A World of Fun
THE BACKSTORY
Nevada was founded in the mid-19th century when gold and silver were discovered in the hills of California and Nevada. Reno and Lake Tahoe now shine brightly with stunning natural beauty, glittering casinos, gorgeous rivers, and fantastic ski resorts.
The spectacular Tuscan-inspired Peppermill Resort Spa Casino opened in 1971 as a family-owned and operated coffee shop and lounge. Since then, it has become a Reno landmark, sprawling over more than 45 acres. The way I like to describe the Peppermill to friends is it’s a “city within a building”. Conveniently located five minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and ten minutes from downtown. This was our second visit and I couldn’t wait to come back and try more of the restaurants. I wanted to make sure that all readers find out that this is a one-of-a-kind wonderful highly recommended local getaway. Only an hour and ten minutes from Southern California airports and a world away. If you want a change from the chaos of Las Vegas this is the place for you. One of my favorite features of the hotel is the countless strategically placed huge LCD screens that stream beautiful scenery from all over the planet and are truly a window to the world. I feel a sense of traveling the world when I gazed upon the Zen global video art featuring cityscapes, stunning remote nature scenes, and indescribable wildlife settings.
ACCOMMODATIONS
From the outside, Peppermill casino hotel's Tuscany Tower is a modern glass structure, reflecting sun and sky. But on the inside, it reflects the classic style of Tuscan luxury. Warm colors evoke rolling green and umber Italian hillsides. Plush hotel room interiors offer peace and comfort. I haven’t stayed in the original tower with a total of 1,621 rooms, but the Tuscany-themed Tower Suites are gorgeous featuring 600 suites and our room had a sweeping view of Reno's cityscape and the breathtaking Sierras, they have pool views available also. We love the marble bathrooms garnered with large double showers and two-person jetted bathtubs. The casino has 82,000 sq. ft. of gaming action and I used to get lost. Within the “city” are two resort pools, three outdoor jetted spas, 9 award-winning restaurants, 15 themed bars and lounges, and headliner entertainment from around the world. They host a world-class spa and fitness center with resort amenities which include a posh 9,900-square-foot fitness center; designer boutique shopping and Reno’s hottest nightclub, EDGE.
Peppermill holds the AAA Four-Diamond rating for hospitality industry excellence. All rooms and suites combine old-world splendor with sophisticated, contemporary hotel amenities to create an unforgettable experience. Each room provides comfortable accommodations graced with hand-painted Italian art, luxurious bedding, custom-made, plush, comfy double-pillow-top mattresses, and 42” LCD high-definition televisions also in the bathroom using geothermal energy.
EXECUTIVE CHEF OF ALL THE RESTAURANTS
The food at the Peppermill is sensational and such an important component of the overall experience. With 30 years of experience, Executive Chef Mark Lund is at the helm, his passion to create great food started in his early beginnings with Ritz-Carlton which taught him refined culinary arts as well as top managerial skills, including trainer and recipient of the Malcolm Baldridge award for total quality management. Working with the Caesars Palace group in Lake Tahoe, Mark honed his skills as Chef Garde Manger, and later Executive Sous Chef. At the Chicago Sheraton Hotel and Towers, he perfected his craft while helping to serve Presidents and major conventions. Mark is also a premier Ice Carver, having studied and worked with Mark Daukas, America's most awarded Ice designer. As Executive Chef, Mark assists in leading of group of over 400 individuals who form the Culinary and Stewarding team. In 2008, Mark was named "Chef of the Year" by the American Culinary Federation's High Sierra Chef’s Association for his commitment to teaching and training future culinarians, just as he was as an apprentice. He became a Certified Executive Chef by the American Culinary Federation in 2010. Recently Mark has focused on bringing local and regional products to the forefront of the food products on the property at the Peppermill
THE EATERIES
Chef Mark oversees the award-winning cuisine sure to satisfy any taste. From savory steaks to authentic New York-style deli sandwiches and fresh-from-the-ocean sushi. Upscale Cuisenaire’s can visit the Wine Spectator award-winning restaurants Romanza and the AAA Four-Diamond award-winning Bimini Steakhouse, while those seeking a more casual experience can choose from Biscotti’s, Café Milano, Island Buffet or CHI. Hotel guests can enjoy Peppermill’s delightful and delicious offerings any time of day or night with the resort’s in-room dining service. The Peppermill proudly serves locally sourced products from a wide array of local farms including Hyde’s Herbs, Holley Family farms, Spanish Springs Greens, Avanzino Farms, Nevada Fresh Pak, Lake Tahoe Cheese Company, and Sand Hill Dairy allowing guests to experience a true farm-to-table dining experience
Romanza
On our first night, we dined at Romanza, and the minute we walked in, we were hit with the aroma of simmering exotic sauces. In the dining room, our eyes were drawn to the overhead “roman”tic sky scene drifts from starry twilight to a delicately lit dawn. A large statue of the Roman hero Antinous and his two maidens slowly revolves to choreographed sound and light. This place has a sexy vibe to it and the minute we walked in, we felt transported. The hostess sat us in a booth as our adventure began. Our server, Michael from San Francisco, a Vietnam vet was full of life and had an insightful take on the wine list and menu.
