Crumbs: Industry Night and Reverse Happy Hour at Hiro Sushi
As more and more people are shedding the 9-5 work week, Hiro Sushi is offering its popular Reverse Happy Hour on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Beginning March 28, the restaurant will offer the same great specials on sushi, appetizers, and drinks from 10 p.m. until midnight. The group is looking to capture the restaurant industry employees, who are unable to go out on Friday or Saturday nights, as well as others who enjoy a late meal as the economy and work schedules are ever changing. You can check out their facebook page at facebook.com/HiroSushiOmaha or call them at 933.0091 for more information.
Crumbs: LaCasa Pizzaria's Spring Wine Event
Join LaCasa Pizzeria on Wednesday, March 28, to enjoy five wines paired with LaCasa appetizers, pizza, and dessert. John Bohrer from The Italian Vine will be on hand to discuss the wines. Cost is $35 per person and advanced reservations are required; call 556.6464 for more information.
Crumbs: Dante Ristorante Creates No Name Pizza, Fans Get to Name
Dante Chef, Nick Strawhecker has created a new pizza, and they are asking Dante customers and the restaurant’s friends on Facebook to help out. The “no name” pizza toppings are meatballs, house-made link sausage, garlic, basil, chili, and house-made ricotta cheese. The concoction is baked in the Dante wood-fired Vera oven. The pizza will be the special on the restaurant’s menu for the next three weeks and priced at $15. To enter the contest all our friends and followers need to do is enter a name in the comment section on our Facebook page, and get their friends to “like” their post. The name with the most likes will win. The winner receives bragging rights, a $250 Dante gift card. The contest runs through noon on March 31.
Crumbs: The Cost of Dining Out: Meal Taxes in Major U.S. Cities
Ranked as the 42nd largest city, Omaha climbed the tax charts to land at the number six spot for highest meal tax. As any tourists and business travelers have learned, taxes on meals are sometimes higher than taxes on other goods. Of the 50 largest U.S. cities, 15 charge an additional meals tax on top of the regular sales tax, according to a new analysis by the Tax Foundation. Meals taxes generally apply to purchases of prepared food that are consumed either in a restaurant or taken to go for later consumption. Congratulations, Mayor Suttle, you win.
Crumbs: New Restaurant Openings in the Metro
J. Coco, Jennifer Coco's restaurant in midtown, is now officially open. The restaurant is located at 5203 Leavenworth Street and its phone number is 884.2626. Jennifer Coco was the chef at the Flatiron Cafe and at the time was semifinalist for a James Beard Award.
Lot 2, is a restaurant and wine bar in downtown historic Benson serving French and New American cuisine. The restaurant is located at 6205 1/2 Maple Street and its phone number is 504.4200. Owners Brad and Johanna Marr are both certified sommeliers.
Article: Dish Writing Staff
Crumbs: Local Chefs Nominated for Prestigious Awards
On a national food stage, Omaha gets little credit for our vast culinary scene and impact on the food world. However, times they are a changing and the last two years have been an amazing journey for the Omaha food community. Last week, two local chefs were nominated for the very prestigious, 2012 James Beard Awards.
Chef and Owner Clayton Chapman of The Grey Plume, nominated for Rising Star Chef of the Year and Chef Paul Kulik of The Boiler Room, nominated as Best Chef: Midwest. From local conversations to national magazines, these two chefs are some of the best in the business. We are just fortunate enough to have them in the Metro.
Up next for the nominees is to make sure their ship – or kitchen – is tight and that the staff is alert and ready. The judging panel will test out the cuisine of all the nominees. The final nominees are announced on Monday, March 19, live from Las Vegas.
Crumbs: New Kitchen Retail Web Site Aims at Bringing Friends and Families Closer
New Nebraska-based internet retailer, Paula’s Pots Pans and More has introduced its new Web site, aimed at bringing friends and families closer together through time spent in the kitchen. Categories of brand name products found on PaulasPotsPansAndMore.com include cookware, dinnerware, glasses, serving bowls, pottery, silverware, cast iron products, cutlery, small appliances, wine racks and much more. Major brand names include Paula Deen, Rachael Rey, Chicago Cutlery and more. For more information, or to view the most recent selection of high quality kitchen essentials, visit PaulasPotsPansAndMore.com
Crumbs: Hell’s Kitchen Contestant Stops in Omaha
Season 5 and 6 chef-testant Robert Hesse will join local chef Glenn Wheeler at Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops on March 2, at 7 p.m. The two chefs will team up for a 5-course meal including cocktail and specialty drink pairings, benefiting Food Bank for the Heartland. The cost is $75 per person, call 402.280.8888 for reservations.
Crumbs: Wohlner's “Mid Week Market”
Omaha's oldest, family-owned grocery store, Wohlner's Neighborhood Grocery & Deli, is bringing a fresh, new community event to midtown Omaha this summer. The Mid Week Market at Midtown Crossing will feature the best in locally-grown, freshly-harvested produce every Wednesday, from 4 - 7 p.m. The community event will run from June 6 until August 8 (the Fourth of July included). A mix of local growers and producers will set up in the parking garage attached to Wohlner's Midtown Crossing location near 33rd & Dodge. “This is going to be a great opportunity for everyone, -- from restaurant chefs to moms and dads looking for the best for their families -- to stock up on great fruits and vegetables from the area's top local growers,” said Mike Schwartz, owner of Wohlner's Neighborhood Grocery & Deli.
