Taste of the town: Rib festival, wine train, cantaloupe festival and more!

Taste of the town: Rib festival, wine train, cantaloupe festival and more!

Happenings 

The annual Best in the West Rib Cook Off takes place Wednesday, Aug. 28, through Monday, Sept. 2, at the Nugget Casino Resort in downtown Sparks. The annual Labor Day weekend event spans more than six city blocks and features two-dozen of the country’s best barbecue teams, as well as arts and crafts vendors, a kids’ area, a VIP area and entertainment on two stages, including headliners like Ying Yang Twins and Uncle Kraker. Admission is free, with food for purchase. For more information, head to nuggetribcookoff.com. 

The V&T Railway Commission has announced the return of the wine-train experience, Toast of the Canyon, after a five-year hiatus. Wine enthusiasts and adventure-seekers can embark on a scenic journey through the Carson River Canyon on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Saturday, Sept. 21. The 45-minute round trip departs from Carson City’s Eastgate Depot and features appetizers, wines and breathtaking views. Tickets are limited, and early reservations are recommended. For more information or to purchase tickets, which start at $40, visit vtrailway.com, or call 775-686-9037. 

The Fallon Cantaloupe Festival and County Fair will take place Friday, Aug. 23, through Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Churchill County Fairgrounds, 325 Sheckler Road, in Fallon. The festival, one of Nevada’s longest-running agricultural events, honors the history of the famed Hearts of Gold cantaloupe, which saw its start in Churchill County in 1911. Events include fair exhibits, food vendors, games, musical entertainment and competitions for titles including Cantaloupe Festival Queen and King, and Cutest Little Cowgirl and Cowboy. General admission tickets start at $12, with discounts; for tickets or more information, head to www.falloncantaloupefestival.com. 

The League to Save Lake Tahoe and The Brewer’s Cabinet have launched the Tahoe Brew Can-Paign, which includes a special-edition label design and a portion of every can sale going to the League to Save Lake Tahoe. “After seeing the unbelievable mess that the league cleaned up from a Tahoe beach after last July 4th, and then learning about the organization’s decades of work to protect the lake, it was a no-brainer,” said Michael Connolly, owner of The Brewer’s Cabinet, in a press release. “Let’s do something that gives back to the natural wonder in Reno’s own backyard.” Learn more at www.keeptahoeblue.org. 

Openings and closures 

Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay has opened inside the Silver Legacy at THE ROW. Inspired by Ramsay’s travels abroad, Ramsay’s Kitchen joins Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips, which opened inside the Silver Legacy in May. Menu items include pan-seared scallops with house-cured pork belly, beef Wellington, and crispy skin salmon with green Thai curry. For more information or to book a reservation, visit www.caesars.com/silver-legacy-reno/restaurants/ramsays-kitchen. 

Nayaab, an Indian restaurant, has opened in Meadowood Mall, at 5000 Meadowood Mall Circle, in Reno. The menu features dishes like butter chicken, palak paneer and “Nevada butter naan” served in a combo-plate style. Call 775-688-9922 with questions. 

Arnie’s Cafe, a new breakfast and lunch spot, has opened at 294 E. Moana Lane, No. 9, in Reno, featuring classic breakfast menu items like breakfast skillets, omelets and chilaquiles. For more information, head to www.instagram.com/arniescafe_/ 

Tofu House has reopened at 1021 Steamboat Parkway, Suite 180, in Reno. The restaurant features a concise menu of Korean comfort classics like kimchi stew, soft tofu soup, spicy pork bulgogi and bibimbap. Visit www.tofuhousereno.com. 

The historic Dayton Taphouse has re-opened at 160 Main St., in Dayton. Claiming to be one of Nevada’s oldest saloons, the restaurant has been renovated with a new food menu featuring ahi wonton tacos, the Dayton Blue Burger and marinated flank steak. For more information and updates, visit www.facebook.com/daytonnvtaphouse. 

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