Anyway, if you're looking to celebrate the occasion, Reno is certainly the place to be.  Well, other than Ireland.  First Ireland, then Reno.  There's always a bunch of stuff going on you're sure to never remember, I mean forget.  For example, on Saturday and Monday (yes, both days), seven downtown bars are hosting the 2008 Get Lucky Tour.  You may have experienced your own get lucky tour in downtown Reno, but this one is official.  In fact, they're handing out free t-shirts.  Wear green and get $2 Coors Lights and Killians and walk around in your free Get Lucky t-shirts and a whole bunch more.  You can read about it here on the Sierra Tap House, one of the participating bars, Myspace page.

Also popular is the unofficial Wells Ave. crawl.  I call it the Get Lucky If You Make It Home With Both Shoes Tour.  Rapscallion's, Shea's, the Chapel Tavern (formerly Mr. O's) and other places all celebrate the occasion and everyone's guaranteed a good time.

Click here for ticket info.

The first time I went, I'll be honest, I had been out extremely late the night before and was in dire need of coffee and carbohydrates.  I ordered the Stonehouse Fresh Garden Omelette ($10), and although the potatoes served on the side could have been a bit crispier, I left happy.  NOW (drum roll please)...let me tell you about the Banana Rum French Toast ($10).  I ordered this my second time there, and I swear it was life changing.  Three huge pieces of Ciabatta bread (apparently Jack in the Box is onto something) smothered in rum, pecans, butter and bananas and topped with really light, fluffy whipped cream.  Breakfast?  More like dessert.  But who doesn't like a little sweetness in the morning?

My challenge was this: Taking into account our mismatched date night attire, as well as the fact that I was interested more in solid food than beer, could I find a restaurant special enough for me, yet, um, rustic enough for my boyfriend?  Mission accomplished.

The Wild River Grille is located in downtown Reno where E.J.'s Jazz Cafe used to be.  While the dinner menu is a little pricey, I really enjoyed my New York Strip, and my boyfriend was happy with both his pork chops and his Ruby Mountain Amber Ale- or so I could assume by the way his little beer mustache glistened beneath the dim lights as he smiled at me from across the table. 

Was it the best meal I've had in Reno?  Certainly not.  But with its downtown location and sophisticate, yet relaxed atmosphere, it was a great choice for a memorable meal.

Not only is this a rare opportunity to catch Chuck Ragan, it's also the cd release for the great Promises Promises and the debut performance of the much-aniticipated musical stylings of Black Year.  The box wine can wait.  I'll see you there.

Note: This is not a political endorsment, but rather an opportunity to get off the couch, away from the America's Next Top Model marathon, and out into the community.

1.  Peg's Glorified Ham and Eggs-- I'm not going to spend a lot of time here.  Peg's is a Reno breakfast institution, and locals are well-aware of the magic served up like, ahem, hotcakes.  Some people say it's overrated--I say yeah, overrated if you like bad food!  Okay, I know that was a poor comeback.  But I was there the other day and I tell you this: if you like crispy hashbrowns, fluffy omellettes and cheesey goodness spun throughout your plate like a river of delicious milkfat AND enough leftovers to last throughout the day, you'll love Peg's.  Don't be a hater.

2.  My Favorite Muffin-- This place is great for a quickie.  Whoaaaaa.  I mean, this place is great if you're in a hurry.  Not only do they have a bunch of muffins in flavors like cherry cheesecake and Chocolate Thunderstorm Furry (okay, I made that name up, but it does have a lot of chocolate in it), they have a ton of different bagel flavors as well.  My personal favorite is the Northern Omellette with Egg Beaters on a whole wheat bagel, toasted, with Havarti cheese.  Go ahead, steal it.  I dare you.                                  

3.  Black Bear Diner-- This place is all that's wrong with America, yet in some shameful way, all that's right as well.  A person must be warned: The portions are gargantuan.  Be prepared to share, because a side order of hashbrowns is enough for you AND your friends (yeah, even that one).  For under $10, you can get pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and taters.  If a lot of food is your thing, you'll love this place.  But maybe you should walk home...and everywhere else for the next week too.

4.  PJ and Co. (PJ's) --- I have to be honest, I've only been here once.  However, it does have a loyal following, and my personal experience with the place was positive.  Great huevos rancheros.  Somewhat basic breakfast food prepared well and with love.  Just like momma used to make.  Well, your momma anyway, but I'm not bitter.

5.  Stonehouse Cafe-- Many of my friends would argue that this is the best breakfast in Reno.  I'm not going to lie to you: I've never been here.  It's one of those places where you can't really just roll out of bed and expect clean teeth to make up for the fact that you're wearing last night's makeup and your high school gym t-shirt.  However, the buzz is great, and the crowd outside indicates that it's worth waking up a little earlier for.  If you don't believe me, check out the menu.

Okay, this is only the beginning of my search for Reno's best breakfast places.  I'm working on Part II, so get ready...

Here I am practicing: