July/August 2018 Omaha Magazine

B I G O M A H A C O N F E R E N C E // T W O - D AY M U S I C F E S T I VA L // A U G U S T 1 6 - 1 8

JULY/AUGUST 2018

maha’s

10 Year th

1323 S 78 Ave, Omaha

$725,000

District 66, 4BR, 4 BA, charmer. 400 sf of storage. Inground pool, dream kitchen with built- in’s, full pantry, wine cellar in lower level. Loved, updated, and well maintained.

Jo Flairty • 402-290- 9505

3606 N 264 St, Waterloo

11406 S 120 Ave, Papillion

$693,620

Birchwood Homes presents the executive “Trenton” 1.5 story plan with “Craftsman” front. This home features a main floor master suite, 3 second flr BRs-all ensuite, gourmet kitchen, and huge 3 car side load garage!

Susan Hancock • 402-215-7700

$650,000

One of the most unique home sites in Douglas County. 4 bedroom on standalone acreage with approximately 10 acres which includes your own private lake.

Jeff Villotta • 402- 598- 4252

6420 Underwood Ave, Omaha

$649,900

Tucked away among the trees, this spacious ranch style home has 4 true bedrooms, charming kitchen with breakfast nook, wood floors (wood under carpet in bedrooms), office/bedroom off the kitchen, gorgeous all season sun porch.

The Rensch Group • 402- 391- 5333

14951 State St, Bennington

$590,000

Custom built all brick ranch situated on 2.29 acres. The quality of this home is second to none. 2x8 walls. Very open and sunny concept. New stainless steel convection double ovens. Granite countertops.

2312 S 219 St, Elkhorn

$565,000

Recently on the “Parade of Homes” at the Prairies! This 2 Story 4100 sq ft home sits on a corner lot with circle driveway.

Marty Evans • 402- 968-1300

Susan Noland- Hunter • 402- 689- 8212

3222 N 135 St, Omaha

$550,000

5327 Izard St, Omaha

$685,000

E xceptional at tention to detail, beautiful wood floors, upgraded appliances, renovated 4 seasons sun porch, gorgeous landscaped yard with babbling brook.

The Rensch Group • 402- 391- 5333

10805 S 174 Ave, Omaha

$609,000

Nearly new 1.5 story overlooking the golf course in Tiburon Ridge. Former Pohlad model w/ stunning details & high- end finishes throughout. Chef’s kitchen w/lg island, pantry & hearth rm w/ hdwd flrs.

Andrea Cavanaugh • 402- 415- 4591

10804 S 175 St, Omaha

$550,000

Open floor plan with top of the line materials! Great room has vaulted/beamed ceiling w/gorgeous floor to ceiling FP, Kitchen w/ pass through pantry! Lower level has large Family room w/ wet- bar, 2- BR’s, 3/4 bath & concrete storm/wine cellar.

Scott Lawrence • 402- 968-7268

20079 Emiline St, Omaha

$549,727

Stunning Champions Run home located on the 5th Tee Box. Large 1.5 story in meticulous condition. You will love the rich wood, soaring ceilings, fireplace, and the bright, open kitchen.

Open kitchen w/ XL island, sound sys thru the main. LL family rm w/ large bar and multiple tvs. Move outside to trees galore, fenced yard, XL firepit, w/outdoor tv, and amazing fountain.

Also has home gym or theatre room, your option..

Tiffany Gray • 402-677-1635

Lori Pete • 402-210- 3999

19837 Allis Rd, Pacific Junction, Iowa

$525,000

Sellers bought property ‘’Bare Ground’’ 42 years ago and built home. One owner. Totally updated in last 5 years.

Commuters Dream, Shop Quonset.

Fran Rainey • 402- 660-1336

V I R T U A L TO U R S A N D M O R E AT NPDODGE.COM

TOP DENTISTS // BEST OF OMAHA VOTING BEGINS FARM-TO-TABLE MOVEMENT // CURLY MARTIN & THE CHITLIN’ CIRCUIT // LOCAL ICE CREAM GUIDE

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TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 004 From the Editor 006 Between the Lines 009 Calendar of Events 106 Obviously Omaha

A Tour of Omaha’s Ice Cream Shops

108 History

A Brief History of the Douglas County Fair

129 Explore!

133 Instagram 134 Not Funny

Food For Thought

A R T S + C U LT U R E 020 Art

The Ham Ma’am, Ella Weber

024 Music

Curly Martin on the Chitlin’ Circuit

028 Venue

Holland Center Dinner and Show

030 Literature

Ted Genoways’ Poetic Activism

GIVING

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F E AT U R E S

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078 Feature

Whispering Roots Teaches Aquaculture, Aquaponics, and Hydroponics

080 Giving Calendar PE O P L E 074 Gen O

A Culinary Master in the Making: Witney Stanley

110 Profile

THE PICK OF THE ZIP

A Foodie-Curated Guide to Top Dishes in Every Omaha Metro Zip Code

LOCAL FARM-TO-TABLE From Fields and Pastures to Pizza and Ice Cream

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Michael Sanchez’s Family Legacy at Maria’s and Mula

THE 2018 GRE AT PL AINS J OUR N A LIS M AWA RDS

AUGMENTED REALITY

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 60PLUS IN OMAHA

On Your Digital Device

B I G O M A H A C O N F E R E N C E // T W O - D AY M U S I C F E S T I VA L // A U G U S T 1 6 - 1 8

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Watch videos and view photo galleries of select stories from this issue of Omaha Magazine for FREE.

091 60Plus Opener 092 Active Living

Ironman Chef Paul Braunschweiler

096 Routines

Don Hilpipre at Stella’s Bar & Grill

098 Curiosity

maha’s

10 Year th

Aprons Through the Ages

100 Nostalgia

The Evolution of Omaha Farmer’s Market

DINING 112 Review

Pinot and Pumps with Cubby’s in the Old Market

116 Dining Guide

A B O U T T HE COV E R

This issue opens with a double-scoop cover. Maha Music Festival sponsored the front cover in honor of their 10th anniversary. Bill Sitzmann produced the conceptual image of a child wearing 10 years’ worth of Maha wristbands while eating ice cream (from Jones Bros., featured in this issue’s local ice cream guide).

On the inside cover, William Hess photographed sushi chef Keen Zheng preparing a signature dish. His “omakase” at Umami is one of the dishes spotlighted in our “Pick of the Zip” feature.

SPECIAL SECTIONS 033 Best of Omaha Campaign 068 City Market/Food Market 083 Top Dentists

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616 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at printreleaf.com

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Step ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCE Watch, click, shop, explore!

read online at omahamagazine.com

FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DOUG MEIGS, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

A DECADE OF MAHA, MUNCH MADNESS, AND BEST OF OMAHA Plus: Food Issue Launch Party July 8 OH, MAHA, YOU make this city a better place.

There will be musicians, artists, calves, and chickens at the launch party, along with all the organic produce, baked goods, and craft vendors who are regular fixtures of the Florence Mill Farmers Market (which recurs every Sunday throughout the summer).

Maha is expanding to two days this year (Aug. 17-18) and has absorbed the Omaha-based tech/entrepreneurship conference Big Omaha.

Music festival headliners include national acts Weezer, Father John Misty, and TV on the Radio. Meanwhile, local Nebraska acts include up-and-coming musicians Mesonjixx and David Nance.

MUNCH MADNESS BRACKET Omaha Magazine’s latest city edition takes a deep dive into the zip codes of the metro area.* Writer Sara Locke worked with six local Instagrammers to compile a list of favorite dishes in every zip code. There are 49 metroarea zip codes in total, according to our tally, and we narrowed selections down to one dish for every zip code.

Maha Music Festival turns 10 years old this summer. In honor of the milestone, Omaha Magazine has partnered with the festival to produce a special (sponsored) cover of our full city edition with the title “Maha” Magazine.*

But this July/August issue of Omaha Magazine is also our food issue. Every story in the issue incorporates some sort of food angle.

So it’s worth noting that Dante Pizzeria will be featured in Maha’s VIP area along with offerings from Kitchen Table, while Dandelion Pop-Up will curate lunch offerings from local chefs at Big Omaha.

FOOD ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY The Florence Mill Farmer’s Market will once again host the launch party for our annual food issue. This is the second year we have gone all-in with food-related editorial content, and it is the second year we are hosting a watermelon-eating contest.

The watermelon-eating contest is open to the public. RSVP on our Facebook (@omahamagazine) event page for the July/ August launch party to ensure your spot.

We are hosting adult (age 18 and up) and youth categories. Watermelons are once again sponsored by the Florence neighborhood’s Hy-Vee. Top-three finishers in each age category will win a choice of gift certificates from restaurants advertising in Omaha Magazine. Prizes range in value from $20$50, offered by Upstream, DJ’s Dugout, Tired Texan BBQ, FirstWatch, and Jazz.

Our foodie consultants are narrowing the pool down to 32 for Munch Madness (a bracket styled after March Madness), which we will share on Omaha Magazine’s social media channels. Zip codes will be randomly selected for dishes to compete one-on-one in polls. Winners will advance to the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final 4, and Championship. We will announce the bracket at our launch party.

BEST OF OMAHA We hope this zip code story and our Munch Madness bracket will prompt readers to think about the best restaurants—in addition to the best of other services and products—in the Omaha area. Voting in our annual Best of Omaha contest begins July 1 and continues through Aug. 20.

And speaking of “the best,” Omaha Magazine is not just the best magazine in the city, we were named Magazine of the Year on May 4 at the 2018 Great Plains Journalism Awards in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We received 20 awards for design, photography, multimedia, and writing produced in 2017.

JULY/AUGUST

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2018

Thank you, subscribers, for supporting our dedication to community journalism. If you are not yet a subscriber, visit omahamagazine. com/subscribe to learn more.

*Note: the hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover, and it does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition.

FOOD ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY Date & Time: Sunday, July 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (watermelon-eating contest begins at noon) Location: Florence Mill Farmers Market, 9102 N. 30th St. (by the intersection of North 30th Street and I-680) Admission: Free RSVP: localstubs.com

JULY // AUGUST 2018 VOLUME 36 // ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL Executive Editor

DOUG MEIGS

Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Associate Editor

TARA SPENCER

ELEGANCE

Editorial Assistant

LINDSAY WILSON Editorial Interns

REIMAGINED

KAMRIN BAKER · ELIZABETH KOTTICH · MICHAEL MCCURDY Contributing Writers

J.D. AVANT · LEO ADAM BIGA · TAMSEN BUTLER JARED KENNEDY · SARA LOCKE · LISA LUKECART SANDRA MARTIN · CAROL CRISSEY NIGRELLI LINDA PERSIGEHL · NIZ PROSKOCIL · KIM REINER SEAN ROBINSON · TYLER SCHUSTER · OTIS TWELVE SARAH WENGERT · DAVID WILLIAMS

CREATIVE Creative Director

MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer

DEREK JOY

Graphic Designer II

MADY BESCH

Graphic Designer I

KATIUSKA NUÑEZ Contributing Photographers

KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES SCOTT DRICKEY · WILLIAM HESS · SARAH LEMKE Contributing Videographers

CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL · MARK MCGAUGH JEREMY WADE RODMAN · JOE PANKOWSKI

SHOPPING HOURS Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm | Saturday 10 am-7 pm | Sunday 12 pm-5 pm Individual store hours may vary

STORES Ann Taylor | Anthropologie | Borsheims | Christian Nobel Furs Evereve | Francesca’s Collections | Garbo’s Salon & Spa Learning Express Toys | LOFT | Parsow’s Fashions

Pottery Barn | Pottery Barn Kids | Rhylan Lang | Tilly White House Black Market | Williams-Sonoma

DINING Bonefish Grill | Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Paradise Bakery & Café

RegencyCourtOmaha.com

SALES DEPARTMENT Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN

Senior Branding Specialist

MARY HIATT

Senior Sales Executive & 60PLUS in Omaha Contributing Editor

GWEN LEMKE

Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor

Call for information on 1 to 3 hour tours

402.968.8534

SANDY MATSON

Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS

Branding Specialist

GEORGE IDELMAN Local Stubs Ticketing Representative and Branding Specialist

JOSHUA PETERSON

Local Stubs Ticketing Associate

HOLLEY GARCIA-CRUZ Digital Sales Manager

JILLIAN DUNN Sales Assistants

DAWN DENNIS · SOPHIA GALARDI · WILL PATTERSON

OPERATIONS Distribution Manager

MIKE BREWER

EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher

TODD LEMKE Vice President

GREG BRUNS Associate Publisher

BILL SITZMANN Chief Operating Officer

TYLER LEMKE

For Advertising & Subscription Information:

402.884.2000

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS ELIZABETH KOTTICH - Editorial Intern Elizabeth Kottich of Neola, Iowa, is pursuing a master’s degree in English with a focus on creative nonfiction writing at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. When she is not busy with schoolwork, she enjoys reading about history, writing nonfiction, and cheering on the Hawkeyes. She looks forward to writing her thesis and finishing her degree (next year) before securing a position teaching high school English in the Omaha area. In the future, she hopes to continue teaching high school English while also teaching a few college classes. She also hopes to become a published creative nonfiction author and to write professionally.

SARA LOCKE - Contributing Writer Sara Locke was born in Omaha, raised on poorly constructed Polish food, and graduated from a love of pizza rolls to the prestigious title of editor and food columnist at The Reader in 2014. She is young enough that she will tell you her real age if you ask directly but old enough not to volunteer the information. A freelance wordsmith, she one day realized that someone could make a living turning words into dollars (and it might as well be her). “Mamba” to three—one of whom can’t pronounce the word “mama”—when she isn’t writing for local papers, magazines, and media firms, she is writing her blog See Mom Date, teaching yoga, or torturing herself over which photos of her children to delete from her phone.

MICHAEL McCURDY - Editorial Intern Michael McCurdy resonates with the term “in-betweener,” as he spends most of his days shuffling through a large and pretentious vinyl collection, yet he appreciates the art of sport (and can be found profusely sweating and cursing during every Hawkeye football game). A student of journalism and cinema at the University of Iowa, Michael hopes to write and direct a modern version of Richard Linklater’s Slacker before becoming one of its characters. He has worked as a sports reporter and web editor for the University of Iowa’s student newspaper, the Daily Iowan, while also running an online film column for the university’s radio station, KRUI. In his free time, you can find him reading lists of all-time-best movies and albums, sometimes ranking his own (though the first-place spot is difficult to nail down: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Pet Sounds).

WILLIAM HESS - Contributing Photographer Editorial and commercial photographer William Hess is back in Omaha. During his previous six years in Kansas City, he cut his teeth in the industry and worked for several studios. William and his wife also brought a beautiful daughter into the world (two years ago). But with baby No. 2 on the way, the thought of raising two children away from friends and family got them rethinking priorities. They decided it was time to return to “The Good Life.” They sold their house, packed up, and headed Home-aha. Besides working, William loves spending time outdoors and exploring local culture. Showing his daughter the wonders of the world—from the smallest bugs to the biggest buildings—it’s exciting for him just to walk outside and see the world through her eyes.

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JULY/AUGUST 2018

SECTION // NAMES

WINGS OVER THE HEARTLAND IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

THE 2018 OFFUTT DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM AIR & SPACE SHOW.

RANDY BALL M-17F • ACE MAKER T-33 • REMAX JUMP TEAM • AEROSHELL AEROBATIC TEAM • KENT PIETSCH’S L-6 INTERSTATE • SHETTERLY BROTHERS • LADY LIBERTY A-26 • MATT YOUNKIN • SCOTT FRANCIS AIRSHOWS • 26,000 SQ. FT. KIDS ZONE • DOZENS OF MILITARY STATIC DISPLAYS ON THE RAMP

AUGUST 11-12 GATES OPEN 9:00 A.M. FREE TO THE PUBLIC • FEATURING THE F-22 RAPTOR & THE F-35 HERITAGE FLIGHT TEAM NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED OR INTENDED

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EVENTS

ART & MUSEUM EXHIBITS PATRIOTIC PERCHES

Through July 15 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This collection of 51 handcrafted birdhouses by Richard Yost will educate visitors about state birds and flowers. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-12, free for children under 6 and members. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO FIGHT: AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCES IN WORLD WAR II

Through July 15 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibit highlights some of the extraordinary achievements and challenges of African-Americans during World War II. Also showing at this time is American Adventure, which closes July 29. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free to children age 2 and under and members. 402-444-5071.

—durhammuseum.org

AMY HANEY

Through July 17 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. An Omaha native, Haney is sharing her printmaking pieces. Admission: free. 402-595-2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

ANOTHER BLOOMIN’ EXHIBIT

BY OMAHA ARTISTS, INC.

Through July 23 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The botanical artwork of many local artists will depict flowers, landscapes and more through a variety of media. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-12, free

Another exhibit on display at this time is Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer.

Admission: $13 adults and kids, $12 seniors (60+), free for children under 2 and members. 402-342-6164.

—ocm.org

A NIGHT AT THE DREAMLAND BALLROOM

Through Sept. 1 at Great Plains Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St. Sept.

Dreamland Ballroom held some of the greatest jazz acts from its heydays in the 1930s until it closed in 1965.

This exhibit will highlight photos and artifacts from this era. Admission: free. 402-932-7077.

—gpblackhistorymuseum.org

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TREASURES OF BRITISH ART 14002000: THE BERGER COLLECTION

Through Sept. 9 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Take a look at 50 masterworks from one of the most private collections of British painting in the U.S. Tickets: $10 general public ($5 on Thursday 4-8 p.m.), $5 college students, free for Joslyn members and ages 17 and younger. 402-342-3300.

—joslyn.org

for children under 6 and members. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

OUR BODY: THE UNIVERSE WITHIN

Through July 31 at The Capitol District, 225 N. 12th St., Suite 120. Guests will be able to connect with human artifacts on a personal level. Admission: $15 adults, $10 children (5-14), $12 seniors (65+), active military members, and students (15+ with ID). 531-444-0423.

—ourbodyomaha.com

MARCELA DIAZ: CONTEMPORARY TEXTILES

Through Aug. 18 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. This exhibit represents the traditional textile fiber art of the Yucatán region. Admission: $5 adults, $4 college students with ID, $3.50 students K-12 and seniors (55+), and free to children under 5, military members with ID, and museum members. 402-731-1137.

—elmuseolatino.org

SINCERELY, MARK TEAGUE

Through Aug. 19 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. A showcase of original art from author and illustrator Mark Teague and his How Do Dinosaurs series, the LaRue stories, and more. Admission: free. 402-342-3300.

—joslyn.org

CHILDREN’S CHINA: CELEBRATING CULTURE, CHARACTER, AND CONFUCIUS

Through Aug. 19 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Become a researcher at a panda reserve, cook a traditional Chinese meal, play games, explore the language, and become a dragon in a festival parade.

SHEILA PEPE: HOT MESS FORMALISM

Through Sept. 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. This exhibit examines how Pepe often plays with feminist and craft traditions to counter patriarchal notions of art. Admission: free. 402-341-7130.

—bemiscenter.org

REALITY

Through Sept. 26 at K ANEKO, 1111 Jones St. This exhibit investigates art, science, and technology that creates, alters, and reflects upon the sense of what’s real. Admission: free. 402-341-3800.

—thekaneko.org

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA

Stage Performances

MIKE GODEK, SUSAN WOODFORD, KAYLEY SLACK, AND AMELIA KONECK

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND July 1 through July 22 at Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Through July 1 at SNA P! Productions, 3225 Nicholas St. Sculptors Godek and Woodford, and Ca lifornia St. A collaboration with Oma ha painters Slack and Koneck, will display their South High School, Once on This Island art during July at Hot Shops. 402-342-6452. is the stor y of a peasant girl who fa lls in July love with a “grand homme.” Ti Moune and —hotshopsartcenter.com Daniel Beau xhomme must f ind a way to make their love work in a land ruled by four gods, socia l inequa lit y, and racia l probAGNETA GAINES, JOAN FETTER, lems. 2 p.m. Tickets: $20 genera l, $15 for AND JENNA JOHNSON students, seniors, and militar y. 402-341-2757.

July 6-28 at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, — snapproductions.com 405 S. 11th St. Textile artist Gaines and painters Fetter and Johnson display their colorful works. Admission: free. 402-342-9617.

SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN: KING JOHN July 1, 6 , 8 at Elmwood Park, 411-1/2 N. Elm—artistscoopomaha.com wood Road . In this histor y show, K ing John f inds a way to f ight his family, the French, and the Pope in order to keep his throne. The outELLA WEBER: SOUNDS GOOD door event includes pre-show enterta inment, July 20-Aug. 25 at The Union for Contemporary a nd be sure to bring a bla nket or cha ir to sit Arts, 2423 N. 24th St. This Omaha artist examines on. 8 p.m. Ad mission: f ree. 402-280 -2391.

—nebraskasha kespeare.com the connections between consumerism, sexuality, spirituality, and the mundane through her suburban Midwestern ethos. Admission: free. 402-933-3161.

—u-ca.org

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JUNO’S SWANS: A READING OF JULIUS CAESAR

J u l y 7 - 8 a t B l u e B a r n T h e a t r e , 110 6 S .

10 t h S t . J u n o S w a n s , a p a r t o f t h e C o n nect w it h Sha kespea re Series, explores g e n d e r p e r s p e c t i v e s o f S h a k e s p e a r e ’s t r a g edy a nd cha racters wit h a n a ll-fema le en semble. W hen R ome a n nou nc e s Ju l iu s Caesa r a s the emperor of the free world, a rebellion quick ly spa rk s a s people wonder a b o u t t h e e f f e c t s o f C a e s a r ’s t y r a n n y.

2 p . m . A d m i s s i o n : f r e e . 4 0 2 -2 8 0 -2 3 91 .

—nebra sk a sha kespea re.com

THE DAIRY MAID-RIGHT

J u l y 13 - A u g . 5 a t S h e l t e r b e l t T h e a t r e , 3 2 25 C a l i f o r n i a S t . It’s s u m mer at t he D a i r y M a idR i g ht w h e n c o -w o r k e r s a n d r e c e nt P i o n e e r H i g h g r a du a t e s C ou r t ne y a nd D a v id e nc ou nter a c h i ld m i g r a nt . 8 p.m . T hu r s d ay s , Fr id ay s , a n d S a t u r d a y s ; 6 p. m . S u n d a y s . T i c k e t s : $ 2 0 a du lt s ; $15 s t u d e nt s , s e n i or s (65+), a n d TAG m e m b e r s ; $12 on T hu r s d a y s . 4 0 2 -3 41-2 757.

— s h e lt e r b e lt .or g

TAKING ROOT

Starting July 26 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Artist Kristine Allphin shows art that is full of color, texture, and the beauty of nature. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-12, free for children under 6 and members. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.com

BETNI KALK

Starting July 27 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Encaustic painter and muralist Betni Kalk will show her works at the gallery. Encaustic painting is also known as hot wax painting, using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added.

Admission: free. 402-595-2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

NICKI BYRUM, MARGIE SCHEMENTI, INNA KULAGINA, AND CHARLEEN POTTER

Aug. 3-31 at the Artists Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. The Co-op’s August show features something for everyone, with paintings, mixed-media works, textiles, and ceramics. Admission: free. 402-342-9617.

—artistscoopomaha.com

FIGHTING FOR THE GOOD LIFE: NEBRASKANS’ MEMORIES OF WORLD WAR I.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

July 2 , 5, 7 at El mwood Park , 411-1/2 N. Elmwood Road. Misundersta ndings, love, a nd dec ept ion ma ke t h is Sha ke spe a re a n c omedy a c la s sic . T he outdoor event includes the pre-show entertainment, a nd be sure to bring a bla nket or cha ir to sit on. 8 p.m. (10 p.m. on July 2). Admission: free. 402-280-2391.

—nebraskasha kespeare.com

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S t a r t i n g A u g. 18 a t D u r h a m Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I by highlighting its impact on those in Omaha and the surrounding region. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), and free to children age 2 and under and members. 402-444-5071.

—durhammuseum.org

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SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

JAMES JOHANN

July 6 - 8 at Omaha Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Johann’s boyish appearance, self-deprecating sense of humor, a nd high energ y a ll c ome toget her to cre ate a u n ique on st a ge per sona . Ti me s va r y. Tic ket s: $18 Fr id ay a nd Sat u rd ay, $16 Su nd ay. 402 - 493 - 8036.

— oma ha.funnybone.com

DANCE CHANCE EVENT

July 14, Aug. 11 at Bancroft Street Market, 2702 S. 10th St. Be mesmerized as dancers perform a variet y of dances with impressive choreography and style. 7-9 p.m. Admission: $2. 402-651-2327.

—bancroftstreetmarket.com

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL COMEDY SHOW WITH HONKY TONK MAN AND GREG “THE HAMMER” VALENTINE

July 16 at Omaha Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St . W W E legends “The Honky Tonk Man” and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, also known as “R hythm & Blues,” reunite for a once in lifetime tour in which these superstars give the audience the inside scoop on the whirlwind life of pro wrestling. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20-$40. 402- 493-8036.

— oma ha.funnybone.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM

July 20 at Holland Per for ming Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Lil Duval lives a single, happy life f illed with signature catch phrases. Kountr y Wayne ( Wayne Colley) uses short funny clips to captivate his audiences, and DC Young Fly combines his in-your-face personality with a raw comedic style. 8 p.m. Tickets: $42-$58. 402-345-0606.

—ticketoma ha.com

OMAHA UNDER THE RADAR

July 25-28 , variou s locations. This four-day engagement showcases performances from loca l and nationa l dance companies, theater collectives, open a r t d iscu ssions, a nd work shops.

Times var y. Tickets: $40 pass or $75 V IP pass.

—undertheradaroma ha.com

• Bridge Beats (The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Plaza, 705 Riverfront Drive): 6 p.m. Fridays (June 29-Aug. 17).

FUN HOME

Starting Aug. 17 at Omaha Communit y Playhou se, 6915 Ca s s St . W hen A lison’s fat her d ie s u nexpected ly, she explore s her pa st to tell the stor y of their tumultuous relationship.

Ti me s va r y. Ticket s: $ 4 2+. 402-553 - 080 0.

— oma haplayhouse.com

• Jazz on the Green (Turner Park in Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St.): 7:30 p.m. Thursdays (July 5-Aug. 9).

• La Vista Concerts and Movies (La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Road): 7 p.m. Fridays (July 13 and Aug. 17).

PAULA POUNDSTONE

Aug. 24 at Holland Per for ming Arts Center, 12 0 0 D o u g l a s S t . Pou nd s tone i s k now n for sma r t, obser vat iona l hu mor a nd sponta neou s interaction w it h t he crowd. 8 p.m.

T i c k e t s : $39. 25 - $ 49. 25. 4 0 2 -3 45 - 0 6 0 6 .

—ticketoma ha.com

• Music in the Park (Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA): 6 p.m. Wednesdays (through July 18).

YOU HAD TO BE THERE

Ju l y 25 at R e ve rb Lou nge, 6121 Milit a r y Ave . Rya n de la Ga r z a host s a live comedy show including a myriad of stand-up comedia ns a nd improv performers who will interact wit h ra ndom stra ngers via online webca m. 8 p.m. Admission: free. 18+ only. 402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

SPUNK

July 27-29 at T he Union for Conte mporar y Ar t , 24 23 N. 24th St . Spunk is t hree shor t stories by Zora Nea le Hurston adapted for the stage by George C. Wolf that feature music by Chic Street Man. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free. 402-933-3161.

—u-ca.org

GABRIEL IGLESIAS

July 28 at R al ston Arena , 7300 Q St . K nown comica lly as “Fluf f y,” Iglesias is an A merican comedia n, actor, writer, producer, a nd voice actor. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45-$70. 402-934-9966.

—ra lstonarena.com

DAVID CROSS: OH COME ON

• Music in the Park (Washington Park, 20th & Franklin Streets, Bellevue): 7 p.m. Thursdays (July 5 and 12).

Aug. 26 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St . Emmy Award winner and Grammy Award nominee David Cross is an inventive performer, writer, and producer on stage and screens big and small. 8 p.m. Tickets: $40 402-345-0606.

—ticketoma ha.com

• Playing with Fire Festival (Turner Park in Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St.): 4:30 p.m. July 14 and Aug. 25.

• Rockbrook Village (2800 S. 110th Court): 7 p.m.

Fridays (through Aug. 31).

• Sou nd s of Su m mer: ( Nebra sk a Med icine A mphitheater, Shadow Lake Towne Center, 72nd St. and Highway 370): 6:30 p.m. Fridays ( June 1-Aug. 10).

BILLY MCGUIGAN’S ROCK TWIST

Aug. 1-12 at Omaha Communit y Playhou se, 6915 Cass St. This show features McGuigan with an all-star lineup of musicians, backed by a fourpiece horn section. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $42. 402-553-0800.

— oma haplayhouse.com

• Stinson Park (Aksarben Village, 2285 S. 67th St.): 7 p.m. Saturdays (July 7, 21, and 28) • Summer Concert Series (Narrows River Park, 2500 N. 25th St.): 4 p.m. Sundays July 1 and Aug. 5. (Note: $3 park entry fee is required)

BRAD WILLIAMS

Aug. 2-5 at Omaha Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St . Williams’ abilit y to ma ke humorous obser vations is winning over audiences and proving that anyone can overcome their shortcomings. Times var y. Tickets: TBA. 402- 493-8036.

— oma ha.funnybone.com

MIRANDA SINGS LIVE…NO OFFENSE

Aug. 8 at Holl and Per for ming Arts Center, 120 0 Dougl a s St . Mira nda Sings is t he f ict iona l cha racter de veloped on t he internet, created and portrayed by A merican comedian, actress, and YouTube persona lit y Colleen Ba llinger. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $39.50. 402-345-0606.

—ticketoma ha.com

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL: THE WHITNEY HOUSTON SHOW

A u g. 9 a t t h e O r p h e u m T h e a t r e , 4 0 9 S . 16 t h S t . Hou s ton’s mu sic a l le g a c y i s brou g ht to l i fe for t h is onc e-i n-a-l i fet i me c onc er t s t a r r i n g B e l i nd a D av id s . 8 p.m.

T i c k e t s : $ 2 9. 25 - $ 7 9. 25. 4 0 2 -3 45 - 0 6 0 6 .

—ticketoma ha.com

• Vibes (Village Pointe, 17305 Davenport St.): 6:30 p.m. Thursdays (through Aug. 9).

A MAN A FISH

JEREMY ENIGK

Aug. 28 at The Union for Contemporary July 3 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This July Art, 2423 N. 24th St. Prosper is a fisherman ’90s indie-rock icon who recorded Return of trying to get by in the face of everyday probthe Frog Queen is coming to Omaha. Enigk lems when a slippery eel salesman arrives in is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, town peddling progress to the rural commuand multi-instrumentalist. 8 p.m. Tickets: nity. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, or inquire $15 advance, $18 day of show. 402-345-7569. at the box office day of show to reserve one to —theslowdown.com two “radical hospitality” tickets. 402-933-3161.

—u-ca.org

3

TEMPO OF TWILIGHT

CONCERTS FREE CONCERTS

Enjoy an eclectic array of live music, including rock, R&B, blues, jazz, and country from local and national musicians. Located in some of Omaha’s most vibrant areas, these summer concert series are sure to get the whole family grooving.

July 3, 10, 17, 24 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This outdoor concert series brings local entertainment to the garden. Bring chairs, food, and the family. 6 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 6-12, free for children under 6 and members. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 11 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA

ELEVATE: BEN JONES AND LOWERCASE TRES

QUINTRON & MISS PUSSYCAT

DRIVE BY TRUCKERS

July 6 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. DJs Ben Jones and Lowercase Tres host a rave of underground house music with a rotation of guest DJs. 9 p.m. Tickets: free. 402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

July 17 at O’Leavers, 1322 S. Saddle Creek Road. This live show is one of barely controlled chaos full of dance beat, explosions, and puppet stories. 9 p.m. Admission: $8 advance, $10 day of show. 402-556 -1238.

—facebook.com/oleavers

THE GUHMBALL

DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES WITH TRAIN

JAMEY JOHNSON

BALLYHOO!

HULLABALOO MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 6 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Guhmi (Roscoe Whyte & Sozen) produces a variety of music—from house to dubstep to future bass. 9 p.m.

Tickets: $5 advance, $8 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

July 8 at T he Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Ma pl e St . T h is Ba lt imore g roup come s to Oma ha wit h Bumpin Uglies a nd Tropidelic.

A l l t hree groups a re de scribed a s a mi x of reg g ae a nd pu n k rock . 8 p.m. Ticket s: $15 adva nc e, $18 d ay of show. 4 02 - 88 4 -5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

ELECTRIC SIX

July 10 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Militar y Ave. The six-member American band brings rock music infused with garage, disco, punk rock, and metal to Oma ha. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

YOB AND BELL WITCH

July 11 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. These two American doom metal bands originate from the Pacif ic Northwest and bring their eclectic style and many albums of work to Omaha. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402-391-2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

MOE.

J u l y 1 3 a t T h e Wa i t i n g R o o m O u t d o o r s , 6 212 Ma pl e S t . T h i s prog re s sive roc k ba nd ha s head lined mu sic festiva ls f rom Lollapa looza to Bonnaroo and shared t he sta ge w it h t he A l lma ns, T he W ho, a n d R o b e r t P l a n t . 7: 3 0 p . m . T i c k e t s : $ 3 0 a d v a n c e , $ 35 d a y o f s h o w. 4 0 2 - 8 8 4 -5353 .

—wa it ingroom lou nge.com

A$AP FERG

July 14 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Building on the success of Trap Lord, A$AP Ferg continues to captivate fans with each new album and song release. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29.50 advance, $35 day of show. 402-346 -9802.

—sokolauditorium.com

July 18 at CenturyLink Center, 455 N. 10th St. Hall and Oates are an American duo with a blues-infused rock ’n’ roll style. Train is an American rock band.

7 p.m. Tickets: $46.50-$129.50. 402-341-1500.

—centurylinkcenteromaha.com

July 19-21 at Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue. A celebration featuring live music from regional and national bands and DJs. Guests can camp throughout the weekend in tents or campers. Times vary. Tickets: $30 day pass, or $80 weekend pass. 402-210-4747.

—hullabaloomusicfestival.com

POMEROY & FRIENDS

J u l y 19 a t T h e Wa i t i n g R o o m L o u n g e , 6 21 2 M a p l e S t . Po p -r o c k b a n d Po m e r o y f o c u s e s on f i g ht i n g t he m a i n s t r e a m s ou nd to create a vibe a nd presence unique to t he m . 9 p. m . T ic k e t s : $2 0. 4 02 - 8 8 4 -5353.

— w a it i n g ro om lou n g e .c om

CHASE RICE

July 20 at T he Waiting Room Outdoors, 6212 Mapl e St .. This countr y music maverick performs energetic live shows wit h a n edg y, eclectic sound. 6:30 p.m. $35 adva nce, $ 4 0 d a y of s ho w. 4 02 - 8 8 4 -5353.

