Omaha Magazine - June 2019 - Hotel Edition

KEVIN FRANZ’S WILD THINGS // CAITLIN LITTLE’S DISRUPTIONS // WHAT’S THE DILL WITH FRIED PICKLES // KOREA GARDEN’S SEOUL FOOD

J U N E 2019

Hotel Edition

@ the Holland Performing Arts Center

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TAB L E of CON T E N T S

T HE 2018 GRE AT PL AINS J O UR N A L IS M AWA R D S

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

THE USUAL SUSPECTS 004 From the Editor Where to Eat?

006 Between the Lines 008 Calendar of Events 054 History

The Farmer’s Holiday Association

089 Obviously Omaha

What's the Dill with Fried Pickles?

111 Explore!

114 Instagram 120 Not Funny

Bar-B-Que? BBQ? Barbeque?

A R T S + C U LT U R E 018 Music

092

Flavortown Mafia

022 Art

Kevin Franz

026 Theater

Robyn Helwig

030 Performance Caitlin Little

DINING 092 Chef Profile

Kane Adkisson

096 Review

Korea Garden

100 Dining Guide SPECIAL SECTION 115 Welcome to Omaha

Pages 33-88 are not included in the hotel edition of Omaha Magazine.

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JUNE 2019

030

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FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN, MANAGING EDITOR

WHERE TO EAT?

ANNUAL FOOD ISSUE BRINGS LOTS OF IDEAS EDITING THE ARTICLES in this issue is making me hungry.

Welcome to Omaha Magazine’s annual food issue. Many of the articles in this issue are certain to stop readers in their tracks. Our main feature, “Where to Eat Now,” is 14 pages of amazing new options to eat around the city. The article was written by noted food writer Sara Locke, who writes about food for several publications around town. We also highlighted a few places that are expanding or revamping, such as Modern Love, who can now feed three times as many people their vegan dishes. Freezing Thai Rolled Ice Cream opened with a bang in 2018, and has fast become a new favorite among ice-cream lovers in Omaha. The new places cover a wide range of restaurants—from Ansel’s Pastrami and Bagels to Taco Co. Taco Thursday at the GI Forum is the place to be. The inclusive restaurant has been around since the late 1950s, and serves those who have served the country as well as the South Omaha community.

Omaha in June means baseball. The sports feature this issue is about someone who certainly gets a workout during baseball season, but not in the way one might expect.

Local baseball fans might not know Adam Backora’s name, but they certainly know his wares. The Candyman walks the stands during each game, selling snow cones and cotton candy to sweet-toothed fans.

Obviously Omaha highlights six different places in Omaha to eat, drink, or play. This month’s Obviously Omaha is a favorite of mine—we spotlight fried pickles, from the unusual idea of fried pickles on a pizza to a treat that many would describe as Obviously Omaha, the spicy fried pickle spears at Dundee Dell. It certainly did not break my heart to go around the city eating this salty, crunchy treat.

Speaking of pickles, Carol “Pickle Barrel” RedWing is also featured in this issue. She is a member of ska band Flavortown Mafia.

This band (whose name is inspired by Guy

Fieri, the “Mayor of Flavortown”), plays fun sets around town that include contests such as “weiner chugging.”

And in another food-related arts and culture article, Caitlin Little tells the story of the Pancake Man, a truly avant-garde piece of performance art. You’ll have to trust us, and read the story.

We bring you a great food review of Korea Gardens. Niz Proskocil ate her way through traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap and beef bulgogi only to proclaim everything there so delicious she would even be happy with a bowl of white rice and kimchi.

Our profile of Chef Kane Adkisson shows that Omaha’s chef scene is thriving. Adkisson has worked in restaurants from Omaha’s Boiler Room to Michelin-star establishments in Tokyo, but Nebraska food always brings him home.

Not so for Tim Maides, who has spent the last year traveling and working abroad. The Swiss-born Omaha chef detailed his travels in Southeast Asia in an essay featured in this magazine. He and a close friend traveled through Vietnam during their New Year’s festival, then Maides continued his adventure in Thailand.

Food has not always been plentiful in the Midwest. The great Depression of the 1930s saw many people going hungry, and the prices of food depressed to an unsustainable level. The result was the Farmer’s Holiday, held late in the summer of 1932.

While food is plentiful for many of us living in 21st-century America, it is not the case for all. Dodji Salifou is the operations manager of Heartland Hope Mission, and he sees the effects of hunger, and the hope that comes from feeding the hungry, on a daily basis.

Summer, for many, invokes memories of sticky, saucy barbecued ribs and fatty smoked briskets. It certainly does for Lowell Wilhite, a certified master judge with the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Lowell spends his summer JUNE

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2019

tasting and discerning the best barbecue on the region among its aficionados.

Our own Otis Twelve is someone who knows barbecue…or is that barbeque? The KansasCity-raised columnist tackles his loves and loathes of smoked-meat eateries.

Although low-and-slow is the way to think about summertime food, sometimes life dictates going through the fast lane—or rather, the fast-food drive-through lane. King’s Food Host invented the cheese Frenchee, a fast-food item that is dear to many people’s hearts (at least until their cholesterol levels rise too much).

You can find it all in this issue—from cutting-edge to traditional. Yet as much as we are talking about delicious food from incredible restaurants around the city, we also need to be aware of our health. Diabetes rates have been on the rise for several years, particularly among the overweight and elderly.

Nutritionist Meghan McLarney gives us insight on why people get diabetes and how to treat it.

One way to treat the disease is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and gardening is a good way to get those fruits and vegetables during the summer (and engage in some physical activity at the same time). Taylor Keen is a member of the Omaha Tribe and has been actively gardening in the traditional Omaha way, inter-planting the “three sisters”—corn, beans, and squash—because these crops can thrive together. His project, Sacred Seeds, focuses on cultivating traditional Native farming methods.

Food brings us together, and this issue always brings the team together in creative ways. This issue was cultivated by editor Doug Meigs. Doug left the company in mid-April to pursue other opportunities, and we wish him well. I hope the issue brings you and your family entertainment and education.

JUNE 2019 VOLUME 37 // ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor

TARA SPENCER Editorial Interns

PUMULO KASAJI · KATE SMITH

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Whether it is day or night, inside or out, Joslyn has so much to offer.

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THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm!

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Café, Museum shop, and free parking.

2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org JUNE 2019

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Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS SARAH HUNT—Food Stylist Sarah Hunt grew up playing in the flight kitchens at Eppley Airfield, where her father worked with the chefs to develop menus for long flights. She has been obsessed with art, color, balance, structure, and food ever since. Hunt graduated from college with a degree in studio art and opera performance, and moved back to Omaha to begin her career. Hunt landed a job on the crew of the Alexander Payne film Election and paid attention to every department and what roles they filled on set. Pick Flick cupcakes opened the door to a career she had no idea existed— foodstyling. She discovered this was a perfect fit and began assisting every stylist possible­— washing dishes, shopping, prepping food, and maintaining their kits. She assisted for 10 years, learned all the tricks of the trade, and has been styling food ever since.

PUMULO KASAJI—Editorial Intern Pumulo Kasaji is a West Coast California girl trying to survive the Midwest. She is in her third year at College of Saint Mary, where she is majoring in English and communications, and minoring in business and creative writing. She hopes to one day work at a publishing firm and maybe write a book. When not in school, she enjoys reading, binge-watching everything there is to watch on Netflix and Hulu, and spending time with her friends. Aside from the occasional nap, she enjoys sharing her opinion on Stuart Little to anyone and everyone who will listen, even when they are not listening.

TIM MAIDES—Contributing Writer Tim Maides is an Omaha, NE based purveyor of food and the soap wizard behind Benson Soap Mill. Born and raised in Switzerland, cooking with his grandma was always one of his fondest memories growing up. He would never call himself a chef, as he has never gone to culinary school. He enjoys working with his hands creatively, whether it is using similar techniques found in a kitchen to produce locally made soap or hosting pop-up dinners with static menus and locations. He has spent the last year and a half cooking seasonally in Germany and traveling around the globe, trying new foods and finding old friends.

KARA SCHWEISS—Contributing Writer Freelance journalist Kara Schweiss began writing for Omaha Publications 21 years ago. She is a Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s School of Communication.

Her writing, editing, and project management work for publishers, nonprofit organizations, and commercial entities has spanned many facets of the communications sector, including advertising, marketing, broadcasting, online, and social media. She prefers to work behind the scenes and enjoys the satisfaction of telling a good story or making complex information clear and comprehensible more than seeing her name in bylines and credits.

Schweiss says she’s proud of her professional body of work but maintains that her two sons, Brock (13) and Quinn (10), are her favorite creations.

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JUNE 2019

STARTING JUNE 1

TIMES VARY

JUNE 8

10:30 A.M.

JUNE 9

8 A.M.

MIDWEST PARANORMAL HISTORY TOURS

EVENTS INCLUDE HAUNTED HUMMEL HIKE, CEMETERY GHOST TOURS, SPIRITS OF SARPY, AND SQUATCHIN’ 101 HIKE LOCATIONS VARY

INTRO TO WOODWORKING CLASS BENCH 1441 N. 11TH ST.

FOURTH ANNUAL SWEET CASES CAR & BIKE SHOW (FREE EVENT) MILLARD SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL 14905 Q ST.

JUNE 11

SLINGSHOT DAKOTA

JUNE 14

RATBOYS

JUNE 22

INAUGURAL BACK ALLEY BLUES FESTIVAL

9 P.M.

10 P.M.

2 P.M.

O’LEAVERS PUB 1322 SADDLE CREEK ROAD O’LEAVERS PUB 1322 SADDLE CREEK ROAD

LOVE’S JAZZ AND ART CENTER 2510 N. 24TH ST.

JUNE 25

9 P.M.

HELMS ALEE

O’LEAVERS PUB 1322 SADDLE CREEK ROAD

JUNE 2019

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EVENTS

» Exhibitions « THE ART OF SEATING: 200 YEARS OF AMERICAN DESIGN

Opening June 1 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Pulling this familiar everyday object out from under the desk and dining table, The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design surprises visitors with the imaginative style and creativity found in a seemingly humble piece of furniture. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 college students with ID, free for Joslyn members and children 17 and under. 402.342.3300.

—joslyn.org

DEPTH & ACCUMULATION

Through June 2 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Painters Carolyn Albrecht and Jennifer Radil sift through the ebb.and.flow nature of their medium, the self, the stories they create, and the balance of depth and frivolity. Admission: free. 402.595.2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

GROUP SHOW

June 4-30 at Artist’s Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. Multimedia artist Dwayne Adams, glass artist Marcia Joffee Bouska, ceramic artist Tom Quest, and sculptor Pete Wroblewski will present their latest artworks at this show. An opening reception will be held June 7. Admission: free. 402.342.9617.

—artistscoopomaha.com

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JUNE 2019

TYRANNOSAURS: MEET THE FAMILY

Opening June 8 at the Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This multimedia exhibit educates visitors about the newly. revised tyrannosaur family tree and includes more than 10 life.sized dinosaur specimens on display. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children, free for members and children under 2. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

TRADITIONAL MASKS

Opening June 8 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. This exhibition showcases a selection of masks that have been created for use during annual celebrations, festivals, and while performing traditional dances. Admission: free.

402.731.1137.

—elmuseolatino.org

ALISON O’DANIEL’S HEAVY AIR AND LUI SHTINI’S TEMPOS

Through June 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. O’Daniel creates cinema, performances, and visual arts that visualize not having access to sound. Shtini's painting technique uses layers of underpainting and brushstrokes while his drawings are of charcoal and graphite. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

NATURE’S COLORFUL THREADS

Through June 17 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This exhibit by the Omaha Weavers and Spinners Guild celebrates how the fibers and dyes found in nature can become works of art. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children, free for members and children under 6. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

PATRIOTIC PERCHES EXHIBIT

Opening June 18 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This exhibit showcases 51 hand-crafted birdhouses made by Richard Yost. The pieces educate visitors about state birds and give a unique combination of art, geography, and horticulture knowledge. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children, free for members and children under 6.