Crumbs: Omaha Beer Fest
The Omaha Beer Fest is drawing near and tickets are now official on sale. Mix and mingle with brew masters and craft beer aficionados, enjoy unlimited samples, attend beer academy classes, and dance to live music. Omaha Beer Fest is Friday, May 18 4-8 p.m. or Saturday, May 19, 3-7 p.m. located at Stinson Park, Aksarben Village. For more information or tickets go to omahabeerfest.com
Crumbs: Shucks Downtown now Open
Shucks is now open located at 1911 Leavenworth, the former Dixie Quicks spot. Shucks downtown offers happy hour from 2 – 6 p.m. on drink specials and appetizers. For more information, give them a call at 402.614.5544
Crumbs: Aksarben RibFest Announces New Omaha Rib Festival
The aroma of world champion barbecue ribs and the sounds of blues, country and rock music will fill the air on August 16, 17 and 18 from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. each day at the inaugural Aksarben Ribfest. Hosted by the Aksarben Village at 67th & Center, the Aksarben Ribfest will feature four world-class barbecue teams, each cooking up their own distinct styles and tastes. Admission to the event is free at all times and free parking is available. Further information is available at the event website, aksarbenribfest.com.
Crumbs: Upcoming Wine Events in the Metro
Did you get the memo? Apparently, March is the month for wine in the Metro area. Here are just two of the big wine events you can attend and help some great causes.
Easter Seals wine event March 3, from 5-10 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, LaVista. Proceeds support Easter Seals Nebraska programs and services, helping individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Tickets are $150 each or $200 for two, for more information email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
vinNEBRASKA wine event March 31, from 5-9 p.m. Known as Omaha's original wine event, the vinNEBRASKA wine event has become one of the city's most successful fundraisers, having raised nearly $2 million for local charities since its inception. Hors d' oeuvres from select Midtown Crossing restaurants will also be available for guests to sample. All event proceeds will benefit youth-serving organization, The Partnership For Our Kids. Tickets are $85, for more information visit vinnebraska.com/event.shtml
Crumbs: Valentine’s Day and You
As a long time restaurateur, I coined all major holidays as “amateur night” in my restaurants. The reason is -- for the most part -- guests who dine out on these “hallmark-driven” holidays are stumbling their way through the evening anyway. What makes matters worse is they are the type of guests who call the day of asking for “a quiet table on a Saturday night at 8 p.m.” and are shocked that reservations are full. Do not be that person this year. Luckily, for everyone Valentine’s Day lands on a Tuesday this year, allowing lovebirds and the hopeless to spread their dining love over the course of an entire week.
Article Flourless Chocolate Cake takes the Cake
One sexy sliver to satisfy your wild cravings this Valentine’s Day
The first bite of flourless chocolate cake and you’re wondering just what flour ever did for cake anyway. If it’s done right, the fudgy goodness will coat your fork, and possibly your teeth a little as well. Just don’t smile at your date. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: Edible Seduction
Chocolate is to Friend what Ganache is to Lover
The coating of a truffle is just a diversion, a way to camouflage the simplicity of its creation and the core of its existence — the versatile seductress ganache. The decadent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate creation is in many ways the playgirl of culinary confections, it looks expensive and complicated, but beneath its illustrious sheen it’s pretty easy. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: Make your own Hot Chocoloate Bar
There is nothing better in the winter than cozying up to a fire and making hot cocoa. If you are like most, you simply take out one of those powder packets with marshmallows and dump it into hot water or milk. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Omaha Original makes 2012 Diners’ Choice Award Winners
In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, OpenTable, Inc. announced the 2012 Diners’ Choice Award winners for the 100 most romantic restaurants in the United States. These awards reflect the combined opinions of nearly 5 million reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The French Café, listed as the only Nebraska restaurant to make the list.
Crumbs: Industry Awards for Restaurant Association
The Nebraska Restaurant Association is planning its 2012 Annual Taste of Nebraska on Monday, April 23rd at the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska. This year they are soliciting nominations from across the state in the four categories. Unfortunately, only members of the Nebraska Restaurant Association are eligible for these awards. Please email your nomination to Brandy Nielson at
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no later than February 15.
Crumbs: Le Quartier Baking Company Is Now Open Every Day
No need to start your day with an empty tummy when you can stop at Le Quartier Baking Company in Countryside Village, 87th and Pacific Streets, to get a hot breakfast panini. Le Quartier¹s open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to place an order, please visit: http://www.lequartierbakingco.com or call Le Quartier, 402) 932-1207.
Crumbs: Le Voltaire to Close for Vacation to France
Cedric Fichepain Owner and Executive Chef of Le Voltaire said he is “taking members of my staff to France from February 26 to March 7 and we will reopen for business on Friday March 9 for lunch. We are going to do many wine and food related activities and this will be our third trip to France since I've open. We will try to do a facebook "blitz" during our 10 days to keep all our customers inform of what we are doing, I will be fun.” You can reach Le Voltaire Restaurant at 402.934.9374
Crumbs: Dunkin' Donuts Announces New Restaurants in Omaha and Sioux City
Dunkin' Donuts, announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with existing franchisees, Savoureux Corporation, for 12 new restaurants in North Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa with the first restaurant planned to open in 2013. Savoureux Corporation, led by former University of Nebraska football players Kris Brown and Zach Wiegert, have teamed up with Jeff Woodbury, a principal of Woodbury Corporation, and David Scott, CEO of Tetrad Corporations, an Omaha-based real estate and investment firm. In April 2011, Savoureux Corporation committed to develop five Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in North Kansas City.
