A new place for a familiar face

There is a new face at Topaz Lodge and Casino, but he is not a new face to many of you in the Valley. Bob Cherry has just taken the position of the food and beverage manager at the lodge. Many of you will remember his fine work at Fiona's restaurant in Minden. Cherry managed the restaurant for more than 2 1Ú2 years from around 2000 until he partnered with his wife of 41 years, Avis, to sell real estate. Working through Coldwell Banker, they called themselves Team Cherry.

Cherry has more than 35 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. He held a managerial position at Cal Neva for many years, overseeing eight restaurants and 12 bars. His hands-on approach and demand for quality service and excellence was carried on at Fiona's and now at Topaz Lodge where he manages the Lakeview Coffee Shop, two bars, the downstairs buffet, open Friday and Saturday through the summer, and special arrangements for the convention center and banquet room which is available for weddings, reunions and other large events.

"I want the food to be consistent," Cherry said. "I like to circulate and meet people while I am doing my work. I have met so many wonderful people in the eight weeks I have been working here at the lodge.

"I try to put in extras and I want a consistent menu. And, when it isn't right, I will make sure it's right."

His hands-on approach goes right down to the homemade apple pie, made from fresh Granny Smith apples and very select cinnamon spices that he proudly boasts of, now being served in the Lakeview Coffee Shop. In a tour of the kitchen area, he revealed organized cooler boxes with individually wrapped portions, all dated and measured out for each menu item. Cherry talks about his job as a passion rather than work.

"We offer a great menu with a very friendly staff," Cherry said. "We have live entertainment at the lodge every Friday and Saturday and we also have a great game room to entertain the kids."

Cherry plans to offer special dinner menu's for holiday events like the annual New Year's Eve party, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and upcoming events like the annual Easter brunch and Mother's Day special events. Thanksgiving and Christmas are also special events at the lodge. There will also be daily specials added to the menu.

Among Cherry's credentials, he has spent time during his working career as a restaurant owner, a chef, manager, vice president of operations and district manager. Moving to the western Nevada area from Lake Tahoe, Cherry does a daily commute to Topaz Lake from Dayton where he and his wife have lived for five years. They have raised two sons and now have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Cherry has always been involved in community organizations. A Rotarian for years, Cherry said his greatest experience was taking the leadership class in Carson City.

"It took 10 months to complete," he said. "But, if you really want to know how our local government works, I highly recommend you participate in one of these classes. It was a really great experience for me."

Topaz Lodge and Casino will offer an extensive buffet menu for their annual Easter brunch which will take place Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year's menu will include slow roasted prime rib au jus, maple glazed ham, baked Maryland chicken and stuffing and barbecued spare ribs to go along with the traditional breakfast menu and fresh baked goodies. Cost for the all-you-can-eat holiday brunch is $17.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. For information call the lodge at 266-3338.

And for Bob Cherry, keep on keepin' on doing a great job.

-- Jonni Hill can be reached at JHILL47@aol.com.