—reverblounge.com

METALACHI

CITIZEN

July 23 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This breathy pop band is known for their latest single, “Fever Days.” Also performing is Oso Oso, Teenage Wrist, and Queen of Jeans. 8 p.m. Tickets: $16 advance, $19 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD

WEEDEATER

// 12 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

FISHFEST OMAHA

July 28 at Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue. Nebraska’s largest Christian music festival features performances by For King & Country, Sidewalk Prophets, Zach Williams, and local artists; a bonfire worship service; a drive-in movie; and camping. 11 a.m. Tickets: $40-$175, $10 each for Q&A sessions with headlining performers. 402-422-1600.

—fishfestomaha.com

GUSTER

July 28 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14 St. This alt-rock group has been together for more than 20 years and is touring the U.S. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $28 advance, $30 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

WALK THE MOON

30

July 21 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. A surprising blend of metal and Mariachi, Metalchi is a family affair, comprised of five siblings with a mythic origin story. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

HAR MAR SUPERSTAR SINGS SAM COOKE

July 17 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. CRB’s latest studio album, Barefoot In The Head, showcases stunning musicianship and infectious energy. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

July 27 at SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion. American country singer and songwriter Jamey Johnson has been nominated for 11 Grammys and noted as a top performer in the genre.

8 p.m. Tickets: $39.50-$89. Children 2 and under admitted free with paid adult ticket. 402-597-2065.

—sumtur.org

July

KIMBERLY DUNN

July 14 at Reve rb Lounge, 6121 Militar y Ave. Countr y artist K imberly Dunn is ready to ignite. Her new a lbum, New Smoke Show, offers lots of high-energ y songs. 9 p.m. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show. 402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

July 27 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This alternative-country-rock band tells a distinctly American story via craft, character, and concept, all backed by sonic ambition and social conscience. 9 p.m. Tickets: $30. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

July 24 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Sean Tillmann—better known as Har Mar Superstar—specializes in R&B, soul, and pop tunes. This show will highlight songs by Sam Cooke. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

July 25 at T he Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Ma pl e S t . T he Nor t h C a rol i n a- or i g i n ate d pu n k ba nd w i l l per form a he av y a nd i mpudent set. T he show opens w it h Z eke, Frea kabout, a nd Bongha mmer. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 a dva nc e , $25 d ay of show. 4 02 - 88 4 -5353.

—wa itingroom lounge.com

July 30 at the SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion. This pop group and radio favorite will likely encourage concert-goers to Shut Up and Dance. 7 p.m. Tickets: $35-$75.

Children 2 and under admitted free with paid adult ticket. 402-597-2065.

—sumtur.org

LUKE BRYAN

Aug. 2 at CenturyLink Center, 455 N. 10th St. This American country singer and songwriter consistently finds himself on top in the country charts.

7:30 p.m. Tickets: $39.75-$89.75. 402-341-1500.

—centurylinkcenter.com

BILLY CURRINGTON

Aug. 3 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluf fs. An American county music singer and song writer, Currington has released such hits as “Get Directions” and “Hey Girl.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $43-$178. 712-329-6000.

—casesars.com

NOW OPEN! Presented by:

© 2018 Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved. Nickelodeon, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Produced by:

KNOW OF A BEAUTIFUL HOME IN OMAHA? LET US KNOW AT

SANDY@OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

10666 Sapp Bros. Drive Omaha, NE 68138 402-896-9140 Between Exits 439 & 440 on I-80

JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 13 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

CHVRCHES

Aug. 4 at The Waiting Room Outdoors, 6212 Maple St. This Scottish synth-pop band from Glasgow is bringing their latest hits to Omaha. 7:30 p.m. $28 advance, $32 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—reverblounge.com

PORTUGAL. THE MAN

Aug. 6 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. The American rock band known for “Feel it Still” and other hits are coming to Council Bluffs. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35-$93. 712-329-6000.

—casesars.com

JOE BONAMASSA Aug. 1 – 12

Aug. 17 – Sept. 16

On sale now! presenting sponsor:

On sale July 24!

presenting sponsor:

Aug. 7 at the Orpheum Theatre, 409 S. 16th St. The award-winning blues artist performs a tribute to old country music with songs by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Hank Williams.

8 p.m. Tickets: $83.50-$183.50. 402-345-0606.

—ticketomaha.com

MELVINS

orchestra sponsor:

Aug. 8 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This 35-year-old rock band has taken on a new musical approach, including the use of two bass players. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

BOY GEORGE & CULTURE CLUB

Aug. 11 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluf fs. The English legend is known for “Karma Chameleon,” “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” and others new-wave hits. Also performing is Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins. 8 p.m. Tickets: $48-$161. 712-329-6000.

—casesars.com

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

TREASURES OF BRITISH ART

1400–2000: The Berger Collection

Through September 9 See fifty masterworks from one of the most important private

collections of British painting in the United States. The exhibition traces the development of painting in England from the medieval to modern eras, featuring devotional images, history paintings, portraits, landscapes, and sporting scenes by renowned artists.

Presenting Sponsor:

Major Sponsor:

Contributing Sponsor:

Additional support provided by Wiesman Development

General Museum admission is free. Treasures of British Art is a ticketed exhibition. Tickets are FREE for Joslyn members. $10 for general public adults; $5 for college students with valid ID (tickets for those with a UNMC student ID are free); youth ages 17 and younger are free. Special Thursday pricing (4-8 pm): $5 for general public adults. IMAGE: Adriaen van Diest (1655–1704), The Battle of Lowestoft, ca. 1690, oil on canvas, 40¾ x 71¼ in., Promised Gift of the Berger Collection Educational Trust, 8.2010

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

// 14 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

SMOD FEST

Aug. 11-12 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The Stoned Meadow of Doom Fest is an annual get-together of stoner rock and doom metal bands. 4 p.m. Tickets: $25-$40. 402-884-5353 —waitingroomlounge.com

MAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug. 17-18 at Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St. This summer music festival showcases a vibrant, eclectic mix of amazing national and local music. This year’s line up includes Weezer, TV on the Radio, Father John Misty, The Kills, ZZ Ward, and more. 5 p.m. Aug. 17, noon Aug. 18. Tickets: $40-$290. 402-496-1616.

—mahamusicfestival.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS

Aug. 20 at CenturyLink Center, 455 N. 10th St. The Grammy award-winning alternative rock group is going on tour to celebrate their first five albums. 7 p.m. Tickets: $32-$128. 402-341-1500.

—centurylinkcenteromaha.com

PEDRO THE LION

Aug. 21 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This indie-rock band dissolved in 2006.

In 2017, the band got back together to perform their classic first-person narrative lyrics and political songs. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

108th & Center | rockbrookvillage.com

GOV’T MULE

Aug.

29

Aug. 29 at SumTur Ampitheater, 11691 S . 108th St., Papillion. Heavily inf luenced by the Allman Brothers Band, this jam band has been a summer festival staple for over 20 years. 7 p.m. Tickets: $35-$69.50. 402-597-2065.

—sumtur.org

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O.A.R. AND MATT NATHANSON

Aug. 31 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. O.A.R. has created and maintained a musical parallel universe for over 20 years. Their “Just Like Paradise” tour with folk-rock artist Matt Nathanson is sure to delight fans new and old.

7:30 p.m. Tickets: $39.50-$112. 712-328-6000.

—caesars.com

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o m a h a m a g a z i n e . c o m

The most complete, real-time calendar of events in the Omaha area.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 15 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA

Family & More FARMERS MARKETS

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

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

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

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

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

• Old Market (11th and Jackson streets) 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

THE GREAT AMERICAN LOBSTER FEST

RALSTON FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL

GET FIT IN THE PARK

RED, WHITE AND ZOO!

T h r o u g h J u l y 1 a t To m H a n a f a n R i v e r ’ s Edge Park, 4200 Ave. B, Council Bluf fs.

T h e M i d w e s t ’s l a r g e s t l o b s t e r a n d s e a f o o d festiva l comes to Council Blu f fs. Enjoy l i v e l o b s t e r, l i v e m u s i c , f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y ga mes, activities, shopping, a nd more.

Noon. A d m i s sion: $5 adu lt s, f re e for c h i l d r e n 1 2 a n d u n d e r . 7 7 3 -7 5 4 -7 1 0 5 .

— a merica nlobsterfest.com

S u n d a y s t h r o u g h O c t . 14 i n S t i n s o n Pa r k , 2 2 85 S . 67 t h S t . E nj o y t h e s u n s h i n e a n d d i r e c t ion of pr of e s s ion a l f it ne s s i n s t r u c tor s w it h y o g a a nd Z u m b a c l a s s e s . 10 a .m . A d m i s sion : f re e . 4 02 - 49 6 -1616 .

— a k s a r b env i l l a g e .c om

July

26

• Papillion (84th and Lincoln streets) 5-8 p.m.

Wednesdays.

• Rockbrook Village (2800 S. 110th Court) 4-7 p.m. Thursdays.

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

KIDS FUNFARE

Thursdays through July 26 at Center Court, 120 Regency Parkway. Kids will enjoy a variety of local, family-friendly entertainment Each week is something different. 10 a.m. Admission: free. 402-506-4376.

—regencycourtomaha.com

MIDWEST PARANORMAL HISTORY/GHOST TOUR

FREE MOVIES

L au g h, cr y a nd rel a x w it h c l a s sic mov ie s u nder t he st a rs t h i s su m mer. Bri ng a bla n ket or c h a i r, a nd enjoy t he s how. A l l mov ie s b e g i n at du s k .

Fridays and Saturdays through October at var iou s location s in O maha . L ea rn of the mac abre legend s, lore, a nd hau nted h istor y of Oma ha t hroug h storie s of t he site s a nd r e p or t s of p a r a nor m a l a c t i v it y. T i m e b a s e d on s u n s e t . A d m i s s i o n : $10 - $ 2 0 . 4 0 2 -9 53 -9 670 .

—mphtou rs.com

• F l i x a t t h e C h e f ( B e h i n d D a i r y C h e f i n E l kh o r n , 32 2 3 N . 2 0 4 t h S t .): Ju l y 14 , A u g . 11.

LEASHES AT LAURITZEN

• M i d t o w n C r o s s i n g ( Tu r n e r P a r k , 3110 F a r n a m S t .): M o n d a y s t h r o u g h Ju l y 3 0 .

• Movies in the Park (Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA): Fridays through Aug. 10.

• Su mTur Sta rlig ht Movies (Su mTur A mphit heater, 11691 S. 108t h St., Papi l lion). Aug. 3, 10.

July 2 ,9; Aug. 6 , 13 at Lauritzen Gard e n s , 10 0 B a n c r o f t S t . D o g s a re we lc ome to e xplore t he g rou nd s a nd enjoy t he outdoors. Heel for fa mily photos, lea rn about loc a l dog-related non-prof it s, a nd e n j o y t r e a t s /s a m p l e s . 5 - 8 p . m . A d m i s s i o n : $10 a d u l t s , $5 f o r c h i l d r e n o r d o g s , f ree for g a rden members. 4 02 -3 4 6 - 4 0 02 .

— lau rit z eng a rdens.org

July 3 - 4 at Ind e pe nd e nce Squ are, 77th and Main st reets. One of the biggest Fourth of Ju ly celebrations in the Metro area features a fun walk / run, a quilt show, children’s pa rade, live music, a f u ll-sc a le pa rade a nd f ire depa r tment water f ights. Event times va r y. Admission: free (entr y fees required for some activities). 402-339-7737.

—ra lstona reacha mber.org

Ju l y 4 at He n r y D oor l y Z oo, 3701 S . 10 t h St . This specia l event includes bounce houses, music, a nd specia l a nima l encounters. The f irst 80 0 people will receive a free patriotic gif t. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $21.95 adults 12+, $15.95 children 3 -11, free to children 2 a nd under. $1 discount for seniors, active-dut y milita r y, a nd children of active-dut y militar y. 402-733 -8400.

— oma ha zoo.com

YOGA IN THE GARDEN

E v e r y T h u r s d a y i n Ju l y a n d A u g u s t a t L a u r i t z e n G a r d e n s , 10 0 B a n c r o f t S t . C ome to t he g a rden s a nd pr a c t ic e yo g a w it h a t r a i ne d i n s t r uc tor. Pe ople of a l l a bi l it ie s a re we lc ome to pa r t icipate. Ti me s va r y. A d m i s sion: $15 for non-members; $10 for members. 402-346 - 40 02 .

— l au r it z en g a rden s .or g

OMAHA BEER FEST

J u l y 6 -7 a t H o r s e m e n’s P a r k , 6 3 0 3 Q S t .

E nj o y u n l i m it e d 2 - o z . s a m p l e s o f c r a f t b e e r s , c id e r s , a nd m e a d s f r om 6 0 p a r t ic ip a t i n g br e we r i e s , a l o n g w it h B e e r A c a d e m y S e s s i o n s a n d l i v e m u s i c . 6 - 9 p. m . T i c k e t s : $ 35 a d v a n c e d , $ 4 0 a t t h e d o o r, $ 7 5 V I P. 4 0 2 -7 31-2 9 0 0 .

— oma habeerfest.com

RIVERFEST

J u l y 6 -7 a t H a w o r t h P a r k , 2 5 0 2 P a y n e D r., Bell evue. This regiona l festiva l ha s live music, a beer ga rden, a k ids zone, f irework s, helicopter rides, and a state c h a mpion ba rbe c ue c ompe t it ion. 3 p.m.1 2 : 3 0 a . m . F r i d a y, 10 a . m . -1 2 : 3 0 a . m .

S a t u r d a y. A d m i s s i o n : $1. 4 0 2 - 8 9 8 - 3 0 0 0 .

— bellev uenebra sk a.com

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR

J u l y 10 -15 a t m u l t i p l e l o c a t i o n s : V i l l a g e P o i n t e S h o p p i n g C e n t e r (17 3 0 5 D a v e n p o r t S t .) , C h a n c e R i d g e E v e n t C e n t e r ( 5 0 6 S k y l i n e R oa d , E l k h o r n), Me t r o p o l i t a n C o m m u n i t y C o l l e g e (1 0 4 0 7 S t a t e S t . ) .

Enjoy food, d isplays, a nd at tractions at t h e D o u g l a s C o u n t y F a i r ’s n e w m u l t i - l o c ation venues. Orga nizers a re creating a n e vent focu sed on educ ation a nd communit y to blend urba n a nd r ura l fa mily f u n. Pa rk ing is not ava i lable at Cha nc e R idge. Shutt les will tra nspor t t he public f rom Vi l l a g e Poi nte a nd MC C . Ti me s v a r y. A d m i s s i o n : f r e e . 4 0 2 - 51 6 - 5 8 2 6 .

— d o u g l a s c o u n t y f a i r. o r g

AMERICAN SOLAR CHALLENGE KICKOFF EVENT

J u l y 1 3 -14 a t L e w i s a n d C l a r k N a t i o n a l H i s t o r i c Tr a i l V i s i t o r C e n t e r , 6 01 R i v e r f r o n t D r i v e . Te a m s i n t h e A m e r i c a n S o l a r C h a l l e n g e w i l l s t a r t t h e i r 1, 7 0 0 + mile journey to Oregon in Oma ha. Food, mu s i c , h i s t o r i c a l r e - e n a c t o r s , a n d c u lt u r a l d e m on s t r a t i on s w i l l b e a p a r t of t h e e v e nt , a l on g w it h d i s p l a y s o f t h e v e h i c l e s m a k i n g t h e t r e k . 3 -7 p . m . Fr i d a y ; 8 -10 a . m . S a tu r d a y. A d m i s s i o n : f r e e . 4 0 2 - 6 61-18 0 4 .

— a m e r i c a n s o l a r c h a l l e n g e .or g

// 16 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

O COMIC CON

J u l y 1 3 -15 a t M i d - A m e r i c a C e n t e r , 1 A r e n a Wa y , C o u n c i l B l u f f s . F a n s c a n m e e t a c t o r s , a r t i s t s , a n d w r it e r s . Pa n e l s , m e r c h a n d i s e a n d c r o w d s o f p e o p l e d r e s s e d a s f a v o r i t e c h a rac ters w i l l be in at tend a nc e at t h is e vent.

N o o n - 8 p. m . Fr i d a y, 9 a . m .- 8 p. m . S a t u r d a y, 9 a . m .-5 p . m . S u n d a y. T i c k e t s : $ 3 0 - $ 35 , o r $ 55 f o r a t h r e e - d a y p a s s . 7 1 2 - 3 2 3 - 0 53 6 .

— ocomiccon.com

LGBT WEDDING EXPO

July 15 at Sheraton Omaha Hotel , 655 N. 108th Ave. Browse, mingle, and connect with local wedding professiona ls and leave with plent y of ideas.

12:30-3:30 p.m. Admission: free. 402- 496 -0850.

—ra inbow weddingnet work.com

PINNACLE BANK GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

July 16 -22 at The Club at Indian Creek, 3825 N. 202 St . The PG A tour is back with the Web.com Tour, featuring 156 golfers and 72 holes. The top 25 money winners will advance to the PG A tour.

Times var y. Admission: $10 -$40. 402-991-2525.

—t hepinnacleba nkcha mpionship.com

TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET

Ju l y 27, A u g. 31 a t Tu r n e r Pa r k i n Mi d t o w n C r o s s i n g , 3110 Fa r n a m S t . Om a h a Fa r mer’s M a rk e t te a m s up w it h Tu r ner Pa rk to f e at u re lo c a l a r t i s a n s , vendor s , a c t iv it ie s , f o o d , a nd more. L o c a l nonprof it s w i l l a l so en g a g e i n t he fe st iv it ie s to showc a se t hei r ser v ic e oppor t u n it ie s. 6 -10 p.m. A d m i s sion: f re e. 4 02 -351-5954.