Crumbs: New Restaurant Plans for Q Consumables Location
The rich restaurant history that has graced the location at 1228 South Sixth Street, will add another owner to the list of names. Owner Jeff Camp, will open in February with a familiar restaurant name, Italian Gardens, will be operated by Jeff Camp, previously of Trovato’s Restaurant.
Crumbs: Local Sushi Restaurant Expands to Colorado
Blue Sushi announced this week that they will be opening this summer in Denver! The restaurant will be located at 16th and Wazee streets in the historic LoDo area of Denver. Oddly enough, the group is also looking for a general manager for the location. Visit bluesushisakegrill.com for more information.
Crumbs: NYCG is Now Block 16
In our article covering the 5th Annual Comfort Food Classic, co-owners Jessica Joyce and Paul Urban announced an upcoming name change to their restaurant. Here at Dish Omaha we call it delicious, but officially, New York Chicken & Gyro’s is now Block 16. "The name Block 16 is a play off our location (16th and Farnam) as well as a nod to the butcher block, a foundation for food & creativity,” said Jessica Joyce. If you haven’t been to Block 16 here is a little bit about them. Block 16 is happy to provide gourmet chocolate treats from Katie @thechocolatesbar. The group uses only Plum Creek Farms free range organic chickens and GREENWARE take-out materials and food containers. Local artist and chefs Tim Maides and Michael Rhoades provide the artwork at Block 16.Crumbs: The Boiler Room’s Holiday Break
On Monday, January 9, the restaurant will be closed for a week and reopen on Monday, January 16. The Boiler Room will be taking the staff to Minneapolis and Chicago to visit with some of the restaurants working at the pinnacle of the Midwest dining scene.
Crumbs: Nowhere on the Lake, wait, what?
The group that brought you Charlie’s on the Lake is now venturing into a new nightclub called Nowhere on the Lake. The club opened to the public on January 6 and is located inside Charlie’s. Check out their website at nowhereonthelake.com for more information.
Crumbs: Parliament Pub Midtown Moves to Old Market
Look for Midtown Crossing to bring an exciting new tenant to one of the development's prime locations in 2012. This, as Parliament Pub relocates to Omaha's Old Market, a move intended to
capitalize on the district's active bar scene. An English themed pub with a rock-n-roll edge, Parliament Pub is expected to open its Old Market location (1212 Harney St.) in the spring of 2012. Parliament Pub will close in Midtown Crossing on January 1, 2012. Its west Omaha location is unaffected.
Article: Worker's Take-Out
Omaha’s downtown dining culture is marked by plenty of fancy joints. That’s all fine and good when you’re out on the town, but where to turn when you just want … lunch? A desk covered in paperwork only has room for one to-go container, so it’d better be good. Luckily, the folks at Worker’s Take-out take the business of feeding hungry businesspeople seriously. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Omaha, Corporate Sellouts?
Congratulations Omaha, we are almost the biggest restaurant sellouts in the nation. We hold 9 of the 10 consumer picks for top restaurant chains in our area. The National Restaurant News Consumer Picks special report, rates top restaurant chains in the limited-service and full-service segments based on customer preferences. As the largest segment in the restaurant industry, casual-dining restaurants are often the go-to pick for consumers looking for a night away from their own kitchen, a place to celebrate with family and friends or a familiar location to have a quiet meal. Of the top ten chains, restaurant conglomerate OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC own three of the top 10 top restaurant chains, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Outback Steakhouse. Omaha, stop the insanity and shop local.
Crumbs: Score Another for the Corporate Chains
Google has released its 2011 Year-End Zeitgeist list, which gives insight into the year’s top search terms. Included in this list are the Top 10 searched restaurant brands for the year in the United States. The list is as follows: 1. Pizza Hut, 2. Domino’s, 3. Papa John’s, 4. Starbucks, 5. McDonald’s, 6. Olive Garden, 7. Subway, 8. Applebee’s, 9. Jimmy John’s, 10. Buffalo Wild Wings. The list, including weekly and monthly details, can be found here at,
googlezeitgeist.com/en/top-lists/us/lifestyle/restaurants
Crumbs: Local, Local, Local
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Crumbs: Restaurant Neighbor Award Deadline Extended
Each year, the National Restaurant Association and American Express awards $5,000 each to four restaurants -- one small business, one mid-size business, one large business/national chain and one Humanitarian of the year -- through its Restaurant Neighbor Award, an awards program that recognizes outstanding community service efforts among our nation’s restaurants. The deadline to apply for the award is now January 7th, 2012. To apply for the award or to nominate a restaurateur who is actively involved in his or her community, please contact Brandy Nielson at 402.488.3999, or apply online at http://restaurant.org/sustainability/rna/
Crumbs: New Food Show on Lincoln’s KZUM 89.3 FM
"The Kitchen" will airs on Saturdays, noon – 1 p.m. on KZUM, 89.3 FM in Lincoln and can be streamed online at http://kzum.org. According to host, Ted Pool the show looks to share the passion of cooking as well as educate and inform people that they don't have to depend on others to eat well. “Food, is the ultimate art form,” according to Pool, and he wants to display that through “The Kitchen.”
Article: Kid-Freindly without the Crayons
Crumbs: Pizza Ranch to Open New Location in Omaha
Pizza Ranch, the Midwest buffet concept that features old Western décor, stone accent walls, decorative artwork and comfortable seating, announced it will open its doors for business on December 27, 2011 at 3010 South 84th Street in Omaha’s Fredrick Square Shopping Center. This is the third Pizza Ranch restaurant to open in Nebraska, joining existing locations in Columbus and West Point. At a time when companies and individuals are afraid to show any personal beliefs, the Pizza Ranch boasts a company vision “To glorify God by positively impacting the world we live in.”
Crumbs: Milio’s Sandwiches to Target Omaha for Expansion
Milio’s Sandwiches, a franchised, quick-service sub chain featuring unique and delicious sandwiches made only with fresh-sliced premium meats, vegetables, cheeses and bread baked fresh in each store, is expanding in the Omaha market. The company plans to add eight locations throughout the area to their existing location over the next 5 years. Did you know that sandwiching success between two pieces of bread runs deep in Liautaud’s family. His first cousins are Jimmy John’s founder Jimmy John Liautaud and Erbert & Gerbert’s founder Kevin Schippers.
Crumbs: Gluten-Free Egg Beaters Florentine
ConAgra is at it again, Egg Beaters Florentine is the newest variety to join the line of flavored Egg Beaters. With a blend of spinach, tomato, onion, mozzarella cheese and Italian herbs, and like all Egg Beaters varieties, the Eggs Florentine is made of real, all-natural egg whites and is the perfect solution for anyone looking to eat a filling breakfast without the extra cholesterol, fat or calories of shell eggs. Each serving of Eggs Florentine, made of all-natural egg whites, contains 4g of protein, less than 5mg of cholesterol, less than 0.5g of fat and only 30 calories. Additionally, Egg Beaters Florentine is gluten-free.
Article: A Gorging We Shall Go
The annual Renaissance Madrigal Christmas Feast at the Omaha Marriott is equal parts Tony and Tina's Wedding, Shakespeare, Knights of the Round Table and Food Network theme show. That is if the theme is a Saxon bacchanal. A food orgy all wrapped up in a fancy dinner theater bow. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Pana 88 Coming to Midtown Crossing
A fast-casual Pan-Asian eatery, is set to join Midtown Crossing's restaurants in spring 2012 called Pana 88. Located at 3201 Farnam St., Pana 88 will offer a wide variety of hot Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian dishes. Owner Charlie Yin, whose family also owns Hiro Sushi in west Omaha and Hiro 88 in the Old Market, said Pana 88 will specialize in affordable, comfort-casual dining. Lunch goers will the target market, but will also be able to handle the dinner crowd for a quick bite to eat before a movie or a place to snack during Jazz on the Green. Alley Poyner (designers of The Grey Plume and Pitch Pizza) will be designing the space. If all goes according to plan, Pana 88 will open in Midtown Crossing in late April 2012.
Crumbs: Your Favorite Foods Now Delivered
FastFood Deliveries a new business in the Omaha area, will deliver your favorite food to you. The company charges an $8 delivery fee and tips are optional. They accept Credit cards and cash and currently offer delivery Monday – Friday from 5-10 p.m. To learn more check them out on facebook at FoodFast Deliveries or give them a call at 402.408.6862
Crumbs: 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Shucks Fish
Owner Greg Lindberg and staff are set to open another Shuck’s located in the Downtown area. The group will take the recently vacated spot held by Dixie Quicks at 19th and Leavenworth, slated to open early in February.
Crumbs: Grilling… There’s an App for That
Omaha Steaks today announced the addition of the iGrill cooking thermometer functionality to its Steak Time iPhone application. Steak Time, Omaha Steaks free app which debuted in the New and Noteworthy category of the iTunes store earlier this year, was designed to provide the tools for preparing and serving the perfect steak every time.
Article: How To Use Celeriac
In case you haven’t noticed grocery stores are working diligently to be beautiful. I, for one, can hardly enter the whirring doors of a supermarket without being mesmerized by the glistening stacks of blushing pink ladies and rounded columns of orange carrots with green fronds flowing. And somewhere, usually tucked between green and white ribbed fennel and red orbs of radish sits Celeriac, the ugly stepchild of root vegetables, gnarled, rough, brown and easily passed over. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: Get Comfy this Winter
The term “comfort food” was first coined in the 70s, but the genre it describes has been around even longer. We all know dishes like fried chicken and apple pie have a special place in the heart of the American psyche. We think of tradition, of nostalgia, of sentimental appeal. And of course, of good eats. But the idea of comfort food extends across cultures too. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: Dish Writing Staff
Getting to know your Dish Omaha writing staff at The Reader newspaper. Who are the crazy foodies that write all this stuff? A newspaper editor, restaurateur, college instructor and a caterer -- that is just part of the staff -- read more about the Dish writers in this article. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Fuddruckers to Open at 156 and West Maple
Omaha-based Fuddruckers franchisee Ron Pullen of CZP Management has announced plans to open a second area restaurant. Slated to debut on December 12th, the new Fuddruckers location will occupy the old TGIF’s, at American Interstate Place at the corner of 156th and Maple streets. Pullen, who has operated the Fuddruckers site at 72nd & Dodge Street since 2009, has been working closely with Fuddruckers to create a distinctive venue that will introduce a number of new brand and décor concepts, as well as a Coca-Cola Freestyle® system in Omaha. In addition to an expansive patio with seating for 50 overlooking the fountains, the restaurant design will incorporate 150 interior seats, flat screen televisions for sports fans, complimentary Wi-Fi for customers, games for children and a variety of adult beverage additions, including beers on tap, wine and margaritas.
