Week of Dec. 13, 2023

From the editor’s desk

Dave Masud, longtime drummer for the Vampirates, explores both grief and joy in his recent solo work. His new track, “Chrysalis,” addresses a particularly intense moment—his mom’s death, followed shortly by the birth of his daughter.

When you look at Elaine Parks’ sculptures, you might not know whether you’re seeing elements scavenged from the natural world—like bones or coral—or handmade clay pieces that resemble them. That “unexplained gray area” is exactly where she aims to take you, she told arts writer Delaney Uronen.

Looking for a great in-town hiking spot for winter jaunts? Hidden Valley Regional Park offers warm, western sun on a wide range of trails to suit just about everyone—including kids, bikers and horse riders. 

“I’m an endurance athlete, and it’s always great to surround myself with others willing to push themselves harder than they ever believed was possible,” writes business columnist Matt Westfield. The local startup he highlights this month, Trybe, espouses the same attitude. 

Anna Newman’s latest sculptures are handmade tributes to the beloved old neon signs from demolished, downtown-Reno-adjacent motels that have come to serve in our public consciousness as symbols of the ongoing tensions around gentrification. ⁠

Leave the World Behind, the new apocalyptic thriller from writer-director Sam Esmail—despite its big-name cast, great premise and solid performances—left movie guy Bob Grimm on the fence between “liked” and “disliked” more than any other 2023 film.

Lacie and Doug Flannery, transplants from Chicago and owners of the new Mt. Rose Wine Co. at the Summit Reno, are hooked on Reno. They talked with cocktail reporter Michael Moberly about how they want to offer personalized service and be an integral part of our community.

If you’ve ever been in a brunch rut, Maude Ballinger’s latest Best 3 Things is your ticket out of it. Think crispy samosas from Thali submerged in a chickpea curry with yogurt and tamarind chutney. It’s “an irresistible flavor bomb.”

Take care,

—Kris Vagner, managing editor