Hunger pangs fade in Basque country by Arthur Pines, Outpost Staff In this package: Day Tripping Chocolate Cracker Box Genoa Walley's Hot Springs Cutthroat Saloon Grover Hot Springs   No trip to the vicinity of Carson Valley would be complete without Basque cooking. For 30 years, Elvira Cenoz has owned and operated the Overland Hotel in Gardnerville. She tells me her business is "supporting the locals," who need proper nourishment. This place The Overland stands kitty corner to Sharkey's Casino in Gardernerville. Photo by Art Pines. is a must, especially for those unfamiliar with Basque cooking. For $16, you are fed a choice from six entrees, soup and salad, bread, wine, coffee and desert. I have never walked out of this place hungry. My tummy full I bounce home, satiated and truly ready for bed. With choices like lamb shanks, lamb or beef stews (I love these), paella--a soupy rice dish served with seafood and meat, fried shrimp--it's easy to find something that pleases the appetite. Cenoz warns that her place doesn't have much for vegetarians. The Overland Hotel has a family atmosphere with two dining rooms. One huge room is used for private parties she hosts throughout the year. Chef, business owner, and hospitality expert Elvira Cenoz oversees her kitchen. Photo by Art Pines. The smaller room has plenty of tables with cute red vinyl chairs with cushions to support the downward sinking of your body as you continue eating the endless amount of food. Little figurines line the walls, bringing you to a different place and time. The coat of arms of Zazpiak-Bat, one of the seven Basque regions in Europe, hangs at the opposite end of the smaller dining room from the kitchen, where Elvira directs her staff. She works 17 hours a day, making food. Talk about tender loving care--everything here has a delicate but hearty touch. Lunch is served from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. and ranges in price from $3.50 to $12. Dinner is served from 4:45 to 9:30 p.m. for $16. Tables, large and small, await customers prior to opening. Photo by Art Pines. The Overland Hotel is a wonderful way to end a perfect day off. If you think you can do more, check out the collection of Cowboy memorabilia at Sharkey's Casino across the street from the Overland. If you don't want to roll all the way back to Reno, which is about 45 minutes north on Highway 395, you might opt to stay at Walley's, which has cabins, or stay at the Carson Valley Inn, a casino/hotel, south of the Overland on the same side of the road, 1627 Highway 395. The Carson Valley Inn room rates range from $39 to $79. 1-800-321-6983). To get there: From Markleeville, take Highway 89 north to Highway 88 east. At Highway 395 take right so you're going south. It's about 20 minutes of travel. The Overland Hotel is on Highway 395, but the address is 691 Main St. (702) 782-2138. From Reno, head south on Highway 395 to Gardnerville. It takes about 45 to 50 minutes.     copyright 12/10/97 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost Nevada Outpost is produced by students at the Reynolds School of Journalism, University of Nevada, Reno Copyright 1999 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost  TOP