Eclectic dining in downtown Reno
by Valarie Van Antwerp, Outpost Staff
Does a trip to Reno mean eating at one of those all-you-can-eat buffets or chewy steak-and-lobster deals? Not anymore. Downtown Reno has become home to some diverse and exciting new restaurants.
"We love all the new choices in restaurants," Lisa Zaccheo, a Reno resident, said. "We didn't used to like to come downtown, but the additions and the covered walkways have made a big difference."
After spending millions on building and renovations, three downtown casinos hope to attract local patrons as well as the oft-sought tourist. The Carano family, who own the Eldorado casino along with one half interest in the Silver legacy, are a local family who have strong ties to the community.
The CEO and patriarch of the family business is Don Carano. His four sons are all active in the casino business with Gene and Gregg being co-general managers of the Eldorado, Gary is the general manager of the Silver Legacy and Glen is the director of marketing at the Silver Legacy. Don's wife, Rhonda, a University of Nevada graduate, is the director of advertising and public relations at the Silver Legacy. The Silver legacy is a joint project of the Eldorado and Circus Circus.
These three hotel/casinos have joined forces by linking via mezzanine-level walkways that allow patrons to cross the roads without even realizing it. The walkways are an integral part of the atmosphere except they are new and filled with fresh and lively choices for entertainment, including the first brewery inside of a casino, a first-rate, Parisian-style bistro, and a spacious new Southwestern eatery with an eclectic dÈcor.
Successfully creating an inviting and safe atmosphere in downtown Reno appeals to many locals, who had vowed to stay away.
"I just can't stand walking through streets that are filled with homeless panhandlers," said Kathy Gezelin, a Reno local. "I feel a lot more comfortable bringing my kids downtown when I am sure we won't be exposed to all that."
The safety and additional space above the streets have become the home to several first-rate kitchens. With choices such as lobster burritos, venison steak Diane, blackened chicken club sandwich, polenta with Italian sausage, and freshly brewed beer, it is easy to forget they are in a casino.
Circus-Circus, the Silver Legacy and the Eldorado have become virtually one huge resort allowing their customers to enjoy the amenities of each without having to brave the elements in the streets. By parking at any one of the hotels, it is easy to reach them all on the mezzanine level. A very convenient option is to park at the Eldorado self-parking lot on the west side of Sierra Street, taking the elevator to the third floor skywalk and across to the mezzanine.
Bearing to the left leads to a huge stone fountain with horses and what appear to be Roman gods and mermen. Behind the fountain is the first of our featured restaurants-Bistro Roxy.
This restaurant has an atmosphere that seems impossible to achieve inside of a casino. With stone walls, exposed wood-beamed ceilings and an open kitchen, the restaurant looks more like Burgundy than Nevada. A team that included Pat Kuleto, the famous restaurateur from San Francisco, created its design. The menu is filled with interesting and unique combinations including wood-roasted meats, poultry and fresh fish.
The wine list at Roxy's leaves little to be desired. As the superlative cellar of a family who's hobbies include owning one of the most celebrated wineries in California (Ferrari Carano), the list has both breadth and depth.
Roxy's also has a beautiful bar famous for its 100 martinis. Though the price for a martini approaches $5.00, the atmosphere and service make it worthwhile. Try the Cosmopolitan, with a touch of cranberry. Live music wafts through the air along with the heavenly scents on most evenings.
Beyond Roxy's, travelling up a short flight of stairs leads to the entrance to the Brew Brothers. This pub-style restaurant features seven custom microbrews and a menu that takes bar food gourmet.
The warehouse-style atmosphere is perfect for the almost nightly live acts that usually come up from the Bay area. Mostly blues and rock, the shows usually don't start until 10 p.m., leaving plenty of time to try the beer and food. The large dining room is always loud and fun with 18 monitors showing music videos as well as sporting events. Behind the mahogany bar are 12 or so huge, gleaming copper kettles, presumably filled with the beer being served.
The menu contains homemade pizzas, ribs, gourmet sandwiches, fish-n-chips and many of the items you would expect in a brew pub but the preparation rivals that of a fine restaurant.
Into the Silver Legacy and past the big mining rig is Art Geckos, the southwestern grill and newest edition to the Circus Circus casino.
The dÈcor of Art Geckos includes such interests as two huge stone geckos that appear to be morphing into the wall itself. Above the open kitchen is another series of Geckos that are created from tiny pieces of brightly colored tiles. Inside are several large sculptures of Indian dancers that add texture to the atmosphere.
As the restaurant often has a wait at busy times, try a margarita in the bar outside. They are delicious and for $1.50 more, you can take home a beautiful, hand-blown margarita glass. While waiting, you will be given a pager, which affords the ability to check out the free circus acts.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. The service is adequate when the restaurant is not busy, but can be slow on weekend nights. The menu includes many unique and delicious dishes. A wonderful touch provided by Art Geckos is the fresh, hot sopapillas (fried Mexican flatbread) with citrus butter that are served with the bread.
The expansions and additions downtown have given locals and tourists alike several great new dining and entertainment choices and accessing them has never been easier.
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