Kerak Shrine Circus in Reno this Weekend

The Kerak Shrine Circus hits Reno this weekend, March 27-29, at the Livestock Event Center.  It's the local Shriners big fundraiser for the year and if you know even a little about what this organization does (think Shriners Hospitals for Children) go out there and support a great group. 

Tickets range from $12 to $18, with performances at 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 5 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets are available at the box office or local Scolari's.  You can also call 856-3330, 688-5771 or 688-5722 for more information.

Is the Downtown Nugget's Awful Awful Shrinking?

Well, in size anyway.

Stopped by the Nugget last week for the first time in quite awhile and was a little surprised at the price of the Reno tradition (the perennial "Best Burger in Reno" winner).  It seemed like it was $3.50 not too long ago.  In fact there is a press clipping on the wall with a quote from the owner saying it would stay $3.50 until he dies.  Of course that was 2003.  Apparently it went to $5.50 and now is at an even $6 ($6.50 to go). 

That said, it is still a deal, if only for the insanely large amount of french fries (think four super-size containers) they pile in the basket (and yes, they still are a tad undercooked).  But the burger seemed like it had shrank some.  It was big and delicious as always but it just seemed a bit smaller.   But maybe it was the outsized portion of fries that were dwarfing it some.  Either way, it still is a must-stop location if you are downtown.

Sam Hui to Play In Reno

Considered the "God of Song" in Hong Kong, Sam Hui brings his style of Cantopop to the Reno Events Center Thanksgiving evening.

A star of numerous comedy blockbusters in the 70s, Hui also specialized in light-hearted pop that blended traditional Cantonese music with western-style music.

Tickets for the November 27 show range from $78 to $168.

Reno's Best Buffet Is At The Atlantis Casino Resort

You don't need the 2008 RNR reader poll to tell you Toucan Charlie's Buffet and Grille is the hands-down best buffet in Reno (though they did it again this year).  This Atlantis Casino Resort buffet in south Reno is like a trip around the world.  From it's Mexican, Asian, American and carving stations, to its made-on-the-spot Caesar salads, to its Mongolian BBQ, to piles of shrimp in the salad bar, this isn't one of those $3.99 buffets of yesteryear.  Actually, it's a $16.99 and up dinner.  But well worth it.

Friday is seafood night ($27.99), while Saturday is steak and seafood ($26.99).  Wednesday is steak and crab legs ($19.99).  There is also a Sunday champagne brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $18.99.  The buffet is also open for breakfast and lunch, starting at $10.99.

The Atlantis also picked up a bevy of other "Best ofs" in the 2008 poll.  Along with buffet, they won best poker room, security, casino promotion, customer service and place to cash your check.

Reno's Peppermill Named Best Casino

Reno News & Review readers named the Peppermill Hotel casino the best in northern Nevada in their 2008 poll.

And it wasn't just the casino that grabbed top honors this year.  The Peppermill was also named best hotel, edging the Grand Sierra Resort and Silver Legacy Resort Casino.  They also had the best "color scheme" and carpet (yes, those were actually categories) as well as being named, along with the Atlantis Casino Resort, best place to "cash your check."

Oh, and it also snagged best hotel for that romantic getaway.