Dayton has another new place to eat - and drink

Dayton is getting to be a pretty popular location for restaurants, with the opening of a new eatery.

First and 10, a sports bar/restaurant without the slot machines, is part of the new River Vista Commercial Center on Dayton Valley Road.

The restaurant is around the back of the development, and there's no sign in front, but is getting noticed already.

"We just went about opening nice and quiet, to get the bugs out," said owner Jose Del Real, who has about 28 years of experience as general manager and cook at Mi Casa II in Carson City.

He opened on May 2, and said opening day was good, and the first Saturday was "excellent," even without any advertising.

Del Real said he didn't want to promote the restaurant until he worked some of the bugs out that a new business always faces.

Though he is one of two businesses in the development - the other being Eagle Fitness - Del Real said he believes he has a good location, and hopes the restaurant attracts other leases.

He got some input from area business professionals who said the restaurant would do well at that location, especially when the commercial buildings are full. A Beyond Juice business is planned, and three or four others are looking at leases, he said.

The Lyon County Utilities Department is five minutes away, he pointed out, and there is a nearby industrial park, not to mention many houses within walking distance, or a short drive.

"Hopefully this will become their favorite place," he said. "Dayton is growing, and if we can tough it out for the next two or three years, we'll be OK."

Del Real said he was ready to handle lunches for Dayton workers, and plans to be able to get the lunch crowd in and out in between 25 and 40 minutes.

His menu is mid-priced, and offers of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, entrees, Mexican fare and pizza.

"I would like to tell you everything on the menu is good," he said. "We are going to be known for our appetizers, but the entrees are also good. I have a good chef, and my background is in Mexican, so that is very strong."

Del Real started out in the restaurant business as a dishwasher, then moved up to cook. When he moved to Carson City from Hollister, Calif., about 20 years ago, he worked at Mi Casa II, starting as cook and ending up as general manager.

"I've been in the community for about 20 years," he said. "I have a lot of friends in Dayton. I play golf out here."

The decor is red, Del Real's favorite color, and the atmosphere is comfortable, with plush booths and cozy tables in the dining room, and high bar chairs and tables in the bar area.

He said he expects the bar to do well on its own.

First and 10 boasts 20 high-definition plasma televisions, including one with a 120-inch screen. It also offers a full bar.

"We'll have great margaritas, anything you get in a bar," he said. "We even had one woman ask for a grasshopper. I was told I would get beer and whisky drinkers, but we have gotten everything. If we don't know how to make it, we ask the customer."

The restaurant will open at 11 a.m., Del Real said, and will stay open until everyone goes home.

• Contact Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-7351.