Latest news with #Casale
Eater
22-05-2025
- Business
- Eater
The Best Restaurants and Bars in Reno, Nevada
View as Map Between the mountainous scenery, street art, and Truckee River that runs through the center of town, Reno has charm to spare. But does it have a dining scene? Northern Nevada's largest city is picking up some serious momentum as a true culinary destination, from the gritty casino center of downtown to up-and-coming neighborhoods like Midtown and the surrounding suburbs. The restaurants reflect the identity of Reno itself, which grew from an Old West railroad hub and mining community to a diverse economy that has welcomed tech giants like Tesla, Microsoft, and Apple in recent years. The city is more likely to mine lithium batteries than silver these days, but Reno has something for everyone, from Beijing duck to steaks raised on regional ranches and served with a shot of whiskey. The city continues to evolve as an engaging place to call home, but it's also blossoming as a vacation destination for those seeking small-town ambition and the dazzle of bright lights. If you haven't visited 'Biggest Little City in the World' in a while, there's some catching up to do. Come hungry. Read More To some, it's a dive. To others, it's home. Casale's Halfway Club has been around since 1937 when it doubled as a roadside food stand and family residence. You can even see old doorway frames from what were once bedrooms throughout the dining room. Named after what was then the halfway point between Reno and Sparks, it evolved into a classic Italian American restaurant with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, heavy use of red tomato sauce, and meatballs made with breadcrumbs. The lasagna is cooked to order in single-serve portions. It's probably the newest thing on the menu — and even that was added about 40 years ago. The ravioli is legendary. Get it split between the meat and cheese versions. The same family has looked after Casale's Halfway Club for generations, most notably under the guidance of late matriarch 'Mama Inez' Casale Stempeck, who's almost a mythological figure in Reno. Abby's Highway 40 is a downtown Reno dive bar that dates back to 1940 when it was known as Quilici Bar and later, the Rumpus Room. These days, it's named after what used to be the main road through town and is decorated with old signs, vintage photos, and the occasional auto part. The back patio has a fresh new look, renovated with repurposed bricks from a demolished train station. Hang out by the fire pit after 5 p.m. and order xiao long bao soup dumplings, noodles, bao buns, and other forms of Asian street food from the Dumpling Queen, a fast-casual service kitchen inside a 1948 silver airstream trailer. Otherwise, you can stay busy with a game of pool, cocktails, live music, and special events, including open-mic comedy and karaoke. No matter what, don't leave without mastering the Steak Shot. It's easy. Lick steak seasoning off your hand, do a shot of Jameson, and chase it with Worcestershire sauce. There's a deep legacy of Basque heritage throughout Northern Nevada, although its presence tends to diminish with each passing year. You'd never know it at Louis' Basque Corner, which represents the culture with an authentic spirit and no signs of slowing down. The three-story building originally opened in 1908 as a hotel and became a Basque restaurant in 1967 under the ownership of Louis Erreguible. Not much has changed since then. In a style based on the habits of Basque immigrant field workers, the menu features a main course — usually some type of meat, which can be anything from charbroil-grilled steaks to roasted salmon or something more adventurous like beef tongue braised in vegetables or sautéed sweetbreads in a choice of sauces. The idea is to utilize the whole animal, especially lamb, since there's a long legacy of Basque sheepherding in the Nevada hills. The dish comes with several family-style courses that include bread, salad, baked beans, fries, dessert, and even a glass of house wine. Most add on the signature Picon Punch, a cocktail of brandy, grenadine, and a burnt orange liqueur in a bell-shaped glass. Lunch service is a little more informal. Either way, there's a communal spirit to the restaurant, so don't be surprised to find yourself sharing a table with another party. Trends come and go, but Kwok's Bistro remains a reliable Reno staple for consistently excellent Chinese food with a strong Cantonese influence. The business operates in a minimalist, stand-alone structure just west of the big downtown casinos. Chef and owner Kwok Chen, an entrepreneur who worked his way up the industry ladder from busing tables in casinos, presents traditional recipes in approachable packages with bright pops of garlic, ginger, and onions alongside wok-fired meat and seafood. Chen's attention to detail is best represented by his Beijing duck, which takes days to prepare and is dry-hung in a traditional rub for a crunchy exterior. Order the whole thing for dinner with a side of moo shu wraps or a quarter-size serving on rice for lunch. Newcomers can't go wrong with the familiarity of kung pao chicken or black pepper beef, but the heavy heat of the sliced, stir-fried lamb will awaken the senses of anyone who appreciates bold flavors.a Liberty Food & Wine Exchange Mark Estee, probably the closest thing Reno has to its own celebrity chef, originally opened Liberty Food & Wine Exchange as a butchery, market, and sandwich shop before it evolved into a full-fledged restaurant. Meats are still carved up in-house — in the basement to be specific — and sourced locally from a Minden ranch. The menu also takes pride in using produce from nearby farms and a wood-fired oven that's equally adaptable for pizzas, seafood, and vegetables. Yet for all the attention to detail, Liberty doesn't take itself too seriously. Black-and-white photos of '80s celebrities decorate the main dining room and the loose, casual atmosphere suits the location, just steps away from the scenic Riverwalk in downtown Reno. This charming restaurant offers compelling French cuisine, but could get by on atmosphere alone. Beaujolais Bistro occupies part of a vintage brick building in a tree-lined corner