Foodfinds

Phoenix rising

Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen

764 S. Virginia St., 322-6866

Once upon a time there was a little Mexican restaurant that did well for several years, overcoming its location in a run-down strip mall next to a freeway ramp. Then the property was sold and the building turned into yet another empty dirt lot. Forced relocation can kill even a thriving business. Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen has sprung phoenix-like from another formerlyvacant dirt lot, and man, is it on fire. Located in the heart of Midtown, the new restaurant Mari and Chuy Gutierrez have created is very different from that which is now dust. Paired with hipster-approved architecture and design—sparse decoration, roll-up “garage doors” that open to patio dining, and a somehow classic-yet-modern color palette—is a stripped-down menu that I think could be the smartest decision made by this family of seasoned restaurateurs. Gone is the 100 item list of a la carte fare and combo platters typical of Mexican-American cuisine, replaced by a single page presentation of dinner categories. Appetizers, soups, salads, desserts, and separate sections of pork, beef, seafood and vegetarian specialties are listed, each with five or fewer dishes. Even more brief is the lunch menu on the flip side. This style of service indicates a chef who has chosen to perfect and focus on each dish until it’s exactly how he wants it. He’s selected dishes

he most wants to share with his guests. by Right from the start, my wife and Todd South I were made welcome by Chuy and his staff, and the service throughout our meal was top notch. Even the water got special treatment, with slices of lemon and cucumber lending an extra zing of refreshment on a summer evening. My wife loved her Mango Margarita ($8), despite a dash of buyer’s remorse upon discovering a cilantro version on the specials board. She and Chuy apparently share the same affection for that pungent herb. With drinks came complimentary chips and a delicious pico de gallo. We prefer light, thin chips served warm. Though fresh and warm, these were pretty thick. However, the queso fundido con chorizo appetizer ($6) would be impossible to scoop up with a less-stout bit of fried tortilla, so I’m guessing those chips were designed with that in mind. Served on a small cast iron skillet, this mix of melted cheese and homemade pork sausage is stupid good, with a touch of cinnamon sending it over the top. Brilliant. We also enjoyed the aguacate relleno con camarones starter ($7), featuring half an avocado overflowing with “special secret shrimp salad” on a bed of romaine lettuce. For entrees, my wife ordered tacos de pescado ($13) and I chose the carnitas ($15). Both were served with rice and (whole) beans, artfully presented with a leaf of romaine, slice of tomato, chunk of fresh cheese, radish floret, and lime wedges for the fish. All garnishes were fresh, the beans and rice tasty, and the homemade flour and corn tortillas above-par. The texture of the fish was a bit soft, and I found the pork carnitas to be fattier, larger pieces than I normally expect. Aside from this, we both enjoyed the flavors of each dish, and the portions were quite decent for the money. Bellies full, we shared the homemade caramel flan ($4). With a texture more akin to cheesecake than custard and great flavor, this dessert could convert non-fans of the traditional treat. The inclusion of a large, sliced strawberry on the side and a splash of coffee liqueur added tableside by Chuy himself sealed the deal. Coming and going, this chef and his crew demonstrate the meaning of hospitality. Ω

Photo/Alli S on Young

Owner Chuy Gutierrez with carnitas and a variety of chips and salsas.

For more information, visit www.chuys mexicankitchen.com.

Itʼ s happening in !

ACTIVITIES

US OPEN OF WATERCROSS

The ninth annual event has traveled from coast to coast attracting the best watercross riders throughout the United States and the world, including Australia, Columbia, Kuwait, and Indonesia. F-Su through 6/29. Opens 6/27, free admission. Sparks Marina Park, 300 Howard Dr (775) 353-2376

SHIRLEY’S SPARKS FARMER’S MARKET

This 22nd annual farmers’ market features fresh local produce, arts and crafts, specialty foods, prepared foods and children’s activities. Th, 3-8PM through 7/24 and Th, 3-8PM through 8/21, free. Victorian Square, Victorian Ave

SCHEELS FLAG EXCHANGE

Make sure you have a beautiful, new fl ag fl ying on the 4th of July! The Scheels Flag Exchange is an opportunity for customers to exchange their old, tattered fl ags and get a new one for just $10. The American Legion will be on site to collect the fl ags, and they will properly dispose of them for you. . 7/1-7/3, 4-6PM, $10. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

STAR SPANGLED SPARKS

The region’s biggest fi reworks display is set off from the roof of the Nugget while thousands of revelers celebrate the Fourth of July on Victorian Square below. The event includes live entertainment, a kids’ area and an array of food vendors. F, 7/4, 4PM, free. Victorian Square, Victorian Ave.

