LAUGHING PLANET CAFE COMES TO MIDTOWN RENO

My hairstylist recently predicted, “I think Reno is going to be the next Portland.”  I knew exactly what she meant: Certain Western U.S. cities such as Portland and San Francisco have long been like the teacher’s pets of food and travel writers.  It’s time to give someone else a chance to shine.

Now, as fate would have it, Laughing Planet Café, a Portland institution, has opened its first non-Oregon location, at 650 Tahoe St. in Reno’s Midtown neighborhood.

The new Laughing Planet Cafe at 650 Tahoe St. in Midtown Reno

Midtown is assuredly THE neighborhood to watch in Reno.  In recent months, a whole slew of new and promising businesses have opened in this area, just south of downtown, along South Virginia Street and its nearby side streets.

South Virginia Street in Midtown Reno

A quiet side street in Reno's Midtown

While I do think it’s time to get over the Portland worship, I do like The Rose City and I do like Reno’s new Laughing Planet Café.

The emphasis at Laughing Planet is on “farm to plate,” reasonably priced food, prepared to your specifications.  There are loads of healthy dishes on the menu, including vegan, Paleo-friendly and gluten-free.  Soups, salads, bowls, burritos and quesadillas come with a myriad of add-ins, salsas, sauces and sides.

Walk in and order at the counter, get a number for your table and relax in the dining room, which is decked out with plastic dinosaurs, cute curios and posters touting the Tour de Nez (bike race).

Ordering your food at Laughing Planet Cafe

The dining room at Laughing Planet Cafe

The vibe here is sort of “old hippie,” with fairly loud music by Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix.  Not a bad thing and it actually reminded me of some favorite haunts in Bellingham, Washington, a city that I like immensely.

Friendly dinosaur on a Laughing Planet Cafe table

Curios and art at Laughing Planet Cafe

I ordered a quesadilla called Amaizin’ Grace ($5.95) which the menu describes as “Food Alliance certified corn, Tillamook jack cheese, mild green chiles, pico de gallo and cilantro-pesto or chimichurri sauce.”  I also requested a side of black beans ($1) and an iced tea ($1.75 with free refills).

Amaizin' Grace quesadilla, black beans and iced tea

My hubby went with the Cheese, Pico and Chicken quesadilla ($6.25), described as “Large ‘dry-grilled’ flour tortilla, Tillamook jack cheese, pico de gallo, grilled natural chicken.”  He chose a side of brown rice ($2) and iced tea, as well.

Cheese, Pico and Chicken quesadilla, brown rice and iced tea

Our food was very fresh and satisfying, perfect for a light lunch.  On a return visit, when we’re hungrier, I’d like to try a hearty burrito or bowl.  Selections for the bowls include Thai, Cuban, Korean and something called “Soylent Green.” 

That last menu item is slightly scary.  You’ve seen the movie “Soylent Green,” right?  But right next to that item, the menu says, “Iron-Clad Guarantee.  Please do not pay for anything you don’t like!  Seriously!”  All righty, fair enough.

After eating our mid-day goodies at Laughing Planet Café, we took a short stroll around the block.  Laughing Planet is very near other busy food establishments in Midtown Reno, such as Great Full Gardens, Batch Cupcakes and Sup. 

Outside Great Full Gardens and Batch Cupcakes in Midtown Reno

Polyesther's and Sup in Midtown Reno

Sadly, it’s also near the Wild Orchid Cabaret and a quickie-loan office, the types of businesses that scream of Reno’s seedy downtown, rather than the up-and-coming Midtown.

Unappealing businesses on the edge of Midtown Reno

But change takes time.  Patience is a virtue.  Let’s wait and hope for the best.

To learn more about Laughing Planet Cafe in Midtown Reno, call (775) 360-2592 or visit http://laughingplanetcafe.com/author/laughing-planet/