Article: George Paul Vinegar Cocktail Contest
Peanut Butter and Jelly. Milk and cookies. Vinegar and cocktails? If you are anything like me, you have a hard time seeing how these two go together. Luckily, the bartenders who competed in the George Paul Vinegar Cocktail Contest thought otherwise. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Now That's a Stimulus
President Barack Obama signed into law Monday a jobs stimulus bill that provides tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed veterans. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act offers a tax credit of up to $5,600 for businesses that hire veterans who have been unemployed for up to six months. Employers who hire veterans who have been out of work for more than four weeks but less than six months can receive a tax credit of up to $2,400. The House and the Senate passed the stimulus bill by a vote of 422 to 0, and 95 to 0, respectively. “As the second-largest private-sector employer, America’s restaurants provide 13 million jobs nationwide,” said Scott DeFife, the National Restaurant Association's executive vice president for policy and government affairs. "Throughout the economic downturn, we have been one of the few industries that has continued growing, providing quality jobs that lead to fulfilling careers in our industry and others.
Crumbs: Granite City Food and Brewery Ltd. short on Cheddar
Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd. announced that on November 14, 2011 it received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of The Nasdaq Stock Market notifying the Company that it is not in compliance with the continued listing rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market. The letter stated that the Company's stockholders' equity as reported in its Form 10-Q for the period ended September 27, 2011 fell below the minimum stockholders' equity requirement of $2,500,000 as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1). The Company is currently evaluating various courses of action to regain compliance with the continued listing rules and intends to timely submit a plan to Nasdaq.
Crumbs: News Flash . . . Consumers Want Gift Cards
According to the National Restaurant Association, about 32 percent of consumers received a gift card for a restaurant last year. Restaurant gift cards are one of the most popular types to give. Since the recession has had a freezing effect on the dining habits of many Americans, a restaurant gift card allows the recipient to enjoy a nice dinner without worrying about picking up the tab.
Crumbs: Check us out on facebook
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Head over to our Dish Omaha facebook page for conversation and contests.
Article: Steakhouse Tradition Going Strong at Brother Sebastian’s
If you are of a certain age, you might recall the restaurants that once dominated the local dining scene. Lengthy menus offered numerous versions of steak. Entrees came with multiple side dishes, and the dining rooms were dark and woody. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: Meet Mixologist: Ian McCarthy & Luke Edson
Although fist pumping and vodka red bulls seem to be all the rage on television and in “ultra” clubs in the area, there is a growing population of those who require a little more thought and care into their cocktails. Over the past few years bars and restaurants have begun to incorporate challenging and unique beverage programs. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Dickey's Barbecue Pit Gives Back to the Community
On December 12th Dickey's will be donating 10% of all sales from the entire day to the Cornhusker chapter of the American Red Cross. According to owner Will Carter, "The American Red Cross supports our community by helping us during some of the toughest times of our lives. We never know when tragedy will strike but thanks to the American Red Cross we will be prepared.
Crumbs: New Chef and Menu Changes at Marks
Marks Bistro in Dundee announced this week that Zebedee Rogers has joined the staff as Executive Chef and is sharing his culinary talents with Marks customers with the autumn menu change. Chef Rogers, a long-time resident of the Omaha area, has developed his culinary skills in some of the area’s finest restaurants, including as Executive Chef at 801 Prime Chop House. He also has extensive catering experience, most recently with Attitude on Food where he was Chef de Cuisine. Marks Bistro is open from 11:00 am to late evening, Monday through Saturday; closed on Sundays. Handicapped access is available from the alley in the rear.
Crumbs: First there were Energy Drinks, now Relaxation Drinks
BeBevCo, a developer, manufacturer and marketer of relaxation and energy drinks, announced today that their flagship product, Koma Unwind in 2 oz shot form, will now be carried at all 54 Pump and Pantry locations throughout the state of Nebraska. Koma Unwind may have some stiff competition breaking into the relaxation category with my bourbon on the rocks in hand.
Crumbs: Alan Simon Named to Meat Industry Hall of Fame
Omaha Steaks announced that Company Chairman and Fourth Generation Family Owner, Alan Simon , was inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame at an Induction Ceremony held in Chicago on November 1. As one of 12 members of Class of 2011, Simon joins a list of industry executives, scientists, innovators and association leaders from all sectors of the livestock, meat and poultry processing industries who have received this prestigious honor.