of the Powning District near the Truckee River. When the weather's right, it's not uncommon to bring tables out to the front yard for what feels like a dinner party under the stars. On the other hand, large groups may prefer the privacy of a table in the moody, ambient wine cellar. Chef and owner Bill Gilbert taps into his French-Canadian heritage for inspired versions of familiar favorites like escargot and French onion soup, but also plays around with intriguing specials like the occasional Cassoulet or braised lamb with Moroccan spices. The wine selection is one of the best in Reno, with a dedicated list of Burgundy varieties at various price points — although a few Napa Valley bottles are on standby. Sign up for our newsletter. Don't be confused about Süp. The restaurant is pronounced 'soup,' the specialty of the house. The idea was hatched by a couple who used to prepare soup for friends at parties and decided to share their recipes with the rest of Reno, too. Everything is made from scratch — including the base stocks — with a menu that rotates daily. Clam chowder is a favorite on Fridays. A hearty chili is a hit on Saturdays. Typically, you have six choices at a time, including at least one vegan option. The restaurant is a cozy, single-story bungalow that used to be a Virginia Street dental office, but now draws regulars (and their dogs) to enjoy the fresh air and food on an outdoor deck. Beyond the signature soups, the menu also includes a robust lineup of sandwiches made with locally baked bread and salads drenched in house-made dressings. Arario's second-floor perch is a great spot in Midtown to enjoy Reno's most ambitious take on Korean cuisine, divided between traditional favorites and inventive forms of fusion. The portions are large and most plates follow a banchan presentation of pickled vegetables on the side. Arario uses organic ingredients and grass-fed beef with thin strips of grilled bulgogi featured in quite a few dishes, including a fun variation on a cheesesteak. You'll also want to try the spicy kimchi fries and the Porky Pops (crispy pork ribs slathered in a sweet-and-savory garlic sauce). Arario even has its own Korean spin on a classic Loco Moco with a half-pound burger over vegetables, rice, and black bean gravy. The dining room has plenty of space for large parties, but the best seats are on the outdoor terrace when the weather's nice. The sake and soju selection pairs well with any of the dishes, along with some fun cocktails, including a Negroni made with Japanese gin. Ignore the modest nature of the name. Built from the shell of an old funeral home, Cosmo's Snack Bar is one of the most relevant restaurants in Reno and the best reason to visit the fast-rising Wells Avenue district. Wood-fired pizzas headline the menu, made with a sourdough poolish dough for a pie that's Neapolitan-esque, but with a thinner, more consistent outer crust. The Rojo Tone is the house favorite — a sweet-and-spicy combination of honey, pepperoni, and pickled jalapeño that isn't afraid to slather on the red sauce — but a simpler, traditional Margherita does the job nearly as well. Either way, pizzas come stacked on the table atop a Bianco's tomato can for extra industry cred. Pace yourself. The wood-fired vegetables are the restaurant's secret weapon, whether it's the spicy harissa-coated carrots or the whole-roasted head of cauliflower with pistachios and tahini. Everything is ordered at the check-out counter or online. The small, almost sterile bar that flanks the kitchen is where singles are directed to sit and to-go customers wait for orders, often with a draft Negroni to kill time. The flavors for the house-made, soft-serve ice cream change monthly, and there's always one vegan option. LuLou's has been a Reno favorite for more than 25 years, although you'd never know it due to a stylish, contemporary dining room that's decorated with local artwork and comes alive with the energy of an open kitchen. The restaurant keeps a low profile with a minimal online presence — even the servers are low-tech, writing orders by hand. But LuLou's helped kick off the Midtown dining boom, operating on word of mouth and a trusted reputation that earned chef and owner Troy Cannan a James Beard Award nomination in 2022. The menu changes frequently, based on an appetite for experimentation and the seasonality of ingredients. Don't be surprised to see creative mashups like an escargot-style presentation with lobster in place of snails or a creamy asparagus soup with a skewer of sweetbreads on the side. There's almost always some form of foie gras and ceviche on the menu, but a big part of LuLou's success is drawing regulars for repeat visits to see what's new. PJ & Company serves comfort-food favorites that wouldn't look out of place in a classic American diner. But the atmosphere leans more toward a Route 99 saloon with mismatched dining rooms, neon signage, and racing memorabilia. There's a heavy emphasis on breakfast, which runs until 11:30 a.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant is known for its eggs Benedict variations and a Hollandaise-style cream cheese sherry sauce that tops most of them — whether the menu mentions it or not. Coffee is served in tall mugs that don't require frequent refills. Look for the 'not-so-hidden' specials on a blue breakfast menu and a red lunch-and-dinner menu. A separate Tex-Mex menu is your best bet after 5 p.m., featuring flavorful takes on ribs, fajitas, and beef-filled house chili. La Condesa doesn't just exceed expectations — it sidesteps them entirely with its unique take on Mexican fusion. The ribeye taco is a best seller and fresh seafood is well represented, from tiger prawns on a sweet-corn arepa to macaroni and cheese topped with crab meat and salsa verde. Some items are simply good snack food — like chicken wings or a steakburger layered with pork belly. There's even an Italian influence in the Kobe beef ravioli and gnocchi mingling with chorizo and cilantro. La Condesa reflects the evolution of Wells Avenue, built from an old car repair shop with repurposed roll-up garage doors facing a patio courtyard. The hand-painted murals are more traditional for a Mexican restaurant, dominating the attention alongside