— m idtow nc ro s si n g.c om

RIVER’S EDGE TACO FEST

A u g . 4 a t To m H a n a f a n R i v e r ’ s E d g e Park, 4200 Ave. B, Council Bluf fs. This f e s t i v a l w i l l s h o w c a s e 2 0 o f t h e m e t r o ’s best taco-centric restaura nt s, loc a l a nd nationa l music a r tists, a nd a Chihuah u a r a c e . 11 a . m . -10 p . m . T i c k e t s : $ 2 0 a d v a n c e , $ 2 5 d a y o f e v e n t , $ 10 0 V I P. —riversedgetacofest.com

RIVERFRONT RIBFEST

A u g . 9 -1 2 a t To m H a n a f a n R i v e r ’s E d g e P a r k , 4 2 0 0 A v e . B , C o u n c i l B l u f f s . B a rbecue, ga mes, a nd rides are featured in this e vent, wh ich include s si x awa rd-w inning ba rbecue tea ms bringing ribs to t he rive r f r o n t a n d m u s i c b y Tr a v i s Tr i t t , U n c l e K r a c k e r, t h e S p i n D o c t o r s , a n d m o r e .

Su nd ay act iv it ie s include a chu rch ser v ic e a n d h o r s e s h o w. 11 a . m . -11 p . m . T h u r s d a y - S a t u r d a y, 11 a . m . - 8 p . m . S u n d a y.

A d m i s s i o n : $5 a d u l t s (u n t i l 3 p . m .), $10 a f t e r 3 p . m . ; $5 k i d s (a g e 16 a n d u n d e r).

—river f ront ribfe st.c om

BENSON DAYS

DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM OPEN HOUSE AND AIR AND SPACE SHOW

NEBRASKA ASIAN FESTIVAL

HIGH VIBE FESTIVAL

Ju l y 2 8 -2 9 i n B e n s o n , M a p l e S t . b e t we e n 58t h a n d 6 3 r d s t r e e t s . T h i s f a m i l y- f r i e n d l y e v e nt c e l e b r a t e s B e n s o n’s c r e a t i v e c u l t u r e . A c t i v it ie s include a pa nc a ke brea k fa st, a pa rade, a r tist s, vendors, food tr uck s, live mu sic, a n d m o r e . 8 a . m .-5 p . m . A d m i s s i o n : f r e e .

— bensondays.com

A u g . 10 -1 2 a t O f f u t t A i r F o r c e B a s e , 2 0 5 L o o k i n g G l a s s A v e . F -2 2 R a p t o r a n d F - 35 A L i g h t n i n g I I d e m o n s t r a t i o n t e a m s w i l l h e a d l i n e t h i s s h o w, w h i c h i s bac k a f ter a one-ye a r h iat u s. 8 a .m.- 4 p. m . A d m i s s i on : f r e e . 4 0 2 -2 9 4 - 8 8 8 0 .

— o f f u t t a i r s h o w.c o m

RHYTHM WEEKEND: OMAHA JAZZ AND TAP DANCE FESTIVAL

Ju l y 1 2 -15 a t F r a t e r n a l O r d e r o f E a g l e s N o .

3 8 , 2 01 S . 2 4 t h S t . E nj oy a w e e k e n d f u l l of w ork s hop s , d a nc e b a t t le s , s howc a s e s , h i s tor y, a n d m o r e . M a s t e r t a p a n d j a z z d a n c e r s f r om a round t he world w ill sha re t heir pa ssion.

Ti me s va r y. Tic ke t s: $3 0 -$250. 4 02 -2 0 8 -3 0 0 6 .

— jit t e r b u g s .or g

BREW AT THE ZOO

J u l y 14 a t t h e H e n r y D o o r l y Z o o , 3 7 0 1 S . 10 t h S t . Pa t r o n s ( 21+ o n l y) c a n s a m p l e four limited-edition beers, a nd enjoy food, a nima l encou nters, a nd live mu sic.

8 -11 p . m . A d m i s s i o n : $ 7 0 m e m b e r s , $ 8 0 n o n - m e m b e r s , $1 2 0 V I P. 4 0 2 -7 3 3 - 8 4 0 0 .

— oma ha zoo.com

THE COLOR RUN 5K

J u l y 14 a t C e n t u r y L i n k C e n t e r , 45 5 N . 10 t h S t . T h e p o p u l a r t r a v e l i n g 5K c ome s bac k to Oma h a . Pa r t icipa nt s r u n t he route, whi le pa int powder colors the streets — a nd the r u n n e r s . 8 -11 a . m . R u n n e r t i c ke t s : $14 .9 9 c h i l d r e n 5 a n d u n d e r, $ 2 4 .9 9 - $ 49.9 9 a du lt s . No c h a r g e t o w a t c h t h e r a c e . 4 0 2 - 3 4 1 -15 0 0 .

—t hecolorrun.com

RAILROAD DAYS

July 28 at Lewis and Clark Landing, 345 Riverf ront Drive. Enjoy food, activities, and cultural performances at this family-oriented event about Asian heritage. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Admission: $5; free for children under 12. 402-216-9081.

July —nebraskaasianfestival.com

14

J u l y 14 -15 , v a r i o u s l o c a t i o n s . T h i s f a m i ly-f riend ly fe st iva l c elebrate s a l l t h ing s tra ins a nd track s. L oc ations include T he D u r h a m Mu s e u m , L a u r it z e n G a r d e n s , Un i o n Pa c i f i c R a i l r o a d M u s e u m , R a i l sWe s t R a i l road Mu seu m, a nd Genera l Dod ge Hou se.

9 a . m .-5 p . m . A d m i s s i o n : $15 p a s s f o r t w o a d u l t s a n d t w o c h i l d r e n . 4 0 2 - 4 4 4 -5 0 7 1.

— oma ha ra ilroaddays.com

NEW AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL

Au g. 3 i n B e n s o n , Mi l i t a r y Av e . a n d M a pl e S t . C e lebr ate t he a r t s , ide a s, a nd c u lt u re s of Om a h a’s ref u gee a nd i m m i g r a nt c om mu n it ie s w it h workshops, per forma nce s, a r t, food, a nd mu sic.

4 -11 p.m. Ad m ission: f ree. 402 -203 -5488.

—bensonf irstfriday.com

CANVAS AND CHOCOLATES

A u g. 4 a t L a u r i t z e n G a r d e n s , 10 0 B a n c r o f t S t . Pa r t ic ipa nt s c a n pa i nt u nder t he d i re c t ion of a t r a i ne d a r t i s t w h i le sn a c k i n g on t he me d chocolate s. A r t supplie s a nd t reat s a re prov ided.

No on-2 p. m . T ic k e t s : $ 49. 4 02 -3 4 6 - 4 0 02 .

— l au r it z en g a rden s .or g

Aug. 11 at Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St. Good vibes abound with activities such as a 5K run, live music, yoga all day, workshops, and plant-based food.

8 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets: $10-$108. 402-496-1616.

—aksarbenvillage.com

NEBRASKA BALLOON AND WINE FESTIVAL

Aug. 10 -11 at Covent r y Campu s, 20 4th and Q st reets. Sip Nebraska wines and enjoy hot air ba lloon launches. 5-11 p.m. Friday, 3-11 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $14 -$19 adu lts; $7 children under 12; free for children 5 and under. 402-346 -8003.

—new.showof f iceonline.com

OMAHA COMIC BOOK CONVENTION

Aug. 12 at Comfort Inn & Suites Central , 70 07 Grover St . Comic book lovers from n e a r a n d f a r a r e i n v i t e d t o p r e s e n t a n d p u rcha se comic book s a nd col lect ible items l i k e a c t i o n f i g u r e s a n d t r a d i n g c a r d s . 10 a . m .- 4 p. m . A d m i s s i o n : f r e e . 3 0 9 - 657-159 9.

— e p g u i d e s . c o m /c o m i c s

JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 17 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

BIG OMAHA

A u g . 16 -17 a t O m a h a D e s i g n C e n t e r , 15 0 2 Cu ming St . The Big Oma ha conference cont inue s to promote innovat ion a nd ent repreneu rsh ip. In t a ndem w it h t he Ma ha Mu sic Fe st iva l, t he c on ferenc e w i l l include ke ynote spea kers, specia l guests, net work ing oppor t u nit ie s, a nd a not able opening pa r t y f o r t h e w e e k e n d . Pa r t y T B A T h u r s d a y, c o n f e r e n c e 8 a . m .-5 p . m . o n Fr i d a y w i t h m u s i c fe s t iv a l a f ter w a rd s . Tic k e t s: $250 - $325.

—ma ha mu sicfe st iva l.com

Four Old Market

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL GREEK FESTIVAL

A u g . 17 -19 a t S t . J o h n t h e B a p t i s t G r e e k Orthodox Church, 602 Park Ave. Live mu sic, fol k d a ncing , aut hent ic Greek cu is i n e , a G r e e k b o u t i q u e , a n d m o r e . 5 -11 p. m .

Fr i d a y, 11 a . m .-11 p . m . S a t u r d a y, 11 a . m .-7 p. m . S u n d a y. A d m i s s i o n : $ 3 . 4 0 2 -3 45 -710 3 .

— greek festoma ha.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

TERRAIN RACING: OMAHA

A u g . 18 a t t h e B e l l e v u e B e r r y & P u m p k i n R a n c h , 110 01 S . 4 8 t h S t . , P a p i l l i o n .

T h i s 5 K a n d o b s t a c l e c o u r s e a l l o w s p a rt icipa nt s to embrac e t he me ss a nd e n j o y a f u n , h a n d s - o n w o r ko u t . 8 a . m . -2 p . m . T i c k e t s : $ 3 5 - $ 1 0 0 . 4 0 2 - 3 31 - 5 5 0 0 .

—terra inracing.com

Aug.

OMAHA FASHION WEEK

18

Aug. 20 -25 at O maha Design Center, 15 0 2 C u m i n g S t . T h e c o u n t r y ’s f if th largest fashion event features more than 40 designers, 400 m o d e l s , a n d h u n d r e d s o f c r e a t i o n s . 6 -10 p . m . A d m i s s i o n : $ 4 0 - $ 8 0 . 4 0 2 - 9 3 7-10 61.

— oma ha fa shionweek.com

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

MILLARD DAYS

A u g . 21-2 6 a t A n d e r s e n P a r k , 1 3 6 t h a n d Q s t r e e t s . T h i s f u l l w e e k o f a c t i v it i e s i n c l u d e s a pa rade, a ca rniva l, a beer ga rden, horse s h o w s , a n d l i v e m u s i c . T i m e s v a r y. A d m i s s i o n : f r e e ($ 25 f o r c a r n i v a l ). 4 0 2 - 69 7-525 8 .

—milla rddays.com

DUNDEE DAY

All located at 10th & Howard OMAHA MAGAZ INE’S

FamilyGuide

Aug. 25 in the Dundee neighborhood , 50th St reet and Underwood Ave. The day includes the Rundee 5K, a pa nc a ke tent, pa rade, beer g a rden, vendors, a fa rmers ma rket, a nd live music. 8:30 a . m . A d m i s s i o n : f r e e . 678 - 8 73 - 4591.

— du ndee-memoria lpa rk .org

SEPTEMBERFEST

S t a r t i n g A u g . 31 a t C e n t u r y L i n k C e n t e r O m a h a , 455 N . 10 t h S t . L o t D . T h i s “ S a lut e t o L a b o r ” f e s t i v a l o f f e r s f o u r d a y s of e nt e rt a i n m e nt , e d u c a t i on a l a n d a r t i s t i c d i s p l a y s , a c a r n i v a l , O m a h a’s l a r g e s t p a r a d e , a b e e r g a r d e n , a K i d d i e K i n g d om , a n d f o o d . T i m e s v a r y. A d m i s s i o n : $5 p e r p e r s o n , p e r d a y.

T h e p a r a d e i s f r e e t o a t t e n d . 4 0 2 -3 41-15 0 0 .

— s e p t e m b e r f e s t o m a h a .o r g

Event times and details may change.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

// 18 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

SPONSORED

OMAHA FASHION WEEK Last year marked Omaha Fashion Week’s 10-year anniversary, and they have proudly grown into the nation’s fifth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region.

On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists, and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. On the outside, they are the Midwest’s premiere fashion event, spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence.

Omaha Fashion Week kicks off another season of fashion and glamour Aug. 20-25. See the full lineup of designer showcases and snag tickets online.

Aug.

2018

Omaha Fashion Week at Omaha Design Center 1502 CUMING ST. OMAHA, NE 68102 402.937.1061 OMAHAFASHIONWEEK.COM

A+C ART // STORY BY SEAN ROBINSON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

JULY/AUGUST

// 20 //

2018

For expanded content, return to the Table of Contents page and scan with your layAR app.

Finding Artistic Inspiration Behind the Deli Counter

// A+C ART //

FOR ELLA WEBER, her career as a profes-

sional artist began where all the greats get their start—bathing in a tub filled with 40 gallons of sprinkles.

After working in a frozen yogurt shop, she was inspired by the toppings to capture artificial happiness in a video as part of her graduate thesis project. The final close-up shots show sprinkles moving around her body like mesmerizing multicolored waves.

She’s practically swimming in a sea of rainbow sugar. Then, suddenly, Weber shoves fistful after fistful of sprinkles in her mouth and proceeds to regurgitate them. This is performance art that’s not for the faint of heart…or stomach.

“She’s a breath of fresh air covered in Black Forest ham and beige vinyl siding.” // 22 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

“There is a fairly large amount of work being made in the Omaha echo chamber that’s void of anything I would consider stimulating or surprising. Then there’s Ella Weber,” says Joel Damon, curator and founder of Project Project, a local independent art space. “She’s a breath of fresh air covered in Black Forest ham and beige vinyl siding.”

That’s right, this girl has a thing for ham. She’s a foodie, but not in the typical sense. Don’t look at her Instagram for shots of chic eats or expect Weber to whip up Chopped-inspired dishes for dinner. Instead, she uses food as a medium in videos and sculptural installations to explore the relationship between consumerism, sexuality, and religion.

“I use food because I’m always thinking of it symbolically,” Weber says. “I hope my work makes viewers hungry for questioning and looking at life a different way.”

With a pastor father, Weber spent much of her childhood on the move, living in towns so small it was practically required for her to play sports so there were enough girls to form a team. Then, her family relocated to a suburb of Chicago where she discovered a great art program and sports teams that required players to have actual athletic skills. Just like that, it was hello to creativity and bye-bye to basketball.

Her inner jock still compelled her to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and become part of Husker nation. As a freshman, she knew she wanted to cheer on the Big Red but wasn’t sure what path to take with art.

“Before college, I had no clue I needed to open my eyes. I didn’t even know or understand what printmaking was,” Weber says.

“I thought of it as ancient graphic design.”

Ultimately, Weber specialized in printmaking for both undergrad and her University of Kansas graduate degree. In the two years since schooling, however, her career has been more about lunchmeat than lithography.

To save money, she moved into her parents’ West Omaha home, living a suburban life and working behind the Hy-Vee deli counter between artistic residencies. She looks at this idyllic version of Nebraska’s good life as research.

“I was this depressed meat person, but then I had a change of heart,” Weber says. “I began to think of the deli job as a studio.

When I clocked in, it was time to make art.”

What followed were more than 6,000 videos and selfies with slices of ham, some dressed up with smiley faces, of course. A bond with an oven-roasted chicken was also formed. Part performance art and part friendship, she decided to take home this chicken after it had slipped from the slicer onto the floor. Instead of just throwing it away, she showed her bird bud six months of Nebraska nice living. When it was time to part (because, after half a year, meat doesn’t smell so neat), a service was even held in Memorial Park for the chicken.

“I don’t know how she does it, but Ella makes sliced meat look like macro-porn and vintage high-end wallpaper. It’s completely bonkers in the best way,” Damon says.

She’s just recently finished her seventh residency, teaching video and animation classes in Utica, New York. While there, she also curated a solo show where her suburbia/deli-land research came into play.

During it, she showed a video that spliced images of neighborhood walks with a meat slicer, all to demonstrate the banality and repetition of everyday life.

“I’m trying to enable the viewer to see and connect with the absurdities and beauty that surrounds us all,” Weber says. “If your eyes are open to the everyday, you can find humor and hidden meaning in the most mundane and ordinary things—like sliced ham.”

Now home from New York, Weber has a lot on her plate. This summer, she’ll have an exhibition at The Union for Contemporary Art, followed by adjunct teaching of drawing classes for the University of NebraskaOmaha in the fall.

When she does find some free time, Weber expects it’ll be eaten up by work on a semi-autobiographical book, titled The Deli Diaries, and potentially more Hy-Vee “research.”

“Me and the deli, it’s like a bad romantic relationship where my friends will kill me if I go back,” Weber says. “But I might need to refresh my memory, digest it all, and then I’ll be ready to write about deeper things than just ham.”

Visit ellaweber.com for the artist’s personal website. Her exhibition, Sounds Good, will run from July 20 to Aug. 25 at the Union for Contemporary Art. Learn more at u-ca.org

Friday, August 10th & Saturday, August 11th DAYS & TIMES th

Friday, August 10 , 5pm -11pm th Saturday, August 11 , 3pm -11pm

MARKETPLACE VILLAGE

Taste delicious foods & Enjoy live music Pony rides and fun for the kids VIP Food & Wine Experience at 6pm & 8pm each day Farm-to-Table Vintner’s Lunch

www.showofficeonline.com

A+C MUSIC // STORY BY J.D. AVANT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Curly Martin Clears the Recordon the

OMAHA CHITLIN’ CIRCUIT

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JULY/AUGUST

// 24 //

2018

// A+C MUSIC //

I

F CURLY MARTIN has

something to say, you can best believe you will hear it if you’re within earshot.