402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

PORTRAITS BY REAGAN D. PUFALL

Opening June 20 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Reagan D. Pufall, originally from North Dakota, uses his exhibit to challenge the viewer to a staring contest with the mantis. The portraits are up close and personal and show the resemblance between mantis and man. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children, free for members and children under 6. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: A GREAT LEAP OF FAITH

Through June 23 at the Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Th is exhibit explores America’s “of, by, and for the people” government. It features multimedia experiences, immersive design, and artifacts from the Smithsonian and state historical organizations. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12). Free for children 2 years and under and members. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

BRENT WITTERS

Th rough June 26 at Modern Arts Midtown, 3615 Dodge St. Witters is a mixed.media artist who uses discarded materials to make a social statement on environmentalism and the consumer.based society. Th is show also features artists Barbara Kendrick and William Loveless. Admission: free. 402.502.8737.

—modernartsmidtown.com

I REMEMBER WHEN: AN ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

June 27 at Great Plains Black History Museum, 2505 N. 24th St. Guests can stop by and learn about how to focus on collecting and documenting family history and why it is important. Admission: free. 402.932.7077.

—gpblackhistorymuseum.org

2019 NEBRASKA ARTIST BIENNIAL

Th rough Aug. 5 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Th is juried exhibition showcases some of the best Nebraska artists. The show will include drawing, printmaking, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics/ pottery, multimedia/other, student art, and 3D art.

Admission: free. 402.305.1510.

—gallery1516.org

» Stage Performances « COMEDY AFTER DARK

June 1 at The Backline Comedy Theatre, 1618 Harney St. Th is night of dirty comedy and adult stand up is for those age 21-plus and shamefully immature. The event recurs on the first Saturday of each month. Admission: $5. 402.720.7670.

—backlinecomedy.com.seatengine.com

DIANE COFFEE

June 2 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Diane Coffee’s music is characterized by intense instrumentation and lyricism with hints of psychedelic, funk, and doo. wop. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show.

402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

THE BLUES OF KNOWING WHY

June 2-16 at Union for Contemporary Arts, 2423 N. 24th St. Th is new play centers around 14-year-old Vivian Strong, who, on June 26, 1969, was killed by an Omaha Police officer. Her death divided a community and created a fracture that has never been resolved.

Times vary. 402.933.3161.

—u.ca.com

DAN CUMMINS

June 7-8 at the FunnyBone Comedy Club & Restaurant, 17305 Davenport St. Cummins’ unusual observations and unique autobiographical stand.up have earned him spots on The Tonight Show, Conan, and many other late-night programs. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Tickets: $20-$50. 402.493.8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

MATILDA: THE MUSICAL

June 7-30 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Matilda is a youngster with an extraordinary imagination who learns to claim her destiny. The show is fi lled with high-energy dance numbers. Times vary. Tickets: $24.50-$29.50. 402.345.4849.

—rosetheater.org

LESLIE ODOM JR.

June 8-9 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Known for originating the role of Aaron Burr in Broadway’s smash hit Hamilton, Odom joins the Omaha Symphony for two performances. Times vary. Tickets: $19-$89. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

» Concerts «

BROAD PERSPECTIVE IMPROV SHOW

June 13 at Th e Backline Comedy Th eatre, 1618 Harney St. Broad Perspective is a comedy show made for women, by women. The theater invites all women, female-identifying, and gender-queer folks to these two “dude-less” comedy shows. 8 p.m. Admission: $5.

402.720.7670.

—backlinecomedy.com.seatengine.com

FREE CONCERTS

Th is summer, local parks and other spaces will offer an eclectic array of live music, including rock, R&B, blues, jazz, and country from local musicians. These concert series, offered in some of Omaha’s most vibrant areas, will provide a fun night out.

• Music and Memories (Shadow Lake Towne Center, 72nd Street and Highway 370): 6:30 p.m. Fridays • Music and Movies (La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Road): 7 p.m. June 7, July 19, and Aug. 9.

• Music in the Park (Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluff s): Wednesdays starting June 12 • Music in the Park (Washington Park, 20th and Franklin streets, Bellevue): 7 p.m. Thursdays • Rockbrook Village (108th and Center streets): 7 p.m. Fridays • Saturdays @ Stinson (Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St. ): 7 p.m. Saturdays • Vibes (Village Pointe 17305 Davenport St.): 6:30 p.m. Thursdays

TARA VAUGHAN’S SHE ROCKS

June 13-30 at the Howard Drew Theatre of Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Backed by an all-star band, Vaughan presents an evening of classic rock with a focus on female artists and songwriters of the 1960s to the 1980s. Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. Tickets: $30. 402.345.0606.

—omahaplayhouse.com

LATE NIGHT AT THE BACKLINE

June 13 at Th e Backline Comedy Th eatre, 1618 Harney St. Host Cameron Logsdon presents this monthly night of local comedy and musical talent at the Backline. 10 p.m. Tickets: $8. 402.720.7670.

—backlinecomedy.com.seatengine.com

THE WOODSMAN

Th rough June 16 at Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 10th St. A re-imagined tale about the origin of L. Frank Baum’s The Tin Woodman of Oz, The Woodsman gives the darkly beautiful, haunting, and heart-breaking story a new life through music, storytelling, and puppetry. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays, 2 p.m. or 6 p.m.

Sundays. Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 seniors (age 65+). 402.345.1576.

—bluebarn.org

SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN: ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

June 20-23 at Elmwood Park, 411.1/2 N. Elmwood Road. Juno’s Swans’ all-female performance will dive into a world of mistruths, betrayal, and deceit, born of one woman’s obsessive love. Times vary. Admission: free. 402.280.2391.

—nebraskashakespeare.com

SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN: HAMLET

June 27-30 at Elmwood Park, 411.1/2 N. Elmwood Road. A young man returns home from school abroad to attend the funeral of his father. Soon after, he finds himself at the wedding of his mother and uncle. Shakespeare’s most popular tragedy journeys through a deep and painful inspection of humanity and mortality.

Times vary. Admission: free. 402.280.2391.

—nebraskashakespeare.com

MOZART & MAHLER

June

1

June 1 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The Omaha Symphony will perform Mozart’s "Symphony No. 25" and Mahler’s "The Song of the Earth." The performance features soloists Michelle DeYoung and Issachah Savage. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $19-72. 402.345.0606.

—omahasymphony.org

THE STRUMBELLAS

June 8 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. The group known for dark, introspective music recently released an album of punching backbeats and positive lyrics.

Listeners can expect both types of songs at this show. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

IT DON’T MEAN A THING… MUSIC OF THE SWING ERA

June 9 at First Central Congregational Church, 421 S. 36th St. The Master Singers, an Omaha a cappella group, presents an energetic and upbeat evening of swing music. 6 p.m. Admission: $15 adults, $12 students and seniors, free for children 12 and under. 402.937.1764.

—mastersingersomaha.com

TEMPO OF TWILIGHT

Tuesday evenings starting June 11 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This is an outdoor concert series that brings local entertainment to the garden, perfectly blending music and nature. Bring chairs, food, and the family for a night of fun. 6-8 p.m. Admission: included in garden admission, which is $10 adults, $5 children, free for members and children under 6. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

THE RECORD COMPANY

June 11 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th is Grammy-nominated band from L.A. is known for their song “Off The Ground,” from their 2016 album Give It Back To You. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $25 day of show. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com JUNE 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

COHEED AND CAMBRIA

June 13 at Stir Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd. Coheed and Cambria, Mastodon, and Every Time I Die will come to Stir Cove with their full rock sound. Tickets: $43-$65. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs.council.bluff s/shows

THE RHYTHM OF CHANGE

Omaha’s Largest Mineral and Fossil Store

June 15 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Nebraska’s largest LGBTQ arts organization, the River City Mixed Chorus, will celebrate their 35th season with the music of Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Judy Garland, Dolly Parton, and more. 7 p.m.

Tickets: $15-$30. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

HARVEY BRINDELL AND THE TABLEROCKERS

Great things for the whole family, and mom too!

Conveniently located just off the interstate 8487 Frederick Street | customgemsomaha.com | 402-397-9606

June 15-16 at Havana Garage, 1008 Howard St. These blues artists from Portland are coming for two nights. On Friday night they will welcome national blues performer Mitch Kashmir from Santa Barbara, California. 8 p.m. Admission: free. 402.614.3800.

—thehavanagarage.com

PAA KOW

June 19 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Ghana. born drummer and composer Paa Kow uses a custom, traditionally inspired Ghanaian drum set to share his Afro.Fusion sound with the audience. Paa Kow blends rhythm and artistry from his home with jazz and African roots. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $20 day of show.

402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

ZYDECO FESTIVAL

June 22 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 31st Avenue and Farnam Street. Th is regional music festival will feature artists from southwest Louisiana: Keith Frank, Chubby Carrier, and the Prairie Gators.

The public is encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

Cajun and creole favorites, including alligator on a stick, boiled crawfish, and jambalaya, will be available. 3 p.m.

Admission: free. 402.557.6006.

—midtowncrossing.com

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JUNE 2019

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

TRAIN AND GOO GOO DOLLS

June 25 at Stir Cove, One Harrahs Blvd. These two 1990s alt.rock bands are joining forces this summer.

Train is known for “Drops of Jupiter,” and the Goo Goo Dolls are known for “Iris.” 7 p.m. Tickets: $62-$128.

712.329.6000.

—caesers.com/harrahs

CHRIS YOUNG

BENSON BEER FEST

June 29 at Stir Cove, One Harrahs Blvd. Th is Grand Ole Opry member has been nominated for his songs “Gettin’ You Home” and “Think of You.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $59-$87.75. 712.329.6000.

—caesers.com/harrahs

June 1 in Benson, 60th and Maple streets. Th is beer-lover’s festival hosts hundreds of breweries, local food vendors, raffles, giveaways, and music. 3-7 p.m.

Tickets: $35.00 advance, $40 day of event, $45 early entry VIP tickets.

—bensonbeerfest.com

RHETT & LINK: LIVE IN CONCERT

CASTLEPALOOZA

June 29 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Th is duo, the host couple of the podcast “Good Mythical Morning,” will perform their comedic music. 8 p.m. Tickets: $40.$240. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

June 1 at Joslyn Castle, 3902 Davenport St. The community is invited to come to an evening of fun on the grounds of the castle. Th is festival features local music, educational activities, vendors, food trucks, and craft beers. 3-9 p.m. Admission: free. 402.595.2199.

—joslyncastle.com

» Family & More «

OMAHA POTTER FAIRE

FARMER’S MARKET

June 1-2 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. Fans of the Harry Potter series will enjoy this event, which includes live owls, costumed characters, vendors, food, drink (including Butterbeer from The Garbled Owl Butterbeer Shop), and children’s activities. 402.331.5500.

—omahapotterfaire.com

Gardening season is open in Omaha, and those desiring fresh produce will find plenty of options in the area, along with artisan cheeses, farm.raised meats, freshly baked breads, assorted treats, and craft items.

THREE DOG NIGHT

June 27 at SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St. These 1970s music icons are known for “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),” “Joy to the World,” and other songs. 7 p.m. Tickets: $35.50 advanced, $40 day of show. 402.597.2065.

—papillion.org

• Council Bluffs (Bayliss Park) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays.

• Old Market (11th and Jackson streets) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

• Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets) 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

• Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.

• Papillion (84th and Lincoln streets) 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays starting May 29.

• Night Market (Turner Park @ Midtown Crossing) 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Last Friday of the month starting May 31.

• Florence Mill (9102 N. 30th St.) 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sundays starting June 2.

• Rockbrook Village (108th and Center streets) 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays starting June 5.

• Gifford Park (33rd and California streets) 5-8 p.m.

Fridays starting June 7.

FROM EXPOSITIONS TO JAZZ MUSICIANS TOUR

June 2 at the Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Th is River City History Tour will delve into the story of the Trans.Mississippi International Exposition of 1898 and how the stately homes, parks, and jazz halls that followed helped characterize the culture of North Omaha. 2-4 p.m. Admission: $20 for members, $25 for non.members. 402.444.5027.

