SHOPPERS SQUARE: A REMNANT OF SOUTH RENO'S PAST

The corner of South Virginia Street and East Plumb Lane really doesn't feel like "South Reno."  In fact, it's technically at the southern end of Reno's Midtown District.  http://midtowndistrictreno.com/map.html

However, when Shoppers Square opened in 1964, this location was considered the outskirts of town. 

Obviously, a lot has changed.  The huge, sleek and modern Summit shopping center is now on the far south end of Reno.   But Shoppers Square is still standing and holding its own, which is more than can be said for the now-razed Park Lane Mall across the street. 

There's something kind of sad and poignant about Shoppers Square.  It's almost like "the shopping mall that time forgot."  

According to its Web site, in its heyday in the '60s and '70s — before Meadowood Mall came along — this was a bustling place, with amusement park rides in the summer and live reindeer at Christmas time.  It was always, and still is, aimed at middle-income shoppers.  http://www.shopperssquare.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34&Itemid=30

That is evident from the mix of chain stores such as Marshall's, Radio Shack and Staples and also the smaller "mom and pop" businesses hawking jewelry, toys, Hawaiian shirts, muffins and more.  It's a bit of a weird hodge-podge, like the Port of Subs sandwich shop that shares a dining room with a Vietnamese Pho shop. 

And a onetime anchor of Shoppers Square, a Ben Franklin crafts store, went out of business earlier this year and now stands vacant. 

Sheplers Western Wear now seems to be the high-profile tenant here, with its large selection of authentic cowboy hats, jeans, boots, belts and fancy buckles. 

I do love seeing the "old school" McDonald's at Shoppers Square.  

It reminds me of the Original McDonald's Museum in DesPlaines, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. 
http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/mcdonalds_history_timeline/museums/mcdonalds_number_one_store_museum.html
Unfortunately, as I was shooting the photo of the Shoppers Square McDonald's, an aggressive panhandler approached me and asked me to buy her a bus ticket to Winnemucca.   So much for the good old days.

Wandering around Shoppers Square and contemplating the fact that this was Reno's "new" shopping destination in the early 1960s has also left me wondering if downtown Reno was ever more of a traditional downtown with department stores — not just casinos, hotels (and tattoo parlors and pawn shops). 

I'm hoping that someone at the Nevada Historical Society might have some good stories to tell.   I've visited this historical society just once and was disappointed that the main attraction — a collection of showgirl costumes from a Reno revue called "Hello Hollywood Hello" — was removed a couple of days before the show's advertised closing date.  I was told that the owner of the collection just decided it was more convenient for her to pack up her costumes ahead of schedule.  Trouble is, no one bothered to announce that to the public. 

Still, there may be valuable resources at the Nevada Historical Society, to give me a better view of what the community was like, even before places like Shoppers Square existed. 
I'm eager to see what I can find.

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THE AWFUL AWFUL BURGER AT JOHN ASCUAGA'S NUGGET

I've seen Last Chance Joe many times, while attending events at Victorian Square in downtown Sparks, Nevada.  It's hard to miss this oversized, jovial miner who is said to personify the hospitality at John Ascuaga's Nugget, also known as The Nugget. 

But I never had a reason to "Do The Nugget" as the TV ads cajole.  A Christmas craft show this past weekend finally gave me the nudge to venture into this enormous casino and resort hotel complex.

The craft show featured a nice variety of gift and entertaining ideas, cooking/baking demos and so on.

Since we were already on the premises at The Nugget, my husband and I figured it was high time we tried The Awful Awful Burger.  I'd read about this burger online, before we moved to South Reno.  The odd name was reportedly derived from folks' reaction upon devouring the burger: "Awful big and awful good!"

I also knew that The Awful Awful originated at The Little Nugget casino and restaurant in downtown Reno.  Several months ago, we walked into The Little Nugget, curious about The Awful Awful Burger, yet promptly walked out because the cramped restaurant looked like a greasy spoon diner and reeked of cigarette and cigar smoke.  Maybe some think the place has "character."  That's not my idea of character.

I learned, however, that two more locations served The Awful Awful Burger: The Wolf Den near University of Nevada, Reno  http://renowolfden.com/    ... and John Ascuaga's Nugget.  


Specifically, you'll find The Awful Awful Burger on the menu at Rosie's Cafe, a 24-hour, family-friendly restaurant at The Nugget.  This place, unlike the restaurant at The Little Nugget, looked clean and bright and was smoke-free.