posters of celebrity mug shots and a video screen playing current pop hits. The cocktails favor colorful ingredients while astutely balancing flavors without excessive sugary syrups. The guava margarita is a great example, allowing the natural taste of the fruit to shine without interference. Love bread? We all do! So get familiar with Beloved's Bakery, a business that makes regular appearances at various farmers markets, but also operates its own cafe south of Midtown. If you have trouble finding the place, look for a crowd outside the front door, patiently following posted instructions that limit the line inside to six people at a time. The sourdough is a signature staple, but you'll appreciate olive loaf, rye, focaccia, Japanese milk bread, and even a traditional pretzel just as much. Come early for organic eggs — especially the crab Benedict or shakshuka in roasted tomatoes, peppers, and local mushrooms — and later in the day for mouth-watering sirloin burgers. The coffee is prepared with a rotating selection of beans from local roasters. Perenn began as a modest Midtown bakery and expanded its scope with a larger space and menu at Rancharrah, a suburban outdoor plaza with a farmhouse aesthetic. Pastries and baked goods are specialties of the house. (How could they not be when the wifi password is 'glutenlover'?) Try the griddled banana bread with perfectly crispy edges, buttery and layered croissants, and chewy miso peanut butter cookies. Perenn balances out the menu with savory dishes like a grilled-barely-above-rare salmon filet and the popular Turkish eggs: sunny side up with a dollop of yogurt, chickpeas, and chili oil with house-baked bread on the side. Bring your appetite — and patience. Everyone orders at the same counter and the line gets long, allowing patrons to browse the pastry collection, cakes, and a few retail items while waiting to place an order. Perenn also runs a small, separate grocery market in a neighboring space that's far less chaotic, but shares the same dedication to uniquely artisan food products. © 2025 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Link copied to the clipboard. To some, it's a dive. To others, it's home. Casale's Halfway Club has been around since 1937 when it doubled as a roadside food stand and family residence. You can even see old doorway frames from what were once bedrooms throughout the dining room. Named after what was then the halfway point between Reno and Sparks, it evolved into a classic Italian American restaurant with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, heavy use of red tomato sauce, and meatballs made with breadcrumbs. The lasagna is cooked to order in single-serve portions. It's probably the newest thing on the menu — and even that was added about 40 years ago. The ravioli is legendary. Get it split between the meat and cheese versions. The same family has looked after Casale's Halfway Club for generations, most notably under the guidance of late matriarch 'Mama Inez' Casale Stempeck, who's almost a mythological figure in Reno. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Abby's Highway 40 is a downtown Reno dive bar that dates back to 1940 when it was known as Quilici Bar and later, the Rumpus Room. These days, it's named after what used to be the main road through town and is decorated with old signs, vintage photos, and the occasional auto part. The back patio has a fresh new look, renovated with repurposed bricks from a demolished train station. Hang out by the fire pit after 5 p.m. and order xiao long bao soup dumplings, noodles, bao buns, and other forms of Asian street food from the Dumpling Queen, a fast-casual service kitchen inside a 1948 silver airstream trailer. Otherwise, you can stay busy with a game of pool, cocktails, live music, and special events, including open-mic comedy and karaoke. No matter what, don't leave without mastering the Steak Shot. It's easy. Lick steak seasoning off your hand, do a shot of Jameson, and chase it with Worcestershire sauce. Open in Google Maps Foursquare There's a deep legacy of Basque heritage throughout Northern Nevada, although its presence tends to diminish with each passing year. You'd never know it at Louis' Basque Corner, which represents the culture with an authentic spirit and no signs of slowing down. The three-story building originally opened in 1908 as a hotel and became a Basque restaurant in 1967 under the ownership of Louis Erreguible. Not much has changed since then. In a style based on the habits of Basque immigrant field workers, the menu features a main course — usually some type of meat, which can be anything from charbroil-grilled steaks to roasted salmon or something more adventurous like beef tongue braised in vegetables or sautéed sweetbreads in a choice of sauces. The idea is to utilize the whole animal, especially lamb, since there's a long legacy of Basque sheepherding in the Nevada hills. The dish comes with several family-style courses that include bread, salad, baked beans, fries, dessert, and even a glass of house wine. Most add on the signature Picon Punch, a cocktail of brandy, grenadine, and a burnt orange liqueur in a bell-shaped glass. Lunch service is a little more informal. Either way, there's a communal spirit to the restaurant, so don't be surprised to find yourself sharing a table with another party. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Trends come and go, but Kwok's Bistro remains a reliable Reno staple for consistently excellent Chinese food with a strong Cantonese influence. The business operates in a minimalist, stand-alone structure just west of the big downtown casinos. Chef and owner Kwok Chen, an entrepreneur who worked his way up the industry ladder from busing tables in casinos, presents traditional recipes in approachable packages with bright pops of garlic, ginger, and onions alongside wok-fired meat and seafood. Chen's attention to detail is best represented by his Beijing duck, which takes days to prepare and is dry-hung in a traditional rub for a crunchy exterior. Order the whole thing for dinner with a side of moo shu wraps or a quarter-size serving on rice for lunch. Newcomers can't go wrong with the familiarity of kung pao chicken or black pepper beef, but the heavy heat of the sliced, stir-fried lamb will awaken the senses of anyone who appreciates bold flavors.a Open in Google Maps Foursquare Mark Estee, probably the closest thing Reno has to its own celebrity chef, originally opened Liberty Food & Wine Exchange as a butchery, market, and sandwich shop before it evolved into a full-fledged restaurant. Meats are still carved up in-house — in the basement to be specific — and sourced locally from a Minden ranch. The menu also takes pride in using produce from nearby farms and a wood-fired oven that's equally adaptable for pizzas, seafood, and vegetables. Yet for all the attention to detail, Liberty doesn't take itself too seriously. Black-and-white photos of '80s celebrities decorate the main dining room and the loose, casual atmosphere suits the location, just steps away from the scenic Riverwalk in downtown Reno. Open in Google Maps Foursquare This charming restaurant offers compelling French cuisine, but could get by on atmosphere alone. Beaujolais Bistro occupies part of a vintage brick building in a tree-lined corner of the Powning District near the Truckee River. When the weather's right, it's not uncommon to bring tables out to the front yard for what feels like a dinner party under the stars. On the other hand, large groups may prefer the privacy of a table in the moody, ambient wine cellar. Chef and owner Bill Gilbert taps into his French-Canadian heritage for inspired versions of familiar favorites like escargot and French onion soup, but also plays around with intriguing specials like the occasional Cassoulet or braised lamb with Moroccan spices. The wine selection is one of the best in Reno, with a dedicated list of Burgundy varieties at various price points — although a few Napa Valley bottles are on standby. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Don't be confused about Süp. The restaurant is pronounced 'soup,' the specialty of the house. The idea was hatched by a couple who used to prepare soup for friends at parties and decided to share their recipes with the rest of Reno, too. Everything is made from scratch — including the base stocks — with a menu that rotates daily. Clam chowder is a favorite on Fridays. A hearty chili is a hit on Saturdays. Typically, you have six choices at a time, including at least one vegan option. The restaurant is a cozy, single-story bungalow that used to be a Virginia Street dental office, but now draws regulars (and their dogs) to enjoy the fresh air and food on an outdoor deck. Beyond the signature soups, the menu also includes a robust lineup of sandwiches made with locally baked bread and salads drenched in house-made dressings. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Arario's second-floor perch is a great spot in Midtown to enjoy Reno's most ambitious take on Korean cuisine, divided between traditional favorites and inventive forms of fusion. The portions are large and most plates follow a banchan presentation of pickled vegetables on the side. Arario uses organic ingredients and grass-fed beef with thin strips of grilled bulgogi featured in quite a few dishes, including a fun variation on a cheesesteak. You'll also want to try the spicy kimchi fries and the Porky Pops (crispy pork ribs slathered in a sweet-and-savory garlic sauce). Arario even has its own Korean spin on a classic Loco Moco with a half-pound burger over vegetables, rice, and black bean gravy. The dining room has plenty of space for large parties, but the best seats are on the outdoor terrace when the weather's nice. The sake and soju selection pairs well with any of the dishes, along with some fun cocktails, including a Negroni made with Japanese gin. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Ignore the modest nature of the name. Built from the shell of an old funeral home, Cosmo's Snack Bar is one of the most relevant restaurants in Reno and the best reason to visit the fast-rising Wells Avenue district. Wood-fired pizzas headline the menu, made with a sourdough poolish dough for a pie that's Neapolitan-esque, but with a thinner, more consistent outer crust. The Rojo Tone is the house favorite — a sweet-and-spicy combination of honey, pepperoni, and pickled jalapeño that isn't afraid to slather on the red sauce — but a simpler, traditional Margherita does the job nearly as well. Either way, pizzas come stacked on the table atop a Bianco's tomato can for extra industry cred. Pace yourself. The wood-fired vegetables are the restaurant's secret weapon, whether it's the spicy harissa-coated carrots or the whole-roasted head of cauliflower with pistachios and tahini. Everything is ordered at the check-out counter or online. The small, almost sterile bar that flanks the kitchen is where singles are directed to sit and to-go customers wait for orders, often with a draft Negroni to kill time. The flavors for the house-made, soft-serve ice cream change monthly, and there's always one vegan option. LuLou's has been a Reno favorite for more than 25 years, although you'd never know it due to a stylish, contemporary dining room that's decorated with local artwork and comes alive with the energy of an open kitchen. The restaurant keeps a low profile with a minimal online presence — even the servers are low-tech, writing orders by hand. But LuLou's helped kick off the Midtown dining boom, operating on word of mouth and a trusted reputation that earned chef and owner Troy Cannan a James Beard Award nomination in 2022. The menu changes frequently, based on an appetite for experimentation and the seasonality of ingredients. Don't be surprised to see creative mashups like an escargot-style presentation with lobster in place of snails or a creamy asparagus soup with a skewer of sweetbreads on the side. There's almost always some form of foie gras and ceviche on the menu, but a big part of LuLou's success is drawing regulars for repeat visits to see what's new. Open in Google Maps Foursquare PJ & Company serves comfort-food favorites that wouldn't look out of place in a classic American diner. But the atmosphere leans more toward a Route 99 saloon with mismatched dining rooms, neon signage, and racing memorabilia. There's a heavy emphasis on breakfast, which runs until 11:30 a.