—durhammuseum.org

BLUES & BALLOONS FESTIVAL

June 1 at Soaring Wings Vineyard, 17111 S. 138th St. The annual blues event will feature several musical guests. Visitors are encouraged to bring June a chair and blanket to take in the music. A FREE MOVIES hot air balloon show will follow. 3:30-10 p.m.

What better time than summer to kick back Admission: $25 adults, $15 ages 12 and up. and watch a movie? Several parks and outdoor 402.253.2479. spaces in the metro area offer free movies that —soaringwingswine.com the community can enjoy watching. Bring a blanket or chair. Movies begin at dusk unless otherwise stated.

• Movies in the Park (Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., CounCOUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE ART FAIR cil Bluff s): Fridays starting June 14.

June 1-2 at Countryside Village Shopping Center, • Midtown Crossing (Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St.): 8722 Countryside Plaza. The annual fair showcases each Monday a mix of styles, perceptions, and media. The artwork • Starlight Movies (SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. selection inspires casual visitors to start art collections 108th St., Papillion): Fridays twice a month and connoisseurs to add to existing collections. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free.

402.391.2200.

TASTE OF OMAHA —countryside.village.com May 31-June 2 along the Riverfront. Foodies and families can delight in this festival, which features cuisines ranging from around the world—from Mediterranean CRAFT FAIR to Mexican, from soul food to salad. Entertainment June 2 at Rockbrook Village, 2800 S. 110th Court. At includes free concerts, dance performances, and kids this fair, attendees can find dozens of midwest makers, activities. Admission: free, but tickets must be purchased designers, small-batch food and drink purveyors, apothfor food. 402.346.8003 ecary providers, and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: —showofficeonline.com/TasteHome free. 402.390.0890.

—rockbrookvillage.com

1

BUILT TO SPILL

June 27 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This indie rock band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Keep it Like a Secret album. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

THE SLACKERS

June 28 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. The Slackers combine ska, reggae, rock, and jazz. The show will open with a set from The Bishops, a ska band based in Omaha. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $18 day of show. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

JUNE 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA

URBAN PHOTOGRAPHY WALK

June 6 at Rockbrook Camera, 2909 S. 169th Plaza.

Attendees will have the opportunity to get professional camera instruction for shooting urban photos. The group will travel to the Durham Museum for a tour and receive hands.on practice capturing images, followed by a photo walk through the Old Market. 2-8 p.m. Tickets: $45.

402.691.0003.

—rockbrookcamera.com

45TH ANNUAL OMAHA SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL

June 7-9 at Mike Fahey St. between 10th and 14th streets. The festival will host 135 of the nation’s finest visual artists, three stages of continuous entertainment, including national performers, and a large, hands-on Children’s Fair on Saturday and Sunday. Admission: free. 402.345.5401.

—summerarts.org

INTRODUCTION TO HOPS TOUR

June 6 at The Hop Yard, 18003 Club View Dr., Plattsmouth. This opportunity is perfect for those who want to learn more about growing hops or see a local hop yard.

Weather permitting, groups will be able to tour the hop yard and harvest equipment on site. The ticket includes a $6 voucher for food or drink from the taproom. 6-7 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.296.0633.

—thehopyardnebraska.com

June

SANTA LUCIA ITALIAN FESTIVAL

7-9

June 6-9 at Lewis and Clark Landing, 345 Riverfront Drive. Th is festival is an Omaha tradition, celebrating its 95th year. The event includes authentic Italian foods, music, presentation of the Santa Lucia festival queen, and a carnival. The festival ends with mass at St. Frances Cabrini. Times vary. Admission: free. 402.342.6632.

—santaluciafestival.com

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JUNE 2019

ELKHORN DAYS

June 7-9 throughout Elkhorn. Th is festival includes a parade, hot air balloon rides, and a fi reworks display. Times vary. Admission: free. 402.289.9560.

—elkhorndays.com

OPENS MAY 25 A four-time Tony AwardÂŽ-winning musical with soaring ballads and a stunning score

May 31–June 30

St. Frances Cabrini

On Sale Now!

6915 Cass St. | (402) 553-0800 | OmahaPlayhouse.com Series Sponsor:

Producing Partner:

Producing Partner:

Orchestra Sponsor:

The spiritual home of the Little Italy and Old Market neighborhoods since 1857.

stcabriniomaha.org 10th and Williams Street JUNE 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

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JUNE 2019

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

BLACKSTONE DISTRICT WALKING FOOD TOUR

June 8 at The Blackstone District, 42nd and Harney streets. Th is tour focuses on the rich history and food of the Blackstone District, one of Omaha’s newest and hottest spots to grab a bite or a cocktail. 1 p.m. Tickets: $45. 402.651.0047.

—omahaculinarytours.com

June 15-25/26 at TD Ameritrade park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Th is annual baseball tournament offers fans the chance to be a part of a cherished tradition that includes tailgating and cheering on your favorite college baseball teams. Hours vary. Tickets: $30-$55, or $90 for a book of 10. 402.554.4422.

—cwsomaha.com

2019 CRAFT FAIR & CONCERT

HIGH VIBE FESTIVAL

June 15 at Stinson Park, 67th and Center streets. This day.long event starts with a run at 7 a.m. and includes multiple yoga sessions, plant.based food workshops, and more. The event closes with a concert by The Confidentials. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets: $10 for the run, $25 for one yoga class, $125 for the full festival. 402.496.1616.

—aksarbenvillage.com

June 8 at Stony Brook Church, 14345 Y St. The goods of more than 100 vendors and crafters from the Omaha area will be on display, with activities and a bounce house for the kids and food from the Teeny Weeny Wiener Wagon and Quick Bites Soul Food. The evening offers a live outdoor concert from local musicians. Craft Fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Concert 4:30-7:30 p.m. Admission: free.

402.895.9596.

—stonybrookchurch.com

MUD FACTOR

LAST CALL FOR ALCOHOL TOUR

June 9 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. Known as the “seriously fun 5k obstacle run,” the Mud Factor provides a challenging obstacle course that tests participants’ strength and speed while getting covered in mud. Kids ages 4-13 are suggested to participate in the shortened kids running course. 10 a.m. Admission: $65 adults, $45 kids, $10 specJune tator entry.

—mudfactor.com

June 18 at the Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Th is River City History Tour will teach visitors about the bootlegging history of Omaha as told through the 1931 federal indictment brought against some of Omaha’s largest bootleggers. 6-7:30 p.m. Admission: $20 for members, $25 for non.members. 402.444.5027.

—durhammuseum.org

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ROSE DAY AND SHOW

June 9 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The Omaha Rose Society is displaying roses to promote the culture and appreciation of this flower. Visitors can view a variety of rose blooms and arrangements, visit with rosarians, and explore the rose garden. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (6-12), free for children under 6. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

PAPILLION DAYS

June 12-16 in Papillion. The 72nd annual event includes a parade, fireworks, a carnival, and more. Times vary. Admission: free. 402.331.3917.

—papilliondays.org

KANSAS CITY ROYALS VS. DETROIT TIGERS

June 13 at TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. The Royals and Tigers will play a regular season game, the first of its kind in Omaha, before CWS Opening Celebration Day. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20.$99. 402.546.1800.

—tdameritradeparkomaha.com

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES OPENING DAY

June 14 at TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. The opening day of one of Omaha’s most popular summer traditions includes a full slate of events such as Fan Fest, team autograph sessions, practices, Olympic-style opening ceremonies, a concert, and a fireworks finale. 9:10 a.m. Admission: free. 402.554.4422.

—cwsomaha.com

108th & Center rockbrookvillage.com

Why Helix is Better Most machines work front-to-back.

Why Helix Is Better Why Helix Istradition Better The Helix turns on its side—

literally.

With lateral side-to-side) Most machines work(or front-toMost machines front-tomovement, youwork use more muscles, back. The Helix turns tradition on which back.

The Helix turns more tradition means you burn fat on than during its side— literally. With lateral its side— literally.

With lateral the same a traditional workout—in ( or side-to-side) movement, you ( or side-to-side) movement, you amount of time. use more muscles, which means use more muscles, which means you burn more fat than during a you burn more fat than during THANK YOU a traditional workout– in the same traditional workout– in the same OMAHA! amount of time. amount of time.

DINOSAUR EGG HUNT

June 20 at Southwind Park, 8120 S. 92nd Ave. Kids of all ages can participate in this hunt, in which the object is to find giant green dinosaur eggs, otherwise known as watermelons. 3 p.m. Admission: free. 402.331.3455.

—cityoflavista.org

41ST ANNUAL QUILT SHOW

June 20-22 at Embassy Suites-La Vista Hotel and Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway. Visitors can view quilts, watch demonstrations, and interact with vendors and the Omaha Quilters’ Guild during their show, Showers of Color. Admission: $1. 402.880.3559.

—omahaquiltersguild.org

Full Service

Ha i r, Na i l s a nd S ki n Call today to schedule your appointment

11025 Elm St. / 402.397.7383 / reveomaha.com

JUNKSTOCK: UNDERNEATH THE STARS

June 21-23 at Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road Drive, Waterloo. This vintage festival offers more than 150 junk and vintage vendors, local food trucks, live music, and activities. 4-11 p.m. Friday, 2-11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $10 per day or $20 full weekend pass, free for children 12 and under. 402.765.8651.

—junkstock.com

POLISH FEST

June 22 at Crescent Moon and Huber.Haus German Bier Hall, 3578 Farnam St. A variety of Polish beers and foods will be available at this festival, including Polish sausage, glombki, and pierogis. Noon-11 p.m.

Admission: free. 402.345.1708.

—beercornerusa.com

MAGA ZINE YEAR

OF THE

Great Plains Journalism Award OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE JUNE 2019

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JUNE 2019

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

YOGA IN THE AQUARIUM

Th rough June 23 at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S. 10th St. Open to anyone 16 and older, these unique yoga classes are housed inside the Education and Conference Center at the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Attendees are recommended to bring their own yoga mat, water bottle, and any other equipment necessary. 9 a.m and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission: $22 non. members, $16 members. 402.738.2038.

—omahazoo.com

Four Old Market

O COMIC CON

June 28-30 at the Mid.America Center, 1 Arena Way. OCon is an expo.style comics and pop culture convention held annually in the metro. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets: $40 three.day pass. 402.915.5833.

—oconexpo.com

Unique holiday décor, ornaments, collectibles and gifts for every season.

Chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen, plus many other sweet temptations.

oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627

OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

Travel essentials plus downtown’s largest selection of souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.

Authentic Italian desserts, coffee, and FlavorBurst TM soft serve ice cream.

OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646

DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198

TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET

June 28 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Th is monthly outdoor market features local vendors, food, activities, music, and attractions.

6-9 p.m. Admission: free. 402.557.6006.

—midtowncrossing.com

HEARTLAND PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

June 29 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. Th is event is about the celebration, recognition, and integration of LGBTQ+ people and culture. 10 a.m. Admission: free.

—heartlandpride.org

All located at 10th & Howard

OLD MARKET DISTRICT WALKING FOOD TOUR

Through June 29, locations vary. This event, an Omaha Culinary Tour event, showcases restaurants in the Old Market and gives attendees a taste of the history of the locations. Times vary. Admission: $45. 402.651.0047.

—omahaculinarytours.com

OMAHA BEER FEST

June 29 at Horsemen’s Park, 6303 Q St. One of the largest beer festivals in Nebraska features American craft beers, ciders, hard sodas, and wines, along with live music from Lemon Fresh Day. 4-11:30 p.m. Admission: $35 general admission, $75 VIP tickets.

—omahabeerfest.com

Event times and details may change.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm

OMAHA’S PREMIER BUSINESS to BUSINESS Magazine

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM /SUBSCRIBE JUNE 2019

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A+C MUSIC // STORY BY GREG JERRETT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

JUNE

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2019

From left: Earl Skow, Alex Keener, Carol RedWing, Dani Dross, Tim Prawel, holding Nik Decker.

