Meeting News - May 19, 2008 - (Page 20)

Destination Insider: Reno-Lake Tahoe Edited by Lori Morris lori.morris@nielsen.com More Deliciousness on Attendees’ Plates New eateries satisfy foodie trend in the Reno-Lake Tahoe meetings scene Reno Revival Continues New projects still fueling downtown The urban revitalization that began a few years ago in downtown Reno shows no signs of slowing down, with a steady stream of new projects being announced as others wrap up. While the new Reno Ballroom officially opened earlier this year, multimillion-dollar projects have been announced to spruce up office buildings, streetscape beautification efforts continue, and new restaurants and shops are consistently opening in the Truckee River District. Construction is fully under way on a new 10,000seat Triple-A Baseball stadium that will serve as the anchor of the $81-million Reno Baseball Stadium District. Scheduled to open next spring, the traditional brick-style ballpark will be the home of a Pacific Coast League team. Shops, businesses, and a variety of entertainment options are slated to open throughout the surrounding blocks over the next few years. Also, construction will begin this summer on a 148-unit Hyatt Summerfield Suites Hotel adjacent to the new ballpark. The 351-room Fitzgeralds Hotel and Casino recently changed ownership and is being completely revamped. A $3-million renovation will make immediate improvements, and the management team is in the process of developing a master plan that will include upgrades to the property’s guest rooms, restaurants, and entertainment. In downtown Sparks, 1,600-room John Ascuaga’s Nugget completed a $17-million East Tower remodel in February. All 600 guest rooms in that tower received a floor-to-ceiling renovation, featuring modern design, plasma televisions, granite accents, marble flooring, luxury bedding, and business-friendly features such as Wi-Fi. Charlie Palmer has given Reno celebrity-chef flair with Charlie Palmer Steak and Fin Fish. The Reno-Lake Tahoe area has increased it restaurants offerings and culinary activities to cater to the discerning palates of the increasing number of “food-as-entertainment” folks coming to the region for meeting and incentive programs. “We find groups often want to explore the cuisine and dining experiences that are unique to this region,” said Philip D’Amico, Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority’s vice president of convention sales. “Meeting attendees are drawn to the emerging dining scene along Reno’s revitalized downtown Truckee River, and the truly adventurous eaters tend to go for the region’s Basque cuisine.” Upscale specialty restaurants are definitely in, according to Steve Lowe, director of sales for the 513-room Harrah’s and the 758-room Harveys in South Lake Tahoe. In the year since the resorts’ Gi Fu Loh restaurant opened, the $5.9-million highend Cantonese eatery has become a favored group choice.“It is very popular with groups, because it is very authentic, yet has a Caucasian flair, and the service is impeccable,” said Lowe. Its private dining 20 MeetingNews May 19, 2008 room seats up to 20 people, while a group of 100 can take over the entire restaurant. Last fall, Reno’s first celebrity chef arrived at the 1,975-room Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. Charlie Palmer opened two of his restaurants: Fin Fish, his premier seafood concept, and Charlie Palmer Steak, which has a private room that accommodates 60 people. Restaurants at two popular North Tahoe meetings resorts have also begun to embrace the foodie trend. The 422-room Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offers a winemakers’ dinner that showcases regional wineries at its lakefront Lone Eagle Grille, while and the Six Peaks Grille at the 405-room Resort at Squaw Creek recently introduced a five-course chef’s table meal available for up to 10 people. On the lake, the newly renovated Tahoe Gal, a historic paddle wheeler, has added wine tasting and bourbon tasting cruises. Cooking classes can be arranged at two new venues. Chefs at Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which just continued on page 26 Reno’s Baseball Stadium District www.meetingnews.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - May 19th, 2008

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