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant is known for its eggs Benedict variations and a Hollandaise-style cream cheese sherry sauce that tops most of them — whether the menu mentions it or not. Coffee is served in tall mugs that don't require frequent refills. Look for the 'not-so-hidden' specials on a blue breakfast menu and a red lunch-and-dinner menu. A separate Tex-Mex menu is your best bet after 5 p.m., featuring flavorful takes on ribs, fajitas, and beef-filled house chili. Open in Google Maps Foursquare La Condesa doesn't just exceed expectations — it sidesteps them entirely with its unique take on Mexican fusion. The ribeye taco is a best seller and fresh seafood is well represented, from tiger prawns on a sweet-corn arepa to macaroni and cheese topped with crab meat and salsa verde. Some items are simply good snack food — like chicken wings or a steakburger layered with pork belly. There's even an Italian influence in the Kobe beef ravioli and gnocchi mingling with chorizo and cilantro. La Condesa reflects the evolution of Wells Avenue, built from an old car repair shop with repurposed roll-up garage doors facing a patio courtyard. The hand-painted murals are more traditional for a Mexican restaurant, dominating the attention alongside posters of celebrity mug shots and a video screen playing current pop hits. The cocktails favor colorful ingredients while astutely balancing flavors without excessive sugary syrups. The guava margarita is a great example, allowing the natural taste of the fruit to shine without interference. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Love bread? We all do! So get familiar with Beloved's Bakery, a business that makes regular appearances at various farmers markets, but also operates its own cafe south of Midtown. If you have trouble finding the place, look for a crowd outside the front door, patiently following posted instructions that limit the line inside to six people at a time. The sourdough is a signature staple, but you'll appreciate olive loaf, rye, focaccia, Japanese milk bread, and even a traditional pretzel just as much. Come early for organic eggs — especially the crab Benedict or shakshuka in roasted tomatoes, peppers, and local mushrooms — and later in the day for mouth-watering sirloin burgers. The coffee is prepared with a rotating selection of beans from local roasters. Perenn began as a modest Midtown bakery and expanded its scope with a larger space and menu at Rancharrah, a suburban outdoor plaza with a farmhouse aesthetic. Pastries and baked goods are specialties of the house. (How could they not be when the wifi password is 'glutenlover'?) Try the griddled banana bread with perfectly crispy edges, buttery and layered croissants, and chewy miso peanut butter cookies. Perenn balances out the menu with savory dishes like a grilled-barely-above-rare salmon filet and the popular Turkish eggs: sunny side up with a dollop of yogurt, chickpeas, and chili oil with house-baked bread on the side. Bring your appetite — and patience. Everyone orders at the same counter and the line gets long, allowing patrons to browse the pastry collection, cakes, and a few retail items while waiting to place an order. Perenn also runs a small, separate grocery market in a neighboring space that's far less chaotic, but shares the same dedication to uniquely artisan food products. Open in Google Maps Foursquare
Boston Globe
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Devo didn't expect to be quite so prescient
Advertisement 'We thought it was maybe a plausible pose and a warning, but that it wouldn't really go this far,' added Gerald Casale, the band's bassist and principal lyricist. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up On the Kent State campus, which had been convulsed by A few years later, with the emergence of punk rock and the 'malaise' of the late 1970s, the cultural climate was ripe for Devo's purposeful absurdity. Their debut album, 'Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!,' produced by Brian Eno, came out in 1978. By the early 1980s, Devo's mechanical showmanship and outlandish matching costumes were an ideal fit for MTV, the new music video channel that was quickly overhauling the pop world. Advertisement Casual fans know them as the weird band with the big new wave hit from 1980, 'Whip It,' which was vaguely about 'whipping' your problems. The band wrote songs called 'Space Junk' and 'Wiggly World,' recorded bizarro covers of 'Secret Agent Man' and '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,' and wore flowerpot-shaped 'energy domes' on their heads. If the band's entire existence is a form of protest, Casale explained, the target is obvious. 'We're protesting stupidity,' he said. 'That often takes a political dimension, because everything ultimately is political, so you see stupidity and fear and superstition manifest itself in the political realm first.' Despite their relentless criticisms, they did not consider themselves above the fray. 'We were putting ourselves in the quotient,' Casale said. 'We weren't exempting ourselves. We said, 'We're all Devo,' meaning there's a fatal flaw in human nature. 'Far greater minds and creative forces than Devo throughout history have made that point in novels, plays, even operas,' he added. 'We were just continuing their fine work.' Early versions of Devo included various contributors on guitar and keyboards, including Mothersbaugh's brother Bob, Casale's brother Bob ('Bob 2'), and their friend Bob Lewis. Another Mothersbaugh brother, Jim, played drums until he opted out and was replaced by longtime member Alan Myers. Advertisement Bob Mothersbaugh still performs alongside his brother Mark and Gerald Casale. A new documentary on the band directed by Chris Smith (1999's 'American Movie'), called simply ' Younger generations of adventurous music fans have been discovering the band through the magic of the Internet, he said. 'Kids that weren't alive [when the band was a household name] have discovered us online and flipped out, maybe the way I flipped out when I saw an old black and white film of John Lee Hooker in 1956,' he said. 