Michael Manfroi is on the far right.

// A+C MUSIC //

you should know about ska bands: You will never meet one with a really bad attitude; they have the best names; and they are all about fun—ska is about fun. It’s positive, happy music. It is upbeat by defi nition and the bass drives the rhythm on the upbeat. Th is syncopated rhythm gives ska its frantically infectious-at-anyspeed bounce.

Ska originated in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. The forerunner to reggae has had three distinct waves of popularity so far. A possible fourth wave is on the way if Omaha's loud and fast ska/punk/ hardcore Flavortown Mafi a has their say.

Flavortown Mafi a is like gumbo—a lot of ingredients mixed into one great dish.

I caught up with Flavortown Mafi a practicing deep in the woods of Hummel Park, home to drummer and park caretaker Nik Decker. It's perfect. No neighbors, no noise limit, no worries. A Toots and the Maytals fan from way back, I was into it, and when they gave the ska/ punk/hardcore treatment to Mötorhead’s “Ace of Spades,” I was stoked. // 20 //

JUNE 2019

Flavortown Mafi a credits Guy Fieri, the “Mayor of Flavortown,” along with their restaurant experience and general foodie-ness, with inspiring the name of the band. And their decision to use foodrelated nicknames.

Carol “Pickle Barrel” RedWing is the saxophonist and "band mom," according to some members. She began her music career as a third grader, playing flute and clarinet at Jason Lee Elementary School in Portland, Oregon. She said choosing the name was an arduous, democratic process.

“As everyone formed into our band, we threw out about 20 names, slashed the list, and thoughtfully narrowed it down about three times after that,” RedWing says. “If Guy Fieri could be our real life band dad, we’d die happy.”

The vegan mother and graduate of North Omaha High and Haskell Indian Nations University has picked up bass, piano, sax, and music theory over the years. She describes Flavortown Mafi a as high-energy ska—punk and heavy.

“We’re goofy, but so very #*^@ing serious.

I want our fans and listeners to enter a space where they can drop what’s making them sad or stressed and dance it out.”

Guitarist Earl Skow, a multi-instrumentalist from Honey Creek, Iowa, is also their main vocalist and songwriter—his day job is store systems integrator at Whole Foods. Skow plays a wicked guitar, a Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH to be precise. He's thinking “Eggplant” makes a good nickname, but that will eventually be up to the band. Skow’s been playing music for 15 years, 10 actively touring with bands like Fishbone and Tiny Moving Parts.

“Ska is life. Ska has always been an integral part of my life and I couldn't imagine what it would be like without it,” Skow says. “I started off with a trashy bass I got from a Sol's for $100, a garbage Hondo II Series. I worked my ass off for it. It’s the cheapest I could fi nd. It was terrible, but what did I know? I was only 13. I practiced nonstop. I locked myself in my room right after school and wouldn't stop playing until it was time for bed. I worshiped that bass.”

RedWing met Skow a couple years ago at a previous job, where they were both supervisors. “We consistently worked with our backs against a wall. I know how the both of us work under high stress and emergency situations together—I fully trust him. His musicianship is killer and much of our rhythm, strings, and melodies are his brainchild.”

Flavortown Mafi a advocates for equality, love, respect for all marginalized groups, fun, and food-eating contests during shows with clever names like “salad tossing” and “weiner chugging.”

“When you're in a band and have the stage, if you aren't using it for good, you're wasting valuable time,” Skow says. “We want people to come to the show expecting the same ska band they are used to hearing and walk away with that shattered. We have fun onstage. If you come looking to have a good time, we will make sure you have the best time possible. One word of advice...come hungry!”

Tim “Tuna” Prawell is a salesman of oldschool paper phone books from Niagara Falls, New York. He is also a hockey fan

and, according to RedWing, a bass player with a great creative mind. He effortlessly creates fun rhythms and is a positive realist. Being grounded is a good trait for a bassist. Prawell says he learned bass from commercial jingles, sitcom theme songs, and classic video game.

Rounding out the roster are Alex "Schnitz" Keener (“the brains behind the horn section”) on trombone, the aforementioned drummer Nik “Beetnik” Decker, Dani “Doughnut” Dross on trumpet (and Gary Busey fan sites), and Mike “Bean” Manfroi on guitar.

“It doesn't surprise me the Midwest takes to ska,” Prawell says. “Rock and metal bands are trying way too hard lately.

Saying ‘ska band’ stops a conversation in its tracks, and when you can follow it with a one-two punch, that's made our entry into this scene greasier than a pizza tray.”

The band hopes to play more local shows, but they do have a nine-day tour later this month with details yet to be hammered out. Check out a show, get on the bandwagon early, and come hungry.

JUNE 2019

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A+C VISUAL ART // STORY BY SARAH WENGERT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY // ARTWORK BY KEVIN FRANZ

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JUNE 2019

Kevin Franz

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JUNE 2019

// A+C VISUAL ART //

And just like humans, those monsters contain multitudes.

Franz, who earned his BFA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, double majoring in studio art and psychology, started with an emphasis on sculpture and installation, eventually moving in the direction of illustration. He’d created “different little monsters” along the way, but the effort crystallized during The Year of the Monster.

“I did a drawing every single day for an entire year and they were all monsters of different kinds,” he says. “Th at was a very formative time in art for me because it was my last year of school and probably one of the years I gained the most popularity as an artist. People still reference that year of monsters when they talk to me about my art.”

Franz began the project as a way to keep the creative juices flowing going into his thesis, "A decaying life; or, if you're a monster then I'm a monster too." A longtime fantasy genre fan, he had been doodling monsters and dragons for years.

So, Franz chose monsters as the theme and away he went. “[The project] got very conceptual, too, because a lot of my thesis ended up talking about how people could become monsters or how people dealt with their own monsters, so it was a very simplified imagery for more complex ideas,” Franz says.

Franz’s creatures are typically colorfully drawn and featured alongside snippets of copy expressing all-too-human emotions such as despair, worry, and joy, allowing the viewer to empathize with them. The effect is a poignant reciprocity that lends humanity to the monsters while highlighting and normalizing the demons that humans face.

“When I fi rst started, there were creepier, spookier monsters. Now I keep it more well-rounded. Monsters don't have to be scary. Because everyone can be a monster and everything can be monstrous to certain people, I started going more in the direction of making it something you could empathize with and something that wasn’t the general concept of monsters,” says Franz, noting that much of the work became more autobiographical as his daily thoughts and feelings were reflected in each drawing.

Franz has created work around other themes, and you may have seen his work in galleries, online, or via commissions he’s done. But many Omahans have probably seen his talent displayed in an unlikely space: Trader Joe’s.

Franz has worked at Trader Joe’s in Omaha for seven years, and he spent about four years creating art for the store, which only a couple people at a time are able to do at each location. He says that work includes “anything you see there that's visual, like the paintings on the walls, chalkboards, and handwritten signs.”

While he moved out of the “art cave” at Trader Joe’s to pursue a management position and allow an opportunity for others eager for a turn, Franz continues to create art for various reasons—chiefly, because he fi nds it therapeutic. When he was posting daily entries online throughout The Year of the Monster, Franz says many people approached him and indicated solidarity with some of the dark emotions in the work.

“I think [making art] is good for your spirit and I think it’s good for other people,” Franz says. “I've always kind of struggled with depression, too, so that’s a heavy—but maybe not always right on the surface—influence. It was really enlightening for me to see how many people all thought the exact same thing and felt the same thing…Th at was one of the biggest motivators, helping myself and other people remember that you’re not necessarily alone with the darker parts of your life.”

For more information, visit letsplaymonsters.com

JUNE 2019

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A+C THEATER // STORY BY KATRI NA MARKEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WI ECZOREK

PROPS IN THE PACIFIC F R O M

TO DETAILING IN OMAHA

ROBYN HELWIG CAN DO IT ALL

JUNE

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2019

// A+C THEATER //

D

espite initial skepticism from friends back home, Robyn Helwig isn’t regretting her decision to leave the Pacific Northwest for the Great Plains.

In January the effervescent, 25-year-old Oregon native was honored with a 2019 Omaha Entertainment & Arts Award (OEA A) for “outstanding scenic design.”

She won for her work on The Dairy Maid-Right at Shelterbelt Theatre—in a category where she was the only woman nominated and the competition included some of the metro area’s best known design talent.

Helwig takes that as a sign. “Maybe Omaha wants me to stay...so here we are!”

It wasn’t as if the multidisciplinary artist was about to leave. She’s committed to several projects this spring, including acting in Men on Boats at Omaha Community Playhouse; designing props for a demanding project at Bellevue Little Theatre; and her ongoing commitments at The Backline comedy theater.

Not to mention her ‘day job’ working as paraeducator with a local school district and her part-time teaching gig at The Rose Theater.

Helwig recalls advice she received from a mentor to “use your 20s to do everything,” because she can always sleep when she’s older.

She first enrolled at the University of Puget Sound as a piano performance major. But she soon realized that life as a professional musician wasn’t for her.

“If you make a mistake on the piano you can’t be like, ‘it was an acting choice,’” says Helwig, explaining her performance anxiety as a pianist.

Theater, in some shape or form, has been part of her life since fourth grade.

So, she switched majors and discovered that she not only had talent onstage, but also behind the scenes.

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JUNE 2019

“I was required for my major to take a tech theater class and then one of my teachers was like, ‘Hey, you’re kind of artsy aren’t you?’ and I was like, ‘You know what? I am!’” Helwig says. “I kept doing it (set and prop design) and now I consider myself more a designer than a performer, but I like to do both.”

Thankfully, the relatively small theater community in Omaha means that Helwig doesn't have to choose between performing and stage design. She’s also grateful for Omaha’s relatively low cost of living, especially compared to the financial challenges faced by artist friends in cities such as Seattle. Helwig also says that there are a lot of “amazing, creative women here in Omaha who are directing and I work with so many...I could just enthuse about them for hours, they’re so great.”

One of those women is Amy Lane, director of The Dairy Maid-Right and Helwig's aunt.

It was Lane who suggested that Helwig consider teaching theater because of her love for all aspects of the craft and mentioned that there were opportunities at The Rose. Helwig applied, and was accepted, to a summer internship followed by a year-long fellowship at the nationally recognized children’s theater.

Helwig says she has not looked back.

“I packed up my car and drove out here and have been here for the past three years,” Helwig says. “And every time I think I’m going to head home, I don’t. I find something else to do out here and [that] keeps me here.”

As a designer, Helwig says that her specialty is detail work. It was an ideal skillset for The Dairy Maid-Right, the final production for the Shelterbelt Theatre in its California Street location before the company was forced to vacate its long-time home. She points out that it was a “weird-shaped space,” not to mention small.

“One of the hardest things is—just because it’s so intimate—every little detail can be seen,” Helwig says. “So you kind of have to consider every little bit of space because the front row of your audience is in your set.”

The play takes place in a slightly rundown, mom-and-pop ice cream shop in a fictional Nebraska town. The story required the set to have indoor and outdoor space, a door that locked, a functional cellar door, and an authentic-looking kitchen.

“The main focus on the set was on the inside and making it feel like those places that haven’t been updated in 50 years,” Helwig says.

Lane and playwright Ellen Struve visited, and took photos of, small-town ice cream shops across Nebraska, providing inspiration for the production. Helwig’s design included a cluttered kitchen counter, a hand-written menu with items crossed off, and a painted parquet f loor that was left in place for the next tenants to discover.

Helwig will keep her multiple talents and tremendous work ethic in Omaha for the foreseeable future. Following that f lurry of upcoming projects in the spring, she plans to attend graduate school and become a certified teacher— because at some point, an artist needs health insurance.

Ref lecting on how many irons she has in the fire, Helwig reassures herself with a laugh, “It’s fine, everything’s fine. It’s gonna be great!”

"[I] PACKED UP MY CAR AND DROVE OUT HERE AND H AV E B E E N H E R E FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. AND EVERY TIME I THINK I’M GOING TO HEAD HOME, I DON’T. I FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO DO OUT HERE AND (THAT) KEEPS ME HERE."

