Delicious and a Little Different: Wild River Grille - Reno

By: Robert Gurley
 
The reopening in Vegas is continuing with gusto. Restaurants are filling up and there seems to be a sense of optimism in the air. How about our neighbor to the north Reno?
 
We recently got back from a trip there and the same parameters are in order. People are dining out and enjoying it.
   
After a stroll along the Riverwalk my wife and I were ready for lunch. We perused the Wild River Grille menu and decided to give it a try. There is a large patio but because it was cloudy and cool we opted for an inside table.

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The restaurant has been open since 2007 and has been highly rated for a long time. They use locally-sourced vegetables whenever possible, and the selections were creative.
    
Starters are meant to be shared and one of the intriguing picks was a Cheese Plate that included imported cheeses, fresh fruit, berries, local honey, organic fig jam, spices pecans, lavash and for a small extra charge, selected cured meats. Tropical Tuna Tartare is also available along with Braised Pork Belly which is all the rage now.
    
You can do no wrong by ordering a salad. The Wild River edition has a tempting spring mix, apple, dried cranberries, spiced pecans, marinated red onions and gorgonzola drenched in honey with balsamic dressing.
    
Entrees satisfy a wide range of tastes. There is a ‘master blend’ burger with aged cheddar, caramelized onions and a toasted brioche bun.
     
Fans of a classic Reuben can enjoy the creation with smoked corned beef and sauerkraut.
     
I was in the mood for some beef, so I ordered the Prime Rib Melt which was highly recommended by our very competent waiter. An ample supply of meat was accompanied by provolone cheese, mushrooms, caramelized onions and a cup of au jus that I liberally dunked the sandwich in many times.
    
My wife enjoyed a Brie and Pear Sandwich with fig jam, arugula and fruit sitting inside a French baguette. Homemade kettle chips filled up the plate. Other offerings include lobster mac and cheese, grilled shrimp tacos and a Mt. Rose Cobb salad with all of the trimmings.
     
If you are stopping by for dinner, they have a list of seafood including Idaho Trout Almondine, crusted Mahi Mahi and pan-seared citrus scallops that are delivered with creamy garlic polenta. There is a little heat with the spicy shrimp pasta and house specialties run the gamut from braised short ribs with red potato mash to sauteed elk medallions topped by port shallot demi-glace, hand-made Sierra mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and risotto cake.
      
Desserts include a cast iron cobbler that is baked to order and Truckee River Mud  with a brownie, Klondike bar, caramel, chocolate and fresh whipped cream.
     
They have a robust Happy Hour with selected food items at reduced prices like fried pickles, Thai wings and French onion soup. All draft beers are $4.00 and well cocktails priced at $5.50.
     
The next time you are in Reno the Wild River Grille will fulfill your quest for something delicious and a little different.
     
Wild River Grille, Open every day for lunch and dinner. 17 S. Virginia St., Reno.
(775) 284-7455. www.wildrivergrill.com.