Article: Bluffs Bound
The last Sunday brunch at Dixie Quick's "blink and you'll miss it" location at 19th and Leavenworth felt mostly nostalgia-free. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: Flour Power
In a world where reality television shows portray 20-somethings with as much depth as a flip-flop and compassion that rarely goes beyond a mirror someone like Steve Kelly is a refreshing beam of hope. The 24-year-old’s potpie business turned cookie business turned non-profit baking classroom is something worthy of envy, replication and support nationwide. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: ACasseroleToGo.com Caters To Hungry People On The Go
Abraham Catering is launching a new division called "ACasseroleToGo.com." Offering fresh, homemade entrees, sides and desserts for takeout.
"Meals are packaged in ready-to-go pans, with baking instructions included," Abraham Catering President Brian Kobs said. "It's perfect for families who are tired of pizza and burgers. They can pick up a fresh casserole after work, pop it in the oven and enjoy a great dinner." For about $7 a person, customers can enjoy a casserole, salad and dessert," Kobs said. "That's comparable with fast food options, but it's much healthier and well-balanced."
Orders require 24 hours advance notice. Selections can be made on the company's website, www.acasseroletogo.com, or by calling 402.331.6610. Orders are picked up from the Abraham Catering headquarters, 5520 Miller Avenue in downtown Ralston.
Crumbs: Specialty Chocolate Shop to Open
Chocolatier Blue, a specialty chocolate shop, will open in November at Village Pointe Shopping Center. Owner, Chris Blue, with origins in Nebraska, attended French pastry school in Chicago where he learned his craft and mastered the techniques associated with his creation of a line of innovative chocolate confections. Blue’s product brand philosophy involves using the finest quality ingredients with a focus on an aesthetic presentation.
Customers can purchase as individual pieces or have the option of choosing multiple pieces assembled into gift boxes in a variety of sizes. Chocolatier Blue will also have 13 varieties of chocolate bark with flavors such as pistachio, cherry, white chocolate bark, fig, walnut, dark chocolate bark, peanut, and milk chocolate bark.
The Village Pointe Chocolatier Blue store will be one of seven in the company including Blue’s flagship business in Berkeley, CA, and a store located in Lincoln, NE. Check out www.chocolatierblue.com for more information.
Crumbs: Sweet Couture hits Omaha
On October 30, 2011, six Omaha Pastry Chefs take the stage at the elegant Embassy Suites-La Vista from 2:00-4:00pm for this unique, inaugural event. Each chef will create an edible showpiece inspired by the fashion industry. Chocolate shoes, cakes molded into purses, and blown sugar jewelry are just a few items that may be seen at the show.
In addition to their design, the pastry chefs will also create dessert“accessories” to be sampled by guests, i.e. mini fashion sweets. A chocolate fountain, fresh fruit and champagne will be included in the $35.00 ticket price as well. As an educational portion of the event, each of the chefs will do demonstrations of what went into creating their showpiece. A Chocolate Hat Fashion Show will feature the dress designs of Omaha designer, Kate Walz. Guests will have the chance to bid on each of the hats and receive a selection of “sweet” door prizes.
The chefs bringing sweet delight to fashion are: Tina Tweedy/ Vivace-M’s Pub, Grant Hon/ Upstream, Chelsie Schroeder/ Catering Creations, Katie Murphy/ The Chocolates Bar, Melissa Hartman/ The Cordial Cherry, Lorraine Howard/ Horseshoe-Harrah’s Casino. Tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased by calling the Omaha Restaurant Association at 402-493-4739. Sweet Couture is a fundraising event for the Omaha Restaurant Association.
Crumbs: James Beard Foundation 2011 Award Nominations
The James Beard Foundation Awards Committee announced an open call-for-entries for the 2011 James Beard Foundation. James Beard Foundation is the country's pre-eminent culinary awareness organization. Nominations for the Restaurant and Chef Awards can be completed and submitted online at www.jamesbeard.org/awards as of noon EDT on October 15.
Downloadable entry forms for the Book Awards, Journalism Awards, Broadcast Media Awards, and Design and Graphics Awards programs are also available. In addition, for the first time in the history of the Journalism Awards, judging will be based solely on content and not on the outlet. Name and format changes have also been made to the individual categories. A special Publication of the Year Award has been added for 2011 to recognize excellence in one of the following platforms: magazine, newspaper, or website.
Article: Comfort Food Classic
Crumbs: EEOC Files Lawsuit against Texas Roadhouse
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Texas Roadhouse, a national, Kentucky-based restaurant chain, has engaged in a nationwide pattern or practice of age discrimination in hiring hourly, “front of the house” employees. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Artist Formerly Known as Loft 610
I have heard good things, bad things, weird things and then better things from all sorts of people about their experiences at Loft 610. So much back and forth, I swear it sounds like a Dr. Seuss rhyme. Now the Levy management group that operates Loft 610 will close and reopen as an Italian restaurant.
Portovino Ristorante, set to debut in mid-November, will feature a warm, casual atmosphere and traditional Italian dishes – from pastas, entrees, salads and sandwiches to pizzas prepared in an authentic brick oven. To complement the cuisine, the restaurant’s beverage program will include Italian wines, liquors and beers.
