KRATZMC

16 July, 2008 Weds

Well, I’m on my way home again from yet another travel adventure. I spent the last three days in Reno Nevada with my old work buddies, to celebrate Dave Lanier’s retirement from the Fremont Police Dept. Those present were Frank Noey, Allen Holm, Gary Cooper, Pat Epps, Mark Peters, Greg Gerhard, Robert Davila, Rob Lanci, Mark Hanrahan, Frank Dorsey, Bob “Cracker” Illes and Myself. I think that was everyone. Al, Pat and Frank Noey had to head home early, so I missed actually seeing them this time.

Since what happens in Reno stays in Reno. I can’t divulge too much information. On the most festive night, I was in Gardnerville Nv with old service buddy and his wife, Larry and Tina Robasciotti. This week was Larry’s 50th Birthday and I was going to miss the party scheduled for this weekend, so I thought I would spend the evening with them. We had a great time playing horseshoes and Larry whipped up some venison sausage and steaks. I presented Larry with some Kastmaster Lures for his birthday to try at some of the High Sierra Lakes.

I did hit two back to back jackpots of $1,650 each at the Peppermill on the High Limit Slots and was able to hang on to most of it.

The highlight as usual was dinner on Tuesday night at Louis Basque Corner Restaurant, a place I’ve been frequenting for the past 20 years. I highly recommend on your next trip to Reno, that you get off the beaten path and try dinner at Louis’.

We all met in the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail and I ordered their signature drink, the Picon Punch.I don’t know whats in it but it is part of the experience and I highly recommend it to get those digestive juices flowing. Reservations are recommended if you have a group larger than two. I played video poker at the bar as the crew assembled, anticipating the experience to come.

Louis’ (Lou’s) Basque Corner Restaurant

Bob “The Cracker” Illes opted not to join us for dinner. His taste for Spam and Cheese Whiz sandwiches over rides his culinary sense of adventure and Mark Peters ended up leaving the restaurant for unknown reasons. I suspect his over indulgence the previous night was exasperated by the gamey smell of the fresh lamb dishes from the kitchen.

I find this a great venue for dinning with groups, as you are seated at long tables which facilitates eating and conversation. You also may be seated next to total strangers which adds to the ambiance as you share good food and conversation with your new friends.  Seated to my left were a couple who retired to Florida from Ohio.  At the other table next to Bob Davila were a group of two couples and if I hadn’t known better, I would have sworn Davila had known them all his life.  Funny how a few glasses of Vino Rojo can make a complete stranger seem like your best friend.

The meals are served family style and if you are hungry, they’ll bring out more. The fare usually features 3-4 Entree and happened to be Piella, Sweet Breads, Lamb Chops and Steak. The Entree is preceded by soup, salad and bread. Soon to appear at our meal were a home style beans and Lamb Stew, or if your lucky, Ox Tail Stew. I ordered the Lamb Chop with a side of mint jelly and it was excellent, juicy and tasty. With the main dish comes a plate of French fries and carafe’s of red wine. After you’re finished your main meal, you’ll receive a small dish usually containing ice cream with some sort of topping. I think the food is excellent and again, it is more of an experience.

Lou’s Basque Corner Restaurant is located at: 301 E 4th St, Reno, NV 89512 (775) 323-7203

If you are geographically retarded, ask any cab driver and they will get you there. Lou’s is also about two blocks east of the El Dorado Casino Hotel.

Anyway, time to head home as I finish this post at the Reno Airport and do some housekeeping before riding down to San Antonio this weekend for a party at Fred Rawlinson’s and two days of additional sightseeing. Then it’s getting ready for the Iron Butt Association National Meet in Tulsa, Ok in mid-August.

Ciao

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