Reno & Gardnerville: “10” for Chocolate and Doughnuts

When I was a young boy in Boston, two cents in my pocket and a trip to “doughnut alley” was guaranteed to be a treat.  Large vats of cooking oil would fry sweet dough into a circular delights that would send my tastebuds into a frenzy.

Now, a mere ninety years later, my tastebuds still have a preference for sweets.   Nevada wins my prize for the state with the best sweets.  Traveling there regularly with Lisa and Bob has allowed me to explore the area.  I’ve eaten plenty of doughnuts and chocolate, met some wonderful people, and even managed to lose a pound.  Incredible!  In all the 100 years I’ve lived and traveled, tasting all kinds of chocolates and doughnuts, it’s taken until I’ve reached 100 years of age to locate the BEST in the entire world!  I can honestly say this because I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world when my wonderful wife, Sylvia, was alive.

I’m happy to annouce the first two recipients of my Wasserman Tasting Awards (WTA:)

Best doughnuts:  Hands down, the best of ever can be found at Doughboys Donuts, located at 57 Damonte Ranch Parkway in Reno, telephone 775.853.6844.  My favorite selection is the cinnamon roll (and the selection to choose from is phenomenal.)  It’s soft, it’s warm, it’s HUGE, and it costs a third of what I’d be charged in Southern California.  The owner, Bob, has a father who turned 99 this year, and I hope he makes it to 100.  Bob is warm and friendly, and so is his staff of beautiful young ladies (Arriel, Taylor, Megan and Emma) who are a delight and provide exceptional service.  Doughboys Donuts receives a “10” rating as far as I’m concerned.  If you’re in Reno, stop by and try something from their huge selection of treats.  Tell the staff Henry says “hello” and will be back soon.  Just remember to floss and brush when you’re finished!  (See www.doughboysreno.com for details.)

From left:  Arriel, Taylor, lucky Henry, Megan and Emma

On to chocolates:  I’ve discovered a goldmine, by chance, in the tiny town of Gardnerville, Nevada, 89410 (about 35 miles south of Reno along Highway 395) telephone 775.267.1002.  Bob, Lisa and I stumbled on the Chocolate Shoppe by Sweet Images (in Raley’s Shopping Center on the south side.)  The shop has a facebook page:  “chocolate shoppe by sweet images” with more details.  The business is owned and operated by Harvey and Lynn.  Their lovely daughter, Ashley, also helps out.  The Chocolate Shoppe makes all their sweets fresh and onsite.  The business is known for specialty items and will ship orders upon request.  Harvey and Lynn are generous with samples.  I’m partial to their Double Dipped Honeycomb Dark Chocolates, Ashley’s Bordeaux, and PB&C (Peanut Butter & Chocolate.)  Try one of the latter and you’ll never try another chocolate and peanut butter combination in your life.  Again, a shop worthy of my “10” rating.  Whenever I’m in Reno, I make certain to take the beautiful drive south from Reno to Gardenerville because of the phenomenal chocolate at The Chocolate Shoppe and the wonderful hospitality shown by Harvey, Lynn and Ashley to all of their customers.

Henry behind the counter with Lynn and Harvey at The Chocolate Shoppe

Henry and Harvey guard the door to the delicious chocolates inside

How I managed to lose a pound on this trip is beyond me.  I’m holding steady at my fighting weight that ranges between 136-138 pounds.  It must be my physical therapist in Newbury Park, Jeff Cooper (Recooperation Physical Therapy) who helps keep my metabolism running so I can indulge in my desserts.  Thanks, Jeff!  (See www.recooperationPT.com to help with your body strength, balance and weight management.)  Also, I want my readers to know Jeff is holding an important, free seminar this Wednesday, September 19th, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm, which Lisa and I plan to attend.  The focus is fall prevention, something every senior should know about.  If you’d like to attend, call Cole at 805.277.2233.  I hope to see you there!