In a region where flashy cocktail lounges proclaim their names in neon, a handful of small, hidden bars have quietly cultivated their own devoted followings. From dimly lit speakeasies to European-style cafรฉs and cozy, music-filled lounges, these intimate spots prove that good things come in small packages.
You see it on the big screen and in many TV shows: stars sniff, swirl, and sip theatrically during tastings at beautiful wineries stateside and abroad. While the rolling hills of Napa-Sonoma and rows of vineyards in Tuscany may beckon, you also can enjoy such high-quality quaffing without the travel, maybe even in your own or a friendโs home, thanks to local sommeliers and wine experts hosting educational events and experiences.
Humans have invented a surprising number of ways to extract brown bean water from a coffee berry. To celebrate those innovations (imagine life without them!) and our local coffee lovers, we talked to four well-known locals to find out how they like their cups of joe and how they fell in love with it in the first place.
Decoding your morning brew.
On grocery store shelves and in coffeehouses across Reno-Tahoe, cold brew has secured a spot among other caffeinated constants, such as the cappuccino or matcha latte. Not to be confused with iced coffee โ hot drip coffee served over ice โ cold brew is here to stay, no matter the season.
Coffee starts out as a hard green cherry with barely any flavor. The process of roasting transforms it into the aromatic bean that produces our favorite morning beverage.
Maybe, like me, you grew up with the flavor pack of hot chocolate by some national brand, six to a box, ready to be stirred into hot water or (for a creamy variation) hot milk.
Across Eastern and Southeastern Asia, soups composed of layers of distinctive-yet-subtle fresh flavors are culinary staples reflective of the diverse cultures from which they originate.
‘Tis the night before Christmas, and set by children with glee, is a plate full of cookies and a milk by the tree โ in some countries, that is.
From the thicketed banks of the Truckee River to the meandering alpine creeks atop Mount Rose, plump, ground-dwelling quail skitter about in search of seeds and insects.