JUNE 2019

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A+C PERFORMANCE // STORY BY WILL PATTERSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

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JUNE

// 30 //

2019

// A+C PERFORMANCE //

C

aitlin Little is not a performer fueled by money or recognition. She doesn’t have any formal artistic training. But that hasn’t stopped her from cementing a position in Omaha’s local arts scene. Passion drives her and absurdity defines her art.

“I always loved reading and imagining,” Little says. “I would take road trips in my living room. I could be whoever I wanted to in a costume. I think it really helped me navigate the world.”

Though she’s been performing in some way most of her life, Little says she didn’t describe her performances and events as art until 2012. At the time, she was doing guerrilla performances, meaning she would arrive at an event and put on a show of her own.

One of Little’s strangest performances was “the pancake man”—not the individual who caters events around Omaha with his mobile pancake business—but rather a surreal idea brought to life in a performance.

Little took to the street to become the pancake man during Lincoln Calling, a festival bringing musicians and artists to Lincoln, Nebraska venues. For hours she cooked

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r epetiti ve." r epetiti ve." r epetiti ve." r epetiti ve." r epetiti ve." r epetiti ve." // 32 //

JUNE 2019

pancakes, wore them, and covered herself in mock syrup—even making herself a mask out of the breakfast staple.

of Benson First Friday since the beginning, long before it transformed into the community-centered nonprofit it is today.

“Nobody knew what was going on. All of the sudden there’s music playing, and someone’s making pancakes in the middle of the street,” she says.

J.D. Hardy has known her since that time.

The University of South Florida graduate student, fellow artist, and Little’s close friend has also been with Benson First Friday since the beginning.

Positioned in plain view of festival-goers, everyone walking past was forced to witness the strange happenings. This was by design.

Little planned on anyone and everyone seeing her breakfast food repurposing.

“I hate pancakes. I grew up super-poor, and we had pancakes for a lot of meals,” Little says. “But I love ritual. I love the idea of starting and creating something that’s repetitive.”

As with most of Little’s performances, the purpose was not clear—not even to her.

That’s a recurring theme in her art. She doesn’t set out with any goals in mind, but she certainly expects her audience to feel something.

“A lot of times I feel like, in the performances…I’m compelled to do whatever I’m doing.”

Little has been involved with the Omaha art scene for some time. She has been a part

“She’s always dreaming up ideas,” Hardy says of Little. “I think it filters out in each performance she does.”

Describing Little as “a fearless individual with a plethora of projects always in the making,” Hardy continues to find her work profound—but with unexpected twists.

“A lot of her work has to do with humor.

That’s like a very direct way to get to a concept of humanity,” Hardy says.

Little’s future is not set in stone. Her Instagram chronicles a varied history of artistic expression. “I think it’s really important to do things that maybe people haven’t seen or make people uncomfortable even though they’re things that might be normal or natural,” she says.

Visit @imcaitlinlittle on Instagram for more information.

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY JUSTINE YOUNG // PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

01

What’s the Dill with Fried Pickles?

Looking for a deliciously tart, curiously crunchy, and simultaneously sweet summertime snack? Look no further than the deep-fried pickle. This dish has southern roots, with the first known fried pickle recipe dating to the early 1960s. Since then, variations of the dill-ightful and (often) vegetarian treat have made their way around the world and found a home on the menus of many of Omaha’s local restaurants and bars. Sliced, speared, or whole pickles are battered and fried golden brown. They are usually served with ranch dressing or another creamy dipping sauce. Check out the list below for some of the metro’s most palatable and peculiar fried pickle recipes.

01. DUNDEE DELL 5007 Underwood Ave. 402.553.9501 dundeedell.com Whether you’re looking for a midday snack or a late-night bite, Dundee Dell’s fried pickles well-known in Omaha. The spicy batter is made with a hint of paprika in the recipe, and this hot-sour treat is sure to satiate your hunger. Stop in during happy hour (2-6 p.m.) any day of the week for half off an order of this appetizer, which is served as crispy spears with a side of ranch dressing.

02. DUDLEY’S PIZZA & TAVERN 2110 S. 67th St. 402.933.7511 dudleysomaha.com Located north of Stinson Park, Dudley’s offers a full fried-pickle experience. Start with a helping of hand-battered spears served with a side of their homemade chipotle dipping sauce. Want fried pickles with your dinner? The Dudley pizza features blue cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and diced tomatoes, and is finished with crispy fried pickles. If a burger is more your style, the Freightliner Angus steak burger features two fried pickles along with blue cheese, grilled onion, provolone cheese, steak sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and fresh onion.

03. MAMA'S PIZZA 715 Saddle Creek Road (402.553.9270) 8146 S. 96th St. (402.614.5545) 15615 Pacific St. (402.933.5090) mamaspizzaomaha.com Grab your grub at any of Mama’s Pizza’s multiple metro locations. You can satisfy your hunger with a predinner dish of delicious fried pickles, which are hand-battered and served with house-made creamy garlic ranch dressing on the side.

JUNE

04. TWISTED FORK GRILL & BAR 1014 Howard St. 402.932.9600 twistedforksaloon.com Located in Omaha’s historic Old Market district, the Twisted Fork Grill & Bar offers scrumptious spears of Bucks’ Fried Pickles. Dip these crispy creations in the included black pepper horseradish sauce for a flavorsome addition to this traditional treat.

05. CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE 578 Farnam St. 402.345.1708 beercornerusa.com/crescentmoon Stop by the popular Crescent Moon tavern for a taste of thick-sliced fried dill pickles chips, served with a side of house-made dill ranch dipping sauce. If you’re looking for a little more variety in your appetizer, order the Sampler Platter, which includes the fried pickle chips along with onion rings, cheese curds, and tortilla chips served with queso and salsa.

06. OMAHA TAP HOUSE 1401 Farnam St. (402.932.5131) 579 N. 155th Plaza (402.932.0621) omahataphouse.com This brewpub offers crispy fried pickles on their list of starters. Their crunchy pickle chips are served with a jalapeño-ranch dipping sauce.

Stop by during happy hour (3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and all day Sunday) for a discount on this dish.

07. CHARRED BURGER + BAR 1150 Sterling Ridge Dr., No. 107 402.779.8430 charredburgers.com Travel further west in Omaha to Charred Burger + Bar, where you’ll find industrial-chic ambiance and a tasty, fried treat. These tart and crispy pickle spears are served with your choice of ranch dressing or jalapeño aioli. Hungry but in a hurry? No big dill. Order this appetizer for pickup and take the fried flavor home.

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Adam Backora

SPORTS // STORY BY TOM MCCAULEY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

started slinging snow cones and cotton candy at twelve years old. From his late grandfather, whose words often fi ltered down to him through the memories of other vendors, Backora learned such valuable bits of wisdom as “If you can cut across a row of seats, do it as close to the field as possible, so people can see you.”

His company, Sno-Floss, began in 1959 under the auspices of his maternal grandparents, Duane and Marcy Madison.

Ever since, Sno-Floss has been serving sweet-toothed fans at the College World Series. They’ve become a staple of local minor-league and semi-professional teams: the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Omaha Beef, and the Omaha Lancers.

They even work the Shrine Circus.

Baseball will always be his favorite, though, both personally and from a business perspective.

“When it’s a beautiful day out there, people come out to the ballpark, everyone’s having a good time. We do the best business then,” Backora says. “Those are also the best games for me, because it’s nice being outside, getting exercise. And watching baseball!”

The job can be quite physically demanding. A few years ago, Backora wore a Fitbit to track the number of steps he took during a CWS game.

“I think I did about 14,000 steps and 83 fl ights of stairs. I’m 36 now and I don’t think much of it, because I’ve been doing it all my life, but when I actually saw those numbers, I was like, ‘Oh wow. Maybe I’m in better shape than I think I am.’”

Fitness helps, but to really be a success in the vending business, you have to be outgoing, polite, and able to make eye contact all the time.

“Not everyone has their hand straight up in the air with money going ‘I want one I want one!’” Backora says. “Some people just slightly raise their hand, and you gotta notice stuff like that. You can’t be looking at the stairs.”

You also have to be friendly.

“No one wants a grumpy cotton candy person. Give a little kid cotton candy with a frown, it just doesn’t seem right.”

And you have to be a little fearless.

Although Bakora famously wears a jersey proclaiming himself the Candyman, he did not give himself the moniker. His grandfather, Duane, was the original Candyman. To commemorate the last year of operations at Rosenblatt Stadium in 2010, Backora and his uncle printed up a batch of baseball jerseys to wear during their shifts. When he showed up to Center Trophy (his family’s other business) to retrieve the new jerseys, he noticed “Candyman” printed across the back. His grandmother, who was working there that day, was moved. Duane had died in 1996.

“She teared up a little because it kind of reminded her of him,” Backora says.

Four years ago, to commemorate his twentieth year on the job, Backora had the sleeve of his jersey embroidered “Dedicated to Duane Madison.” Just like his grandfather’s advice, the words move with him up and down the aisles at every game.

“I’ve almost been hit by multiple objects: a baseball bat, multiple baseballs. Th at’s always kind of exciting.”

The craziest thing he’s ever seen from the stands?

“You know, I always miss the streakers.

Usually those happen later in games, after I’m done.”

JUNE 2019

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JUNE 2019

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CHEF PROFILE // STORY BY TAMSEN BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

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Celebrating the Less-But-More of Omaha JUNE 2019

// 93 //

At right: Plum Creek Farms’ Chicken filled with a foie gras mousse, chicken-stuffed morels, asparagus, and a sauce of chicken cream and ramp oil.

// 94 //

JUNE 2019

// CHEF PROFILE //

“I look to my left and to my right, and my brothers are there...

That’s what cooking is about. It’s home.”

-Chef Kane Adkisson

N

EBRASKA CAN HAVE A PULL ON PEOPLE.

Consider a young Nebraskan heading out into the world, bright-eyed and ready to experience everything international cuisine has to offer. He travels from one country to another, learning culinary skills unheard of in his home state at the time. But he just can’t get Nebraska out of his head.

Chef Kane Adkisson, a self-proclaimed “little nobody from Omaha,” spent his early professional years working alongside some of the world’s best chefs in some of the most sought-after kitchens.

The list of some of the establishments he’s cooked in sounds more like an exhilarating tour of Michelin-rated restaurants than a list of previous workplaces: Maaemo in Norway, Saison and Coi in San Francisco, and RyuGin in Tokyo.

Before embarking on his whirlwind culinary adventure, he cut his teeth at The Boiler Room for several years.

Adkisson says he fell in love with cooking his freshman year at Omaha Central High School. Upon graduating, he enrolled in Metropolitan Community College’s Culinary Arts program.

“Metro’s a great facility,” Adkisson says.

“It’s a good way to get a taste of it without getting into a bunch of debt.”

But the real story of his love affair with international cuisine stems from a longstanding family tradition. “Every Christmas our family picks a country and themes the holidays to that country,” he explains. “Early on I got to try different cuisines.”

His fate seemed sealed by some advice from his grandfather. “Grandpa told me if I was a cook I could travel anywhere.”

And travel he did, but he never lost the desire to return to Omaha. As a “naïve Midwest kid with ideas,” he didn’t understand how people could go back on handshake deals and found himself let down frequently.

Adkisson also grew tired of the faster pace he found outside his home state.

“It takes being away from it and being claustrophobic in Tokyo. It’s a rat race outside of Omaha,” he says. “What we have here is less but more.”

“Nebraska Cuisine.” The San Franciscans loved it. Adkisson created a “cornflake bite” that was such a big hit that it’s “run on every menu since.”

Though he’s busy preparing to open a restaurant with his brothers Kye and Collin, he intends to “keep momentum up with the pop-ups.” They are still in negotiations for the location of the future restaurant, but he’s hoping for downtown. “That location has so much character; it’s unique,” Adkisson says.

“There’s a story behind every building.”

It’s a good fit because, as he says, “We pride ourselves on our uniqueness.”