We were seated right away and told our friendly server, "We already know what we want. Two Awful Awful Burgers with fries."  The food arrived fast and piping hot, with the legendary burger wearing a little paper bonnet.  Perhaps some people like to eat the burger while holding onto the paper bonnet, presumably to catch anything that might fall out of the burger.  

The Awful Awful Burger at Rosie's Cafe consists of two beef patties (cooked to your preference), American cheese, red onion rings, lettuce, tomato and a "special sauce" which seemed, to me, like mayo with finely chopped pickles, on a freshly-baked sesame seed bun.

Because the burger was indeed "awful big," I cut mine in half.

Wow, it really WAS "awful good."  Awful messy, too — although not greasy!  No, I don't suppose Dr. Oz would call it health food.  But if you're in the mood for a no-nonsense, all-American cheeseburger feast, you can't go wrong here.  The shoestring fries also were very fresh and delicious.  And this Awful Awful Burger with fries and pickle was just $6.95.

I don't know how the Wolf Den's version compares, but I would certainly return to Rosie's Cafe for another Awful Awful Burger when I'm feeling rebellious (toward Dr. Oz and his colleagues).

Also, as a high compliment to The Awful Awful Burger, it reminded me of a supersized version of the Dick's Deluxe Burger at the Dick's Drive-In restaurants in Seattle.   (The sauce at Dick's Drive-In is better, more like Thousand Island dressing, I believe.  Dick's fries are fantastic, too.)   http://www.ddir.com/

BONUS TRAVEL TIP:  Most of those really are just drive-ins, but the Queen Anne location of Dick's has seating and is a fun, "cheap eats" place not too far from the Space Needle and other popular attractions.

Meanwhile, John Ascuaga's Nugget is located at 1100 Nugget Ave. in Sparks, Nev.  For information, call (800) 648-1177 or visit http://www.janugget.com/   .  You can also view the menu for Rosie's Cafe on that site; the restaurant has lots of inexpensive specials.

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ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF RENO-SPARKS 2012 COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN

At Thanksgiving time — and all throughout the year — there are many outstanding organizations that help people in crisis.  I just received a mailer from the Assistance League of Reno-Sparks about its 2012 Community Campaign. 

I became well-acquainted with Assistance League when several friends and neighbors were active volunteers in suburban Seattle's Assistance League of the Eastside.  And as a journalist,  I wrote about Assistance League programs which served disadvantaged children and survivors of assault or abuse. 

One of the biggest undertakings for Assistance League of the Eastside was Operation School Bell, which provided at-risk children in three very large school districts with Fred Meyer gift cards so that they could shop for new clothes and shoes. 
  
Assistance League of Reno-Sparks also sponsors Operation School Bell, benefitting at-risk children in the Washoe County School District. 

As I worked on my story for the Redmond Reporter (in Redmond, Washington), I personally saw the joy and relief on the faces of innocent kids whose families were struggling, as they selected new, fashionable outfits for school.  I heard from teachers and counselors how much it meant to these kids, whose circumstances were so difficult, to have something of their own, something that wasn't a "hand-me-down."  

http://www.redmond-reporter.com/lifestyle/65298057.html

  
Also, while covering a fashion show and fundraising luncheon for Assistance League of the Eastside, I heard heartfelt testimonials from women who'd been displaced by domestic violence and received welcome baskets with household supplies, as well as messages of encouragement, from Assistance League.

What also struck me as profound were comments from another speaker at the luncheon, the superintendent of the Lake Washington School District.  He described a frightening time in his own life when he was young, poor and felt very much alone. 

"Crisis does dramatic things to a person's soul," said Dr. Chip Kimball.  "In many instances, people in crisis lose hope."  Kimball added that an unexpected gift from a local church, a food basket, meant the world to him when he was ready to abandon hope. 

http://www.redmond-reporter.com/lifestyle/86272712.html

I'm glad to know that Assistance League has a presence in Reno-Sparks and a number of philanthropic programs that can be a lifeline for people in need.  In addition to Operation School Bell, the Reno-Sparks chapter of Assistance League has programs such as Children In Transition, Veterans Outreach, a Senior Sampler gift shop (featuring products made by senior citizens) and more.

I hope to learn more about this local organization and plan to make a donation. I hope that you will, too.  

For more information about Assistance League of Reno-Sparks, call (775) 329-1584 or visit 
www.renosparks.assistanceleague.org  .