'It was scary and great and foreign and powerful.' To underscore the band's alarmism, Mothersbaugh said, he created synthesizer parts that mirrored the screeching headache sounds of vintage TV commercials for pain relievers: 'Eeeh! Eeeh!' Besides the Dadaists, the group looked to other avant-garde art movements, such as the Futurists. 'We didn't agree with their politics,' said Mothersbaugh, who has created soundtracks for TV ('Pee-Wee's Playhouse,' 'Rugrats') and movies (' 'We felt the same way. We were looking to other places to find sounds and inspiration.' Advertisement Devo's rocky relationship with the music industry, which never knew quite what to make of the band, is detailed in the documentary. The band's most recent release, 'Art Devo,' is a two-disc set that plumbs the depths of their early recorded material, before the debut album came out. It's raw, occasionally raunchy, and often deliberately abrasive. Asked whether he wishes the band had done anything differently to maintain the commercial momentum of the early 1980s, Casale demurred. 'Hindsight is really worthless here,' he said. 'For every band, every artist, there's this dichotomy between art and commerce, and there's always gonna be problems with the label if they don't understand you, or they fail to deliver, or they fight your creative urges. It's a struggle, right?' Last summer the band was 'I don't know what's going on in the world these days,' Mothersbaugh says in the spoken interlude that the band wrote more than 40 years ago. 'People just don't seem to care about anyone in America or anywhere else in the world. They're all just going for that big ice cream cone in the sky.' 'It's tongue-in-cheek,' Casale said, yet it's a tribute to the singers who meant the song's lyrics sincerely: 'Because it really does take a worried man, right?' DEVO: 50 YEARS OF DE-EVOLUTION... CONTINUED! Advertisement 8 p.m. Friday at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St., Boston. Tickets $55 and up. James Sullivan can be reached at .
Business Upturn
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Elcogen and Casale SA collaborate to drive innovation in green ammonia and sustainable energy
Tallinn, ESTONIA, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elcogen, a leading European manufacturer of technology that enables the efficient production of affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity, today announced that it h entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Casale, a global provider of technologies and integrated engineering solutions to produce ammonia and other base chemicals. This is a non-exclusive Memorandum that will enable the parties to collaborate on green ammonia and other Power-to-X (P2X) projects. Under this MoU, the two companies will explore commercial projects of mutual interest, with a view to integrating Elcogen's solid oxide electrolysis stack and stack module technology into Casale's plants, and potentially other P2X applications globally. In turn, Elcogen can provide their technology platform and related technical services to support Casale in its process design efforts for developers on the international market. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the green energy transition, with the possibility of combining Casale's proven, mature process design expertise with Elcogen's cutting-edge Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) technology for highly efficient green hydrogen production. Driving the future of sustainable solutions with green hydrogen Ammonia production, which today relies primarily on hydrogen derived from natural gas, has traditionally been dependent on fossil fuels, making it a significant source of CO2 emissions. However, by coupling green hydrogen technology into ammonia production and leveraging renewable energy sources, the new process can significantly reduce emissions, offering a cleaner and more sustainable solution for the industry. Combining Elcogen's efficient SOEC technology with Casale's high-performance ammonia solutions, the parties will be able to propose leading solutions to the green ammonia market. SOEC is ideally suited to integration with industrial processes, producing hydrogen directly where it is needed as feedstock. 'Solid oxide technology is on track to reach cost parity with PEM and Alkaline systems soon, and once it does, it will offer even greater value. With a lower levelised cost of hydrogen, greater scalability, and a lack of reliance on precious materials like iridium and platinum, it's a future-proof technology that's expected to become a key player in the green ammonia space as it matures. This will provide a competitive advantage to both companies,' said Mikael Jansen, Director of Business Development at Elcogen, adding, 'This MoU is an exciting step forward. With over 100 years of experience, Casale is a world-class player, and we are humbled that a major ammonia technology provider shares our same vision. Together, we are making a tangible contribution to world sustainability goals. We're poised to set a new standard for sustainable ammonia production'. SOEC technology offers unparalleled advantages compared to water electrolysis. It requires less electricity to produce hydrogen due to faster and more efficient kinetics, and it can use steam generated from the waste heat of industrial processes – such as ammonia production – further reducing the electricity needed for hydrogen production. Unlike water electrolysis, it produces little to no waste heat itself. The elcoStack® technology platform operates at a lower temperature compared to many other solutions while retaining high efficiency and power densities, providing a simpler and more cost-efficient solution for integrating solid oxide technology into an electrolyser system. 