunchtime yesterday, was a revelation.  This modern, bright and airy spot has a vast deli menu and obvious care for "made-from-scratch" quality.

I want to learn more about this restaurant and catering business.  But from what I've heard so far, owner-operator Josh Codding (whose nickname is Yosh) is the grandson of the couple that founded Reno's Unique Delicatessan on Moana Lane in 1973.  Re-establishing this beloved deli, Yosh has committed to presenting his family's time-honored recipes to a new audience, while also supporting local and regional food producers.

If you've read my blog post from Sept. 3, 2012 — DELI DILEMMA IN SOUTH RENO — you already know that I'm a native Chicagoan with a fondness for foods from Back East, including Reuben sandwiches.  To me, a Reuben is a quintessential deli food. A deli that serves a rotten Reuben just isn't worth my time.  Excellent soup is another make-or-break factor when I'm trying a new deli.  I'm sure Jerry Seinfeld would agree.  (Hence the catchphrase, "No soup for you!")

So to test Yosh's Unique Deli, I just had to go with a half-sandwich and soup combo ($7.99) of a Reuben and chicken soup. 

Oh, happy day!  The chicken soup was "to die for," piping hot and as scrumptious as my late grandma's, with a rich (and not too salty) broth and very tender chunks of chicken, carrots and mushrooms.  This soup was so delightful that next time, I must order a bowl instead of a cup. 

I really liked my half-Reuben, too.  The pastrami was very juicy and just zesty enough, with nice toppings of kraut, cheese and dressing on marble rye.  The sandwich portion and the pickle were on the small-ish side.  My hubby doesn't like pickles so I swiped his to make up for it.

Meanwhile, he skipped soup — and regretted doing so, after he tasted mine.  Being a cautious diner ("What if I don't like it?") he ordered just a half-French dip sandwich on sourdough ($3.99).  He was not disappointed, deeming the beef very tender and the au jus "just right."

Yesterday's specials on Yosh's menu included a baked apple salad and a soup featuring bacon, Brussels sprouts and potatoes.

Yosh's regular menu features Signature Sandwiches such as Nana's Meatloaf, Pulled Pork and a Thanksgiving-dinner-style sandwich, The Gobbler.  Build-Your-Own Sandwiches are $6.99 for a whole sandwich or $3.99 for half.  As mentioned, the half-sandwich is petite, so go for the gusto and order a whole sandwich unless you have a kid-size appetite — or a need for soup.

Salad choices include Caesar, BLT, Salmon Nicoise, Italian Chop and more.

There's a nice-looking dessert case, as well, but with all the soup and sandwich action going on, I don't think I'll be needing it.

Yosh's Unique Deli has an outdoor patio that overlooks a small garden area — and across the street, mountains and cows.  Before winter winds start to whip, I'll be sure to take advantage of the view — and more soup!

For more information about Yosh's Unique Deli, call (775) 853-9674 or visit  http://yoshsdeli.com/ .

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KILLER SALSA: A SOUTH RENO REGIONAL FOOD FIND

I enjoy Food Network's series "Unwrapped," which goes behind the scenes to show you how and where popular food products are made.  And every time I have moved to a new place, I've found at least a couple local or regional food products that are exceptionally delicious.  For example, when my family first arrived in the Seattle area, I became an instant fan of Talking Rain Sparkling Water  http://www.talkingrain.com/

and Tim's Cascade-Style Potato Chips  http://www.timschips.com/ .

Shortly after landing in South Reno, my family discovered Killer Salsa. 

 

It's not made here in Reno, but in Gardnerville, Nevada, 35 or so miles down U.S. Route 395.  According to the Killer Salsa Web site, Fran Pritchard was a former food service manager whose homemade salsa was deemed so "killer" that she decided to go into business selling it.

I've only tried the Original recipe of Killer Salsa — both the fresh and shelf-stable versions are outstanding.   They really do taste like they're homemade.  They're available at South Reno supermarkets such as Winco, Walmart or Smith's or can be purchased online.  Killer Salsa also makes several other varieties of salsa (Garlic Picante, Fire Roasted Tomato, Hot Picante, XX Hot Picante, Salsa Verde and Smoked Chipotle) as well as a Killer Salsa Nacho Cheese Sauce.

All of their salsas are fat-free and additive-free, which to me, is just as important as their fresh flavor.

