Monday, June 7, 2021

South Reno’s Hidden Sushi Gem: Miyabi

 They have some of the BEST nigiri in Reno.


Miyabi Sushi is one of the few sushi spots in Reno that skips the all-you-can-eat route entirely.  While I love AYCE as much as the next Reno local, it definitely comes with some trade-offs. When restaurants are pumping out endless rolls at high volume, there’s only so much they can do ingredient-wise. Miyabi leans into the a la carte experience instead, and you can absolutely taste the difference. The quality here feels a step above a lot of the typical sushi spots around town.

Before even getting into the food itself, Miyabi’s location deserves some attention because it’s honestly one of the restaurant’s biggest strengths. Located in Shayden Summit (formerly The Summit), the restaurant is surrounded by shopping, entertainment, more dining options, and plenty of ways to turn dinner into a full on outing.


Nearby Attractions in the Same Mall
X - Golf - Golf Simulator

Now, about the food.

I love that their menu is not too overwhelming, but still has enough variety to really highlight their incredibly fresh fish while offering just enough extras for the adventurous crowd. It is one of those menus where you do not feel lost, but you also do not feel limited.

On the menu you will find ramen options, well known hot plates like chicken teriyaki, chicken katsu, and pork tonkatsu, appetizers, combination platters with different mixes of rolls and nigiri, and desserts.

I still remember my first visit years ago when I was celebrating my dad’s birthday. The chef was more than willing to create a custom vegetarian roll on top of the already amazing vegetable roll on the menu just to accommodate his dietary needs... or shall I say, wants, LOL. That kind of flexibility really stands out, and is one of the best traits a restaurant can have. We are all pretty demanding in our own ways, right. LOL. I never forget when a place goes out of its way like this.

I have tried pretty much everything on the menu at this point. The nigiri is fresh and comes with thoughtful toppings and is some of the best in town. The appetizers are always beautifully presented and consistently excellent in quality. Their hamachi kama could easily pass as an entree if you just add a scoop of rice on the side. I also really like the seasoned edamame, fried mushrooms, and miso soup. For rolls, the Fire Ocean, Ryu dragon roll, and Mt. Rose roll are all popular picks, all approved, and all seriously drool worthy. Even my dad’s vegetarian rolls was addicting. You really cannot go wrong with anything here.

Exciting news!!!

The restaurant has gone through a major transformation and recently reopened in March 2025. They purchased the shop next door (formerly Color Me Mine), knocked some walls down, opened up the space, and completely redid the interior.

The new and improved restaurant now features darker design, significantly more seating than before, a bar that showcases the sushi chefs and drink offerings, and subtle Japanese accents that make the dining experience feel a bit more authentic and elevated.

Notes
-Parking is plentiful
-The restaurant closes midday between lunch and dinner service
-If you are looking for all you can eat sushi, Hinoki is one of the best in Reno
-If you are looking for value, check out the platter section of the menu. It includes different combinations of nigiri, rolls, and sashimi


Mt. Rose is sushi perfection topped with light tempura fried onions.

Dragon Roll (Ryu) is unagi perfection!

Fire Ocean was FIRE!  Great for tuna lovers.
One of the best tasting Vege rolls in town.

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

Categorized Under "Good Eats" ---> "Sushi/Japanese"

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Baby Animals & Tulip Festival at Andelin Farm - A Must See Attraction During Spring in Sparks, Nevada


2026 Baby Animal & Tulip Festival
April 15th to May 14th


Andelin Farm's Annual Festivals

There's nothing quite as enjoyable as spending time with adorable baby animals, surrounded by laughter and joy in the delightful spring weather, munching on kettle corn, and savoring the scent of fresh cut tulips.

At Andelin Farm's Baby Animals & Tulip Festival event, you can immerse yourself in all of these wonderful experiences and more.

This cherished farm, managed by a warm family and dedicated staff, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their guests have the best possible time.

Over the years of my visits, I've witnessed numerous positive changes that have made the farm even more enjoyable than before.

Parents also find joy in visiting, knowing their kids are in safe hands while they make memories together with adult friends of their own.

There's been so many housing developments in their area, and I'm so grateful they've chosen to stick around, keeping the doors open to the ultimate destination for seasonal joy.

2026 Baby Animal Days & Tulips Festival

TICKETS

General Admission: 
Online - $15.56 (Price $14.00 + $1.56 Fee)
2yrs. & younger free

Season Pass:
$47

Included in General Admission: 
-hayride
-ropes course (Buster's Barnyard Challenge)
-basketball hoops
-access to U-Pick pumpkin patch (fall), tulips (spring) and sunflower fields (summer)
-Beeline Mini Ziplines
-barrel train ride
-hamster wheel
 -straw bale maze
-petting zoo (goats, sheep, chickens) (feed available for purchase)
-chick (spring) & kitten (summer) experience 
-duck races (water pumps)
-lasso activity
-pumpkin shooters (fall, w/ slingshots & corn kernels)
-slides 
-kickball enclosure
-tricycle ride
-hay maze
-vegetable garden/play store
-ball maze

Additional Charge:
-pony rides 
-gem mining
-U-Pick tulips (spring), sunflowers (summer), and pumpkins (fall)
-Calf Cuddling
-lamb/calf feeding

FALL
-Corn Creepers (haunt)
-Zombie Paintball 
-5 acre corn maze 
-U-pick pumpkins
-Corn Cannon


Notes
-Tickets can be purchased in person or online, with online tickets being $2 cheaper.
-Opening dates vary. For the latest updates, follow Andelin's Instagram page.
-Check hourly weather to plan your day accordingly. I recommend applying sunscreen to the kids throughout the day, especially given the heightened sun intensity at our elevation.
-Explore a variety of animals including camels, llamas, alpacas, emus, sheep, goats, peacocks, turkey, horses, ponies, calves, and chickens.
-Admission is not required to access the food trucks & barn store located at the farm entrance.  Food trucks are generally open during business hours.  Shaded tables available for dining.
*Island Hot Dog Truck serves delicious hot dogs.
*Slushies & soft serve from their trailer are always a must, especially in fall when they make their apple slushies with real local apple cider.
-Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the farm for your convenience.
-Visit the farm store located in the barn for homemade goods and crafts, including jams, baking mixes, hot sauces, snacks, kettle corn, sweet caramel nuggets, trail mix, yogurt pretzels, Andelin-branded merchandise, hats, jewelry, soaps, frozen pies, croissants, & cinnamon rolls, and more.
-affordable cold drinks and ice cream available for purchase at the farm store
-Private group tours are available, and the barn and pavilions can be rented for weddings and events.
-Capture memorable moments around the farm with numerous photo opportunities including flower picking, baby animal petting, horse and pony rides for both adults and kids, and fun photo cutouts.
-Proper footwear is essential as the farm grounds are primarily dirt
-The parking lot offers ample grass/dirt space.  Expect for your vehicle to get a little dusty.  Plenty disabled parking available.
-Umbrella strollers are not recommended due to the dirt and rock terrain. Jogging and larger strollers are preferable.
-Porta Potties are available both inside and outside the farm for your convenience.


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

Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved

Categorized Under "Season/Holidays" and "Birthday/Event Venues"