The Reno Reinvention | Haunted Foodie Traveler

Downtown Reno

It’s been years since I was in Reno, Nevada. The last time I was here was just after the economy tanked. It was practically a ghost town at that point.

When I arrived a few days ago, downtown Reno looked somewhat the same to me. Dirty streets, empty buildings and wayward people aimlessly wandering, perhaps down on their luck, maybe gambled their life savings and personal possessions away, drugged, drunk and disheveled.

I consider Reno my gambling Alma Mater. This is where I learned how to play cards. Gambling 101. After learning basic card skills I headed to the Pro’s: Las Vegas! It’s where I have done all of my serious gambling ever since.

Reno, for a Friday night, didn’t seem all that busy to me. Not a lot of tourists around. Was it a slow weekend? Maybe November is a slow month? Or was it just me? Has Las Vegas tainted me in some way? Hmmm…

Regardless, I found the absence of people appealing! I didn’t have to stand in line anywhere!! I got first pick of a chair at the card tables all night!

In all fairness to the City of Reno, this place has reinvented itself and is positioned to become great again! I took note that Amazon Fulfillment Center and Tesla Gigafactory have set up shop here. And I noticed a housing boom as I drove into the city. New homes going up everywhere, including apartments in downtown. Reno went from the gold strike years, to the gambling era and now modern industry!

Reno still has its entertainment as well! Hot August Nights, festivals, golf, concerts and sports! And near Reno is Mount Rose for the skiing enthusiasts. All this combined with its new era of industry and gambling staple, the City of Reno is in a healthy position to live on!

Now, If only the downtown hotel-casinos would renovate and bring their rooms and casino floors to a modern look, then it would be a great place to stay, play and hangout.

Dollar Slot Machines, Roulette, Black Jack and Texas Hold’em tournaments are my favorites to play in any gambling town that has them!

Of course, let’s not kid myself…I come here for the drinking as well! Jameson, maybe a few Jello shots and more Jameson!

Ruby River Steakhouse

Food is another reason to visit Reno! Food is everywhere. Sure, you can eat the overly salted buffet food at the casinos all you want, but for me, I like to venture out into the town and find good food.

Ruby River Steak House was recommended to me by my former colleague. The steaks are aged over 21 days, they have a full bar and for you country fans, Ruby River is cowboy themed, boots and all!

Ruby River Steak House is directly across the street from the Peppermill Hotel and Casino. It’s a chain restaurant out of Utah.

I had the prime rib! It’s my favorite cut of meat. If I see it on the menu my impulse is to buy it! Even if I know other steaks I haven’t tried in a while are on the menu. I can’t help myself!

I like all my steaks rare! And this one was still wiggling a bit. Perfect in my mind. Some of you might feel ill just looking at this rare almost raw beef. But it was a melt in your mouth experience with that funky dry aged flavor. Skanky taste for you food porn folks!

With this meal came a fully loaded baked potato: bacon, chives, cheese and sour cream! A mound of shredded horse radish and Au Jus on the plate made for the perfect compliments to the main attraction.