“Man, tell me who came up with this idea for a story about the Chitlin’ Circuit, I know it had to be a white boy,” Martin says during a boisterous conversation.

“First, make sure he gets it straight; it’s not chitterlings. It was called the Chitlin’ Circuit!”

While chitterlings—chitlins for short— are a soul-food staple made from the small intestines of pigs, the Chitlin’ Circuit refers to venues in the South (and into the Upper Midwest) that supported traditional rhythm and blues acts. Martin finds the term as repulsive as its namesake.

“I know they think the Chitlin’ Circuit was for the mediocre musicians, but let me tell you, the Blues and R&B Chitlin’ Circuit was different from the Jazz Chitlin’ Circuit. Jazz players ruled Omaha and always stayed sharp. We dressed like pimps and players because that was our clientele.”

There are still jazz heav y weights living on Omaha’s northside, and Martin is testa ment to the fact. In the music room of his modest home, nest led near Belvedere Point, he collects an a ssortment of recording equipment a nd memorabi l ia : a 1972 Fender R hodes keyboard, albums worked on wit h smoot h-ja zz innovator Grover Washington, and an award for the 2017 Best Jazz Musician in Omaha from the Omaha Entertainment and Art Awards.

“They told me I would have to pay to pick it up, but somehow it wound up here,” he says of the OEA A award.

2017 was an eventful year for Martin.

In addition to the local award, he was also nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Album alongside his world-renown, West Coast producer/song writer son, Terrace Martin.

// 26 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

“Grammy-nominated for Velvet Portraits and Homer’s didn’t even have the album,” Martin recalls. “I brought Terrace to Make Believe Recording Studios to record that album, but these fools in Omaha won’t acknowledge it! There’s even a song named ‘Curly Martin’ my son did with Robert Glasper. Now that’s a tough tune.”

“Man, we rotated through those clubs throughout the ’60s,” Martin reminisces.

“Mr. Allen at the Showcase let a lot of us jazz players get our feet wet, but there was also Alice’s Lounge, Shirley’s, and the Black Orchid in North Omaha. Even for the white folks, if they wanted to hear the baddest of the bad they had to come to the northside and downtown!”

W hen asked if there are remnants of the jazz scene he once knew in Omaha, Martin scoffs.

Morning breakfast dances from 6-10 a.m. on holidays, Sunday jam sessions, and good music playing on every corner is the North Omaha jazz mecca that Martin remembers.

“The ‘decision-makers’ on the music scene don’t like me because I’ll tell them to their faces they can’t play,” Martin states unapologetically. “I don’t think Omaha artists have enough range, and they’ll get mad at me for telling them the truth!”

One of the few people Martin considers an ally is Kate Dussault, founder of the Hi-Fi House. After hosting a series of successful Jazz Labs with Martin, she acknowledges him as an unappreciated artist in the local music scene.

“Curly is a hoot, but he is passionate about passing his knowledge on to the younger generation,” Dussault says. “He is more akin to a mentor than an academic teacher. I can recall him saying that you can go to class all day and do your homework, but where is the inspiration?”

“They don’t even know that I sold out the Holland Center back in February, man,” Martin asserts. “I brought out some of the best guitarists in the world that still reside in North Omaha like Wali Ali and Calvin Keys or saxophonist Hank Redd. These guys have worked with The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Tony Bennett. Musicians around here aren’t as diverse as we were, so they can’t compare to back in the day.”

Martin goes on to describe the Jazz Circuit lifestyle: thousand-dollar diamond rings, mohair suits, and alligator shoes that had to match the belt. They would play seven days a week traveling between the Blue Note in Minneapolis, Allen’s Showcase in North Omaha, O.G.s in Kansas City, KC Lounge in Denver, and the BT W Hotel and Lounge in San Francisco.

“I was probably 14 when I started drumming for my f irst band, Daddy Long Legs and the Rocking Nighthawks.

I even had a gig downtown at Mickey’s with a checkerboard band called Danny and the Roulettes because mixed-race bands were popular. We were jamming downtown when the so-called riots of ’69 went down. After that uprising, our era started to wind down.”

These days, Martin focuses on the future. With a new album in the works and another project with Dussault upcoming, he is eager to give back to his community.

“They tried to get me involved with WeBop, but I’m not trying to be a babysitter,” Martin says, referring to the early childhood education program. “I want to get kids when they’re serious about their craft, and show them that North Omaha has a rich background. I can’t let them bury our history; this generation can see me and say, ‘If Curly lived this wonderful life then I can do it, too.’”

Terrace Martin produced Velvet Portraits and is producing his father’s upcoming album. Follow @terracemartinmusic on Facebook for updates.

“They don’t even know that I sold out the Holland Center back in February, man,” Martin asserts. “I brought out some of the best guitarists in the world that still reside in North Omaha like Wali Ali and Calvin Keys or saxophonist Hank Redd. These guys have worked with The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Tony Bennett.”

// A+C VENUE // STORY BY SARAH WENGERT PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Caption goes here

D

INNER AND A SHOW is essentially

the “little black dress” of nights out on the town. The combo is always relevant, always in style, and it looks great on everyone.

Since opening in 2005, the Holland Center has offered a wonderful venue for enjoying a performance or concert; the deal is even sweeter now that they also welcome audiences for dinner, drinks, and even a pre-show performance on some occasions— all under one roof.

“Zinc is our full-service restaurant and Ovations is our bar in the lobby,” says Danyel Siler, vice president of marketing a nd communications for Oma ha Performing Arts. “They’re both located right in the Holland Center, so you can plan an entire night out here, park once, and visit Ovations for drinks and an appetizer or go to Zinc for an excellent meal made by a local chef with fresh, seasonal ingredients. We also offer valet parking to make the experience complete, so people can just come once, have a nice meal or drinks before the show, and then enjoy a night of entertainment.”

Zinc, which opened in 2015 and is helmed by chef Diana Browder, is open two-anda-half hours before all Omaha Performing Arts performances, as well as all Omaha Symphony shows except their family series.

Siler recommends making reservations via OpenTable or by calling Ticket Omaha, as Zinc fills up fast.

Foodies will find that Zinc offers creative, flavorful cuisine—from flatbread appetizers, to sandwiches and salads, to entrees—on par with some of Omaha’s best dinner destinations. Dishes feature flourishes and elements that elevate the menu; one of those attributes is the fact that Zinc is an environmentally conscious restaurant.

“Zinc’s menu changes with the season to ensure freshness,” Siler says. “The menu features fresh, organic, seasonal, locally produced food. We also feature grassfed, free-range, hormone-free meat and sustainably caught and handled seafood.”

If you’re just in the mood for drinks or perhaps a smaller bite, the Holland’s lobby bar, Ovations, has you covered.

Ovations, which opened in 2012, is open for all Omaha Performing Arts and Symphony performances.

// 28 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

“Ovations offers a variety of drinks and some great small plates and appetizers,” says Siler, noting that the bar menu rotates frequently. Some of her recent favorites have included mini Asian tacos, stuffed tater tots, and a charcuterie board with specialty jam, mustard, pickled vegetables, and lavosh.

“They’re just really nice, easy bites to eat while you enjoy a drink before you go see the show,” Siler says.

Adding another layer to the experience, Omaha Performing Arts added a coverfree, pre-show happy hour performance series in 2017, adjacent to Ovations. After sporadically offering them in the past, they hosted five happy hour performances throughout the 2017/2018 season, and plan to double that for the 2018/2019 season due to the great response they’ve received. Siler says the new lineup will be announced in September, closer to the start of the season.

“Our happy hour performances encompass all ages and genres of music, and we help spotlight our community partnerships and education programs,” Siler says. “For example, this year right before the Hot Sardines performed in the main hall, we featured Sophie & Evan [a group consisting of Sophie Keplinger and Evan Johnson] from the Blues Society of Omaha’s BluesEd youth artist development program. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the Holland in a

different way, and it brings the lobby to life with great atmosphere. There’s plenty of space to gather with friends, to visit and enjoy each other, but then also enjoy the music.”

“We really encourage everyone to come to a happy hour or for dinner and drinks at Zinc or Ovations,” Siler says. “It’s an amazing experience that we want to share with as many people as possible.”

While the Holland offers a great one-stopshop for folks with tickets to the main event, Siler says that everyone is welcome to visit Zinc, Ovations, and happy hour performances even if they don’t have a ticket to the main show.

Visit omahaperformingarts.org for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 29 //

A+C LITERATURE // STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

A NEBRASKAN ACTIVIST for Field and Farm

AWARD-WINNING POET, JOURNALIST,

editor, and author Ted Genoways of Lincoln, Nebraska, has long been recognized for his social justice writing as a contributor to Mother Jones, onEarth, Harper’s and other prestigious publications. While editor of the Virginia Quarterly Review, the magazine won numerous national awards.

His recent nonfiction books—The Chain: Farm, Factory and the Fate of Our Food, and This Blessed Earth: A Year in the Life of an American Farm—expand on his enterprise reporting about the land, the people who work it, and the food we consume from it.

The themes of sustainability, big ag versus little ag, over-processing of food, and environmental threats are among many concerns he explores.

He often collaborates on projects with his wife, photographer Mary Anne Andrei.

His penchant for reporting goes back to his boyhood, when he put down stories people told him, even illustrating them, in a stapled “magazine” he produced. His adult work took root in the form of secondhand stories of his paternal grandfather toiling on Nebraska farms and in Omaha meatpacking plants.

His father noted this precociousness with words and made a pact that if young Ted read a book a week selected for him, he could escape chores.

“I thought that was a great deal,” Genoways says. “Reading John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men was the first time I remember being completely hooked. After that, I tore through everything Steinbeck wrote, and it made a huge impact on me. I thought, there’s real power in this—if you can figure out how to do it this well.”

Reading classics by Hemingway, Faulkner, and other great authors followed. The work of muckrakers such as Upton Sinclair made an impression. “But those Steinbeck books,” he says, “have always really stuck with me, and I go back to them and they really hold up.”

Exposing injustice—just as Steinbeck did with migrants and Sinclair did with immigrants—is what Genoways does. Nebraska Wesleyan professors Jim Schaffer and the late state poet of Nebraska William Kloefkorn influenced his journalism and poetry, respectively. Genoways doesn’t make hard and fast distinctions between the two forms. Regardless of genre, he practices a form of advocacy journalism but always in service of the truth. // 30 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

“I’m always starting with the facts and trying to understand how they fit together,” he says.

“There’s no question I’ve got a point of view.

But I don’t show up with preconceived notions of what the story is.”

He’s drawn to “stories of people at the mercy of the system,” he says, admitting, “I’m interested in the little guy and in how people fight back against the powers that be.”

While working at the Minnesota State Historical Society Press, Genoways released a book of poems, Bullroarer: A Sequence, about his grandfather, and edited Cheri Register’s book Daughter of a Meatpacker. At the Virginia Quarterly, he looked into worker illnesses at a Hormel plant in Austin, Minnesota, and the glut of Latinos at a Hormel plant in Fremont, Nebraska. He found a correlation between unsafe conditions due to ever-faster production lines—where only immigrants are willing to do the job—and the pressures brought to bear on company towns with influxes of Spanishspeaking workers and their families, some of them undocumented.

That led to examining the impact “a corporate level decision to run the line faster in order to increase production has up and down the supply chain” and on entire communities.

“That’s become an ongoing fascination for me,” Genoways says. “I can’t seem to stop coming back to what’s happening in meatpacking towns, which really seem to be on the front line of a lot of change in this country.”

The heated controversy around TransCanada Corp.’s plans for the Keystone XL pipeline ended up as the backdrop for his book, This Blessed Earth. He found “the specter of a foreign corporation coming and taking land by eminent domain” from legacy farmers and ranchers “and telling them they had to take on this environmental risk with few or no guarantees” to be yet another challenge weighing on the backs of producers.

His focus became a fifth-generation Nebraska farm family, the Hammonds, who grow soybeans, and how their struggles mirror all family farmers in terms of “how big to get and how much risk to assume.”

“They were especially intriguing because they were building this solar and wind-powered barn right in the path KXL decided to cross their land, and that seemed like a pretty great metaphor for that kind of defiance,” he says.

Pipeline or not, small farmers have plenty to worry about.

“Right now, everything in ag is geared toward getting bigger,” Genoways says. “The question facing the entire industry is: How big is big enough? What do we lose when we force farmers off the land or make them into businessmen more than stewards of the land? To my eye, you lose agri-CULTURE and are left with agri-BUSINESS.” Farming as a way of life is endangered.

“Nebraska lost a thousand farms in 2017,” he says. “Those properties will be absorbed by larger operations. The ground will still be farmed. The connection between farmer and farm will be further stretched and strained.

That’s the way everything has gone, and it’s how everything is likely to continue. Agribusiness interests argue these trends move us toward maximum yield with improved sustainability.

But it also means decisions are made by fewer and fewer people. Mistakes and misjudgments are magnified. So we not only lose the culture of independence and responsibility that built rural communities, but grow more dependent on a version of America run by corporations.”

Chronicling the Hammonds left indelible takeaways—one being the varied skills farming requires.

“We saw them harvest a field of soybeans while keeping an eye on the futures trading and calling around to elevators to check on prices; they were making market decisions as sophisticated as any commodities trader,” Genoways says.

“This is one of the major pressures on family farms. To survive, you have to be able to repair your own center pivot or broken tractor, but also be a savvy business owner—adapting early to technological changes and diversifying to insulate your operation.”

The Hammonds weathered the storm.

“They are doing well. They got good news when the Public Service Commission only approved the alternate route for KXL,” he says.

Meanwhile, Genoways sees an American food system in need of reform.

“We would benefit mightily from a national food policy,” he says. “How can you explain subsidizing production of junk food and simultaneously spending on obesity education? How do we justify unsustainable volumes of meat while counseling people to eat less meat? If we really want people to improve their eating habits, we should provide economic incentives in that direction.”

Visit tedgenoways.com for more information.

The author is currently working on a book about the history of tequila for publisher W.W. Norton.

Ted Genoways Gives Voice to Rural Working Class

JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 31 //

A NEW LOCAL WAY to Ticket Your Event and Buy Tickets to Local Events

ARTS FOR ALL A Taste of the Arts Summer Camp

BENCH

Multiple class offerings

MERRYMAKERS ASSOCIATION Songs and Suds 2018

NEBRASKA BALLOON AND WINE FESTIVAL

Fun for the whole family

PARANORMAL HISTORY TOURS

Different tours available: • Sinister Sarpy Ghost Tours • Cemetery Ghost Tours • Squatchin’ 101

SHELTERBELT THEATRE

The Dairy Maid-Right

by Ellen Struve Performances Thursday-Sunday

URBAN ABBEY

Interfaith Speed Dialogue

OMAHA MAGAZINE // BEST OF OMAHA CAMPAIGN

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MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT Best of Omaha Voting: July 1-Aug. 20

Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha contest boasts over 800,000 votes annually with 300-plus different voting categories and over 700 businesses nominated each year.

At this time, your favorite restaurants, retailers, and businesses need your vote.

And you can feel good about voting in Best of Omaha because we are the city’s legitimate “best of ” contest (which we started in 1992).

The contest began as a service to the community. It remains that, and much more, to this day. Businesses proudly hang the Best of Omaha logo and strive to maintain their status as the best of their kind in Omaha.

Our Best of Omaha issue (which readers receive with a year’s subscription) provides a directory for those new to Omaha as well as a resource for longtime locals to find the best of the best in the city.

Like the local businesses you love, our voting system is fair, convenient, and free from manipulation.

We only accept one ballot per verified email in order to avoid vote-stuffing.

Publisher Todd Lemke says he is always excited to see the public come out and vote for Best of Omaha: “It is a true sampling of Omaha’s opinion during this point in time.”

It doesn’t take much time to vote, and there are no paid advertisements on our online ballot (bestofomaha.com). We also leave the category fields blank so voters are not steered to vote for certain businesses.

To encourage voting and to say thank-you, many local businesses are offering discounts that the public can obtain simply by showing their proof-of-voting certificate. Anyone who completes the Best of Omaha voting ballot will receive the certificate and discounts that come with it. Whom you vote for does not affect your ability to cash-in on the discounts.

New this year, with the completion of your ballot, you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win one of our “Experience Prizes,” such as a hot-air balloon ride, an airboat tour on the Platte River, or even a Midwest Paranormal History Tour.

This year’s contest is bigger and better than ever. We’re pleased to announce CBSHOME as a sponsor this year, and we know they are excited to join us. KETV 7 is again our media partner in the contest.

And this year, we will reveal our winners at a celebration on Thursday, Nov. 8.

More details on this celebration will be announced in the coming months. But first, take a few moments and peruse this special gold-bordered advertising section.

In here, you will find many businesses that are campaigning for your vote.

Voting begins July 1 and continues through Aug. 20. The results will be published in our Best of Omaha results issue.

SCOTT VOGT President and CEO CBSHOME Real Estate FOR OVER 20 YEARS, CBSHOME Real Estate has been in the business of helping people plant roots in our community and make their homeownership dreams happen.

We are proud to participate in Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha and help celebrate the businesses, entrepreneurs, and people that make us one of the best communities to live, work, and play.

We encourage you to vote and help us celebrate everyone that works to make Omaha the best year over year.