RENO SKI AND RECREATION CLUB

The Reno Ski and Recreation Club holds its general meeting. Hear the most current information about the Reno Ski & Recreation Club’s upcoming activities. Second Tu of every month, 6PM, free. Cantina Los Tres Hombres, 926 Victorian Ave (775) 356-6262

CROCHET CONNECTION

Learn to crochet or share tips with other crochet enthusiasts. Th, 4-5:45PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway (775) 424-1800

CLICKETS KNITTING GROUP

This class is for knitters of all ages and levels. Yarn and needles are available. First and Third Su of every month, 1:30-3PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1800

SCHEELS RUNNING CLUB

Run with expert pacers and enjoy running in a group Tu, 6:30PM through 12/9, free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

FOUR SEASONS BOOK CLUB

The book club meets the fi rst Saturday of each month. Call to fi nd out each month’s book title. First Sa of every month, 1-2PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

CONVERSATION CAFE

The drop-in conversation program meets on the fi rst Saturday of each month, 2-4PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

VOODOO COWBOYS

Th, 6/26, 7PM, F, 6/27, 7PM and Sa, 6/28, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

HIGH DESERT PRAIRIE FESTIVAL

The Moonshot Coup presents the High Desert Prairie Festival. A celebration of roots music, Americana, folk art, and wild horses. Experience bluegrass, newgrass, singersongwriters, cowboy poetry, Tin Pan Alley, folk punk, honky tonk and everything in between. Sa, 6/28, 11AM9PM and Su, 6/29, 12-6PM, $15-$40. Baldini’s Sports Casino, 865 Rock Blvd. (775) 358-0116

THEE ORBITERS

F, 6/27, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

RENO ROCKABILLY RIOT

The annual hot rod show and celebration of rockabilly music and culture includes contests, drag races, entertainment, vendors, poker walk and the Rockabilly Beer Crawl. Th-Su through 6/29. Opens 6/26 John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

BEST IN THE WEST BURLESQUE SHOWCASE

Sa, 6/28, 8pm, $25-$45. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

PARTY AFTER THE FIREWORKS!

Cuz it’s our Country’s birthday! F, 7/4, 10PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

LIVE MONDAYS WITH TANY JANE

Open mic night every Monday at 8PM, hosted by Tany Jane. M, 8PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

THE TUESDAY JAM AND OPEN MIC

We’re in our second decade of jamming! For individuals, bands, duos. Bring your instrument, sticks or just yourself down to the best sounding bar around! Tu, 8:30PM through 7/7, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

OPEN JAM WITH TAZER & FRIENDS

W, 8PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

DJ/ DANCING

M-Su, 5PM and F, Sa, 11PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LIVE MUSIC

Th-Sa, 7PM., no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ERIKA PAUL

Enjoy Louisiana-style food and the soulful, breathtaking jazz sounds of Erika Paul on keyboards and vocals. Th, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

A SINGERS-SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE

Bring you, your instrument and your song. We look forward to hearing and seeing you there! Th, 8PM through 12/18, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

LIVE JAZZ

Vocal and instrumental jazz from “The Great American Songbook”, performed by First Take featuring Rick (SAX) Metz. Fridays, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

BILL DAVIS

Sa, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

KARAOKE

KARAOKE WITH BOBBY DEE

Tu, 8PM, no cover. Morelli’s G Street Saloon, 2285 G St. (775) 355-8281

KARAOKE

Th-Sa, 9PM, no cover. Bottom’s Up Saloon, 1923 Prater Way (775) 359-3677