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FREE PIPE ORGAN CONCERTS IN DOWNTOWN RENO

Music is such an integral part of the winter holiday season, which will be in full swing by the end of this week.  We all have our favorite Christmas pop tunes, along with classical and spiritual pieces of music which bring deep meaning to this time of year. 

This past spring, I discovered that the Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Reno offers free "Pipes on the River" programs every Friday at noon.  http://www.trinityreno.org/

These informal presentations are open to anyone in the community and feature 30-40 minutes of music performed on the church's majestic Casavant Freres pipe organ.  Visitors are encouraged to bring a lunch and to ask questions about the music or the pipe organ.  Of course, donations are welcome.

The church itself is a thing of great beauty. It is located at 200 Island Ave., facing the Truckee River in downtown Reno.  

In addition to the largest pipe organ in Nevada, Trinity Episcopal has the largest working carillon (bell tower) in the state and a collection of exquisite stained glass windows. 

Sitting in this peaceful church, taking in the rare sights and sounds, is a sure way to de-stress — before heading out into the holiday traffic.

Or if you're up for a stroll in the scenic Riverwalk area, The Riverwalk District Web site provides information about places to eat and shop.  http://renoriver.org/

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CHICAGO-STYLE HOT DOGS IN SOUTH RENO

Relatives in the Midwest giggle when I grumble about the shortage of humble hot dog joints in the West.  Not in cities like Los Angeles, but certainly in the Pacific Northwest and here in Reno, too.  Neighborhood hot dog stands  — with delicious cheap eats — are everywhere in my hometown of Chicago. 

The late, great Little Eddy's Hot Dogs on Chicago's Southwest Side

When my husband, kids and I moved to the Seattle metro area, we were jazzed to find Matt's Famous Chili Dogs.  The original location near Boeing Field (now called Matt's Gourmet Hot Dogs) still seems to be there.  Other locations in Bellevue, Kirkland and the U-District have closed.  http://www.mattshotdogs.com/

Back in the day, Matt's flew in products from Chicago: real Vienna Beef Hot Dogs and poppyseed buns from the Mary Ann Bakery.  And they were properly dressed with yellow mustard, sweet relish, tomatoes, onions, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt.  Matt's Chicago dogs were pricey but tasted exactly like those you'd get in Chi-town.  Unfortunately, I've heard rumors that Matt stopped using Chicago products and that the quality just isn't the same these days. 

I have known for a while that there's a restaurant called Chicago Dogs inside Atlantis Resort and Casino, 3800 S. Virginia St. in South Reno.  http://www.atlantiscasino.com/dining/chicago-dogs

I doubted that these would be authentic Chicago hot dogs because this restaurant is located inside the "Fun Zone," the kid-friendly arcade on the second floor at Atlantis.  Arcades that offer children's birthday parties aren't generally well-regarded for their cuisine. I figured Chicago Dogs might be like the ho-hum hot dogs at Chuck E. Cheese. 

But what did I have to lose by going to Chicago Dogs at Atlantis — except a few bucks and maybe my dignity?  Ha ha. 

I ordered a $6.99 lunch special: a Chicago-style hot dog with a bag of Lays potato chips and a fountain drink.  In the Windy City, it's not uncommon to find meal deals such as TWO hot dogs and a big bag of French fries for about $5.  Oh well.  I guess it's the law of supply and demand. 

The all-beef hot dog and condiments at Atlantis Chicago Dogs were surprisingly satisfying, although the tomato slices were nearly invisible and I couldn't taste any celery salt.  The poppyseed bun was incorrectly prepared.  It seemed to have been toasted instead of steamed and the bottom of the bun tasted stale. 

Granted, the Atlantis "Fun Zone" was not exactly ripping with activity on a weekday afternoon.  

Maybe the hot dog buns are fresher on occasions when a lot of hungry kids are present. 

And there's no ambiance at this restaurant to support the Chicago Dogs name.  There's a small counter and a few tables — no pictures of Chicago, no Bears or Bulls shrines, no Blues Brothers music.  Not even a picture of Oprah.  

When I first moved to Seattle, a woman in a hair salon actually asked me how often I used to run into Oprah. That same woman thought Chicago was in Michigan because the city is bordered by Lake Michigan. 

Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois

Bottom line, if you're a Renoite, or a visitor to Reno, with a powerful craving for a Chicago-style hot dog, this small eatery at Atlantis will probably meet your need.  

