Week of April 3, 2024

From the editor’s desk

In the April cover story, David Rodriguez takes us on a tour of the Wells Avenue taco scene, where you’ll find versions of this beloved street food from El Salvador, Mexico City, Baja California and other regions. Pro tip No. 1: For the widest possible range of options, get to Wells Avenue on a Saturday, when all of the trucks and stands are open. Pro tip No. 2: Pick up a paper copy of the April RN&R so you’ll have your own treasure map to tacos. Meanwhile, here’s the whole list of mouthwatering options. 

The Perenn bakery empire has expanded further with a new grocery store on Rancharrah Parkway. Pasta La Vista has opened at Reno Public Market. And Birdeez—an entertainment venue with mini-golf courses, a quiz room, hi-tech darts, two bars and a restaurant—is slated to open soon in downtown Reno. Here’s RN&R food scribe Maude Ballinger with more spring food and beverage announcements in Taste of the Town.

Are you ready for the partial solar eclipse? If you’re in Reno, it’ll start next Monday, April 8, at 10:19 a.m. As always, our trusty skywatcher Robert Victor has more details and more celestial viewing highlights for the entire month in the latest astronomy column.

“From now on, if it isn’t The Empire Strikes Back or Empire of the Sun, I’m going to take the word ‘Empire’ in a movie title to be a harbinger of cinematic death,” writes film and TV guy Bob Grimm. And that very much includes the new Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Bob fears it will “give license to even bigger, dumber and more useless films.”

Sculptor Kara Savant’s minimalist-inspired wall pieces—imbued with a subtle, wry wit—look straightforward at first glance, but they’re packed with clues about Nevada class and culture. Her solo show In the Land of Drunks & Brothels is on view at the Holland Project through April 13. 

Three Moons Trading Company is a Reno occult shop that supports a wide range of community endeavors—like LGBTQ+ causes and arts groups—as it strives to demystify the world of magic and spells. “There is no judgment here,” said co-owner Christs Donaldson.

The paper edition of the RN&R is now available at hundreds of cafes, libraries, grocery stores and other establishments all around Reno and nearby towns. Be sure to pick one up before they’re gone. Maria Ratinova’s illustrated Wells Avenue taco trail map is a keeper! 

Take care,

—Kris Vagner, managing editor