The opening of the restaurant with his brothers will only serve to solidify his desire to be in Omaha. “I look to my left and to my right, and my brothers are there,” says Adkisson, a chef who has worked alongside some of the best chefs in the world. “That’s what cooking is about. It’s home.”

Visit facebook.com/kano.omaha for more information.

While living and working in San Francisco, he started offering pop-up restaurants featuring what he called JUNE 2019

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Complex Flavors of Classic Korean Cuisine

DINING REVIEW // STORY BY NIZ PROSKOCIL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

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Hot stone bibimbap: mixed rice with bean sprouts, carrot, zucchini, mushroom, spinach, and marinated beef served in a hot stone bowl.

This page: spicy kimchi soup known as kimchi jjigae.

At right: Koreanstyle grilled beef short ribs (galbi).

KOREA GARDEN 5352 S. 72ND ST. | 402.505.4089 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE

$$$

OVERALL

(5 STARS POSSIBLE)

I WOULD BE PERFECTLY HAPPY EATING JUST A BOWL OF PLAIN RICE AND KIMCHI at Korea Garden, but I wouldn’t want to miss out on all the wonderful dishes that make the restaurant one of the best Korean spots in town.

Diners looking to satisfy their appetite for traditional Korean food or those seeking an introduction to the cuisine should make their way to Ralston, where Korea Garden occupies a strip mall space just south of 72nd and Q streets.

With its extensive menu, casual atmosphere, and friendly service, the restaurant dishes out homestyle Korean favorites in a cozy, laid-back setting. The owners operated Asian Dragon House restaurant, just east of Westroads Mall, for a number of years before moving the business to Ralston in 2016 and changing the name to Korea Garden.

Among entrees, the sizzling rice bowl bibimbap and galbi—marinated and grilled short ribs—are hard to resist. Cut in thin slices across the bone, the beef short ribs are lightly charred with just enough sweetness to round out the salty-savory flavor. The ultimate Korean comfort food, bibimbap // 98 //

JUNE 2019

comes in a hot stone bowl that crisps the bottom layer of rice. Arranged atop the rice are tender beef and a colorful array of vegetables, complete with a sunny-side-up egg. Add a little, or a lot, of the spicy-sweet red chile sauce that comes on the side, mix it all up, and dig in.

Beef bulgogi is another signature Korean dish, and it turns up on the menu as an entree and a cook-it-yourself dinner for two. I prefer the latter option because it’s a fun, interactive experience. Using a small, portable grill, diners cook thinly-sliced, marinated beef tableside with onion, carrots, and scallion. It’s served with a plate of green leaf lettuce in which to wrap the meat.

The bulgogi, as well as other entrees, comes with banchan—an assortment of small side dishes that are an essential component of Korean meals. They add pops of flavor, texture, and color. There are no duds among Korea Garden’s banchan: crunchy strips of pickled radish and carrot, glazed potatoes, steamed broccoli florets, bite-size squares of scallion pancake, and two kinds of kimchi (napa cabbage and cucumber). It’s easy to polish off all six bowls.

A staple of Korean cuisine, kimchi is a fermented food that can be made with cabbage, cucumber, radish, and other veggies.

Often spicy, sour, and garlicky, it’s the star of dishes such as kimchi fried rice and kimchi jjigae, a spicy stew. The restaurant’s kimchi jjigae doesn’t disappoint those who love a little heat. The hearty dish arrives bubbling in a hot stone bowl, brimming with cubes of silky tofu, sliced pork, and plenty of pungent kimchi in a fiery red broth. For something milder, a bowl of rice cake soup satisfies with its delicate beef broth, Korean dumplings, and slices of soft, chewy rice cakes.

The menu also includes several noodle dishes. Noodles in black bean sauce, or jajangmyeon, is a slightly salty-sweet dish with zucchini, onion, potato, pork, and a dark, rich sauce that clings to the thick white noodles. Even better is the japchae—pan-fried sweet potato glass noodles with carrot, mushrooms, onion, spinach, and beef.

Appetizers range from chicken wings and boiled dumplings to Korean-style sushi rolls—or kimbap—filled with egg, vegetables, imitation crab, and rice. The restaurant also offers soju, a popular Korean spirit, lunch specials, and even a convenient drivethrough to grab Korean on the go.

Visit koreangardenomaha.com for more information.

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// DINING REVIEW //

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// 100 //

JUNE 2019

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An Omaha favorite for over 100 years (1919-2019)

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69th & Pacific (402-933-2776) 177th and Center streets (402-934-9914) 156th Street and W. Dodge Road (402-408-1728) 120th and Blondo streets (402-991-8222) Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple.

Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

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LISA'S RADIAL CAFE - $

402-551-2176 817 N. 40th St. American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly. Glutenfree options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch. Family-owned and operated. This business is a must if you’re in the area. People rave about our chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff. Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

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402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday.

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402-556-6464 45th and Leavenworth streets La Casa Pizzaria has been serving Omaha its legendary Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta for 60 years. We offer dine-in, carry-out, party facilities, catering, and now pizza shipments to the 48 contiguous states. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

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// 102 //

JUNE 2019

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402-884-9800 13110 Birch Drive We are a locally owned and operated neighborhood eatery with an Italian flare. We offer a full, madefrom-scratch menu along with extensive wine, craft cocktail, and craft beer lists. Casual is the best way to describe the warm and friendly service you will come to enjoy when choosing us. We offer dine-in, carry-out, catering, a daily happy hour (3-6:30 p.m. and allday Sundays), live music Tuesdays and Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays.

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402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of oven-roasted garlic cloves, specially seasoned olive oil, and (at night) a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offerings include panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms.

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402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli.

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($1 OFF ALL BEERS) www.backlinecomedy.com

JUNE 2019

// 103 //

SPEZIA - $$$

ICE CREAM ● EST 1986 ●

Home -Made in Omaha

402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St. Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you'll find a casual elegance that's perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers' Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

MEXICAN

FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707) Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily.

Catering and party rooms also available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m.

—fernandosomaha.com

11

1

NOW OPEN 69th & Pacific • 993-2776 177th & Center • 934-9914 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) | Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEP.COM // 104 //

JUNE 2019

402-393-7515 4915 S. 72nd St. Margarita's is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family.

—margaritasmenu.com

ROMEO'S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets (402-391-8870) 146th Street and W. Center Road (402-330-4160) 96th and L streets (402-331-5656) Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue (402-292-2028) 29th and Farnam streets (402-346-1110) Romeo's is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available.

Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they're the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com

SPECIAL DINING

BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $

402-330-2110 2820 S. 123rd Court Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years.

We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos!

—julios.com

402-502-9902 6209 Maple St. Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced by German communal drinking culture. Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people. The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome. Hours: Tues-Thurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com

LA MESA - $$

BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$

JULIO’S - $

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $

158th Street and W. Maple Road (402-557-6130) 156th and Q streets (402-763-2555) 110th St. and W. Maple Road (402-496-1101) Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue (402-733-8754) 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs (712-256-2762) Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row.

Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

—lamesaomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

402-884-6878 721 N. 132nd St. Swiss-trained chef Paul Braunschweiler combines the best of Europe’s epicurean delights with an American flair. Brushi’s casual and open atmosphere combine to create a true bistro experience. Fresh ingredients highlight the menu.

Happy Hours and nightly specials. Private dining available. Patio seating weather permitting.

—brushiomaha.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $

402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St. Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beerlover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday.

—beercornerusa.com

FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. (402-932-5691) 2855 S. 168th St. (402-330-3444) 3605 N. 147th St. (402-965-3444) 304 Olson Drive., Papillion (402-965-3444) 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue (402-991-3448) We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch.

Everything is made to-order here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.

—firstwatch.com

GERDA’S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY - $

402-553-6774 5180 Leavenworth St. Omaha’s only authentic German restaurant, a little piece of Germany in the metro. Inspired by Gerda's recipes for homemade spaetzle, schnitzels, and rouladen. Fresh-made soups, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and dumplings are a few other treats. Stay for a dessert of Black Forest cake or grab a fresh bakery item for breakfast on your way out. Check hours online.

—gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

WALKING DISTANCE

TO CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA & TD AMERITRADE PARK YOUR PRE-GAME HE AD QUARTE RS FOR LUNCH, DINNE R OR YOUR NE XT EVE NT!

GREEK ISLANDS - $

402-346-1528 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., FridaySaturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

—greekislandsomaha.com

501 N. 13TH ST • 402.346.9116 • THEMATTOMAHA.COM / theoldmattresfactoryomaha

@Matt_factory

J.COCO - $$$

402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St. The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-close.

—jcocoomaha.com

KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$

402-505-4089 5352 S. 72nd St. Lunch specials served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel. Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages.

—koreangardenomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

Omaha’s Authentic German Restaurant Family-owned since 1976

E U R O P E A N A M E R I C A N C U I S I N E

Gerda’s Family is carrying on her traditions and recipes, stop in for fresh bakery items and classic German dishes.

10 minutes from Downtown Omaha 5180 Leavenworth | 402.553.6774 gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com

7 21 N . 13 2 N D S T R E E T O M A H A , N E 6 815 4 4 0 2 . 8 8 4 . 6 8 7 8 B R U S H I O M A H A . C O M

JUNE 2019

// 105 //

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. (402-934-5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402-991-3000) Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products.

—paradisebakery.com

TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $

402-933-1445/402-238-4317 654 N. 114th St. Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area.

The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu. Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room.

—tajofomaha.com

STEAKHOUSES

jamseats.com

CASCIO'S - $$

402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St. Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.

—casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St. Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Lunch Monday­- Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., cocktail hour 3-6 p.m., dinner nightly 5 p.m.

—droverrestaurant.com

Stella’s Bar and Grill Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha” BEER • COCKTAILS • WINE • SALADS BURGERS • SAUSAGES • PRETZELS

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm // 106 //

JUNE 2019

402.502.9902 6209 MAPLE ST. • BENSON BARCHEN BEER.COM

BEER GARDEN & BEER HALL

VOTED OMAHA’S #1 SPORTS BAR

NEW LOCATION COMING SOON!

ELKHORN - 192nd & Maple

DOWNTOWN - 10th & Capitol MIRACLE HILLS - 114th & Dodge MILLARD - 180th & Q AKSARBEN VILLAGE - 67th & Center BELLEVUE - 23rd & Cornhusker PLATTSMOUTH - Hwy 75 & Oak Hill

DJSDUGOUT.COM Open for Happy Hour 4-7pm Daily Dining Room Opens at 5pm Daily Private Dining Room Available all day Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish!

4150 S. 144

TH

ST. • 402.894.9411 • CHARLIESONTHELAKE.NET

Best Greek

140 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68134 FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Omaha 402.393.0811

Family Owned Since 1983 Family Owned Since 1983 Catering ~ Party Room Available CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS. 3821 Center St. 402/346-1528

3821 Center St / 402.346.1528

GreekIslandsOmaha.com GreekIslandsOmaha.com

JUNE 2019

// 107 //

VOTED #1 16 YEARS

IN A ROW

FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$

402-393-0811 140 Regency Parkway At Fleming’s, a steak is never just a steak. It’s the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation, and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite.

This is why we offer the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crusted. You can elevate your selection even more with our indulgent steak companions, including truffle-poached lobster, diablo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. Each dish is crafted from scratch by our culinary team and served by our skillful staff. Reservations recommended.

—flemingssteakhouse.com

JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$

OMAHA – 158TH & MAPLE (402) 557-6130 BELLEVUE – FT. CROOK RD & 370 (402) 733-8754

OMAHA – 110TH & MAPLE (402) 496-1101 PAPILLION – 84TH & TARA PLZ (402) 593-0983

OMAHA – 156TH & Q (402) 763-2555 COUNCIL BLUFFS – LAKE MANAWA EXIT (712) 256-2762

Food Features • Restaurant Reviews Chef Profiles • Dining Guides • In Every Issue

402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

—johnnyscafe.com

STEAK & GRAPES - $

402-884-8966 16920 Wright Plaza, Suite No. 118 We are obsessed with really, really good grapes; creative, gourmet comfort food; and a funky, fun atmosphere in which to share them. We search all over the world to find you great wines. Many wines come from our relationships with smaller, undiscovered vineyards, which offer a great value to our guests. Wine is supposed to be fun. We pour heavy and will open any bottle for our guests to try by the glass. When you taste a new varietal at Steak & Grapes, let us know how it changed your concept of what wine is supposed to be. Our gourmet comfort food is made fresh, using eco-friendly and local ingredients.