The Mutual of Omaha subsidiary that owns Midtown Crossing has spent a lot of money on the Loft 610 space. With deep pockets, it is easier to make changes and start anew. Time will tell if it works.
Crumbs: Omaha Steaks to Support Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Omaha Steaks announced a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of their mission to end breast cancer. From October 2011 through September 2012, Omaha Steaks will donate 10% of the purchase price of selected steak combo packages to Susan G. Komen with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000.
Omaha Steaks will invite customers to participate in their "Raising the Steaks" campaign to help in the fight to save lives by purchasing one of several exclusive steak combo packages. The packages, which feature a wide assortment of gourmet items including Omaha Steaks filet mignons, top sirloins, burgers, pork chops and award-winning franks, will be offered at discounted prices throughout the year-long campaign. Ten percent of the purchase price of each package will be donated to Susan G. Komen.
Article: Bar Chat: Jon Taffer of "Bar Rescue"
Crumbs: Local Author Releases Recipe Book
Ann R. B. Summers, a local author and regular contributor to Food & Spirits Magazine, has updated and released her lunch idea, nutrition and recipe book Healthy Lunch, Healthy Mind for e-readers. Now in its second edition, and having sold more than 200 copies locally and through the Nebraska Food Co-op (a group of growers selling and promoting local food) Healthy Lunch, Healthy Mind is now available on Amazon Kindle for $7.99. The recipes in HL,HM include ethnic foods, flavorful make-ahead recipes, basic nutrition (specifically children’s nutrition) and ways to keep the whole family invested in eating well. You can purchase and review the book at http://tinyurl.com/3txohe6 or read more from the author at her blog: annrbsummers.com.
Article: Fast Fall Flavors
My garden met an untimely demise this year. The squash beetles killed my zucchini, and well, all my squash. The early rain and overly hot summer nearly destroyed my tomatoes. I have five beautiful plants loaded with green tomatoes and nary a red one in sight. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: In Defense of Sodium Chloride
To celebrate something so essential to the act of cooking, whether you are the chef at Noma, 2011’s best restaurant in the world, or Omaha’s New York Chicken & Gyros at 1611 Farnam, is to highlight how important yet so simple is the act of using salt. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Dante Adds Manager to Expand Wine and Spirits Offerings
Dante Pizzeria Napoletana has added Andy Wood to its management team as the wine and spirits director. Wood will focus on further developing its already unique all-Italian wine list. In addition, he will work to expand the distinctive cocktail selections available at Dante. “We’re pleased to add Andy to the Dante management team. His knowledge of wine and spirits will be a great benefit in expanding our selections while staying true to our Italian culinary focus,” said Dante Chef/Owner Nick Strawhecker. Dante Pizzeria Napoletana will participate in the upcoming Omaha Restaurant Week and is located in The Shops of Legacy at 168th & Center, for more information visit dantepizzeria.com
Crumbs: Tommy Colina’s Kitchen Offers Extended Hours
Now offering dinner service five nights a week, Tommy Colina’s Kitchen in midtown now opens for dinner Tuesday – Saturday until 9 p.m. The restaurant locally owned and operated, delivers casual fare with a chef driven menu. Offering breakfast only brunch on the weekend, fresh chicken breast sandwiches and fresh ground daily steak burgers. Tommy Colina’s Kitchen is located in Midtown Omaha at 35th and Farnam, call 402.502.9027 or visit tommycolinaskitchen.com
Article: Omaha Restaurant Week
On a national food stage, Omaha gets little credit for our vast culinary scene and impact on the food world. However, times they are a changing and this summer has been an amazing journey for the Omaha food community. It seems like a natural progression to have our own restaurant week and luckily for us, it starts September 16. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: The Grey Plume Suspends Lunch Service
The Grey Plume at Midtown Crossing will suspend lunch service starting Sept. 3. Instead it will offer dinner only Monday-Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. In a letter to friends and customers Clayton Chapman, chef and co-owner, said some lunch favorites such as the bison burger and duck fat French fries will remain. Lunch may have ended but Chapman will add a bar menu to cater to those seeking a more casual dining experience, cooking classes, and for those of us who could eat The Grey Plume butter with a ladle, the restaurant will start offering its silky bread companion and roasted coffee as part of an expanded retail effort.
