Sunday, June 12, 2022

The Garden in Reno - Cafe, Wedding Styling, Event Design, Floral Deliveries, Classes, Event Venue, and a Magical Place to Hang Out


Location



Business Snapshot
The Garden in Reno is an enchanting oasis for premium coffee, tea, and tasty bites. Beyond being the perfect hangout spot, it also provides services such as wedding styling, venue rental, event design, floral deliveries, and engaging classes like succulent arrangements.  Grab a comfy seat, sip on a cup of the good life while making memories that will last a lifetime at The Garden - your go-to spot in Reno for a delightful experience.

The Garden is an exquisitely decorated haven, thoughtfully accented with floral accents and brimming with personality. It's a space where one can savor craft coffee and delectable bites, gather with friends and family, and joyously celebrate life.

Beyond its role as a cozy retreat, The Garden transforms into an event planning powerhouse, dedicated to simplifying life by managing all the elements required for a spectacular event.

Out of a need to meet with clients in a more comfortable setting that showcases their craft, owners Nathan and Christina, along with their daughter, Jessica, created the Garden.

This remarkable family has been immersed in event planning for over a decade (12+ years, as I recall), weaving magic into bouquets, floral arrangements, and enchanting wedding/event-scapes. 

I've had the pleasure of talking to Nathan, one of the owners of The Garden and he was so kind and happy to tell me more about his business.

I've found that the common denominator to happy business owners is their profound passion and genuine love for what they do.  This couldn't be more true in the case of Nathan, his family.

Nathan spoke so highly of his wife and daughter and their role in the success of their family-owned business.  

What he didn't mention was his part in the equation.  He's a master wood craftsman that builds custom structures for company rentals.  If you have a vision, they can make it come to life.

Have a look at their portfolio & you'll find plenty of pictures of their amazing work from numerous past events.  I highly recommend them for all of life's special occasions.

Whether you're in search of a cozy hangout spot, a place to enjoy a cup of coffee, beautiful floral arrangements, or event services, The Garden has something special for everyone. And don't forget, The Garden is also the perfect venue for special occasions like baby showers, tea parties, birthdays, bachelorette parties, and more. The possibilities are truly endless for creating delightful memories.

Feel free to connect with me on Instagram for more hidden gems. Drop a "hello" and share your experiences and cherished spots. I love hearing from everyone.

Peace, Love, & Kindness,
Kat

Other things I Love About The Garden

*Find pastries and other treats at their shop from other local businesses.

*The Garden has a strong network that includes other local like-minded businesses

*On-site floral arrangements crafted in their floral refrigerator.

*They offer fun classes & workshops

*Rent The Garden for special occasions.

*Quality coffees & teas.

*Discover cute arrangements & merchandise throughout the shop, all available for purchase.

*Perfect for bookworms, book clubs, or study sessions

*The Garden is the perfect spot for creating lasting memories


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 have the power to create more jobs & 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.
*Many local businesses are committed to improving the community and are inclined to contribute to causes that bring about positive change.
*You're supporting a neighbor's dreams. 



Categorized Under "Good Eats" ---> "Cafes" & "Event Venues"

Photography
© Katherine Fung, 
All rights reserved.

***Information subject to change

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Rice Box Kitchen — Wonderful Thai Style Fusion Comfort Food That Will Keep You Coming Back for More in Reno, Nevada

This cat is considered lucky, but Perapol doesn't need it because he makes his own luck with hard work & good food. 
Perapol is always at the restaurant making sure everything is running smoothly.
You must try this Shabu Shabu Hot Pot

555 S Virginia St Ste 103 
Reno, NV 89501



Rice Box Kitchen is one of Reno's top restaurants in Midtown, known for its Asian-inspired, flavorful and comforting food offerings, with fun specials that pop up often and their phenomenal and welcoming service. 

Shabu Shabu Hot Pot Menu

Like many other discoveries, Yelp led me to another amazing one - Rice Box Kitchen.

I called in one day and placed an order for one of Rice Box Kitchen's Thai-style signature dishes - KHAO MUN GAI (Poached chicken skinless chicken thighs over coconut, ginger and garlic rice served with soybean chili sauce).

Standard Menu

It was a dish that sounded so simple yet was so complex in its simplicity. It was quality ingredients cooked to perfection and served in a way that was harmonious and comforting. At first taste, these were my thoughts, that the meal was, comforting and had addictive properties.

The coconut rice was amazing. I could eat it all by itself and when paired with perfectly cooked chicken and super fresh and flavorful housemade sauce, it made for the perfect meal.