The Killer Salsa site includes recipes for tacos, burritos, chimichangas and more.  The Shredded Beef Tacos recipe — prepared in a slow cooker — looks super-easy and good.

And the Killer Salsa site just gave me an idea for treating family and friends to a taste of Northern Nevada.  As Holiday Specials, you can order five 16-ounce jars of Killer Salsa (you can mix your selections, too) for $35 including delivery.  The six-jar Holiday Special is $40 including delivery.  Maybe this will spread Killer Salsa's fame to other parts of the U.S.   Maybe someday we'll see them on "Unwrapped!"   Wouldn't that be fun?

For more information about Killer Salsa, call (775) 782-0048 or visit http://killersalsa.com/store/ .

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BELIEVE IT OR NOT ... SOUTH RENO'S WILD HORSES

Before we moved to Northern Nevada, my husband's co-workers casually mentioned that we ought to get used to seeing wild horses taking strolls through our neighborhood.  We thought they were goofing around.  Yet their claims were completely legit.  No amount of watching re-runs of "Bonanza" prepared us for what we were about to witness. 

Not long after we arrived, we started seeing small groups of horses, maybe four or five at a time, hanging out in open fields across Veterans Parkway in South Reno.  That was weird, but nowhere near as weird as later seeing bands of a dozen or more brazenly strolling into residential areas — right past the "NO HORSES" signs.  "Can't they read?  The sign says NO HORSES," we joked. 

This summer (and now into early autumn), a large band of horses has made itself quite at home near Damonte Ranch, Double Diamond Ranch, Curti Ranch and Virginia Highlands.  They are not afraid of people or cars, although they don't like loud noises from motorcycles or lawnmowers.  In fact, they're sort of like nature's lawnmowers as they chow down on grass.  "Save a horse ... skip a lawnmower!" 

Most neighbors are respectful of these beautiful animals.  Others don't seem too thrilled by their presence.  The horses leave a lot of gifts in the form of free fertilizer.  That's a boon or a nuisance, depending on whether you're a gardener or trying to sell your house. 

Meanwhile, friends and relatives in other states had a hard time believing our tales about the local wild horses, until we supplied them with photo after photo.  Even at that, they're incredulous:  "How can these horses just be wandering around?"  Followed by, "I'd freak out if I saw a wild horse!"  Well, if I hadn't been forewarned, my first encounter with a wild horse would have freaked me out, too.  Now it's become so common that I don't bat an eye.  I guess it's a sign that I'm getting used to this mysterious Area 89521. 

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DOWNTOWN RENO'S CAMPO: NOT WORTH THE HYPE

"Campo! Campo! Campo!"  In recent months, I've heard that about as often as poor Jan Brady of "The Brady Bunch" heard, "Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!"  Glowing online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations made Campo out to be not only the best Italian restaurant in Reno, but the best restaurant, period. 

My husband and I had high hopes for a terrific dinner when we booked a reservation for this past Saturday.  The outcome?  Let's put it this way.  Campo is a lively (albeit very noisy) place in a hip location, 50 N. Sierra St., overlooking the Truckee River in downtown Reno.  The waitstaff is good-looking and friendly.  It's a cool "see and be seen" kind of place. 

But Campo's hugely-hyped pizzas were what the kids would call "an epic fail."  Mine was a Margherita Pizza ($13).  

How could anyone, especially a restaurant that brags about its ultra-fresh, local, premium ingredients, mess up something as simple as a pizza with three stellar components — tomatoes, mozarella and basil?  Expecting actual tomatoes and plenty of top-quality cheese, I got an overly bready and overcooked crust, scantily clad with a thin smattering of tomato sauce, an equally paltry amount of cheese and a few puny basil leaves. 

My husband's Meatballs Pizza ($14) looked as though one medium-sized meatball had been crumbled into small pieces.  His pizza's crust was also like a doorstopper, dressed with a miniscule amount of tomato sauce and cheese.  Honestly, we've had better frozen pizzas from Walmart.

The Campo salad ($6) was actually very good.  The mixed greens were accompanied by sliced red onions, radishes, a few shards of cheese and a perfect white balsamic dressing.  

But we didn't come to Campo for salad — we were promised amazing pizzas. We're wondering just where these critics have ordered pizzas before, if these are the best in Reno. 