So, I knew I had to throw caution to the wind and embrace that I would be entering the world of carbohydrates and when the homemade bread basket arrived, that is exactly what I did. This is a true Italian experience, Romanza’s handcrafted pasta, fresh seafood, vine-ripened garden vegetables and exclusively Italian wine cellar have earned it the 2013 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
We started with the Chilled Jumbo Prawns aside a Mediterranean Salad and a Spicy Cocktail dipping Sauce. The Fried Calamari is White Cornmeal-Crusted with a Fennel, Onion, Pepperoncini, Spicy Marinara, and Basil Aioli. Chef Roger Morris nailed the cuisine, we had Spaghetti and Lobster Fra Diavolo, Spaghetti, 1½ pound Maine Lobster, Rock Shrimp, Mushrooms, Spicy Creamy Tomato Sauce and the Colorado Lamb Chops, Creamy Gorgonzola Mashed Potatoes
Enjoy award-winning desserts ranging from classic tiramisu to Neapolitan gelato pie. the good-natured Assistant Manager, insisted we try dessert, we were stuffed by this point, but we had a Chocolate Mousse and it was a work of art and simply scrumptious. Reservations 689.7474
Bimini Steakhouse
On night two we dined at Bimini and it was by far my favorite restaurant, hands down! The ambiance is casual elegant and the cuisine is superb. The virtual aquarium atmosphere adds a unique element to the experience which is enhanced by rich Koa wood, marble tables and a lush tropical feel. They have incorporated old-school tableside prep on some of the dishes and our server Franz who was professional and cordial made the dining experience lovely. A super cool feature is the exposed, 1,000-bottle wine cellar, truly a wine lover’s paradise and we enjoyed a couple of glasses with dinner. The appetizers were prepared with expertise as was everything we ordered. So let’s start with the Rum Battered Coconut Prawns which were huge, crispy and so tasty. I was so impressed with our next dish, the Seared Ahi Tuna crusted in coriander and black pepper can best be described as divine perfection.
From there we enjoyed the Lobster Bisque with some nice sized chunks of lobster in this elixir that soothed our souls. Chef Kris Miranda was running the kitchen the evening we dined and represented so well. Troy the Sous Chef had his back. Every table around us was extremely satisfied with their meals.
It was really tough to decide on one of the hardwood grilled steaks, but the logical choice was the 24oz Prime Porter house, the best of both worlds, a filet and a New York in one. If you check out the photo below you can see it was cooked to perfection and all of the steak selections are cooked over white oak wood which doesn’t over power the authentic flavor of the meat. My guest had the heavenly halibut and it was succulent presented over the dreamiest risotto ever.
With chops and seafood in an unparalleled atmosphere, Bimini Steakhouse received the 2013 AAA Four Diamond Award and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and is he a must when you visit the resort and casino!