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// 33 //

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// 34 //

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// 35 //

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// 36 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018 . BESTOFOMAHA.COM

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JULY/AUGUST 2018 . BESTOFOMAHA.COM

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// 39 //

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JULY/AUGUST 2018 . BESTOFOMAHA.COM

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the pick of the zip A Foodie-Curated Guide to Top Dishes in every Omaha Metro Zip Code JULY/AUGUST

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2018

OMAHA HAS BEEN NAMED ONE OF AMERICA’S “BEST CITIES FOR FOODIES,” yet we often find ourselves in a selfimposed rut by heading to the same diners for breakfast, the same cafes for lunch, and the same restaurants for dinner.

It’s time to break the cycle and explore outside our daily routines. Whether you’re looking to find a new lunch place near your work, or if you’re planning date night logistics around soccer games and play rehearsals, we’ve developed a list of musttry dish picks for every zip code in the Omaha area (one dish per zip).

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Along with zip codes in Omaha city limits, we expanded coverage to incorporate outlying areas (with the Platte River as our western and southern boundary). We also included three Iowa zip codes for a more complete presentation of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro. Zip codes are arranged numerically in order.

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We couldn’t do this on our own, so we reached out to some of Omaha’s leading food Instagrammers.

These foodies know a thing or two about a beautiful meal. We sent them a list of the Omaha metro’s zip codes, and they replied with their dish picks. I curated excerpts from their contributed lists— supplemented by a few picks of my own—to complete this guide.

Bon appetit!

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Zip: 51501

Zip: 51526

Zip: 68007

Specializing in deep-fried catfish, carp, and Alaskan “walleye” (pollock), Council Bluffs’ Mo Fish (2403 Nash Blvd.) dips customers’ taste buds in an array of fried-fish flavors. Throughout the establishment, fish nets, fish replicas, and other fishy decorations hang from the walls and ceiling. Carpe diem with the carp dinner, which comes with toasted bread and two homemade sides: fries, coleslaw, or baked beans.

Dish pick: carp dinner at Mo Fish Price: $11.95 Website: mofishcafe.com Chosen by @FoodOmaha402

For more than 25 years, Pink Poodle Steakhouse (633 Old Lincoln Highway in Crescent, Iowa) has served sock-hop nostalgia with delicious fare. It was a throwback even when it first opened.

Nowadays, not much has changed at the Pink Poodle (including the onion rings, décor, and friendly service). All dinners are served with soup and salad, and come in hearty servings with a poodle…er…doggie...bag that is almost guaranteed to be going home with you.

Dish pick: prime rib at Pink Poodle Steakhouse Price: $25 (12-oz. regular cut), $35 (cut-and-a-half), $48 (Diamond Jim cut) Website: pinkpoodlesteakhouse.com Chosen by @OmahaEat

If you’re visiting Bennington, roughly 10 miles outside of Omaha’s city limits, you’ll find there are only six or so options for dining. This includes fast food. So where should you dine in Bennington? The short answer is The Warehouse (15835 Center West Hadan Drive), which is known for their friendly service, late hours (they’re open until 11 p.m. or later), and wing sauces.

Dish pick: wings with mango habanero sauce at The Warehouse Price: $6.95 (six wings), $13.25 (12 wings), $24.75 (24 wings) Website: benningtonwarehouse.com Chosen by @EatOurWorld

Zip: 51503 Barley’s (114 W. Broadway in Council Bluffs) offers a broad menu and generous portions of upscale pub food.

The Chicken Hawk Sandwich is a big bite: lightly breaded, fried chicken breast topped with ranch dressing, bacon, and Swiss cheese, served with a side of fries.

Our foodie consultant declared, “Chickfil-A had better watch out!”

Dish pick: Chicken Hawk Sandwich at Barley’s Price: $9 Website: barleysbar.com Chosen by @FoodOmaha402

Zip: 51510 Tacos at Jonesy’s are a local Tex-Mex classic. They aren’t fancy (with their fried shells and processed American cheese), but they are humongous, tasty, and filling. Fans of Jonesy’s can get their fix at four area locations.

Two brothers started the restaurant with locations in Aksarben and Council Bluffs; their children expanded the franchise with additional locations in Carter Lake and Council Bluffs. The Carter Lake location (1116 Locust St.) is an offshoot of the Aksarben branch, and it features more American dishes than available at the parent location.

Dish pick: tacos at Jonesy’s Taco House Carter Lake Price: $3 (beef or chicken), $3.25 (fish), $3.75 (steak tacos), $2 (beef and chicken) during weekly Taco Tuesdays Facebook: “Jonesys Taco House Carter Lake” Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

Zip: 68005 In Japanese, “omakase,” translates to “I’ll leave it up to you.” Although pricey, the meal selection is worth considering at any renowned sushi restaurant—especially when the chef is Keen Zheng, who spent roughly 13 years training and working alongside several of the world’s top sushi chefs at Michelin-starred eateries in New York City. Before moving to Bellevue, Zheng worked under Daisuke Nakazawa (head apprentice of Jiro Ono, featured in the Netflix documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi). Make the reservation a day in advance for the dining experience at Zheng’s Umami (1504 Galvin Road S.), sit at the sushi bar to watch the master at work, and enjoy. Presentations and fish selection varies. The meal may consist of several dishes of individually presented delicacies.

Dish pick: omakase at Umami Price: $75-$100 per person Website: umamiasianne.com Chosen by Sara Locke

Zip: 68010 The Visitor’s Center Café at Boys Town (13603 Flanagan Blvd.) offers a basic menu of comfort foods when comfort is just what you’re after. With standard cafeteria-style dining, it’s a taste of home, without the dishes and chaos.

Open weekdays and open to the general public, breakfast is served 6:45-9:45 a.m.; lunch is served 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Dish pick: western omelet at Boys Town Visitor’s Center Café Price: $4.19 Website: boystown.org Chosen by Sara Locke

Zip: 68022 It’s easy to imagine Omaha is an island surrounded not by water, but by cornfields. An oasis of civilization surrounded by a rustic escape to homestead living. While that used to be an accurate portrayal, the cities and towns outside of Omaha’s limits have been growing, and now boast a burgeoning cultural scene for which you might want to make the drive. A day in Elkhorn isn’t complete without a stop at Bella Vita (2620 N. Main St.) for a hearty plate of tortellini di manzo, cheese tortellini tossed with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and beef tenderloin tips in a black peppercorn brandy cream sauce.

Dish pick: tortellini di manzo at Bella Vita Ristorante Price: $19 (served dinner only) Website: bellavitane.com Chosen by Sara Locke

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the mia pizza @ Pitch

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Whiskey steak sirloin @ The DROVER 68124

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JULY/AUGUST 2018

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Zip: 68028

Zip: 68064

Situated in Nebraska Crossing (21351 Nebraska Crossing Drive), Local Beer & Patio’s Gretna location brings variety to an area saturated with fast food.

The freshest ingredients and the most artfully crafted beer pairings will be the highlight of a day of outlet-mall shopping. The menu’s sandwich choices are legit gourmet. Try the crispy mushroom sandwich: pretzel-breaded portobello mushroom, mayo, spinach, Swiss cheese, artichoke hearts, and tomato on a brioche bun.

Dish pick: crispy mushroom sandwich at Local Beer & Patio Price: $11.50 Website: localbeer.co Chosen by Sara Locke

Just outside of Omaha in Valley, Simply Delicious (215 N. Spruce St.) has a big name to live up to. Served with mashed potatoes and gravy, the panfried chicken will transport you to your mother’s dinner table. A dish that’s never quite as good when you make it for yourself, Simply Delicious adds a pinch of love to get it just right.

Dish pick: pan-fried chicken at Simply Delicious Price: $14.95 Website: simplydeliciousrestaurant.com Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

Zip: 68046 Papillion has seen a lot of growth in the last several years, attracting families and businesses alike. As the restaurant scene catches up to the traffic, a frontrunner has emerged in Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen (310 E. Gold Coast Road).

The establishment is known for its familyfriendliness, and your child can count on being treated like a patron rather than simply patronized. Adults are treated to a 3-6 p.m. happy hour and a tantalizing menu that ranges from elegant pesto shrimp gnocchi to hearty pork schnitzel.

Our expert chose the pan-seared salmon, which is served with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, hollandaise, and fried leeks. Make it an Oscar (add crab) for just $5 more.

Dish pick: pan-seared salmon at Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen Price: $19 ($24 with crab) Website: ollieandhobbes.com Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

Zip: 68059 The crispy Buffalo chicken sandwich at Trojan Tavern (167 Main St. in Springfield) is worth the drive. Served in the pub’s famous Ozzie Deluxe sauce, covered in melted Swiss cheese, onions, and tomato, this sandwich is then drizzled with ranch dressing to offer the perfect amount of cooling to the sticky heat between the buns. Also, look for the daily drink specials.

Dish Pick: crispy Buffalo chicken sandwich at Trojan Tavern Price: $9.95 Website: thetrojantavern.com Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

Zip: 68069 If you’re into cheese, check out El Bee’s (3200 N. 240th St. in Waterloo).

While the establishment has been open for decades, they have no official website or Facebook page, but fans of the Tex-Mex spot have maintained a page for them since 2009. Although known for their friendly service and strong margaritas, the fried ice cream takes the prize at this spot. Sweet and crunchy, it’s the perfect ending to the spicy and savory meal.

Dish pick: fried ice cream at El Bee’s Price: $5.90 (cash only) Facebook: “El Bees” Chosen by Sara Locke

Zip: 68102 It seems nearly impossible to choose a place to eat while wandering the Old Market’s endless options, and no matter where you finally stop, you’ll find something a local food artist has tortured themselves to present to perfection. When we finally held their feet to the fire, two of our consultant foodies chose not only the same establishment, but the same dish—Block 16’s Croque Garcon (available at 1611 Farnam St.), a one-third pound, locallysourced burger with ham, a sunny-sideup egg, mustard, and truffle mayo. How good is the croque garcon? Ask Food Network host Alton Brown, who named it his favorite burger in America.

Dish pick: Croque Garcon Burger at Block 16 Price: $8.25 Website: block16omaha.com Chosen by @Omaha.Feast and @EatOurWorld

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Zip: 68104 Booming Benson has turned Maple Street into the place to be when you’re hungry. Your many moods are sure to be satisfied somewhere between the upscale Au Courant and the cozy Leo’s Diner. While choosing one dish from the many options was difficult, our team of foodies couldn’t seem to keep the name Ika Ramen (6324 Maple St.) out of their mouths. Whether it’s the ancient tradition, the painstaking broth process, or the warmth of a bowl of hot, sticky noodles, Ika Ramen takes great care with each dish, and Omaha has taken notice.

Dish pick: tonkotsu ramen at Ika Ramen and Izakaya Price: $12 Website: ikaramenandizakaya.com Chosen by @EatOurWorld

Zip: 68105 The picks for this zip were split, with almost an even number of votes for Greek Islands, Mother India, and Stirnella. So, we consulted Yelp to settle the score.

Blame it on longevity, but the winner was the familyowned-and-operated Greek Islands (3821 Center St.). For 35 years, Laki “Bill” and George Sgourakis have offered their loyal patrons a taste of the Mediterranean and a seat at their table. The can’tmiss dish is the saganaki, a thin brick of warm baked cheese. It is brought to your table still sizzling from the oven, where it is doused with brandy and ignited to the festive cry of “Opa!” before being extinguished with the juice from a lemon slice and served on house bread.

Dish pick: flaming saganaki at Greek Islands Price: $8.25 Website: greekislandsomaha.com Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

oven-fried chicken @ BIG MaMA’S kitchen 68111

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Zip: 68106

Zip: 68110

Zip: 68112

Jennifer Coco has gained a reputation for being one of Omaha’s best chefs.

Her establishment, J. Coco (5203 Leavenworth St.), ran away with this nomination for the barbacoa short ribs, which are served with creamy corn risotto, tomatillo salsa, and queso fresco.

Dish pick: barbacoa short ribs at J.Coco Price: $27 (served dinner only) Website: jcocoomaha.com Chosen by @Omaha.Feast

Get-N-Go Fish (1706 N. 24th St.) is only open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. How did a restaurant that’s only open half of the week (and closes before most people have even realized they forgot to thaw something for dinner and need to order take-out) make this list? Simple. The catfish. When you do something really well, you get to choose when you do it.

Dish pick: whole catfish dinner at Get-N-Go Fish Price: $12 Website: getngofish.com Chosen by @OmahaEat

A former food truck has emerged as one of Omaha’s hottest barbecue joints.

Fat BBQ Shack (7440 N. 30th St.) still honors its former identity with heavy traffic from carry-out customers.

But you might want to dine in, with blues music on the house speakers and wafting aromas of savory, sweet barbecue hot off the grill. Out of all the meat and sandwich options on the menu, the Shack Attack stands out. This mouth-watering behemoth comes with hand-cut fries topped with your choice of meat, barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing, jalapeños, and chives. Don’t forget to share.

Dish pick: The Shack Attack at Fat BBQ Shack Price: $8.99, add $1.49 for extra meat Website: fatbbqshack.biz Chosen by @Omaha.Feast

Zip: 68107 Taqueria Tijuana (5139 S. 24th St.) is known as one of the most traditional and authentic of Omaha’s Mexican restaurants. Reviewers praise the menudo, a labor-intensive dish consisting of tripe (beef stomach) and chili base. This dish is often made communally and is part of many family celebrations. Taqueria Tijuana believes that anytime you join them for dinner, it’s reason enough to celebrate with a warm bowl.

Dish pick: menudo at Taqueria Tijuana Price: $7 (served weekends only) Facebook: @TaqueriaTijuana402 Chosen by @EatOurWorld

Zip: 68108 For their intense, three-day pizza crust-making process, ornately tiled wood-fired oven, and their handmade pastas, Via Farina (1108 S. 10th St.) was the uncontested winner in 68108.

Just outside the Old Market, the restaurant is intimate and friendly, with a knowledgeable staff and extensive wine list. The majority of our foodie consultants chose Via Farina, but there was some disagreement about which dish deserved the crowning glory. After cross-referencing online reviews, the egg yolk raviolio beat out the bianco pizza for the top spot.

Dish pick: egg yolk raviolo at Via Farina Price: $14 Website: goviafarina.com Chosen by @Omaha.Feast

Zip: 68111 When Big Mama’s Kitchen (3223 N. 45th St.) lost owner and chef “Big Mama” Patricia Barron earlier this year, the family pulled together to maintain her legacy and mission: to bring you to her table. Her special-recipe fried chicken never lost its ability to get the family to sit down and hush, and the owners make sure you know that even though Big Mama is gone, you’re still family. The restaurant is currently located in the 68104 zip code, but is scheduled to move into the 68111 zip code (2112 N. 30th St.) after the Highlander Accelerator’s construction completes.

Dish pick: oven-fried chicken at Big Mama’s Kitchen Price: $9.29 (two pieces with one side), $10.89 (three pieces with one side); $11.99 (two pieces with two sides), $12.99 (three pieces with two sides) Website: bigmamaskitchen.com Chosen by @FoodOmaha402

Zip: 68113 Offutt Air Force Base has its own zip code, but the meal options are limited to those with base access (or retired military and their families); however, Offutt does welcome the general public during certain special occasions.

The public relations team at Offutt claims that Resa’s Famous Spaghetti at Peacekeeper Lanes has been a hit “for many, many years.” But for those lacking base access, there is the wonderful Korean House Restaurant (2413 Lincoln Road)—which is technically just outside Offut’s zip code in Bellevue—situated just beside the entry gate to the base. The restaurant looks a bit sketchy on the outside, but the tables are clean and the juicy kalbee (fried chicken bulgogi and beef bulgogi) is well-seasoned and comes with free kimchi side dishes.

Dish pick: Resa’s Famous Spaghetti at Peacekeeper Lanes (for those with base access); house special at Korean House Restaurant (for those without base access) Price: $6.25 full portion, $5 half portion (Resa’s Famous Spaghetti at Peacekeeper Lanes, served Wednesdays during lunch); $9.75 (bulgogi, chicken, kalbee, and drink at Korean House) Facebook: @Offutt55fss & “Korean House” Chosen by Sara Locke (Peacekeeper Lanes) and @OmahaEat (Korean House Restaurant)

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bolognese bianco @ Avoli Osteria

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Zip: 68114

Zip: 68118

Zip: 68124

“El basha” was an Arabic term for “the elite society” during the Turkish and Ottoman empires. The unassuming atmosphere at El Basha restaurant (7503 Pacific St.) combined with the very reasonable prices may not strike you as “upper crust,” but the expertly balanced dishes and deep spices create the richest of flavor experiences. Our team chose the tender beef shawarma (which can also be made with chicken) from the extensive menu.

Dish pick: hummus with beef shawarma at El Basha Price: $7.50 Website: elbashagrill.com Chosen by @OOOOmaha_Eats

An Omaha favorite for years, Pitch West (17808 Burke St.) offers housecured meats, house-made pastas, and coal-fired pizza with an artistic touch.

The Mia (pizza) features San Marzano tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, house-made fennel sausage, and pepperoni.

Dish pick: The Mia at Pitch Price: $20 Website: pitchpizzeria.com Chosen by @EatOurWorld and @Omaha.Feast

This area boasts at least two spectacular steakhouses, but we chose The Drover (2121 S. 73rd St.).

The steakhouse has made a science of seasoning and artistry of marinade.

Your cut doesn’t receive the whiskey treatment or the secret spices until after you order it. At that point, it sits and waits until the optimal flavor window before being grilled to your specifications. Time-consuming? Yes. Worth it? Yes. (Tip: Try adding marinated mushrooms to the order).

