According to the National Restaurant Association, 'locally produced meats and seafood' is the top trend for restaurant menus in 2012. You normally wouldn't would think of Reno when you think of sustainable farm to table dinners. Most likely, you would be inclined to only think of all-you-can-eat buffets, but Reno actually has a wonderful selection of restaurants that serve food from local farms.
Local Reno produce — Photo courtesy of Christina Nellemann
One of the most well known is the 4th Street Bistro near downtown Reno and across from the Truckee River and the railroad. This French bistro serves fantastic dishes made from fresh, sustainable, local, seasonal farm meats and produce. For three consecutive years, they have received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Their farm to table dishes include appetizers like a Tasting of Three Artisan Cheeses, Local Honey Comb, Almonds & Whole Grain Crostini and main dishes such as Rosemary Braised Niman Ranch Lamb Shank Flageolets, Wilted Spinach & Gremolata.
Another farm to table restaurant is the new Campo restaurant, located in downtown Reno near the Truckee River. Campo serves homemade pastas, in-house salumi, wood-fired pizzas and uses organic, local ingredients and local wines on their menu. Every third Tuesday is Farmer, Food and Friend Night where special foods or the products of a selected farmer is served. A set part of the price is shared with local nonprofits.
The tiny Postal Café in Washoe Valley also serves farm to table dinners on Saturday nights. These dinners include locally smoked meats, local fish and vegetarian items with house-made sauces. The menu changes weekly and since the Postal Café has only a few tables, reservations are suggested. If you are at the Café for their weekday or weekend breakfasts, their coolers are full of local eggs and herbs from Washoe Valley backyard gardens.