Crumbs: Firehouse Subs Coming to the Metro
Jimmy John’s has a loyal fan base but Firehouse Subs looks to heat up competition with their first Metro area franchise later this year. Okay great, another sandwich maker, so what makes them unique? Well, the chain is famous for piping hot subs with premium meats and cheeses piled high atop toasted sub rolls. Renowned for hearty, oversized portions and the company comes equipped with a new beverage toy. Coca-Cola Freestyle, a new sleek, stylish fountain, that is touch screen operated, enabling consumers to select from more than 100 regular and low-calorie beverage brands in the same footprint as a standard eight-valve machine. Many varieties of waters, fruit-flavored and sparkling beverages are available to quench your sub sandwich thirst. The first location will be in Council Bluffs later this year and an Omaha location to open in the first quarter of 2012. Firehouse Subs currently has 441 stores nationwide, for more information check out www.firehousesubs.com
Article: Bella Vita Bella Elkhorn
Although snow flurries are in the distant past, I still have fond memories of this last winter when back in February I set out to find some of the best places in the Metro area preparing the brilliant dish, Osso Buco. The traditional Italian dish is comprised of braised veal shanks, loosely translated as ‘hollow bone’ or ‘whole bone’ for the prized bone marrow inside the shank. On a recommendation, I tried Bella Vita to test their version of Osso Buco. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Clayton Chapman earns 2011 Trailblazing Chefs Award
Local Chef Clayton Chapman of The Grey Plume earns environment award from Cooking Light Magazine. Chef and owner Chapman, was one of only seven recipients of the 2011 Trailblazing Chefs awards and even more impressive, Chapman is only 25 years old. You can check out the entire article and see the other recipients at www.cookinglight.com
Crumbs: No Soup for You, Soup Revolution Calls it Quits
Soup Revolution a mobile food service unit specializing in, you guessed it, soup has called it quits. “I am very sad to announce that I will no longer bring the soup to the people,” said chef and owner Sara Cerasoli in a facebook post this week. Citing the enormous dedication needed to maintain the business she closed her post stating, “thank you for all of your support Omaha, keep supporting innovative and new food ideas.”
Article: Rhizosphere Farm, The Price of Beets
Terra Sorenson drove up in a golf cart wearing pigtails and a dirty off-white newsboy cap. Today is CSA harvest day. It’s 8:30 in the morning and she along with her business partners Matthew Hall and Max Brummond already have a thick coat of soil caked to their arms and legs. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: Safe Adventure at Tanduri Fusion
Here is the thing; good food is just that, good food. Kishor has done a marvelous job of balancing recipes and providing an approachable version of a cuisine that can be overwhelming. For diners that are looking for great food and to eat a little adventurous then stop into Tanduri. If you went to Tanduri Fusion a few years back, I encourage you to try them again as I was pleasantly surprised with my visit and will be back again and again. READ MORE HERE ......
Crumbs: La Casa Pizzeria on "50 Best" list
La Casa Pizzeria and their Classic Hamburger pizza was just named one best pizzas in America. The editors of Food Network Magazine, set out to find the best pizza in each state and now, in the September issue, they reveal the winners. The winning pizzas, from by-the-book classics, like the sausage pizza at DeLorenzo’s in Trenton, N.J., to brash pies that break every rule, like the Mashed Potato pie at Portland, Maine’s Otto pizza and the Crab Rangoon pie from Fong’s Pizza in Des Moines. The September issue of Food Network Magazine hits newsstands on August 9.
Article: Pizza Pie Reviewed
Over the years, pizza shops have pushed the limits of what a pizza can hold; from savory to sweet, the imagination for pizza toppings is seemingly endless. There are those of us who are traditionalists and require few items on a pizza to make us happy. A good crust, basic sauce and properly seasoned ingredients are all you need sometimes; and just because it has loads of cheese on top, does not necessarily make it a better pizza. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: New Guinness World Record Open Face Sandwich Confirmed
The record attempt is now official, John C. Fremont Days planning committee now holds the Guinness World Record for largest open face sandwich. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Omaha on list of Cities That Spend the Most on Fast Food
It is not too late Omaha; we can change our habits and remove ourselves from “The 10 Cities That Spend The Most On Fast Food.” According to the Business Insider, Omaha ranks 10th on the list, spending an average of 1.43 times than the national average on fast food. The data represents the frequency and dollar amount spent at these national chains: McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, Taco Bell, Subway, Pizza Hut, Arby's and Burger King. Taking home the crown for America’s fast food capitol was Plano, Texas spending an average of 2.33 times the national average. Also on the list was Wichita, Kansas in third place and Kansas City, Missouri in sixth place. Come on Heartland that does not sound like good mood food or good news.
Article: Saigon's Surface to the Top
Saigon Surface is one of the new restaurants to open in the downtown Omaha area this year, and it’s already creating a buzz with their iPad-at-every-table idea. READ MORE HERE . . .
Article: What is it about Cupcakes?
People said it was just another dying trend, but the masses continued to invest in cupcakes by the baker’s dozen. The cupcake frenzy taking root on the coasts began to spread inward, extending its reach to the Midwest. READ MORE . . .
Article: Blue Agave hopes to breathe new life into lofty brick building.
If you have driven by the recently closed Ted’s Nebraska Grill located in the Bank of the West Business Park, you may have noticed the building has a different look. READ MORE HERE . . .
Crumbs: Boiler Room and The Grey Plume, blazing a Culinary Trail.
Is Omaha earning more culinary street cred? We think so and apparently Travel and Leisure Magazine does too. This week Travel and Leisure Magazine published an article highlighting 51 celebrated chefs across the country. Each chef was asked to reveal his or her favorite local spots for dining in their part of the country.
Co-Owner and Executive Chef of The Grey Plume, Clayton Chapman talks about the Boiler Room in the Old Market for his favorite local spot. “I love the Boiler Room (1110 Jones St., Omaha; 402.916.9274; dinner for two $80), a refurbished industrial space in the Old Market neighborhood. You can belly up to the bar, nurse an old-fashioned Sazerac, order some house-cured charcuterie with strong mustard, and watch the kitchen from just a few feet away,” said Clayton Chapman in Travel and Leisure Magazine. The Grey Plume, 220 S. 31st Ave., Omaha; 402.763.4447