Dish pick: whiskey steak sirloin at Drover (served dinner only) Price: $26.95, add $8.50 for a bowl of mushrooms (enough for two or three people) Website: droverrestaurant.com Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

Zip: 68116 Wave Bistro (4002 N. 144th St.) boasts a large but focused menu of Europeanand Asian-inspired dishes created by chef/owner George Liao. His wife and co-owner, Connie, runs the front of the house, and the family’s warmth and charm are as much a reason to enjoy Wave Bistro as the exceptional food.

Dish pick: shrimp roll with firecracker sauce at Wave Bistro Price: $8.95 (served dinner only) Website: wavebistrorestaurant.com Chosen by @Omaha.Feast

Zip: 68117 Puerto Vallarta (4871 L St.) is a TexMex party any day of the week. The restaurant serves various forms of meat and beans on tortillas and also has an exceptional salsa. But don’t miss the molcajetes: tender slices of ribeye, chicken, pork, shrimp, chorizo, scallops, or tilapia grilled with mushrooms, squash, Mexican onions, and nopal (cactus) served in a molcajete, a traditional grinding bowl.

Dish pick: Moctezuma Molcajete at Puerto Vallarta Price: $19.75 Website: puertovallartamexicanrestaurant.net Chosen by Sara Locke

Zip: 68122 Chosen by three of our reviewers, each for a different dish, Mangia Italiana (6516 Irvington Road) has something for everyone. For a truly unique experience, get there in March and try their Italian Reuben pizza featuring an olive oil and fresh garlic base, roasted red pepper dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut, and provolone on Mangia’s signature crust.

Dish pick: pizza rosso (whole milk mozzarella, asiago, romano, parmesan, and provolone) at Mangia Italiana Price: $13.99 (10-inch), $16.99 (13-inch), $19.99 (16-inch) Website: mangiaitaliana.com Chosen by @EatOurWorld

Zip: 68123 The most devilish spot on our list—Sinful Burger (4005 Twin Creek Drive)—has an offense to fit any occasion. Choosing from the sins themselves is a crime, but Lust has never steered anyone wrong. A half-pound patty smothered in basil pesto, bleu cheese, and fromscratch garlic mayo.

Dish pick: Lust at Sinful Burger Price: $8.99 Website: sinfulburger.com Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

Zip: 68127 Korea Garden Restaurant (5352 S. 72nd St.) offers authentic Korean cuisine in Ralston. The restaurant provides a range of fresh dishes, from plates of stir-fried octopus to bowls of bibimbap or the classic beef bulgogi (a popular Korean dish of marinated beef slices in a special house sauce cooked over a tabletop grill). Also, make sure to savor the banchan—appetizer dishes such as kimchi, gimbap, japchae, and potatoes—and don’t be shy to ask for free refills on the sides.

Dish pick: beef bulgogi at the Korean Garden Restaurant Price: $10.95 Website: koreangardenomaha.com Chosen by @OmahaEat

Zip: 68128 The La Vista area food scene is expanding, but nothing can overcome Omaha’s affection for any dish named after, well, us. The Omaha Potato Casserole at Summer Kitchen Café (12010 Giles Road) features lean ground beef grilled with onions and mushrooms, American, Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, sliced tomato, and pickle chips.

Dish pick: Omaha Potato Casserole at Summer Kitchen Café Price: $9.99 (junior), $11.99 (regular), $13.00 (king), add $1.39 for an egg on top Website: summerkitchen.net Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

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Zip: 68130

Zip: 68133

Zip: 68136

Legacy Gyros (16920 Wright Plaza) had some stiff competition but still managed to win this vote. Reviewers mentioned the Turkish coffee—which isn’t easy to find in Omaha—and the pride the owner takes in his establishment as reasons to visit.

Dish pick: the classic gyro at Legacy Gyros Price: $6.99 Website: legacygyros.com Chosen by @EatOurWorld

Some zip codes on the periphery of Omaha offer slim pickings aside from national franchise chains and fast food.

The southern reaches of Papillion are a case in point. The Hop House Bar & Grill (11425 S. 72nd St.) offers an alternative. Now to choose from the most-delicious deep-fried morsel on the menu. Why not get it all? The sampler platter offers just this opportunity with mac & cheese bites, onion rings, jalapeño poppers, fried spicy pub pickles, and fried battered cauliflower.

Dish pick: sampler platter at The Hop House Bar & Grill Price: $12.99 Website: hophousebar.com Chosen by Sara Locke

Ling’s Asian Cuisine (6909 S. 157th St.), previously known as “Vietnamese Restaurant,” sits humbly in a strip mall, just waiting to offer you a cup of iced Vietnamese coffee. You’re treated with the same hospitality whether you’re dining in or carrying out, and the menu offers most pan-Asian favorites, from pad thai to kung pao. The owners are originally from Taiwan and used to run a popular Chinese restaurant in Lincoln. They are bringing a special Taiwanese beef noodle soup to the menu in the future.

Dish pick: vermicelli rice noodle bowl at Ling’s Asian Cuisine Price: $10 Website: lingsasiancuisine.com Chosen by Sara Locke

Zip: 68134

Zip: 68137

A small spot with big, fat Greek portions, Jim and Jennie’s (3026 N. 90th St.) offers a vast menu filled with flavor. Loved for their generous dishes, authentic flavors, and warm atmosphere, Jim and Jennie’s was the destination of choice among our contributors, but the winning dish was up for debate. Ultimately, the stuffed eggplant papoutsakia came out on top.

Eggplant filled with seasoned ground beef and béchamel, the dish is topped with kasseri cheese and served with Greek potatoes.

Dish pick: stuffed eggplant papoutsakia at Jim and Jennie’s Greek Village Price: $11 (served Saturdays only) Website: jimandjennies.com Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

Shirley’s Diner (13838 R Plaza) hosts a cult following for being as warm as a greasy spoon, minus the grease. A clean and well-managed establishment, the staff is warm and the décor is updated old-school. The comfort-classic praised by our foodie was the Country Sunrise. The homemade biscuit with a sausage patty, scrambled eggs, and creamy sausage gravy will keep you satisfied until lunch…tomorrow.

Dish pick: Country Sunrise at Shirley’s Diner Price: $9.99 Website: shirleysdiner.com Chosen by @EatOurWorld

Zip: 68131 While Blackstone has no shortage of must-try eateries, Dante Pizzeria Napoletana (3852 Farnam St.) still manages to stand out for its quality ingredients, friendly staff, and fast-fine atmosphere. Choosing a single dish from the menu is akin to traveling with Virgil to the third circle of the inferno. Our reviewers failed to come to a consensus, so we executed judgment after much deliberation. The Diavolo was the eventual front-runner, with soppressata, link sausage, Calabrian chili, garlic, and mozzarella. It is truly sinful.

Dish pick: Diavolo at Dante Pizzeria Napoletana Price: $13 Website: dantepizzeria.com Chosen by @FoodOmaha402 and @TheWalkingTourists

Zip: 68132 Chef/owner Dario Schicke doesn’t serve food he wouldn’t serve his family, and his Northern Italian-inspired Avoli Osteria (5013 Underwood Ave.) is no exception. The seasonal menu always has something new to try, but the Bolognese bianco (pork and veal Bolognese) with toasted hazelnuts and pecorino Romano cheese on rigatoni won our reviewer’s vote.

Dish pick: Bolognese bianco (now simply called “rigatoni” on the menu) at Avoli Osteria Price: $18 Website: avoliosteria.com Chosen by @FoodOmaha402

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Zip: 68135 Locally sourced, fun, and delicious, Over Easy (16859 Q St.) was the runaway winner for West O. While the establishment received hard nods for the corned beef hash, roasted portabello sandwich, and hash brown rounds, they won for their clever, housemade Pop Tarts. Choose between the seasonal fruit and Nutella, whether dining in or hitting the drive-through.

Whatever you do, choose to pop by.

Dish pick: Pop Tarts at Over Easy Price: $3.99 Website: overeasyomaha.com Chosen by @FoodOmaha402 and @TheWalkingTourists

Zip: 68138 Azteca (9429 S. 142nd St.) is an easy stop off I-80 at 144th Street. The restaurant is a welcome place to rest for weary travelers, but locals make the stop for a variety of reasons. The generous portions, friendly staff, and the piña colada are all reason enough to pop in. Azteca offers a mostly basic Tex-Mex menu, but they do it well. The Azteca Burrito Supreme stands up to its name, showcasing the best of the basic. The monster starts off with rice, beans, and choice of ground beef, pork, or chicken in a flour tortilla, which is then smothered with burrito sauce and topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.

Dish pick: Azteca Burrito Supreme at Azteca Mexican Restaurant Price: $9.95 Website: aztecamex.com Chosen by @EatOurWorld

s t r a t y s p a o p ver E O @ 68135

pan-seared sa l O l l @ ie & Ho mon bbes

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Zip: 68142

Zip: 68147

Zip: 68157

A fun spot to watch a game, grab a drink, or enjoy a casual dinner with friends, Ryan’s Food & Spirits (12221 Mary Plaza) does more than catering.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at the sports bar, with an extensive upscale menu available on the bistro side. The steak lafa wrap is a stand-out dish from an exceptional menu. The dish features herbed cream cheese, balsamic cranberry chutney, caramelized onions, and mixed greens with marinated grilled skirt steak.

Dish Pick: steak lafa wrap at Ryan’s Food & Spirits Price: $11.95 Website: rgcateringevents.com Chosen by @FoodOmaha402

Known for their signature “Toad” (a unique take on a fried taco), Nettie’s (7110 Railroad Ave.) is an old-school community favorite. The huevos con chorizo comes with two eggs scrambled with Mexican sausage, served with rice, beans, and tortillas.

Dish pick: huevos con chorizo at Nettie’s Price: $14.95 Facebook: @NettiesFineMexicanFood Chosen by @TheWalkingTourists

The kitschy and fun 80’s Snack Shack (4733 Giles Road) that opened early this year across from Bryan High is an unassuming spot you may not notice if you aren’t looking for it. A glass of strawberry water is a fun twist and a refreshing kick after any of the spicy dishes on the Mexican menu.

Dish pick: pork tamales with two street tacos at 80’s Snack Shack Price: $6 Facebook: @80sMunchies Chosen by Sara Locke

Zip: 68144 Several of our foodie consultants selected Little España as their Rockbrook favorite, possibly unaware that the establishment closed April 14. (Don’t tell them, OK?) The other name on their lips was Jaipur Indian Restaurant and Brewing Co. (10922 Elm St.). Delicious, from-scratch Indian fare is perfectly paired with their jalapeño ale (brewed on-site), friendly staff, and biryani. The winning dish was the chicken tikka madras, spiced boneless chicken in coconut milk sauce.

Dish pick: chicken tikka madras at Jaipur Indian Restaurant and Brewing Co. Price: $18.95 Website: jaipurindianfood.com Chosen by @FoodOmaha402

Zip: 68152 The Cabin Bar and Grill (9226 Mormon Bridge Road) is not fancy. But it is filling. Frontier pioneers would have approved of these portions. The prime rib is as big as the plate, and comes with a hearty serving of veggies and potatoes on the side. The gizzards are hand-breaded. But our pick comes from the menu’s “signature items,” the Triple Decker Reuben. The Cabin’s signature Reuben comes with home-cooked corned beef and the traditional fixings of sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing, and is covered in melted Swiss cheese.

Dish Pick: Triple Decker Reuben Price: $9.99 Website: thecabinbarandgrill.com Chosen by @EatOurWorld

Zip: 68164 Hiro 88 in West Omaha (3655 N. 129th St.), which famed Japanese architect Hiroshi Nakamura helped design, is a premier Omaha destination for highend Japanese and pan-Asian cuisine.

Three Instagrammers suggested separate dishes: tempura udon (soup with creamy noodles and crispy shrimp), the Golden Gate roll (with tuna, shrimp, crab mix, avocado, and cucumber), and the negi hamachi roll (with yellowtail and green onions). Call us biased, but we deferred to the judgment of the Instagrammer with Japanese heritage.

Dish pick: negi hamachi roll at Hiro 88 Price: $7.50 Website: hiro88.com Chosen by @OmahaEat

Zip: 68154

Zip: 68178

Generous portions of nutritious food in an eco-friendly environment make Greenbelly (210 N. 114th St.) a go-to destination for Omaha’s health-minded.

Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options abound in the green-themed eatery, which also offers compostable, corn-based containers and cutlery.

The Thai salmon salad won out, with grilled salmon, mixed spring greens, green onion, cilantro, and peanuts in a sweet Thai chili sauce and a side of Thai peanut dressing.

Dish pick: Thai salmon salad at Greenbelly Price: $9.99 (baby), $10.99 (regular) Website: thegreenbelly.com Chosen by @OOOOmaha_Eats

Creighton University has its own zip code, but the campus dining options are restricted to students. In the 68102 zip code, across the street from campus, China Taste (1702 Cuming St.) is popular for affordable Chinese meals.

The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is only $7.75, and the steamed dumplings received rave reviews from Creighton students and staff. But when it comes to eating on campus, the Rev. Lorn Snow suggests the public drop by St. John’s Church for Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Sundays, and stay for the free coffee and donuts after the service.

Dish pick: Steamed dumplings at China Taste (next to campus); coffee and donuts at St. John’s Church (on campus) Price: $4.65 (for six steamed dumplings); free (coffee and donuts) Website: chinatasteomaha.com and stjohns-creighton.org Chosen by Sara Locke

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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I started @OOOOmaha_Eats because when I lived in Austin, Texas, I always kept up-to-date with hip, new food joints through foodies’ Instagram accounts.

When I moved to Omaha, I wanted to try new places and explore Omaha. I thought, ‘What better way to do so than through food?’ I already was taking pictures of all the new places I was trying, so I started my own foodie account. @EatOurWorld (Margaret Davenport and Levi Campbell)

Our Instagram account, @EatOurWorld, is a shared endeavor. It began a few years ago when Levi had to design a website for a class and asked Margaret for help. We knew we wanted to do something food-related, so we decided to focus on local dishes, farmers, and products that make any region that we are visiting really stand out. There’s so much good food in Nebraska that has been made or produced here; some of our local dishes are just as good, if not better, than dishes you may find in the world’s leading food tourism destinations. Although we are primarily focused on Lincoln, we also frequent Omaha for dinner excursions. @TheWalkingTourists (Tim and Lisa Trudell)

Our goal with @TheWalkingTourists Instagram account is to highlight and showcase the sights, eats, and fascinating activities from explorations of our backyard in Omaha and beyond.

We hope to inspire people to get out and find new adventures. Together we wrote the book 100 Things to do in Omaha Before You Die, which is available for sale online and in local bookstores. We are also working on another book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha, scheduled for spring 2019 release.

// FEATURE //

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I started my Instagram account to practice food photography and share my recipes and restaurant reviews in Omaha. Posting photos and interacting with other foodies gives me motivation to keep learning about my camera and Photoshop. My goal is to have more photos and recipes published. @Omaha.Feast (Meredith George)

Instagram has been such a fun way to continue exploring Omaha and connect with friends and family—people love to talk about food and what their favorite places are. Running a “foodstagram” has helped me expand my tastes and push me outside my comfort zone. It’s also encouraged me to #eatlocal and continue to prioritize our awesome local restaurants and chefs.

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I have loved going out to eat at local restaurants in Omaha ever since my parents started taking me out with them in the ’90s. I want to show Omahans, people in town for business, or folks vacationing in the Big O that there are so many amazing restaurants here. I truly admire and respect all the local restaurant owners, the risk and hard work they put in to start a restaurant, and the staff who make the dining experience so enjoyable. People in Omaha love going out to eat for entertainment, and I want to showcase that through Instagram.

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SPONSORED

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In this highly shoppable section, the City Market, you are guaranteed to discover that one unique service or special gift.

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Lombardo’s Bistro & Bar

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Locally owned, Lombardo’s Bistro & Bar is a casual Italian-inspired eatery with hints of Americana, innovative craft cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. Come in for dinner, happy hour or ask about our catering.

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NED RED KEN Y BY JA R O T S / URE / FEAT

N

Y // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN

BY MAT T WIE

CZ O R

ICK STRAWHECKER REACHES down and opens the oven.

There are two whole, cooked chickens resting on the platter within the large industrial appliance. One chicken looks well proportioned, intact, and almost seems to sit rigid as though something was placed inside it to offer structural integrity. It looks delicious, succulent. The other chicken is striking also, but in a very different way. It is of a similar size, but the breast is massive, unnaturally so. The legs are tiny by comparison. Its skin looks like a popped water balloon. This chicken sits in a thick deposit of cloudy, watery juices. It is splayed on the platter, floppy—its spine is broken. This chicken’s liver, compared to the other, looks as though it spent its short life drinking hard liquor in lieu of water.

The heavenly, intact chicken was among the living just days ago. It was raised on a cage-free farm near Pawnee City, Nebraska. Where was the other chicken from? Unknown.

Though the difference in quality is obvious on many levels (for example one is pumped with antibiotics and water to add weight and size, while the other is simply a natural chicken) even industry professionals from the free-range, farm-to-table side will admit both types of chicken have their place in the overall food economy. Dean Dvorak, who operates a family poultry business in southeast Nebraska called Plum Creek Farms, says he has never complained about the existence of large companies when it comes to chicken production.

“The big companies are certainly necessary,” Dvorak says. “People in our country eat a lot of chicken and small producers can’t produce nearly enough to keep up with the demand.”

The price point of some menus just do not fit what small producers can supply, Dvorak says. This adds to the “niche” culture surrounding local, farm-to-table food production. It takes a specific client base willing to invest in high-quality foods.

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“Our efficiency is much poorer than a larger company’s,” Dvorak says of his higher prices. “We lose more chickens to predators, and our pound of feed per pound of gain [the measure of how much chicken a farmer produces per pound of feed] is much poorer because our birds get a lot of exercise by not being kept in a small space.”

