Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Old World Coffee Lab - A Unique and Hip Craft Coffee Shop in Reno Providing Quality Coffee, Teas, and Specialty Drinks in a Fun and Modern Atmosphere

Midtown Location

Carson City Location

Northwest Reno Location


Mocha Drogata
The fanciest equipment I've seen to date.

Old World Coffee Lab (OWC) is a craft coffee shop in Midtown Reno that prides itself on being involved in all steps in the making of a good cup of coffee, from knowing the origins of their beans (with direct connection to the farmer), and  controlling the complex process of coffee roasting, using a "fancy smancy" roaster to bring out the best flavor profiles of the bean, to the experimentation/investigation with different brew methods, and the incorporation of other ingredients to showcase different drink possibilities, expressing their love for the craft of coffee making. 

On any given day, find students on their laptops studying, bikers socializing over a good cup of coffee, friends hanging out, or individuals meeting up to talk business.  

OWC welcomes all and contributes to the rich craft coffee culture here in Reno, providing a unique atmosphere along with quality drinks and eats made from heart and passion.  

Merchandise for sale


Things to love about OWC
*Responsibly sourced coffee - The owner flew to the source of the beans himself (Ethiopia) to guarantee quality, sustainability, and fairness of trade.

*The two young gentleman workers that made my drinks one visit were kind and knowledgeable. They were passionate in telling me about the process of coffee making and knew a lot about the owner. To me, these are signs of a great business.

*They roast their coffee in house, testing out samples from each batch to guarantee quality.

*The flavor of their coffee is supreme.  Enjoy amazing coffee flavor with coffee at center stage or as a supporting character in their other drink concoctions that add in herbs, spices, and other ingredients. 

*For specialty drinks, you can start with Mocha Drogota (spiced mocha with cinnamon, triple yum), Lavender Latte (nice subtle floral taste), Matcha Latte (Matcha green tea powder with milk and no coffee), and Nitro Cold Brew (sweeter than hot-brewed and less bitter).

*They cater. Yes, you read it right. They can set up their bar anywhere and dazzle your guests with delight.

*They serve their pour over coffee and tea on trays to reflect the care and attention that went into the making of the product.  For their espresso, cleanse the palate with their carbonated water and stir espresso before drinking for a more uniformed taste.

*Their coffee shop is ideal for studying with many outlets available

*They have fun seasonal/holiday drinks

*Their teas are delicious too, with great quality flavor

*They sell Dick and Taylor chocolate bars, some of the best chocolate bars I've tasted in my life. Smooth, sophisticated, and super tasty. Try the Fleur de Sal and Raspberry. You won't be sorry.



Nearby Adventures

OWC is located in Midtown, a popular area of Reno that's loaded with so much to see, do, and eat+drink, all within walking distance to one another, including:

-Natural Selection (Instagram) a store that sells house plants, cool items for decorating your house, taxidermy, and much more. Think Norman Bates meets Jungle Cruise vibes. Run by a rad mother and daughter duo.

-Sundance Books & Music across the street, a 100 year old house made into the raddest local bookstore in town.  Take your drinks here and hang out in their beautiful front garden for a special experience

-Pizzeria Lupo, one of the best local pizza (Detroit style) places in Reno

-Full Belly Deli, a local favorite sandwich shop located just around the corner

-Too Soul Tea, located at the back of OWC and is more quaint and charming, offering loose leaf teas, drink specials, and small bites.  Great place for gathering.  Indoor and outdoor seating available

-A strip plaza that has some of our greatest eats in one spot, including Rice Box Kitchen (Asian-inspired comfort food), Batch Cupcakery (baked goods with gluten free/keto/vegan available), and Great Full Gardens (delicious health food)

-The Discovery Museum, our biggest museum in Reno, made for people of all ages



Why Shop & Support Local?
*Buying local helps keep diverse and unique businesses open, which are generally run by passionate local business owners who provide outstanding service and create quality products and offerings.
*Local businesses that are successful at what they do have the power to create more jobs and opportunities for the local community.   
*Local businesses are generally great employers.
*Local businesses are more likely to support other local businesses like themselves, helping strengthen our community, making it a happier and more personal place to live. 
*You're supporting a neighbor's dreams. 

Fragrant and Quality Teas. Peppermint pictured above. 

Notes
*located in Midtown with limited street parking in front. More parking at back
*Information subject to change.  Please check in with business and follow them on Instagram for the latest updates
*They have a second location in Carson City
*Follow their Instgram for posts on seasonal/holiday specials
*They have cool merch for sale
*They offer wholesale/subscriptions 
*The coffee shop gives off major "hipster" vibes
*Alternate milk available

Must Try Dick & Taylor Craft Chocolate Bars.  One of the BEST!

Photos
© Katherine Fung 
All rights reserved.

*Information subject to change. Please check in with the business for the latest updates and info. 

Categorized Under "Good Eats" ---> "Cafes"

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Coffee N' Comics - Connecting Reno to a World of Fantasy & Sci-Fi Over Good Coffee, Company, Service & Eats, Specialty Drinks, Costumes, Special Guests, Entertainment, and More

Outdoor Patio Available




Did you know that some of the most popular movies today stem from comic books?  
Spider-Man, Ironman, Batman, and Superman are only a few of the most popular comic book movie adaptations... Do any others come to mind?