Maybe Campo's pasta is better than its pizza.  I'm skeptical.  But I would highly recommend another Italian restaurant in Reno:  La Vecchia, which moved from a longtime location on South Virginia Street at Moana Avenue, to 3005 Skyline Blvd.  Yes, that's Northwest Reno, not my neighborhood, but worth the drive. 

On a visit earlier this year, my Scaloppine Di Vitello Emiliana ($18) was spectacular.  This was veal scallopine topped with roasted eggplant, Proscuitto, mozarella and roasted tomato-white wine sauce. 

Also wonderful was my Insalatina Di Spinaci, Pere, Gorgonzola ($6). It featured spinach with roasted pear, pistachios, red wine vinaigrette and Gorgonzola. 

La Vecchia doesn't serve pizza, so I guess I'm comparing apples to oranges.  But after the subpar pizzas we had at Campo, I'm not sure that I care to try their pastas.  La Vecchia, however, is definitely an Italian restaurant to which I'd gladly return. 

For more information about La Vecchia, call (775) 825-1113 or visit http://www.lavecchiareno.com/

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MY WEDDING LIBRARY TO HOST FREE WEDDING FAIRE AT THE SUMMIT IN SOUTH RENO

My Wedding Library will host a free Wedding Faire from noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 at The Summit Mall.  The Summit is located at the intersection of South Virginia Street and Mt. Rose Highway on Reno's South end.  My Wedding Library is next to Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works at The Summit. 

Beth Jones, who started My Wedding Library with her husband Chris, explained, "We're not wedding planners, we're a free resource center to empower brides and others to find florists, bakers and other vendors who may work out of their home or a commercial kitchen and need help marketing their services." 

Beth Jones

The mission of My Wedding Library, is twofold, Jones added: "We provide convenience for couples and more exposure for these businesses."  

She and her associate Brooke Smith-La Fata each have about 10 years of experience in the wedding industry.  They work with around 100 vendors from the greater Reno-Tahoe area and present a wide range of options to their clients. 

"The bride," said Jones, "and when I say the bride, I also mean the groom, the mother of the bride and others involved, want choice and recommendations and referrals.  Everyone's taste is different. So I say to them, 'These six cake-makers are awesome. Reach out to all of them.'  People with the same budget may want entirely different things.  We recommend a range." 

And although the business is called My Wedding Library, it also offers resources for other events, such as graduation or anniversary parties, where people may want to rent a venue and hire a caterer, musicians or a photographer.  My Wedding Library is also gearing up for the holiday season by incorporating wedding or anniversary gifts. 

At the Sept. 30 Wedding Faire, vendors will set up displays and provide samples, discounts and promotions in My Wedding Library's actual suite and an additional suite next door.  

For more information, call (775) 354-5634 or visit 

http://www.myweddinglibrary.com/

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SOUTH RENO'S NOTHING TO IT! CULINARY CENTER

Driving up and down Reno's South Virginia Street, I've seen the billboards for the Nothing To It! Culinary Center and wondered where it was and what went on there.  I finally decided to investigate.

It turned out to be a combination of a cooking school, restaurant, catering business and kitchen boutique.  The location, 225 Crummer Lane in Reno, is not visible from South Virginia Street.  It's at the end of a dead-end street that is wedged between the Bank of America and the Days Inn. 

From the parking lot and from the entrance, as well, Nothing To It! Culinary Center looks and feels like a private home.  The small retail area features high-end cookware (Le Creuset, Cuisipro, All-Clad, etc.), eclectic cookbooks, kitchen gagdets and some gourmet foods — flavored oils and vinegars, spices, jams and so forth.

Behind the retail shop, there's a large, airy room that is set up for cooking demonstrations, but also has seating for lunches, which are served weekdays.

I picked up an extensive list of classes and special events happening between now and early 2013.  (The clerk in the retail shop mentioned that classes are geared to home cooks.)  I can't say that I recognized any of the guest chefs featured in the upcoming months.  Maybe they'd be familiar to longtime residents of Reno or Tahoe.

For instance, an Oct. 27 Dutch Oven Cooking With Terry Bell class ($75) will be taught by the Dutch Oven cook for the Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive, who also cooks "for trail rides, backcountry and hunting trips across the West."

David Holman, executive chef at Charlie Palmer Steak and Briscola in Reno, will teach a Holiday Sides class ($35) on Nov. 15.