As for the fun, we instigate it, but count on you to see it to fruition (literally through the fruit).

Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Join us for Saturday and Sunday brunch.)

—steakandgrapesomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

// 108 //

JUNE 2019

STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking

1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE

• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years.

• Featured on CNN.com Best Meat Cities in America • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride.

www.romeosOMAHA.com

402.731.4774 johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

Best Of Omaha 13 Years Running

WHERE WHERE GOOD GOOD FOOD FOOD AND AND GOOD GOOD SERVICE SERVICE NEVER NEVER GO GO OUT OUT OF OF STYLE. STYLE.

MAKE

D A D ’ S D AY C E L E B R AT E FAT H E R ’ S DAY AT

2 O M A H A L O C AT I O N S : DINING GUIDE LEGEND

75 4 0 DODG E ST & 13 8 51 F N B PK W Y

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

W W W. C H A R L E S T O N S . C O M

JUNE 2019

// 109 //

STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY!

72nd Annual Papillion Days. June 13-14-15-16 Parade, Carnival, Vendor Fair and more!

// EXPLORE CALNENDAR //

Located just a few minutes south of Omaha, Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Enjoy over 25 miles of biking/hiking trails. Stay in one of our premier hotels. Spend the day at a family fun center. From parks, lakes and winery to malls, specialty shops, and theatres, Sarpy County is the perfect destination for your next getaway.

For a full list of shopping, restaurants and area events, visit us at

GoSarpy.com.

BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO

Werner Park, Home of the Omaha Storm Chasers, Papillion

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Papillion

Wildlife Safari

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt at Shadow Lake Towne Center, Papillion

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

NEBRASK A

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK June 8 at the Pinnacle

NIN T H A N N U A L V E T E R A N S F R E E D O M MUSIC FES TIVA L June 1 at the Railyard in the Haymarket in Lincoln. The annual music festival features local bands like the Pinkertones and celebrates veterans. 402.770.6013.

—vfmf.net

S T R AW BERRY FE S TIVA L

June 1 at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard in Nebraska City. This event brings visitors a fun day that includes food, live music, and fresh strawberries picked by festival goers. 402.873.5293.

—kimmelorchard.org

HERITAGE DAY June 2 at Yanney Heritage Park in Kearney. Kick.off summer with this free event that includes inflatables, several food vendors, fireworks, and live music. 308.233.3278.

—yanneypark.org

NEBRASKALAND DAYS June 12-22 at Wild West

POLISH DAYS

June 7-9 in Loup City. This is a three-day celebration of all things Polish. There is a parade, street dance with live music, color run, a beer garden, and more. 308.745 .0430.

—@polishdays on Facebook

WIZ A RDS A ND WITCHES BEER FES TIVA L

June 8 at the Royal Grove in Lincoln. Those ages 21+ can participate in the magic, debauchery and mischief of this event, which hosts complimentar y tastings of over 20 magical beers along with food and live music from the Sorceress Sisters, Weasley Brothers Party Band, and DJ DumbleD. 531.500.6026.

—theroyalgrove.com June 8 at the Berry Bridge Resort in Valentine. This festival focuses on water activities like canoe and kayaking races, and includes music and food. 402.376.3474 .

—niobraracamping.com

June 15-16 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum in Ashland. Classic and vintage cars will be on display for the enjoyment and viewing of the public. Awards will be handed out Saturday.

402.94 4 .3100.

—sacmuseum.org

COMSTOCK WINDMILL FESTIVAL

June 13-15 in Comstock. Nestled in a canyon near Comstock, Nebraska (population 96), is the home of Second Wind Ranch. Every year that canyon comes to life with the Windmill Festival and top national country acts. 308.628.4107.

—windmillfestival.com

02

7 at Abbott Sports Complex in Lincoln. This free event includes high-ceiling gym juggling, a Friday supper, and juggling workshops.

—underthecouch.com/flatland

FAT HE R’ S DAY CA R S HO W

Arena in North Platte. This festival celebrates Nebraska’s western heritage. The PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo features fan favorites such as bull riding, and steer roping. The event also includes parades, an antique car show, quilt show, and tennis tournaments. Jake Owen and Kane Brown headline the music. 308.532.7939.

—nebraskalanddays.com

JUNE

2019 FL AT L A ND JUGGLING FES TIVA L June

NIOBR AR A RIV ER FES TIVA L & R ACES

Bank Arena in Lincoln. Early 1990s boy-band sensation NKOTB brings their hits like “Hangin’ Tough” and “Step By Step.” Special guests are SaltN-Pepa and Naughty by Nature. 402.904.4444.

—arenalincoln.org

ANNEVAR

June 13-16 in Ravenna. This festival, which is Ravenna spelled backwards, is a community celebration that includes a midway, demo derby, two.day tractor pull, parade, sand volleyball, car show, fun run/walk, and a three. man scramble golf tournament. 308.452.3133.

—myravenna.com

TESTICLE FESTIVAL June 14-15 at Round the Bend Steakhouse in Ashland. This festival really has some…well, never mind. Attendees can participate in a ball eating contest and listen to live music.

The event includes a fireworks display and more traditional fair food (nachos, corn dogs, etc.) for those who prefer not to eat bull fries. 402.944.9974.

—roundthebendsteakhouse.com

2019 SWEDISH FESTIVAL

June 14-16 in Stromsburg. The “Swede Capital of Nebraska” celebrates heritage and tradition during three days of Swedish festivities. Attractions include sports tournaments, traditional Swedish dances performed by children, a parade, and the return of the “smorgasbord”—a grand Swedish buffet.

402.764.5265.

—theswedishfestival.com

2 019 S TA RG A ZING

June 21 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland. The Omaha Astronomical Society & Prairie Astronomy Club will set up powerful telescopes for a glimpse of night sky spectaculars. 402.94 4 .2523.

—outdoornebraska.gov

4 0 T H A NNU A L HOME S T E A D D AY S

June 21-23 at Homestead National Monument near Beatrice. Visitors can see how people lived in the late 1800s through stage performances, demonstrations of traditional crafts and farm machiner y, a re-enactment of a Civil War encampment, a children’s festival, a car show, and more. 402.223.3514 .

—nps.gov/home

RIBFE S T

June 22-23 in Duncan. Rib lovers will enjoy this festival, which focuses on tasty barbecued ribs. A variety of award.winning barbecue vendors will be on hand to provide this summer staple, along with live music.

402.897.5285 —villageofduncan.com

CA RRIE UNDERWOOD: T HE CRY PRE T T Y TOUR June 23 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

Underwood is known for her Grammy.winning songs such as “Mama’s Song” and “Before He Cheats.” The Country music superstar comes to Nebraska with special guests Maddie & Tae, and Runaway June. 402.904 . 4 4 4 4 .

—pinnaclebankarena.com

JUNE 2019

// 111 //

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

123RD A NNUA L DIL L ER PICNIC

June 27-29 in Diller. The annual picnic is back for another year. Guests enjoy a day of family fun, food, and carnival rides. 402.793.5865 .

—dillerpicnic.net

IOWA

knitting, spinning, and sheep. Events include a fleece show, wool demonstrations, sheep dog trials and demonstrations, classes, and a hall of breeds.

—iowasheepandwoolfestival.com

W UR S T F E S T I VA L

T OUR L E BRE W 2019

June 1 at Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines. This unique event takes people on an 18.mile trail adventure, discovering different breweries along the way.

—tourlebrew.com

June 15 in the Amana Colonies. Guests can sample sausages from the area’s best sausage makers and sip on cold drinks while listening to live music, playing games, and watching the second annual Dachshund Derby. 319.622.7622.

—festivalsinamana.com

S U X P RIDE

June 1-2 at Doxx Warehouse Bar in Sioux City. This two.day event will be a celebration of the diversity and LGBTQ community in Sioux City, featuring an equality march, drag shows, and more.

—@SUXPride on Facebook

OLD SH AWNEE DAYS

June 6-9 at the Shawnee Town 1929 in Shawnee. This free event is a celebration of Shawnee history, and includes a pie and baking contest, a rolle bolle contest, music by Shooting Star, and more. 913.631.5200.

—oldshawneedays.org

A MERICA’S RI V ER FE S T I VA L

JUNE

05

2019 S TAT E CEN T ER ROSE FES TIVA L

June 13-16 at the Lincoln Valley Golf Course in State Center. The town of State Center is known as the Rose Capital of Iowa and their official flower will be in full bloom during this festival, the highlight of which is the aromatic rose garden that is open to the public. Activities include a parade, crowning the “Rose Queen,” live music, and fireworks.

—statecenterrosefestival.org

37 T H A NNUA L A N TIQUE SHOW

June 14-15 in Walnut. Over 350 dealers of antiques and collectibles line Walnut ’s historic streets during this spectacular display of community and tradition. 712.784 .34 43.

—walnutantiqueshow.com

15 T H A NNU A L IO WA S HEEP A ND WOOL FE S TIVA L June 14-16 at Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center in Ames. Fiber artists will enjoy this festival, which celebrates

// 112 //

JUNE 2019

June 28-30 at Sturgis and New Aldya Parks in Cedar Falls.

Music from jazz (Saints Dixieland) to classic rock (Rolling Stoners cover band) will be played in two different parks over the course of three days.

—cedarbasinjazz.org

K ANSAS

M A CNIDE R A R T S F E S T I VA L

June 12-16 in Le Mars. Known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” Le Mars is the home of Blue Bunny Ice Cream. This event includes a parade, a Grill.n.Chill Rib Rally, live music, and more. 712.546.8821.

—lemarsiowa.com

CEDA R BA SIN MUSIC FES TIVA L

June 29 in Des Moines. This two.day event will feature over 250 artists and their artworks, food, activities, and more. 515 .243.2000.

—artfestmidwest.com

June 7-9 in Story City.

This festival celebrates the Scandinavian heritage of Story City. Events include Kumla and Kringla eating contests, a Lutefisk throwing contest, a 5k run/walk, live music, and a craft fair. 515 .733. 4214 .

—storycitygcc.org

ICE CRE A M DAYS

June 28-29 in downtown Riverside.

Star Trek fans from around the nation and world gather at this weekend.long festival, which takes place in the reported birthplace of Capt.

James T. Kirk. Events include an overnight softball tournament, Star Trek films projected in the park, guest speakers, water fights, and a 5k run, all with a Star Trek theme.

—trekfest.org

A R T FE S T MID W E S T 2 019

SCA NDIN AVIA N DAYS

June 8 at Charles H. MacNider Art Museum in Mason City. This festival, a celebration of ‘Music Man’ Meredith Willson, includes a free pancake breakfast, inflatables, and live music.

An art market will be displayed on the museum lawn. 641. 421.3666.

—macniderart.org

T REK FES T

June 21-22 in Dubuque. The Steve Miller Band will headline this festival that brings together several bands performing country and classic rock music. 563.845 .7698.

—americasriverfestival.com

K A NS A S CHOCOL AT E FES TIVA L

June 15 in Topeka. Chocolate vendors come together for a delicious array of sweet treats at this event, including live entertainment, homemade crafts, and more.

—topekachocolate.com

K ICK ER COUN T RY S TA MPEDE June 20.22 June 21-23 in Burr Oak. at the Turtle Creek Reservoir, State Park and Fans of the Little House on the Prairie series Wildlife Area in Manhattan. This country music will enjoy this festival, which takes place in festival returns with three days fun and country the town where Laura lived as a 9-year-old music. Headliners include Jason Aldean, Jake girl. The festival includes pioneer crafts, Owen, and Abby Anderson. 785 .539.2222. demonstrations, children’s games, a skillet —countrystampede.com toss, a checkers tournament, a grand parade, a pie auction, and a greased pig DE C A DE S OF W H E E L S S E CON D JUNE contest. 563.735 .5916.