Comics are so powerful because they unlock the imagination, connecting us to interesting characters and stories that commonly address serious societal and cultural issues. 

They are created by talented artists that help convey knowledge in a fashionable and enjoyable manner, with amazing visuals and a special format to help take in and remember information much easier.  Comics engage us in unique and challenging ways. 

Comic/pop culture is alive and well in Reno thanks to one of our gems, Coffee N' Comics, the only place in Reno you can enjoy comic culture life over good drinks, service, eats, entertainment, special guests, and an atmosphere that welcomes all and encourages guests to be themselves.

Come dressed up as your favorite comic character, come in to geek out with your friends and family over pop culture, get some pictures and autographs from some celebrities, come in for a nice cup of coffee and get lost in a book, or simply come in just to hang out and relax. 


My kids have an obsession with comic books and I'm so happy that I can take them to Coffee N' Comics so they can enjoy their comics in the best atmosphere ever and grow up in this wonderful world of fantasy.

BoxLunch at Meadowood Mall is a rad store that has tons of merchandise that caters to anime/comic/pop culture fans.  You can find clothing, bags, hats, dishware, toys, and more.  Omega Frog Comics also sells lots of clothing and collectibles. 

Thanks for dropping by. If you like this kind of content, you can follow me on Instagram, where I post more on places and things to do in Reno.

Peace, Love, & Kindness,
Kat

Dominic Pace "Gekko" from Mandalorian
Craft Brew and Wine
Star Struck with R2D2
Amazing Artwork by Sarah Leota
Death Star Cold Brew

What to Love About Coffee N' Comics
*Fun & welcoming atmosphere
*Workers are down to earth, kind, & very creative with the menu (Shout outs to Bailey, Shay, Robbie, and Alex)
*They have a section of comic books that you can read from for free
*They have a wheel of indescision for customers that need help with choosing a drink
*They have a wide array of unique and tasty drinks — beer, wine, coffee, cold brew, lattes, Italian sodas, frapps, comic themed and seasonal drink concoctions, and more.
*They sell yummy eats — bagels, breakfast burritos, tamales, and more.
*They have the best names for their drinks — Death Star Coldbrew, Christmas Vacation, and Miss American Pie
*Guest appearances from celebrities like Dominic Pace from Mandalorian, Jazz Baduwalia and Roger Velasco from Power Rangers, R2D2 
*They have tons of boardgames and have game night every Wednesday
*They have comedy nights every Tuesday 7–8 pm for aspiring stand-up comedians
*They help facilitate pet adoptions with Nevada Humane Society and work directly with other local businesses in helping out the community
*One of the owners, Alex, was born and raised in Sparks
*They have amazing merchandise for sale, including some from local artists
*FREE old school game playing — Super Nintendo is one of the first & best consoles ever to exist and you can experience it here for free (no way).  They also have Mortal Combat, arcade style
*It's a place you can dress up in your favorite character costumes any time of the year and not be judged.  No need to wait until Halloween y'all.

Bagels and Cream Cheese are the Bomb
Bar Area
Loads of Board Games Available
The perfect place for breakfast.  Their burrito is loaded with eggs, bacon, cheese, and sausage.  BOMB 
I love places that take attention to all of the little details. 
R2D2 Made an Appearance on May the Fourth

Why Shop & Support Local?
*Buying local helps keep diverse and unique businesses open, which are generally run by passionate local business owners who provide outstanding service and create quality products and offerings.
*Local businesses that are successful at what they do have the power to create more jobs and opportunities for the local community.   
*Local businesses are generally great employers.
*Local businesses are more likely to support other local businesses like themselves, helping strengthen our community, making it a happier and more personal place to live. 
*You're supporting a neighbor's dreams. 

Lavender Latte was flavorful
Super cute merchandise
I cannot tell you how much fun I had playing my childhood favorite video game.

Notes
*Located in a strip mall with plenty of parking
*Find craft chocolates, coffee, high tea service, and loose leaf teas at Bouchee Confections next door.
*Limited selection of comics for sale, but feel free to bring in comics of your own.  Comic Kingdom is just down the street for a more substantial selection
*They can get pretty busy on weekends so make sure to come early if you want to snag a spot
*The blue fridge next to the entrance is a gold mine for hot sauce.  Dress up your food.  Their breakfast burrito is huge and delicious with eggs, cheese, sausage, and bacon.  
*Bagels are delicious and come with a big serving of cream cheese. 
*They always carry Mother of Marcos dessert "cheatz" that have more protein and taste so delicious
*They have a bar that offers alcoholic beverages
*They have a second location in Sparks
*Check out their calender in the shop for special events and special meetups

***Information subject to change.  Please check in with business for the latest information.

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.