Another guest chef, Douglas Dale, will teach a Go Fish! class ($95) on Jan. 24. He's from Wolfdale's in Tahoe City, Calif. and will share his tips for purchasing, storing and preparing fish.

Other classes and workshops on the Nothing To It! schedule will focus on ethnic foods (Lebanese, Spanish, Chinese, Thai, etc.); techniques to use with specific kitchen appliances (pressure cooker, slow cooker), special diets (gluten-free or Paleo) and more.

For more information, call (775) 826-2628 or visit http://www.nothingtoit.com/

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WHERE TO GET "CARDED" IN SOUTH RENO

Females in my family have what we call "a Hallmark habit."  That is to say that we really like shopping for greeting cards and often stockpile cards for friends' and relatives' birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc., months in advance of the actual happy occasions.  When you see just the right cute or funny card, you've gotta grab it — before it gets away. 

In my estimation, the best place to get "carded" in South Reno is the Hallmark Gold Crown store at 4945 S. Virginia St., in the Redfield Promenade shopping center.  It has a vast selection of both sentimental and humorous cards for life's celebratory events, as well as specialized cards for difficult times.  In addition, it carries seasonal and holiday decor, jewelry and knick-knacks, photo albums and frames, DVDs of Hallmark Channel movies, baby gifts and recordable storybooks, tumblers, wine glasses, puzzles, candy and more. 

Here, as at other Hallmark Gold Crown stores, shoppers can get free rewards cards.  As your purchase points accumulate, you get coupons and freebies galore.  

There's also a Hallmark store in the nearby (claustrophobic) Meadowood Mall, but it's not as nice as this freestanding store on South Virginia Street.  For more information about the Hallmark store at Redfield Promenade, call (775) 829-1987. 

Bonus tip: When I'm not in that neck of the woods (Virginia Street between McCarran and Kietzke) and I need a quick Hallmark fix, the CVS Pharmacy at 1081 Steamboat Parkway in South Reno has a surprisingly helpful Hallmark aisle.  This store phone number is (775) 852-2111. 

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DEFINITE POTENTIAL AT CARINO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN SOUTH RENO

Most established communities have a long-popular, homestyle Italian restaurant where you can always count on a perfect pizza, a fabulous bowl of spaghetti and meatballs or a comforting plate of chicken parmesan.  And often, too, a hug or a handshake from the owner.

The far South side of Reno is a new neighborhood, so understandably, it has some catching-up to do.  Then again, I'm new here, as well.

If I had my way, I'd find a place that compares to my Italian favorites in other states.  In the Chicago area, memorable, "mom-and-pop" Italian joints included Barraco's  http://barracos.com/ and The Original Papa Joe's  http://www.originalpapajoes.com/
These have been in business more than 30 years. 

Near Seattle, we were partial to the family-owned Frankie's Pizza and Pasta, http://www.frankiesredmond.com/zgrid/themes/10417/intro/index.jsp
which harkens back to 1993.  (And now that seems like a long time ago!) 

Carino's Italian Restaurant, 13901 S. Virginia St., at The Summit in South Reno, is part of a Texas-based chain that originated in the mid-'90s.  The location at The Summit opened about a year ago — and last week, I decided to give it a whirl.  It didn't win me over 100 percent, but was better than expected and worth a return visit. 

For a chain restaurant, Carino's pretty much captured the look and feel you'd expect in a neighborhood Italian joint: red-checkered tablecloths, black-and-white photos on the walls, soft lighting, background music by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Vic Damone.  

Our server was efficient and friendly, but now let's get to the food.  My first thought was to go for eggplant parmesan, an Italian standard that I've never learned to make at home.  On second thought, I ordered shrimp scampi ($16.99). 

The serving size was generous and the angel hair pasta, tossed with mushrooms, roasted garlic, roma tomatoes, basil, parmesan and white wine lemon butter sauce was delicious. But the shrimp seemed overcooked (dry and chewy).  Next time, I'll try the eggplant parmesan. 

My husband chose more wisely, ordering a manly dish called Mama Carino's Spaghetti ($14.99). This was a massive bowl of spaghetti, topped with two links of outstanding Italian sausage, three chubby meatballs and meat sauce, to boot.  Very "old school" Italian-American and very satisfying. 

