The Grill
Elegant Evening at Favorite Local Restaurant
by Marcus Dodson, Newsletter Editor
The Mercedes®-Benz Club of America returned to The Grill at Quail Corners in early February for a First Tuesday Dinner, hosted by Christy and Marcus Dodson. This family-owned, upscale bar and grill has been a local staple for over 20 years, and everyone was excited to have the opportunity to return to this favorite local restaurant. On this evening, 32 people met at the restaurant and enjoyed cocktails and wine before settling in for dinner.
The Grill at Quail Corners has an interesting legacy that spans over 150 years. In 1850, Eli Francovich migrated to California from Yugoslavia in search of gold, and eventually settled in Reno. In Nevada, Francovich established The Wine House, one of the state’s first restaurants and bars, and also Nevada’s first multi-story casino. The Wine House operated continuously for 87 years until the fourth generation of the Francovich family closed it to pursue other interests. The family has continued to produce its famous spirits, which include Francovich Holiday Nog and the Francovich Manhattan, available online and in local grocery and liquor stores. In 1999, fifth-generation Sam Francovich opened The Grill at Quail Corners and returned the family to its restaurant and bar roots.
At this First Tuesday Dinner, guests were situated in a private dining room at long rectangular tables. Two new faces joined in on the fun, and it was wonderful to introduce them to all of the exciting things the club has to offer, such as these monthly dinners. The club was given two dedicated servers who were very skilled at bringing drinks and dishes out quickly. Martinis, whiskeys, Francovich Manhattans, and red and white wines were flowing throughout the event. Club President Gail Wells thanked all of the attendees for coming and reminded everyone of upcoming events.
The Grill’s food offerings are always divine, and this particular event included a set menu for club members to choose from. The options included house or Caesar salad, petrale sole, chicken piccata, cedar plank salmon, steak frites, grilled colossal prawns, and pork chop. Dessert was a delightful choice between New York cheesecake with berry coulis or triple-layer chocolate cake. The tables were adorned with beautiful white tablecloths, and the club was given fresh bread to enjoy before the main course.