Rib Cookoff and La Famiglia Ristorante

LaFamiglia Ristorante Italiano

LaFamiglia has to be one of my most favorite restaurants in Reno.  It has recently moved about four blocks south of it's old location and I have been wanting to give it a try. I was not too worried about the new look but I sure did not want the food to lose any of it's old location wonderful taste in the short move. Well I guess the food Gods were with the chefs because the food is as outstanding as ever. Now when I throw in the new decor it's a win, win deal. Funny thing, the dining room and bar layout are just about the same as the old location. I understand they were able to get in about four more tables, I felt that was great news for them.

170 So. Virginia St.

Reno, NV 89501

775 324 1414 

( next door to Pioneer  Center)

Last night I had the opportunity to go there with a friend. Our reservations were for 6:45 we arrived at about 6:25 and were greeted by George who always makes one feel like they just walked into his house. The dining room was about three quarters full and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves to the fullest. I told George we were early and he said not to worry our table was ready for us, and sure enough our table was set and had a reserved sign on it. 


I started with a Cesar  Salad and my entree was Veal Marsala. The salad was nicely chilled great dressing and not so much as to ruin my dinner. The veal was outstanding cooked just right, a nice variety of mushrooms and a very nicely finished sauce. Also on the plate were some steamed fresh veggies and the proper amount of pasta. Not too much to make you think you ordered a pasta dish but not too little as to leave you wanting more. Really all portions were just right.Just right in the sense that when I got up I was not hungry but yet did not waddle out the door. 


My guest had Veal Piccata   which was also finished to perfection. A plain salad and a glass of wine. We both passed on dessert as we are trying to be good.


Their menu is a'la carte, and I would say their prices are a bit above average but then again so is their food and service so it balances out. The two entrees, salads, one glass of wine, a bottle of Pellegrino, tip and no dessert came to $86.00, which I felt was fine for what I had and how I was treated. 


This is a must stop on your next trip to Reno.

The Best of The West Rib Cook Off 

When September rolls around we all start to think of Sparks NV and the Best of the West Rib Cook Off, and this year was no different. There were 23 competitors and over 500,000 visitors, and you wonder why you could not get a room.

I was smart this year and parked in the Legends parking lot and took a shuttle bus. You not only forget things when you get old BUT you get smarter too.

The winner was, (drum roll please) Bone Daddy's BBQ of Midland MI. They walked away with a first place in the Judging and a first place in the People's Choice to win both does not happen very often. OH yes, they also took home a 7,500.00 check. Second place went to Kinders of Concord, CA. It was fun and we ate lots and lots of ribs but the crowds were too much. It is best to go Wed. or Thurs. and skip the weekend.  My Granddaughter came up and brought my Great Granddaughter and boy could that little one eat ribs and she is not two yet.

 Eating up her inheritance

I sure hope those of you that missed it this year will be in the crowd next year.   

OK for this post. A lot of things going on in the next couple of weeks. Balloon Races, Air Races, a trip to Donner Lake to hear about the Donner party, all this and I would like to give you my idea of the Best Coffee House in Reno. If you have any ideas about the best coffee house please Email me.


Until next time have a good time, stay safe, and think Reno.

A late add on:

Virginia City Camel Races Sept. 10-12

Street Vibrations in and around Reno Sept. 22-26

My First Post

Years ago I had a rather large Web site named Frank Severa's Useful URLs. My son-in-law tells me I was the world's first blogger but did not know it. I now live in Reno, moved here from the San Francisco Bay area and I found out right away that most people do not realize what Reno has to offer to the locals and it's visitors.

Most people know the three blocks downtown where the casinos are located and that's all they ever see.   My objective in writing this blog is to let people know what is going on In and Around Reno, NV. We will also explore the dining scene in Reno which to some people's surprise is quite intense. We will look at Virginia City, Carson City, Sparks, and Nevada City(which is in CA). Lets not forget Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Squaw Valley and many of the ski resorts in and out of season. Yes that's right, lot's go on at the ski resorts in the Summer.

As the blog grows and is updated weekly (I hope),I will give you information and my feelings about upcoming events but for this first post I will just list the various events, some you will have missed but others you will still have time to visit Reno and enjoy.


For me the season starts in July with Art Town. This is a full month both day and evening of events all around town at different venues. There is song, dance, plays, bands, acrobats, magicians  comedians. You name it, if it is entertainment you will find it here. The performers are local to world class, and you know what over 70% of these shows are NO CHARGE (thank you sponsors) and the balance are a minimal cost.

If you enjoy Reno history,Cowboys,Indians,Civil War,Mountain Men and Women then you must visit Carson City in early June to see the Carson City Rendezvous. A weekend of learning,fun,good eats,and great photographs and it is all free except for the good eats.

Hot August nights starts the beginning of August in Reno and Sparks. If custom cars and Hot Rods are to your liking do not miss this one. Two things to bring are good walking shoes and a camera, there are more than 5,000 cars spread all over Reno and Sparks. This is free also.

Let's not forget that Reno has it's own Triple A ball team, a farm club for the AZ Diamond Backs. They have a brand new beautiful stadium in downtown Reno. It is a lot less to see one of their games games rather than a major league game and it is just about as good, remember this is AAA ball.

I have left out events like Blue Grass Festivals, Irish festivals, river rafting right in down town Reno. The country's largest Tomatina (tomato fight) to raise money to fight cancer. Take your pick from over one million Roma tomatoes to throw at your friends.

Starting September 1-6 we have the National Rib Cook off in sparks. The 10th 11 and 12th are the balloon races. No Cost. Starting the 15th. and ending the 19th. we have the Reno Air Races. In just this three month time I can hardly count the things I left out because of time and space.

I am going to close for this week as this is turning into a novel(yes I do love Reno), and it will be too much to read. We will return next week with a report on the Rib Cook Off, that is if I can get the BBQ sauce off my fingers so I can type.

Till next time.
Frank