Our meals came with a warm loaf of bread and garlic-infused olive oil.  For $2.99 each, we also had Caesar salad.  Side servings of Caesar or house salad at Carino's are "unlimited" but our initial portions were large enough that we didn't need refills. 

Carino's extensive menu features many more Italian classics, as well as "Only at Carino's" selections like Pepperoni Macaroni and the Skilletini, "a sizzling skillet with spaghetti, spicy marinara, parmesan, marinated onions and green bell peppers."  Family platters are available, probably a winning option for large groups.  Carino's also has kids' meals and gluten-free menu items. 

I miss you, Barraco's, Papa Joe's and Frankie's!  But for right now, yes, I think I'll be back at Carino's in South Reno. 

For more information, call (775) 852-8875 or visit 
http://www.carinos.com/page/home

UPDATE:   On a return trip to Carino's in March 2013, my husband again ordered the Mama Carino's Spaghetti and was very pleased with it.   I was not happy with my order of Chicken Marsala.  The chicken, which was described as sauteed in wine sauce with mushrooms, appeared and tasted more like plain chicken which had been topped, at the last-minute, with some wine sauce and mushrooms — and certainly not enough sauce or mushrooms.  It was bland and uninspiring, especially given that the big pile of fettucine underneath was dry. No sauce at all!  Maybe this is a place where one should stick with "red sauce" dishes like the spaghetti.

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SOUTH VALLEYS LIBRARY: A PRECIOUS RESOURCE FOR SOUTH RENO

My siblings and I were early readers and frequent library visitors.  As I child, I loved to go, as often as possible, to the downtown location of the Chicago Public Library.  It was housed in a magnificent building that is now the Chicago Cultural Center.  http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/attractions/dca_tourism/testing_attractions.html

And at least once a week, I'd walk or ride my bike to our more modest neighborhood library, too. Ever since then, no matter where I've lived, finding and utilizing the local public library has been a priority. 

The Washoe County Library System's South Valleys branch, at 15650A Wedge Pkwy., Reno is a beautiful, modern building adjacent to the South Valleys Sports Complex.  Large picture windows throughout the library afford stunning views of the playing fields and mountains. 

South Valleys Library includes a gallery for local artists to display their work, a cozy children's section, a Teen Zone with fun posters and periodicals, study spaces, meeting rooms, computers for public use and changing displays related to literature. Currently, there's a small exhibit about "Banned Books Throughout the Ages," with a list of books that "have all been banned at one time or another on social grounds." 

In spite of abundant educational resources online, public libraries are vital hubs for their communities and great equalizers, making access to reading and technology easier for all.  And I am convinced that kids who are encouraged to read a wide range of books will become well-rounded individuals, as well as better students.  The aesthetic appeal of the South Valleys Libary in South Reno makes this learning experience even richer. 

Note: This library branch is closed on Sundays and Mondays.  It's a sad sign of the times that many library systems can't afford to keep buildings staffed every day.  But donation boxes at the South Valleys Library help with the purchase of new books, DVDs, magazine subscriptions, etc.  Your spare change can really go a long way to support this cause.

For more information about the South Valleys Library, call (775) 851-5190 or visit 
http://www.washoecounty.us/library/south_valleys.html

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SOUTH RENO COFFEE TALK

As a newspaper reporter, I needed caffeine to get through early-morning school assemblies or evening city council meetings.  Many mid-day meetings happened in coffee shops, too.  Some interviewees worked out of their homes; others worked in traditional offices but just preferred to meet elsewhere.

So I got pretty adept at scoping out two types of coffee shops. First, I sought the grab-and-go or drive-through stands, for those times when I was rushing from one assignment to the next.  To actually sit down for coffee with someone, I'd hope for a clean table, comfortable seating, adequate lighting and subdued background music. 

Coffee shops here in Northern Nevada are not so ubiquitous as in Western Washington.  It might have something to do with living in the high desert instead of a temperate rainforest.  And while I'm not on the same hectic schedule as I was in the Pacific Northwest, I'd still like to find South Reno's best spots to get good coffee on the run or to sip at leisure, perhaps while reading a book or magazine.

I've tried a couple coffee places in the Walmart shopping center at the intersection of Reno's South Virginia Street and Damonte Ranch Parkway. Both have drive-up windows and limited seating.