Otherwise, if you want the real deal, order a Vienna Hot Dog pack or a Portillo's Hot Dog pack from Lou Malnati's Tastes of Chicago. They ship Chicago delicacies in boxes packed with dry ice and I've never had a problem with a late delivery or incorrect order.
http://www.tastesofchicago.com/?utm_source=loushome&utm_medium=headerlink&utm_campaign=shippinglogo

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HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT OLD STONE HOUSE IN SPARKS

A Holiday Open House was a good excuse for a Sunday afternoon trip to the Old Stone House Gift and Garden store, 3397 Pyramid Way in Sparks, Nevada.  No, I am not going to call Sparks a "day trip from South Reno," but if not for this special event, I probably wouldn't have made the drive. 

I'm glad I checked out the Old Stone House.  They have a lovely display of Christmas trees and decor, with themes ranging from feathered friends, to icicles, gingerbread men, drumming snowmen and more. 

It's obvious that a lot of work went into this colorful, seasonal set-up.  During the Holiday Open House, they even served snacks and beverages. 

The large greenhouse area at Old Stone House has an attractive selection of indoor and outdoor plants and decorative items like lawn gnomes. 

Back inside the gift shop, I also liked a basket of frisky-looking squirrels. 

And yes, there is an old stone house on the premises.  One of the owners explained that it used to be a milk barn.  He also showed us the outdoor area where fresh-cut Christmas trees will soon be displayed. 

This store is a worthwhile destination for anyone who wants an early dose of holiday cheer.  I would caution against taking young children through the Old Stone House, however, because many of the bright, shiny trinkets are easily breakable. 

For more information, call (775) 358-1700 or visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Stone-House-Gift-and-Garden/201298643234348 .

BONUS TRAVEL TIP:  My visit to the Old Stone House Gift and Garden store in Sparks made me very nostalgic for the winter wonderland at Molbak's Garden and Home Center in Woodinville, Washington.  I am not exaggerating when I say that this is a bona fide tourist attraction year-round, but especially during the holiday season, when Molbak's sells dozens of varieties of poinsettias and showcases local performers.  It also has the best selection of Christmas ornaments that I've ever seen.  And the free samples of Danish Kringle pastries (during the Poinsettia Fest) are terrific.  So if you're going to be in the Seattle area this month or next, take a trip across Lake Washington and prepare to be dazzled at Molbak's:  http://www.molbaks.com/

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"ALL THINGS NEVADA" AT RENO'S NEVADA STORE

Christmas was not on my mind during yesterday's visit to The Nevada Store, 3368 Lakeside Ct., in Reno's Moana West Shopping Center.  Yet there it was, a Christmas wreath — and then it started to snow. 

I guess there's no getting around the new phenomenon of "Black Friday Creep," whereby retailers start pushing Christmas shopping on the day after Halloween.  And many mass marketers are making their employees work on Thanksgiving night, as if customers can't wait until Black Friday to storm the aisles. 

Anyway, the completion of the Moana Widening Project spurred this trip to The Nevada Store.  I'd only visited this shop, which specializes in "All Things Nevada," once before, around Christmas last year.  The construction mess along Moana made it too much of a hassle to return until now.  I'm glad for this store and all the other merchants in that part of Reno who lost a lot of revenue during the construction. 

Whether you're a longtime Nevadan or a newcomer like me, The Nevada Store has fun, unique items for your home or to share as gifts.

Along with Wolf Pack and Battle Born swag, you can find Nevada history books, Nevada cookbooks, ties with gambling motifs, lapel pins and cookie cutters in the shape of the Silver State and Nevada-shaped gift baskets.

Some baskets include local food products such as Killer Salsa, Carson City BBQ Sauce, Sierra Pale Ale Mustards, Tahoe Toffee and Lattin Farms jams.  Others are filled with local bath products.  The Nevada Store gift baskets can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. and discounts are given for purchases of five baskets or more. 

And while I just complained, "It's too early for Christmas shopping," I was disappointed that The Nevada Store does not yet have its tree set up with Nevada-themed ornaments.  Last year, I bought a quirky alien ornament here — as well as a wild horse ornament up in Virginia City.  The girl working at the counter said that Christmas items are on their way to The Nevada Store.  If you're in the market for ornaments, maybe call ahead to see if they've arrived. 

Call (775) 825-3318 or visit http://thenevadastore.tumblr.com/ .

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