A NNUA L CA R SHO W June 21.22 at —lauraingallswilder.us the Decades of Wheels Museum in Baxter Springs. The car show features VIN TAGE A ND M A DE FAIR June 22 at hundreds of classic cars and hot rods, Franklin Junior High School in Des Moines. chicken races, a greased pig competition, Attendees can shop for handcrafted goodies art walk, live music performances, and more. and vintage home decor while enjoying local 918.54 4 .9025 . food. More than 100 vendors are expected.

—decadesofwheels.com —vintageandmadefair.com L A UR A D AY S

09

DES MOINES A RT S FES TIVA L

June 28-30 at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines. This event celebrates artists in the Des Moines area and includes the Interrobang Film Festival as well as visual arts and music. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Family Stone headline Saturday night. 515 .286. 4950.

—desmoinesartsfestival.org

SMALLVILLECON June 22.23 at the Kansas State

Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. This convention revolves around the TV show Smallville and includes celebrity guest Brandon Routh (of Superman Returns and Arrow), comic book artists, cosplays, and vendors. 620.669.3600.

—smallvillecomiccon.com

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

LIGH T S ON T HE L A K E

June 29 at Osawatomie Lake in Osawatomie. Attendees can celebrate the culture and history of Kansas at this event, which includes food trucks, live music, and fireworks over the lake. 913.755 .2146.

—ozlightsonthelake.com

MISSOURI NORTH END FESTIVAL May 31-June 2 at Krug Park

in St. Joseph. This community festival includes live music, a parade, dance performances, vendors, food, and fireworks. 816.232.1839.

—stjomo.com

FESTA ITALIANA

June 1-3 at Zona Rosa Town Center in Kansas City.

This celebration of Italian.American culture is back for its 11th year. This event includes an Italian car show, fun Italian traditions, food, music, and dance.

816.587.8180.

—zonarosa.com

BOULEVARDIA MUSIC

June 14-15 at the Stockyard District in Kansas City. This event is a combination of a music and beer festival. Attendees can enjoy a roundup of great bands, food, and plenty of fun.

—boulevardia.com

JUNETEENTH KC 2019 HERITAGE FESTIVAL

June 15 in Kansas City. This free event is a celebration of African American culture that features vendors, live entertainment, activities, and more. 816.673.0004.

—juneteenth.kc.com

MONSTER JAM

June 15 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

This action.packed, adrenaline.jammed event is an exciting adventure. Spectators can see these trucks perform gravity.defying stunts certain to capture audiences and have attendees on the edge of their seats. 816.920.9300.

—goarrowhead.com

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE LIVE SCREENING June 28

at the Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. This live screening of the cult classic comedy Napoleon Dynamite will be followed by a Q&A with three of the stars from the movie—Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries. 816.994.7222.

—kauffmancenter.org

LINCOLN’S BEER SCENE continues to

thrive. Visit one or all ten of the stops on our 3rd A nnual Craft Beer Tour and have the chance to win a prize and free beer. Sample IPAs, stouts, lagers and more at Lincoln’s microbreweries scattered throughout the city. For more info, visit www.lincoln.org.

Event times and details may change.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

JUNE 2019

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instagram.com/omahamagazine

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JUNE 2019

facebook.com/omahamagazine

twitter.com/omahamagazine

WELCOME TO OMAHA

5 Omaha Foodie Facts Omaha is home to legendary steaks.

It’s in the city’s DNA. Carnivores enjoy a friendly debate over which classic Omaha steakhouse serves up the best steak.

We invite you to be the judge.

Warren Buffett’s favorite is Gorat’s, a traditional old-school steakhouse.

Doughnuts & Coffee Since 1937 Fundraising Available OUR MISSION: To touch and enhance lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme.

OUR VISION: To be the worldwide leader in sharing delicious tastes and creating joyful memories.

2420 West Broadway

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707 South 72nd St. (402) 932-5581 Omaha, NE

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(402) 334-9000 Omaha, NE

Omaha is the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich; it was created during a late-night poker game at the Blackstone Hotel in the early 1900s. Chew on that, New Yorkers!

Stella’s Bar and Grill serves up the Stellenator, weighing in at 4.5 lbs. and 4,900 calories, includes six burger patties, six fried eggs, six slices of cheese, 12 pieces of bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, pickles, jalapeños and peanut butter.

This 45-minute take down challenge is not for the faint of heart – more people have been to the moon!

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With a strong agriculture background, it is no surprise Omaha is on the forefront of the farm-to-fork movement.

A wide variety of local restaurants serve food so fresh, you’ll taste the sunshine. Check out Kitchen Table, Dante’s and Stirnella, to name a few.

Omaha’s craft brew scene is definitely worth the buzz with seasonal concoctions being created at breweries sprinkled throughout the city. Be sure to request the free Omaha Craft Brew Penny Pack and enjoy “Buy 1 Get 1 for a Penny”coupons at 12 featured breweries. Go to VisitOmaha.com/PennyPack.

Easy mobile redemption will instantly be delivered via text and email.

Explore aviation war heroes of WWII and the Cold War. M U S E U M O P E N DA I LY 9 AM - 5 PM

For more on Omaha’s food scene go to VisitOmaha.com JUNE 2019

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WELCOME TO OMAHA

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED, SERVING OMAHA SINCE 1967

Did you know…

402.451.8061 3801 Ames Ave | Omaha Ne 68111

1702 CUMING ST. OMAHA, NE 68102

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… Omaha is home to the world’s largest indoor desert, under the world’s largest geodesic dome? The Desert Dome stands 13 stories tall and features a 30-foot tall sand dune containing 300 tons of red sand.

You’ll find it at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. … many iconic artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Pollock, and Renoir have works on display in Omaha. Guests marvel at the original Chihuly glass sculpture standing 33 ft. tall and 22 ft. wide. Stop by and see it for yourself at Joslyn Art Museum which offers free admission.

A Hand-picked Mix of Vintage & New Industrial-Farmhouse Home Décor Pieces

… Omaha has more than 400 public works of art on display throughout the city. You’ll find brightly painted murals, sculptures and art pieces including a 13-feet tall fork with spaghetti in the heart of Omaha’s historic Little Italy neighborhood. … Boys Town is home to the world’s largest ball of stamps. … you can stand in two states at once on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – affectionately known as Bob. The state line between NE and IA runs right through Bob. Check out his Twitter and Instagram accounts @BobTBridge

Bigger choices of better food.

It’s a family thing.

TM

7010 Dodge St./402-551-2233/jasonsdeli.com

DINE-IN • TO-GO • CATERING • DELIVERY // 116 //

JUNE 2019

For a complete list of Omaha fun facts, check out VisitOmaha.com

WELCOME TO OMAHA

HOURS: Mon-Sat: 10am - 7:30pm Closed on Sunday

L O C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D 351 North 78th St., Omaha, NE 68114

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foodiesomaha.com

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402.884.2880 JUNE 2019

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WELCOME TO OMAHA

PROUD TO BE BEST OF OMAHA WINNER FOR SEVEN YEARS & COUNTING!

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Mediterranean Grill

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JUNE 2019

Thank You Omaha for voting us Best Middle Eastern Dining Mon.-Thur. 11:00am—8:30pm • Fri.-Sat. 11:00am—9:00pm • Sun. 12:00pm—7:00pm

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JUNE 2019

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NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN

BAR-B-QUE? BBQ? BARBEQUE?

I

’ve made no secret of the fact that I am an adopted Omahan.

My roots are in Kansas City. And as a K.C. boy, nothing is closer to my heart than barbeque…or BBQ…or Bar-B-Que.

I worshiped—and developed the attitude that anyone who preferred the rival Gates Bar-B-Q was a heretic.

The barbacoa cooking method spread and mutated across the New World over the years. It became part of the culture for the less well off. Rich people got the prime cuts, the rest of us were left with the ribs and brisket, any pig we could catch in the woods, or the chicken that wasn’t laying enough eggs to justify feeding it any longer. It is the secret to making cheap, tough cuts of meat into delectable delights.

Lots of men think they are masters of their own barbecue secrets. Let’s make one thing clear, if you fire up the grill to 1200 degrees F and toss on a steak, you are not barbecuing. You are grilling. Now, grilling requires some skill, but comparing it to real barbecue is like comparing chainsaw sculpting to Michelangelo’s Pieta. And another thing, if you have a gas grill, please back up. Gas grills are a mark of shame. That’s why they come with tarps to cover them. Gas grills are an abomination. Leviticus 1:7 tells us so.

Gas grills are for cooking, not grilling, and certainly not for the sacred ritual of barbecue. Get thee gone. True practitioners use fire and wood. Slow is the name of the game. We tend our fires in World War II surplus wing tanks, discarded cast iron boilers, or old Studebaker fenders.

We do not use pellets. We use real wood chips and we soak them in secret concoctions. We have our own individual spice rubs. We laugh at your Webers. We are the backyard barbecue sensei.

Growing up in K.C., it was a tradition to go to Arthur Bryant’s at 17th Street and Brooklyn Avenue right down the street from Municipal Stadium, home of the Kansas City Athletics and former home of Satchel Paige’s K.C. Monarchs.

At Arthur’s you could munch on burnt ends while you waited for your order and your frosted mug of beer. The stadium is gone but Arthur Bryant’s is still there, the Sistine Chapel of barbecue. That’s where

When we are not practicing our own alchemy we are always on the hunt for great barbecue establishments. We are culinary explorers, willing to go anywhere to find the elusive perfect barbecue. When I got here, Omaha was home to one place that did it right. Skeet Whiteside opened Skeet’s back in the '50s and it is still there on north 24th Street, with its combination of Virginia-style apple cider vinegar and K.C. hickory smoke. I found

We can’t even agree on how to spell it. The word goes back to the Arawak language speakers of the Caribbean.

Barbacoa was a method of slow-cooking meats over a wood fire well before we Europeans arrived, stole the word, the land, and everything else that wasn’t nailed down—though it must be noted, prior to the conquistadores wading ashore, the indigenous people rarely felt the need to nail anything down.

For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device.

JUNE

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2019

it comfort food of the highest order when I first arrived in town, though it took a little while for my Kansas City palate to acclimatize to the vinegar style. Any place loved by Preston Love, Redd Fox, and Johnny Carson has to be appreciated.

Other places have come and gone, but most broke one or two of the rules for being a great barbecue joint: 1—It should have only one location. If you franchise it, sorry, but no. 2—The food must be based on a family recipe, started by a family member, run by a family member, and the fire tended by a family member.

3—It must have limited seating and parking. 4—Everything should be sold a la carte, no combos. 5—It needs funky signage. No fancy logos allowed. 6— Smoke. The place has to smoke its meats.

No chimney smoke, no go. 7—Napkins, lots of napkins.

Break any of these rules and I’m driving by.

There is one other barbecue place in Omaha I love. It holds to all the rules as stated. But I’ll keep it to myself. As it is, I’ve got to get there early on a Friday or Saturday night before the ribs are sold out. I don’t want any more competition than I’ve already got.

Pass me another napkin.

Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Early Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m.

Visit kvno.org for more information.

EVERY DROP. EVERY DAY. EVERY TIME. everything you need to know about your tap water.

REQUEST YOUR 2018 WATER QUALITY REPORT TODAY!

If your water comes from Metropolitan Utilities District, you’ll be happy to know all the ways we work to deliver safe and reliable drinking water. That’s saying a lot when you consider we serve an average of 90 million gallons of water a day and maintain 27,000 hydrants for fire protection.

See the stats, facts and figures behind what we do in the 2018 Water Quality Report — available now!

download

2018 Water Quality Report

Consumer Confidence Report for

January 1-December 31, 2018

MUDomaha.com

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customer_service@mudnebr.com

call

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