Dave Knows: Elko

We’re starting a new feature here at Elko.Daveknows.org, the “Reuben of the Week”.  Here’s how it works:  I’ll visit many restaurants in Elko that serve the scrumptious, godlike sandwich known as “The Reuben”.  I will keep detailed notes on flavor, appearance, etc, and report back to you, my faithful reader(s).  This is hard-hitting journalism at its best.  Now I doubt that it will actually happen weekly, (even I can’t eat that many reubens) but more like “whenever I get around to it”.

There are many different ways to make a Reuben.  It’s *usually* corned beef with sauerkraut, 1000-island dressing, and Swiss cheese on grilled Rye bread.  There are myriad variations, however:  Turkey, cole slaw, provolone, Russian dressing, you name it.  I imagine there has to be some crazy “vegetarian” version out there somewhere, but I doubt I’ll find one in Elko.

Our inaugural Reuben Of The Week (ROTW) comes from Cimarron West located at 1400 Mountain City Highway, in Elko.  At first glance, Cimarron West appears to be just another gas station, but once you walk inside you’ll find that it has a big gift shop, a convenience store with snack bar, and a full restaurant with one of the best salad bars in town.   The menu is huge, covering the gamut on sandwiches, burgers, steaks, fried chicken, breakfast, and multiple Mexican entrees.  Their specialties include Chicken Fried Steak, Tri-Tip, and a footlong corndog that will evoke giggles from even the most prudent guest.  The waitresses are friendly (Alyssa brought ranch dressing for our fries without us even asking!) and the restaurant is frequented by locals. 

• Appearance: A nearly “traditional” Reuben, with plain Rye bread (lightly toasted, but not grilled), corned beef, sauerkraut and “American” Swiss cheese. It’s kinda on the “short” side.  It also seems to be missing the 1000-island dressing.  6/10

• Taste: Good flavour, you can taste the real corned beef and sauerkraut, but the sandwich would benefit if it had more corned beef, more sauerkraut, and real Swiss on it.  Overall it’s just a little skimpy and a bit dry. (I will request the 1000 island dressing next time) 14/20
• Sides: Comes with your choice of potato, soup or salad.  I went for the curly fries, and I wasn’t disappointed.  8/10
• Reubenality: It’s missing that “gutbomb” feeling you should have after eating a proper Reuben.  It’s just not quite enough.  6/10 
• Final IRS: (Indisputable Reuben Score) 34/50  “Decent” 

Next week:  am I hungry enough to eat at Arby’s?