Biscotti’s
Biscotti’s gives diners a little bit of everything, serving up south of the border spice, New York-style pizza, a wide selection of hand-crafted beers and much more. In addition to its full menu, those on the go can cruise into the Café for a quick espresso or cup of coffee, authentic homemade gelato, tempting pastries and made-to-order crepes. Biscotti’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
Café Milano
The Peppermill got its start as little more than a coffee shop 50 years ago, making it the ideal destination for a great cup of coffee and some good eats. I love the diverse menu available at the 24-hour café which offers comfort food; mouthwatering barbecue and traditional menu specialties featuring farm fresh eggs, house-made, hand pressed sausage patties and fresh baked breads. We ate there twice, the first time my guest had the Shrimp Chow Mein and I had Chicken Pad Thai for lunch. I really enjoyed the breakfast, my guest had the eggs benedict and I went for the Diners can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner anytime.
CHI
For those who have an appetite for traditional and contemporary Chinese delicacies, including signature Asian-inspired cocktails, CHI serves up everything from braised whole abalone with oyster sauce to Peking duck, Master Asian Chef Benny Tsang brings the ultimate Asian dining experience.
Oceano
Set in a dramatic ocean-themed environment, Oceano's extensive menu changes daily and features only the freshest seafood.
Enjoy everything from under the sea including fresh Maine lobster, all-you-can-eat sushi for a great price and prepared by Oceano’s Master sushi chefs, delicious pan roasts, chowders, mesquite-grilled fish, and oyster shooters as well as the best in pasta and steak. Specialties include shrimp quesadillas, blackened Ahi sandwiches, wood-grilled Atlantic salmon and authentic lobster rolls, earning the restaurant a nod as the local’s favorite.
Café Espresso
Grab a quick cup to go from Café Espresso, located near the main casino entrance. In addition to its menu of espresso- and coffee-based drinks, tea, and juice, Café Espresso offers a variety of pastries and bagels as well as paninis and freshly prepared deli sandwiches, soups, and quiches.
Sports Deli
Adjacent to the Peppermill’s celebrated Sportsbook, the Sports Deli is well known for its authentic Big Apple offerings including hand-sliced meats and cheeses.
The Pub
As the newest member of the Peppermill dining family, The Pub makes its home on the Virginia Street side of the property. The perfect place to sit back and relax, The Pub serves up classic fare including burgers, fish and chips, nachos, and wings.
White Orchid Private Dining
Enjoy the most intimate in upscale private dining at White Orchid. Available by reservation only, White Orchid features elegant decor such as shimmering Swarovski Crystal chandeliers and custom etched glass doors and mirrors.
In-Room Dining
Elevating room service to a new level of style and sophistication, hotel guests can indulge in anything from breakfast to dinner and anything in between including cocktails, strawberries and champagne, special dietary needs, and much more. Most items are available 24 hours a day and breakfast may be ordered for the next morning up until 2 a.m. by completing the in-room Breakfast Menu and hanging it on the door.
THE TERRACE LOUNGE
This is where we hung out each evening before and after dinner. I must say they have had top-notch entertainment on both vacations. From the amazingly attentive bartenders, Emma and Tia to the brilliant stage presence of the singer, Erica Sunshine, a relaxing time is to be had. Great free cocktails as long as you are gambling on the slots around the bar. I went on a Patron, Soda with limes kick and my guest went down the Chardonnay path. It was the best adult environment; drinks, gambling, live entertainment, and friendly guests.
NIGHTLIFE
Peppermill offers everything from top headliner acts to free nightly entertainment in The Terrace. For the up-all-night crowd, the newly redesigned EDGE Nightclub is the perfect place to cut loose and dance the night away. EDGE fuses 1920s style with 2020 technology providing an intimate and vibrant nightly experience with new sensory experiences such as 440 square feet of LED panels, state-of-the-art lighting, and original artwork. Looking for a quiet getaway, try the world-famous Fireside Lounge where you can enjoy a wide variety of exotic drinks in Reno’s favorite ultra-lounge.
INFO
Peppermill Resort, Spa, Casino including dining, spa packages, rooms, and special events.