Categorized Under "Good Eats"---> "Cafes"

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Sip of Saigon - A Must Try Modern Vietnamese Restaurant & Cafe with Some of the Best Vietnamese Food, Drink, Desserts, and Service in Sparks, Nevada

Updated 3/2024

Combination Pho: sliced rare beef, beef brisket, and meatballs.  Don't forget to dunk your meat in hoisin and siracha sauce. 
Saigon Bahn Mi Sandwich: Vietnamese Ham, Pate, Mayo, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Cilantro, Green Onion, House Pickles on a Toasted French Baguette. My Favorite.
Macarons imported from France.  They're amazing.  Raspberry is my current favorite. 

1272 Disc Dr. 
Sparks, NV 89436


Vietnamese cuisine is among one of the most popular cuisines around the world.  

It is known for its perfectly balanced, aromatic, and unique flavor profiles that are subtle, yet bold, and its usage of fresh and bright ingredients.

Here in Reno, we're fortunate to have a good amount of options, including an amazing and more modern one called Sip of Saigon, with "Sip" representing the various coffees and coolers offered here, and "Saigon" representing the area of Vietnam that influences their style of cooking.  

Sip of Saigon is taking Reno by storm and has already landed itself at #2 on Yelp's Top 50 Restaurants in Sparks, recognized for its delicious and comforting eats, unique and tasty drinks, quality desserts, and friendly and responsive service.

Pork Belly Bahn Mi is FIRE.  You will not find a better one in town. 
Tofu, Pork, and Shrimp available Spring Rolls.  They are some of the best in town, with the freshest ingredients and quality sauces. 

At Sip of Saigon you can taste some of the most popular dishes known in Vietnamese Cuisine:

*Bahn Mi - a unique Vietnamese style sandwich that traditionally calls for a french baguette filled with a Vietnamese protein or combination of (ham, sausage, BBQ pork, pate), pickled vegetables (carrots and daikon), fresh ingredients (cilantro, fresh jalapenos) and is topped with a vinegarette.

*Pho (puh) - a savory and light noodle soup that traditionally comes with a choice of meat (thinly sliced), rice noodles, and is topped with loads of fresh ingredients (usually mint, basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, fresh sliced jalapenos, thinly sliced onions, and fresh lime). 

*Spring Rolls - a salad roll made of rice paper, protein (tofu, shrimp, pork, beef), vermicelli rice noodles, and fresh veggies (lettuce, carrots) and served with a sauce (peanut sauce or  a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce made of vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, lime, and sweet chili sauce).

Strawberry Yuzu Lemonade 
Egg Rolls: available in Chicken, Pork, and Vegetarian

Much of Sip of Saigon's success can be attributed to its owner, Kate, who places a premium on quality food and always goes the extra mile for her customers. She's often found at the restaurant, hands-on in food preparation and delivery, and constantly brainstorming ways to keep the restaurant fresh and provide fun and delicious offerings.

Kate's ever-expanding menu and seasonal and holiday offerings keep things exciting and ensure her customers keep coming back for more.

Not only does Sip of Saigon serve some of the best and most authentic Bahn Mi and Pho in town, but it also boasts the most authentic Vietnamese Coffee.

If you're not acquainted with this style of coffee, it's renowned for its robust flavor and distinct sweetness from condensed milk. For coffee aficionados who haven't tried it yet, it's a must. And if you're looking to enjoy the flavor without the caffeine kick, they offer decaf options too.

In addition to coffee, Sip of Saigon offers specialty non-caffeinated drinks and lattes like Strawberry Yuzu Lemonade and Ube Latte (made with purple yam).

To satisfy your sweet tooth, the restaurant offers an array of quality desserts, including authentic macarons, tiramisu, chocolate truffles, madalines, and more. 

Every dish I've tried here has been amazing. While I could go into depth about each one, I'll spare you the details and let you discover the magic of this hidden gem on your own.

If you're searching for one of the best spots for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, impeccable service, and a menu filled with unique offerings, look no further than Sip of Saigon.

I hope you have the chance to visit this gem and show them some love by following them on social media and spreading the word to friends and family.

Peace, Love, & Respect,
Kat

Ube Latte - strong coffee flavor with subtle hints of ube 

Notes
*Stay updated with their latest menu items, seasonal and holiday offerings, and raffle/giveaway information by following them on Instagram
*They serve one of the only authentic Bahn Mi in town made with Vietnamese ham and pate
*Don't forget to grab a side of hoisin and sriracha from the front counter next to the utensils and water Dunk your meats and spring rolls or slather it on your sandwich for an added kick of flavor
*While there are some vegetarian/vegan options available, please note that there is no vegetarian pho broth (though this may change in the future)
*Customize your own Pho according to your preferences
*Hot tea pots and fresh drip Vietnamese coffee are available upon request
*Plenty of parking spaces are available
*They open for brunch
*Kate, who has traveled and dined around the world, infuses her experiences into her food and drink offerings
*Outdoor seating is available during the summer
*Indulge in chocolate-covered strawberries during Valentine's Day

Spring Drinks Menu 2022. Pandan Dreams is my current favorite.

2022

***Menu subject to change.  Placed here to give readers and idea of what they offer.  Please visit their website for their most current menu.  5/10/2022 . Click to enlarge. 







Categorized Under "Good Eats" ---> "Vietnamese"

Photography
© Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.

***All opions are my own.  Information subject to change.