Walking Journal #14 -Northline

As I walked downtown Reno, a parade was going on. Veteran’s Day Parade! I started on Tenth St. and Sierra and made my way towards downtown Reno. I realized that Allison would take Virginia St. to get to her work, so I took Virginia St. all the way to the Cal Neva. The Cal Neva looks like an older building so I imagine that it is the same building as the supposed Allison worked in. I made my way to floor 3 and looked aimlessly for the Top Deck Restaurant. Eureka! It was right in front of my face. The casino inside had the similar look as Allison described it and even had a whole section for betting horse races, football, anything. I was seated inside of the restaurant and noticed that Keno was I big thing to play in this restaurant as mentioned in Northline. As I looked around the restaurant I became aware that waitresses are very social, or are supposed to be. I got to thinking about Allison and how being a waitress at the Cal Neva was really part of her character and the need to get away from Las Vegas. Maybe she wanted to socialize with her customers instead of having a friendship until she was ready. Dan Mohany came every morning so it made it easier for them to talk more about life rather than simply an order. She was finally ready, and she and Dan became friends. I began to eat my “Classic Breakfast” that came with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and sourdough toast and wondered how they did not become friends sooner. He went there every morning and ate the same thing I was eating.

          

  Allison needed a friend and so did Dan, so through the daily small talks and he sitting in her section it happened after a long while. Maybe this was because of Allison’s personality, waitresses are hired based on how friendly they can be with customers and she did just that, always wanting to please. I find it very interesting how Allison found the friend she needed who was so similar to her through serving him coffee and breakfast each morning. This breakfast was quite tasty and cheap actually, so I understand why Dan went every day and sat in the section with the lovely waitress.

 

Map: Corner of Sierra and 10^th St.

            Head South until 6^th St. Make a left on 6^th and a right once you reach Virginia.
             South on Virginia. Cal Neva will be on the left-hand side about a half mile down.