The same went for Khao Moo Dang. I'm salivating just thinking about these dishes.

Khao Moo Dang. Sooo delicious.
Their sauces are wicked good.

After looking up Perapol's story on his website, I found that his motivation for his restaurant was to share the same gift of comforting meals that he himself was lucky to experience with meals created for him in childhood by his mother. Perapol serves up his signature dishes, select dim sum, and has recently added Shabu Shabu, a Japanese style meal in which thin-sliced meats and other ingredients are cooked in a pot of boiling broth on the table and served with a dipping sauce.
Being a fan of his food from his day-to-day menu, I didn't hesitate in signing up for a slot for shabu shabu. I picked the 5pm slot on Friday since I wanted enough time for my three little ones to eat without being rushed to bedtime. Upon arrival for our all you can eat Shabu Shabu, Perapol greeted me and my family with a smile, as he always does, and we sat down at a nicely placed table.


We circled our desired types of sides, noodles, meats, and veggies, and waited anxiously (with the enticing fragrance of the broth filling the room). I suggest tasting a little of everything since it's included in all you can eat.
*Their fun and tasty fish balls are a must.

The drinks were a separate charge and were worth every penny. We ordered two of each of their hibiscus fresca and Thai lime tea. They were incredibly refreshing and although I'm a water type of person, these would be the exceptions. Other drink options include teas, wine, soju, and beer.


As soon as the tower (similar to a tiered tower found at tea parties) arrived loaded with fresh, well-presented, ingredients, my kids didn't hesitate and all participated in placing some ingredients into the pot. Silence hit and all I heard was "Mmm" all around the table, including from my three kids, who had a blast adding ingredients into the broth. We had run into the perfect meal to welcome in the chilly breeze and we were in pure bliss. We were completely consumed in the warmth of the broth and the fresh ingredients that could be dipped in Perapol's tangy peanut sauce and combined in all sorts of ways between so many ingredients. This meal completely satisfied our taste buds, tummies, and hearts. Despite us being full, we felt pretty healthy, having consumed the equivalent of a magical food rainbow.
Our meal was followed by a yogurt drink I grew up with, Yakult, which is refreshing and highly addictive. You can find it at 168 Asian Market if you would like more.
RBK usually has mochi bars on hand (an Asian style dessert made with rice flour) that are unique to Reno and super fun and delicious to eat.

They come in all sorts of flavors - sesame, matcha, green tea, ube, and chocolate (call in for availability).
Perapol is the small business owner behind this amazing food and one of the nicest and most hardworking people I know that puts in so much work everyday towards his business. He does so with passion, a smile, and the intent to provide the best possible experiences for his guests. From the restaurant and food to the details on the table and service, Perapol has thought everything out completely. I followed the Caldor Fire closely and noticed how Perapol jumped right in and offered his food to victims and displaced people in need. To give selflessly is something highly commendable in my book, and this trait, along with Perapol's delicious food, work ethics, and presence everyday to serve and make people happy is something I aspire to and motivates me in life.
Perapol, you've really outdone yourself. It's refreshing to have this passion in town and me and my family can't wait for more. Thanks for your hospitality, taking care of our community, and a big thanks for serving your heart on a platter.

Rice Box Kitchen is located in Midtown, a special part of Reno that's developed so much throughout the years and has become one of the coolest and most unique spots to hang out, dine, shop, and explore.

Do you have Midtown musts? If so, what are your top three?


*Information subject to change.  Call in for the latest updates and/or follow RBK on Instagram.

Notes:
*Perapol keeps his menu interesting and changes things up once in a while (shabu shabu, high tea dim sum). Follow him on Instagram for the latest offerings.
*Shabu Shabu includes shrimp, mussels, fish balls, all really fresh.
*Always strives for ORGANIC
*Don't forget to ask for extra sauce for to-go orders
*You can get Reno-Tahoe magazines here. This magazine is the best foodie guide and showcases all of our local businesses *Some dishes may run out by the end of the day. Call to double check what's available. Same for mochi bars. *Save when paying with cash *Vegetarian-friendly (tofu) *Batch Cupcakery and Great Full Gardens next door. Batch has great cupcakes & Great Full Gardens offers lots of healthy and tasty foods (both spots vegetarian and vegan friendly).
*Walk around the whole block and find many cool and hip spots all around like Natural Selection, a super cool houseplant/taxidermy store *restroom with baby changing table available *located in midtown
*come early for parking
*Everything I've tried here has been super yummy

Lavender Chocolate Mochi Bars
Please bring back these Thai tamales. 

Categorized Under "Good Eats"--->"Thai"