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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Bruno's Country Club in Gerlach, Nevada: Where the pavement ends and the ravioli begins.
Spring Vacation 2013, Part 7

On sunny morning in May, my pal in Reno and I prepare for a road trip north, all the way to sleepy, distant Gerlach, Nevada. A tiny, isolated community out in the middle of nowhere for 51 weeks of the year, except for the week leading up to Labor Day when Burning Man moves into the adjacent playa of the Black Rock Desert, and Gerlach becomes the convenience store for over 50,000 people.

Why do we make this trek? For handmade ravioli at Bruno's Country Club. Before I settle down for lunch I hit the dark, grimy bar within for a bottle of Bud and a bracing shot of Vat 69 Scotch whisky.

What can be said about the ravioli? It truly is the best damn ravioli in red sauce I've ever eaten! Period. These raviolis are voluminous! The pasta is exceptionally tender; the finely ground, seasoned meat filling is equally tender, and moist. A serving of these magnificent meat pillows swims in a delightfully rich and flavorful red sauce. A sprinkling of grated Parmesan and toasted, seasoned pieces of American-style French bread complete the dish.

Will I ever enjoy this awesomeness again? Not likely, without begging for another road-trip the next time I visit Reno. Bruno's Country Club is also up for sale, so there's pause for concern that the labor-intensive ravioli might disappear from the menu. Let us hope not.

If you find yourself on Interstate 80 approaching Fernley, Nevada and don't mind the extra three hours of driving time, I'd suggest a detour to Bruno's for delicious handmade ravioli, while its still an option. As for the Vat 69? Only if you've got a strong constitution.

Bruno's Country Club on Urbanspoon

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