'Observing Elcogen's achievements in solid oxide technology, we see a highly complementary fit with Casale's deep expertise in process integration and plant design. This collaboration opens new possibilities for industrial applications of green hydrogen, particularly in ammonia production and also in other technologies. We believe this partnership will allow both companies to explore innovative solutions in the Power-to-X space, building on our shared commitment to accelerate the energy transition,' said Federico Zardi, CEO of Casale SA. ______ About Casale Founded in 1921, Casale is a privately-owned Swiss company headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, with over a century of expertise offering integrated technologies, engineering, contracting and construction solutions for the chemical and fertilizer industries. With more than 450 professionals across Switzerland, the Czech Republic, China, India, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Brazil, Casale is a global leader in sustainable fertilizer production technologies. Casale is among the few licensors that can provide the entire fertilizer production chain of ammonia, urea, nitric acid, nitrates, phosphates, in addition to key chemicals such as melamine, methanol. Focused to build sustainable plants for a better planet, the portfolio of solutions also includes innovative technologies to produce green and blue ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen delivering thus a complete range of solutions for new plants and for plants retrofits (revamping). Casale delivers, both for plant revamping and new plants, a comprehensive range of services and products including: know-how and licensing of core technologies full range of engineering services, from feasibility studies to basic, FEED, and detail design equipment and materials supply EP/EPC project contracting digital solutions for plant control and management repair and maintenance services Casale offers a full range of services consistently prioritizing continuous innovation and operational excellence. Casale's ability to weave its deep commitment to the research and development of clean technologies into every aspect of its design, construction and renovation projects underlines its leadership in energy transition and sustainability. About Elcogen Elcogen develops and supplies solid oxide fuel cell and electrolysis technologies, enabling the production of affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity across diverse sectors, from residential to large-scale industrial applications. Founded in 2001, the Company has its registered office in the UK, its main headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia, and R&D centres of excellence in both Estonia and Finland. Serving a growing global customer base, Elcogen's fuel and electrolyser cells, stacks, and modules are integrated into third-party systems, delivering exceptional performance and reliability. In addition to the supply of components, Elcogen offers comprehensive services to support technology integration, ensuring seamless adoption and optimal functionality of its solutions in various applications. These systems are designed to unlock the full potential of renewable energy, offering superior efficiency compared to traditional technologies. Together with its partners, Elcogen is shaping a sustainable energy landscape and leading the way to a net-zero future. [END] Attachments Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Delray Beach's annual Pride Festival will go on, but city officials worried about finances
DELRAY BEACH — As the LGBTQ+ community faces serious financial and political trouble for its festivals and parades, Palm Beach County has started to feel the rising temperature of it all. In March, Julie Seaver, the executive director of Compass Community Center, the organizer of Lake Worth Beach's two-day Pride extravaganza, said the center's finances could take a significant hit if the federal government pulls back on grant funding that helps pay for its work providing health-care testing and other programming for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Now, in Delray Beach, after a heated discussion in early April to potentially defund the annual Pride Festival and Concert in June, the city will continue sponsoring the event — for now. Delray Beach officials discussed removing the annual festival from the list of city-sponsored events. When the item was discussed, Commissioner Juli Casale expressed concern about publicly backing the event, saying it could result in losing state appropriations. "Everybody wants to go ahead with this event. We just don't want there to be financial repercussions on our residents," Casale said. But then she claimed that the city's lobbyist, Mat Forrest, had warned in a private call about sponsoring the event, citing concerns about the Republican-led Legislature. "People are watching," Casale said Forrest told her. "And I would be mindful of what's going on when you're asking for money." Deputy Vice Mayor Angela Burns and Vice Mayor Rob Long opposed defunding the event. "It's hard not to see this proposal to single out this event as anything but suspicious, given the broader national and statewide political climate right now, at a time when LGBTQ+ communities are under increasing attack," Long said. "It sends the wrong message for Delray Beach to even consider or even talk about pulling our modest support for an event that celebrates inclusion, pride and community spirit." In an email to the city's commission the following day, Forrest, the lobbyist, said he had "no opinion on what events the city should or should not sponsor." "The State will not support organizations that it feels are using government funds to support programs, events, etc. that are inconsistent with the policies of the State of Florida," Forrest's email said. "I also think the City is free to sponsor any event that it feels is consistent with the policies of the City of Delray Beach even if it might impact the allocation of State funds to the City." Getting additional corporate support could prove challenging in the current political climate. Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump have attacked diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government and private industry. They argue that such programs shift focus away from merit while supporters see them as important efforts to make sure people from marginalized communities are included in job candidate pools and that their views are taken into account as policy is formulated. Delray Beach currently produces 21 annual events. These include its Boat Parade, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival, 100-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting, July 4th celebration and Holiday Parade. The city's special events are estimated to cost $951,000. The Pride Festival and Concert makes up $20,000, or about 2%, of that. RELATED: Lake Avenue decorated in rainbows to honor Palm Beach Pride RELATED: Lake Worth Beach's Pride Weekend a celebration, but with concerns ahead "Because of your last meeting, and the agenda item in regards to trying to annihilate the Pride Festival, it galvanized more support for it," Delray Beach resident Steve English said at the April 8 meeting. "That showed this community, and all the people that have talked about economic development, if we want to tarnish or ruin our reputational capital, be designated as a discriminatory, non-welcoming, non-inclusive spot." The next time the commission will discuss the city's special events is May 6. This year's Pride Festival and Concert is scheduled for June 14. Staff Writer Wayne Washington contributed to this report. Jasmine Fernández is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@ and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray Beach considers defunding its Pride Festival
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
R.I. Ethics Commission says no conflict for Shekarchi on subdivision bill
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi is seen presiding over the House of Representatives during the 2024 session. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) When House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi rolled out a 12-bill housing package in late February, he wasn't thinking about one of his private law practice clients from four years ago. But after Shekarchi got an email from a resident of Cranston's Alpine Estates a month later, he questioned whether his day job might conflict with State House advocacy on a bill aiming to ease local restrictions on subdividing large parcels of land. 'I thought it would be prudent to ask the Ethics Commission if it was appropriate to vote on the legislation,' Shekarchi said in an email Wednesday. Good news for Shekarchi: The state ethics panel determined there's no ethical conflict between his housing bill and his former client, Thomas Casale. Because the Cranston developer is no longer Shekarchi's client, there's no way Shekarchi might benefit from the bill's passage, concluded an advisory opinion written by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission's staff. The nine-member panel voted unanimously to accept the opinion Tuesday, with one recusal and one member absent, to approve the staff opinion. Shekarchi hasn't represented Casale since 2021 in his battle with municipal officials to develop a few acres of empty residential land in western Cranston, and has been paid in full by Casale for his work, Shekarchi wrote in his request to the ethics panel. Shekarchi also wrote that he does not anticipate a future business relationship with the developer. Therefore, Shekarchi is free to discuss, advocate for, and vote on the legislation, according to the ethics opinion. Shekarchi in a statement Wednesday said he was 'pleased' with the ethics panel's determination. Shekarchi is one of nine Democratic co-sponsors on the subdivision bill put in by Rep. Cherie Cruz, a Pawtucket Democrat. The legislation had an initial vetting before the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee on March 11, with a slightly amended version advanced out of committee in a vote on March 20. A floor vote has not been scheduled as of Wednesday, Larry Berman, a spokesperson for House leadership, said. There is also no Senate companion bill yet. Shekarchi's work representing Casale has ended, but the high-profile dispute over residential development is far from over, with an appeal filed by Casale now pending before the state Superior Court, according to news reports. The pending legislation does not specifically name Alpine Estates or his former client, Casale. But if signed into law, the bill could help Casale win the legal battle by easing restrictions on subdividing 'oversized lots.' Casale, who owns an auto body shop in Johnston, declined to comment when reached by phone Wednesday. 'I don't really have anything to do with that,' he said of the bill before hanging up. The legislation authorizes municipal zoning officials to grant exceptions to local zoning rules on residential development, including subdivisions, as long as the changes reflect the surrounding neighborhood. The proposal drew praise from housing advocates, including the Rhode Island Coalition for Housing Providers and Neighbors Welcome! Rhode Island, in written comments to the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee. Robert Azar, deputy director of planning and development for the city of Providence, also expressed written support for the intent of the legislation, but suggested a few tweaks. No one from the city of Cranston or Alpine Estates wrote the House panel regarding the bill. Cranston city planning staff initially agreed to the requested zone change, filed in 2019, that would let Casale divide four open lots into eight. However, the City Council initially rejected the zoning change in 2022. After signing a consent order noting that the zone change was consistent with its long-term comprehensive plan, the City Council in 2024 approved a second application for the same zoning change. However, Mayor Ken Hopkins vetoed the council's approval, and the council failed to garner enough votes to override Hopkins' veto, sending the dispute back to the courts, where it remains pending, according to news reports. Nicholas Hemond, the outside counsel representing the city in the development dispute was not immediately available to comment on Wednesday. Zachary DeLuca, a spokesperson for the mayor's office, acknowledged but was not immediately able to provide a comment Wednesday. Christopher Millea, city solicitor, also did not immediately return inquiries for comment. Ethics Commission Chairman Lauren Jones recused himself from the commission's vote Tuesday on the advisory opinion for Shekarchi. Commissioner Emma Peterson was absent from the meeting. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