Doughboys Donuts, 57 Damonte Ranch Pkwy., is more about doughnuts than it is about coffee.  I rarely eat doughnuts but for those with a sweet tooth, Doughboys has a large and delectable array, including glazed, frosted and jelly-filled varieties, priced at 85 cents to $1.00 apiece.  A dozen assorted doughnuts cost $8.99, or a half-dozen sell for $4.99.

Other pastries are plentiful at Doughboys, too — fritters, bear claws, cinnamon rolls and so on. There's a small selection of bagels and breakfast sandwiches, plus milk, juice and hot chocolate (for kids of all ages!) and a few types of coffee.  I'm not a coffee snob; plain black coffee works for me.  So this is not a deal-breaker. And I'll confess that the Doughboys Donuts logo is cute.

Kiddy-korner across the parking lot is the Starbucks at 191 Damonte Ranch Pkwy.  Like every other Starbucks, it specializes in fancy or frothy coffee drinks.  After you've had your fill of syrup and whipped cream, Starbucks also has some healthier menu options, such as fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches made with egg whites or reduced-fat meat or cheese.

My lukewarm response to both of these coffee shops stems from the scarcity of seating and the noise levels.  At Doughboys, the TV is turned up too loud.  At this Starbucks, the problem is more with a lot of people, in close quarters, shouting into their cell phones.

Maybe you're thinking, "Well, what do you expect?  It's a coffee shop, not a house of worship!"  As a point of reference, one of the most relaxing coffee shops I've found is SoulFood Books and Cafe in downtown Redmond, Washington.  The store sells spiritual and metaphysical books and music, while the cafe has a gallery for local artists and a small stage for open mic nights and other events.  One of SoulFood's owners is a musician and sometimes would break into folk songs on a whim.

I know, it sounds like something from the "beatnik" era. But don't knock it until you've tried something like it!  To learn more about SoulFood, visit 

http://soulfoodbooks.com/portal/

Meanwhile, back at the ranch ... 

Doughboys Donuts has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Doughboys-Donuts/280432278634534?rf=162718637085638

or call (775) 853-6844  for information.

The Starbucks at South Virginia and Damonte Ranch answers to the number (775) 851-2233.  Or visit  http://www.starbucks.com/store/9242/                      

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JOE BOB'S CHICKEN PALACE: A GUILTY PLEASURE IN SOUTH RENO

Fried chicken isn't health food, so it's only an occasional guilty pleasure.  If I'm going to indulge, forget about KFC.  I want fried chicken that is fresh and authentic, like something your grandma, or your cousin named Joe Bob might whip up for a family reunion.

Not long after landing in South Reno, I started seeing ads for Joe Bob's Chicken Palace, 7689 S. Virginia St.  The logo features a regal-looking chicken.

Joe Bob's is a little hard to spot from South Reno's well-traveled main drag.  It's set back behind the Terrible's Car Wash at the intersection of South Virginia and Longley/Huffaker.  But the fried chicken here is the real deal, cooked to order, crunchy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, with zero percent trans fat.  The menu asks customers to allow 20-25 minutes for your fried chicken order to be ready.  It is well worth the wait.

Fried chicken dinners at Joe Bob's include cole slaw, a roll and butter and your choice of mashed potatoes, fries or potato salad.  A two-piece fried chicken dinner costs $7.49, a four-piece dinner costs $10.99 and prices go up from there, depending on how many pieces of chicken you've ordered (an equal mix of white and dark meat).

It's my family's consensus that Joe Bob's fried chicken rocks, but the sides are just so-so.  The mashed potatoes are especially blah, with an almost soupy consistency.  So we've started ordering boxes of the fried chicken to go, making our own side dishes at home.

Joe Bob's dining room, when we've eaten there, has a look and feel that is hard to describe.  It's like it can't decide whether it's a casino, a bar or a restaurant.  The old-time road signs and vintage photos on the walls are kitschy and fun, but the volume on the big-screen TV is muted (while showing sports events) in favor of '70s music marathons.   On one occasion, we heard non-stop Steve Miller and another time, it was all Bob Seger.  

As well as fried chicken, Joe Bob's serves hot wings, ribs, burgers and other sandwiches such as pulled pork and BBQ beef brisket.   I suppose we should try them sometime but the fried chicken is too darn good.

For more information about Joe Bob's, call the South Reno location at (775) 852-1942 or visit

http://www.joebobschicken.com/home.html

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