I have been enjoying searching out great Carson City dining. Let me tell you about a couple of my latest discoveries: Doppelgangers Brewery, right downtown at 302 N. Carson St., and San Marcos Grill, 260 East Winnie Lane, in the same mall as the Salvation Army store.
A doppelganger, according to their menu, is the ghostly double of a living person or your evil twin. After looking at all of the beer and wine choices on their extensive menu, I guess given enough time, you could become your evil twin while enjoying their delicious fare. Each menu choice has a beer or wine pairing suggestion to make things even more enjoyable.
I sampled their Signature Salad which is a crunchy combination of green peppers, mushrooms, onions, bacon, cheese and the house creamy Italian dressing. I had mine with chicken, but it is also available with steak. Very satisfying. I also have tried the BLT and So Much More, which is a wonderful combination of red onion, avocado, jack cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato served with a garlic aioli. I will definitely return for this.
The menu contains 10 appetizers, soups, a variety of sandwiches and pastas, steaks and pizza. Everyone in your party should be happy at Doppelgangers. The patio on Curry Street is perfect for enjoying our lovely spring and summer weather and is very kid friendly. I took my grandchildren there several times last summer and I know they would recommend the chicken fingers and fries served with a delicious honey mustard sauce.
Lets not forget that Doppelgangers is the only brewery in Carson City and they serve several hand-crafted brews, Battle Born Blonde Ale, Genoa Pale Ale and Carson Sierra Lite, to name a few. They also have lots of special events planned. You can find out more by going to their Web site at www.doppelgangers
brewery.com. If nothing else, please treat yourself to a great meal and a great beer on their outside patio ... what could be better?
They are open Sunday-Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. till whenever, but the kitchen closes at 10 p.m. You can call them at 882-7787.
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Another hidden gem in Carson City is the San Marcos Grill, where you can order your guacamole prepared tableside, and it is fantastic! You get to choose your own fresh ingredients and you decide just how "caliente" you want it to be.
Owner Alvaro Brito uses only the finest meats and freshest vegetables, which are cooked in pure vegetable oil to bring out the true flavors of authentic Mexican cooking. Their extensive menu offers a wide selection of dishes ranging from traditional to modern recipes, appealing to all tastes. Diners can request entrees made vegetarian-style or with any of their fresh meats. I have had their fish tacos several times; they are always freshly grilled and very tasty. I have also had their shrimp fajitas, and I would not hesitate to recommend this dish. It is one of the best I have tasted.
This is a great place to take your friends and family and they even had a Mariachi playing when we were there on a Friday night. They have a full bar and their drink menu features three pages of tequilas. Margaritas, anyone? Check out their menu at www.sanmarcos
grill.com. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. You can call them at 882-9797.
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I have also heard from Patrick Gilmore in Virginia City who highly recommends La Salsa Taqueria at 1946 Highway 50 East in the Sac N Save shopping center. Patrick grew up in El Paso, Texas, but tells me that the food at La Salsa is the best Mexican food he has had since coming to Nevada. He tells me "I have tried many things on the menu but my favorite is the assorted individual (soft) tacos. It is the meat and the small non-fried tortillas that are so good." Give them a try and see if you agree with Patrick.
I would also love to hear from you, especially your favorite place in Carson City to eat breakfast. Tell me what you love about it and why you keep going back!
- Candace Duncan is executive director of the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Contact her with local dining recommendations at 687-7410 or candace@visitcarsoncity.com.