Culinary Capitol of Carson City, Nevada
Eat Your Way Around World Without Leaving Town
For many years, Carson City’s fame came from being the country’s smallest capital.Though it’s outgrown that title, the city has found new fame as Northern Nevada’s Top Culinary Spot.And since a sizeable number of its new residents were originally from other countries, many of the restaurants have a decidedly foreign flavor.
Whereas the most talked about restaurants in Nevada’s largest metro areas – Las Vegas, Henderson and Reno – are in its casinos, most of Carson City’s finest eateries are stand-alones. They are located on Carson Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, side-streets and shopping centers.
Adele’s
Long the grand dame of Northern Nevada restaurants, Adele’s (1112 N. Carson Street,)was opened by Adele and Paul Abowd in 1977. Interior décor is elegant Victorian. Fare is Continental, enhanced by the flair of executive chef/owner Charlie Abowd, Paul and Adele’s son – a fourth-generation restaurateur.
With more than 75 items on the menu, choices include four lobster entrees, seven seafood specialties, half a dozen veal and four lamb dishes in addition to duck, beef, steaks, chops, chateaubriand and rack of lamb. There are appetizers, pastas, pizzas, soups and salads, too, as well as 30 daily specials. Favorites among the desserts are Karen’s Cheesecake (served with a hot, blackberry brandy sauce) and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake.
The Basil
Though The Basil’s traditional pad thai is very good, diners who don’t try some of the more exotic offerings are missing half the show. That’s because many of The Basil’s more complicated entrees and desserts are beautifully presented (try the baked banana/coconut ice cream dessert). Thai art decorates the walls and Thai tunes provide background music, while restaurant owner Nan Watanar and her wait staff assure that guests are served great dollops of Thai hospitality along with their meals. (311 N. Carson Street).
San Marcos Grill
Two blocks east of North Carson Street in the Crossroads Center (2 60 E. Winnie Lane), the San Marcos serves up Mexican food in stylish surroundings. The extensive menu features all of the traditional favorites plus some dishes not often found in restaurants north of the border. Among house specialties are Steak con Nopales (with cactus) and pork in both chile verde and Colorado sauces. Desserts include made from scratch flan.
Red’s Old 395 Grill
Even though it’s set back from the highway, Red’s super-size wooden windmill is easy to spot. Décor inside is rustic, with old time vehicles as props and early-day artifacts like farm wagons and lanterns hanging from the high ceiling. Food is no-nonsense Western fare with contemporary twists, including possibly the best steak quesadillas on the planet. Hand-cut steaks, barbecue, hand-tossed pizza and some pretty spectacular sandwiches are among the other menu items on offer. Portions are huge and beverages include an advertised “101 beers from around the world.”
Garibaldi’s
Garibaldi’s (307 N. Carson street) combines hearty Italian food with a country Italian ambience. In addition to pastas, pizza and the predictable favorites, the restaurant’s kitchen produces excellent dishes featuring fresh seafood and wild game. Guests are personally invited to visit the restaurant’s wine cellar and select the wines they would like to accompany their meals.
Chorizo, Sushi and Casino Steaks
Some patrons claim the chorizo at Villa Basque Deli (760 Basque Way) is the best food item to order. Others rave about the lamb and paella sandwiches. In reality, just about everything in the deli tastes good. For sushi, it’s Kim Lee’s Sushi and Oyster Bar (111 E. Telegraph Street)
As for Carson City’s casino restaurants, two of them – the Steak House at the Nugget and in Duke’s Steak House at Casino Fandango – get rave reviews for their steaks. The former is served in one of Carson City’s first big casinos and the latter is billed as “Carson City’s newest and grooviest casino.”
Red's Old 395 Grill
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Adele's ambience is elegant Victorian.
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Dishes at The Basil are works of art.
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Garibaldi's features Italian dishes.
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San Marcos Grill offers extensive menu.
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