Serving a lower price point is a major faculty of the industrialized farming sector. The USDA reports organic food made up just 4 percent of U.S. food sales in 2012. This means there is a point for consumers where cost simply overrides the level of quality in a more expensive product. Many are not willing to ante up for the good stuff. Additionally, organic food is not yet available on the same scale as the alternative.

Local restaurateur Nick Strawhecker is an advocate of the farm-to-table supply chain. He owns and operates Dante (in West Omaha) and Dante Pizzeria Napoletana (in Blackstone District).

“The way most of the world works is cooking what is around you,” Strawhecker says. “After big agriculture in the United States in the ’50s, all of the sudden strawberries came available in December, or tomatoes came available in January...I think that kind of food is not at all the same, and it does not taste good.”

Strawhecker prefers to cook with food from within 100 miles of his locations and builds his menus on what he calls “hyperseasonality.” This means an item like asparagus isn’t offered from his kitchen until it is in season, and he compromises this only on things that are absolutely essential as year-round ingredients.

Locally sourced food is healthy for consumers and for the local economy, says Ben Gotschall of Lone Tree Foods (a local food distribution company). He says when you support local food you are essentially supporting local businesses.

“It puts money back into the local economy,” Gotschall says. “A locally owned business whose suppliers are also local keeps the money from leaving the area.”

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LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD IS HEALTHY FOR CONSUMERS AND FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY, SAYS BEN GOTSCHALL OF LONE TREE FOODS. HE SAYS WHEN YOU SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD YOU ARE ESSENTIALLY SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES.

Gotschall raises cattle and sells milk to people like Katie Justman, a cheese producer (at Branched Oak Dairy) who works solely with Gotschall’s grass-fed cows for her product.

Gotschall also sells milk, cream, butter, and cheese wholesale through Lone Tree and on the site of Branched Oak Farm (located just north of Lincoln) through his company, Davey Road Ranch.

Justman cares very much about the environmental benefits of working with local, farm-raised product, but she says the environmental benefits are not her leading point when talking about why she focuses on farm-to-table food—instead, much like Gotschall, she talks more about the economic benefits.

“A lot of us go with the economics route when describing our philosophy because it is a lot more relatable to talk to people about it in that way,” Justman says. “It is technically less controversial, even though the sustainability aspects are very important to us and we [Branched Oak Farms] are 100 percent grass-fed and organic certified.”

Not ever yone using farm-to-table ingredients does it as part of a movement.

Jeanne Ohira is the co-owner of Ted and Wally’s Ice Cream. Ohira says when she and her brother, Joe, bought the company in 2000, using local ingredients was just the natural (no pun intended) thing to do.

“That’s just how we were raised,” Ohira says. “My dad was from a farming family.

My mom was part of a co-op and we grew up driving way out to pick up different food. As a business, we didn’t really think about it [in terms of participating in a movement] because at the time it wasn’t much of a trend yet.”

The trend has found a welcome reception among Omaha’s high-end culinary scene, with farm-to-table fare on the menus of Kitchen Table, Au Courant, Baela Rose, Le Bouillon, Block 16, Stirnella, Mark’s Bistro, The Boiler Room, The Grey Plume, Society 1854, J. Coco, and Over Easy (among others).

Strawhecker’s Dante and Dante Pizzeria Napoletana demonstrate the local supply chain in practical application. Gotschall raises cows and sells their milk; Justman purchases the milk for her creamery and produces cheeses—including mozzarella—which Strawhecker uses in his gourmet pizzas. Strawhecker is one of Justman’s biggest customers of cheese.

He’s also a major buyer of chickens from Plum Creek Farms and a buyer of other local farmers’ products.

But Dante is only one example of this bullish moo-moo-movement. Omaha’s urban place in the heart of Midwestern farm country has helped raise the city’s profile as one of America’s top destinations for farm-to-table cuisine.

#927 JULIUS NERO BARTENDER, 1912

Sure, he has a big smile.

But it’s his big heart and willingness to take on extra shifts to support his family that you’ll remember most.

Not only does tourism bring revenue to Omaha, it also brings opportunities for Julius and others who work in the industry. This is what Omaha tourism looks like.

Omaha Tourism SUPPORTS 17,280 LOCAL JOBS

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JULY/AUGUST 2018

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GEN O // STORY BY LISA LUKECART PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

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THE METAL CRANK wouldn’t work.

Witney Stanley had to think of a solution fast. The pressure heated up the kitchen at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center in Grand Island. The clock ticked tauntingly.

Thirty minutes remaining.

The SkillsUSA Culinary Arts Championship was on the line. Each participant had to present judges with an entrée from a fabricated whole chicken, a sauce, a vegetable, and a starch. Judges would be expecting a composed salad as well. Only items in the kitchen’s pantry were allowed to be used to create the dishes, and the dinner needed to be cooked in two hours and 30 minutes. Think Top Chef with high school students.

But the crank was being…well…cranky.

Witney, a senior at Omaha Central, wanted to win it all. Her competitive drive wouldn’t allow faulty equipment to squash her chances at a medal. After a frustrating five minutes, she grabbed a rolling pin instead to smooth out the dough for her tortellini.

She cut it and filled it with spinach, garlic, tomato, and olive.

Witney inserted the thin thermometer into her roasted chicken thighs.

155 degrees.

She rushed to the pantry for oil. The pastor’s daughter took a long deep breath and said a short prayer. Showtime. Only seven minutes, not nearly enough time to cook it completely in the oven. She finished off the chicken on the stovetop with a panfried sear.

The white wine sauce created a challenge as well. Since Witney was only 18 and not legally old enough to drink, she needed to be creative. The young cook substituted white vinegar, onion, and homemade chicken stock.

She sliced the (finally) cooked chicken, a technique she mastered in between school and tennis. She added Tuscan vegetables and tourné cut potatoes.

Time.

// GEN O //

“Witney pushes forward, and she’ll be someone you know in this community.”

-Chef Perthedia Berry At the April 2018 competition, Witney came away with a bronze medal and a passion for competing.

But her love of all things savory and sweet is deeply rooted in family heritage. When she was only 4 years old, as her sisters prepped for monthly church outreach banquets alongside their mother, Witney would stand on a stool washing cabbage or setting tables for guests.

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“My mom is a genius in the kitchen,” Witney explains. “She doesn’t trust anyone in there except her daughters.”

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“I was hesitant at first,” Witney recalls.

“Then I thought, what’s the worst that could happen? I could end up with a tray of cupcakes, and I could eat them.”

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Her mother, Alyssa, enrolled all six of her children into cake-decorating classes at Michael’s. Witney, 10 years old at the time, started baking cakes whenever she could for birthdays or other special occasions.

After a recommendation from a neighbor, the girls decided to sell their homemade yellow and devil’s food cupcakes with buttercream frosting at the Gifford Park Neighborhood Market.

A+ Rating 20 Consecutive Years

The money, though, wasn’t to buy more supplies, candy, or even toys. Instead, the sisters saved it for someone special. It took an entire year, and the older girls had to get side jobs, but it all went to purchase a bedroom set their mother had her eye on for a while.

“From that point on, they were known for those cupcakes,” Alyssa says. “All just to surprise me with a Mother’s Day gift.”

It turned into a business, Stanley Southern Sweeties. Each sister plays a role—whether creating roses, borders, or letters.

Their mother saw something special in Witney and pushed her to cook for the family. She started experimenting even if it meant getting dinner to the table later than usual.

In order to play tennis, Witney made the move from home-school to Central High School. Introverted and painfully shy, the teenager couldn’t fathom it all. So her sister Justine, who was taking online classes at

Metropolitan Community College, went to every single class to watch out for Witney that first year. After taking the No. 1 spot in tennis, Witney soon made friends and discovered culinary classes. Entering her senior year, she started taking classes at the Omaha Public Schools Career Center for college credit. She continued practicing in the kitchen at every opportunity, soaking up knowledge like a sponge cake.

“She’s an example of what we should be seeing in every student,” says chef Perthedia Berry, a culinary instructor at Metro.

Berry, sometimes referred to as the “female Gordon Ramsay,” can intimidate students.

Witney prefers the tough love as it reminds her of her own upbringing.

We a p p r e c i a t e y o u r v o t e f o r

“I love the intensity. She [Berry] wants her students to do well. She’s preparing me for the future. If you can get through her, you can get through anything,” Witney says.

The main issue for the aspiring cook is speaking up. Berry yells at her to stop worrying about offending people. Chefs should be concerned with getting dinner to hungry guests; save the politeness for later.

With each class, Witney gained confidence.

She earned the Best Beef Award at her first invitational (the Metropolitan Community College Institute for Culinary Arts High School Invitational in February 2017).

In another competition, two teammates dropped out, but Witney took it upon herself to take all the responsibility.

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“Witney pushes forward, and she’ll be someone you know in this community,” Berry says.

Her mother, originally from New Orleans, was a mentor for last year’s Metro invitational. So Witney simmered a New Orleans gumbo on the stove and, along with Omaha North’s Ajana Jones, took home the silver medal.

Witney plans to open a restaurant or a bakery someday, maybe with her sisters.

After she takes the accelerated Culinary Arts program at Metro, she plans to enroll at Creighton University for a business degree. The pitfalls are well-known, but that doesn’t stop her.

“She’s fearless,” her mother says.

For now, Witney is carefully measuring each step, weighing the consequences, and stirring in a pinch of prayer that her dream will become a reality.

Visit ccenter.ops.org for more information about culinary classes at the OPS Career Center and mccneb.edu for details on Metropolitan Community College’s Institute for the Culinary Arts.

Raise a glass for affordable housing!

Sample beer and food from some of the best breweries and restaurants around while relaxing with friends and supporting Habitat for Humanity of Omaha! habitatomaha.org/brewhaha Proceeds benefit:

September 6, 2018 • 5 - 9 pm Stinson Park at Aksarben Village

JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 77 //

GIVING FEATURE // STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Whispering Roots Takes Root Community Aquaculture in North Omaha's Highlander Village THE HIGHLANDER VILLAGE on North 30th

Street between Lake and Cuming is a dramatic new development meant to revitalize the depressed neighborhood surrounding it. The center of this community (planned by 75 North Revitalization Corp.) is the Accelerator. The 65,000 square foot, Z-shaped building serves as a Creighton University and Metropolitan Community College-led health-education hub.

An event venue and a ground floor coffee shop will be joined by established eateries and entrepreneurial startups.

But what most grabs the eye is the Accelerator’s futuristic-looking urban agriculture facility for nonprofit tenant Whispering Roots. A seethrough greenhouse sits majestically atop floors dedicated to education and production—all centered on aquaculture, aquaponics, and hydroponic growing. As Whispering Roots founder and executive director Greg Fripp explains, nearly everything at the $4.2 million, 18,000-square-foot green site is designed for the next generation. Like the rest of Highlander, he says the custom design and construction, plus elevated location, are meant to raise people’s expectations in a high-poverty environment.

Slated to open by late summer, the facility is built on years of seeds sown by Fripp and company in inner-city public schools and neighborhoods. Whispering Roots teaches students how to build and maintain aquaculture systems that grow fish—tilapia or steelhead trout—for consumption. Fish waste is used to fertilize crops grown in the same system. The closed system’s water is naturally cleaned and recirculated.

Floating raft crop, drip irrigation, and raised bed techniques are taught.

The new digs will allow Whispering Roots to expand learning opportunities for youth and adults around organic agriculture, healthy cooking, and nutrition. It will refer participants in need of human and social services to on-site partners.

“We focus on growing, feeding, and educating,” Fripp says. “We’re touching different aspects of the community to address where the gaps are. By working with different folks and actually being out in the community and listening to the feedback—what’s working, what’s not working—it allowed us to design a facility that meets the needs of the community.” // 78 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Greg Fripp teaches aquaculture, aquaponics, and hydroponic skills to the next generation.

Fripp says residents of the community have said they need more locally produced food, hands-on experiential learning, and STEM education, “and that’s what we do.”

To help address the community’s lack of access to fresh, local healthy food, Whispering Roots will sell the fish and vegetable crops it harvests on-site at farmers markets and select stores and to neighboring Accelerator food purveyors.

Fripp sees this as just the start.

“The model is what matters—the techniques and how we build them and improve them in underserved communities—and then taking that model and replicating it at whatever scale makes sense for a community,” he says. “Where a lot of people make mistakes is they try to force a model and scale in a community that’s not ready to deal with it.

The community’s overwhelmed.”

Fripp’s interest in urban ag and aquaculture goes back 20-plus years, to high school. After a U.S. Navy logistics career, he worked in the corporate world. He left an executive human resources position at TD Ameritrade in Omaha to follow his real passion full time.

He founded Whispering Roots in his home garage and basement lab with his own savings, and in less than a decade it’s now supported by major philanthropic players such as the Sherwood, Weitz Family, and Suzanne and Walter Scott foundations.

Funders bought into his vision, allowing it to ramp-up from micro to mega level. In learning to build and operate aquaculture systems, grow, harvest, package, market, and sell food, students will acquire portable skills.

Whispering Roots already has a presence as far away as Haiti and Madagascar and as near as Iowa and Missouri. It’s currently building a facility in Macy, Nebraska.

On the planning table is a full-scale commercial production facility that would supply food in quantity and create jobs.

“We not only want to replicate what we’re doing here but also to do economic development by developing this pipeline of kids and adults from the community who can then work in or run those facilities,” Fripp says.

Fripp and his team are much in demand as consultants.

“We’ve become subject matter experts for other communities that would like to do the same around the country. We have people calling from Kansas City, Minneapolis, wondering how we’re pulling this off in Omaha,” he says, adding that the model is what’s interesting to them. It challenges the way people view urban agriculture, hands-on experiential learning, and STEM in underserved and impoverished communities.

“We’ve been able to navigate government and policies and work on the community side, in schools, and to figure out how all these pieces work together,” he says.

From concept to completion, he says, “One of the biggest challenges is helping people understand the vision because it’s so new. When I started my organization in 2011 and said we’re going to put fish and plants in classrooms to teach kids about science, people thought that was crazy. They said, ‘It’s never going to work, kids aren’t going to be interested.’ Now our problem is we don’t have enough bandwidth to handle all the requests we get from the schools.

But when I started, no one believed this was even possible.”

Even after capturing the attention of kids—who started winning science fairs—and making converts of educators, he says, “In talking about where we were going to build our new facility, we had people questioning why we wanted to go into the inner city and offering us free land to build in rural areas. But the goal was to do it in an underserved community to prove it’s possible to go into the toughest areas, build this thing, and show it can work. That’s not easy because you run into a lot of roadblocks. There’s a lot of preconceived notions about what education looks like in an underserved community, what people will tolerate, what will work. What we’re trying to do is change that view.”

On a recent tour of the new Omaha facility, a woman who resides nearby told Fripp, “I’m glad that you are here. This is close to my heart. It needed to be here. This is such a beautiful and good thing that the community will protect you.”

If it’s just a community place and there’s no connect, people don’t care. They’re like, ‘That’s not ours anyway.’ But if it’s community-based, then, ‘It’s ours.’”

Part of that buy-in, he says, is “trying to build our own pathway and network of students who then become the experts who teach and train.”

The goal is creating self-sufficiency so that communities can feed themselves.

Having an African-American at the head of it all is a powerful symbol.

“When intersecting with the AfricanAmerican community, students need to see people who look like them doing this work,” Fripp says. “Then they can internalize it by saying, ‘Me, too.’ They need to know this is a goal that is achievable.”

Visit whisperingroots.org for more information.

“That feedback,” he says, “tells me we’re on the right path. The key is that you are a part of the community so that people feel like they have ownership—this is their resource. That’s what we want. We want that community base.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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GIVING

CALENDAR JULY/AUGUST 2 0 1 8

Featured Fundraisers

July 9 (11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Aug. 25 (hours vary) A variety of walks are happening this Saturday morning, including JDRF One Walk, 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Sarpy County, Omaha Walk to Defeat ALS, and Nebraska Epilepsy Run, Walk, and Roll. Visit omahamagazine. com for a more complete list of charitable walks happening this day.

Benefiting: Keep Omaha Beautiful Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek.

WALK FOR CURES

July 7 (8-11 a.m.)

SUPERHERO 5K!

Benefiting: CASA for Douglas County Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village —casaomaha.org

25TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

—keepomahabeautiful.org

July 12 (5:30-10 p.m.)

LINKS TO A CURE GOLF GALA

Benefiting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Location: Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District —nelinkstoacure.eventscff.org

July 13 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)

LINKS TO A CURE GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Location: ArborLinks Golf Course —nelinkstoacure.eventscff.org

July 7 (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

July 14 (5-11 p.m.)

Benefiting: Women’s Center for Advancement Location: Reverb Lounge

Benefiting: American Cancer Society Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village

July 9 (10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.)

July 15 (noon-3 p.m.)

LADIES OF HIP HOP NIGHT

—onepercentproductions.com

ANGELS AMONG US/BLAND CARES GOLF OUTING Benefiting: Angels Among Us Location: Champions Run Golf Course

RELAY FOR LIFE OF GREATER OMAHA

—relay.acsevents.org

ULN GUILD MEN WHO COOK

Benefiting: Urban League of Nebraska Location: OPS Administrative Building Cafeteria

July 19 (5-9 p.m.)

July 27 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Benefiting: Iowa Western Student-Athlete Scholarships Location: Bent Tree Golf Club

Benefiting: La Vista Community Foundation Location: Tara Hills Golf Course

IOWA WESTERN REIVER ATHLETIC GOLF DINNER

—iwcc.edu/foundation

July 19 (6:30-9:30 p.m.)

SONGS AND SUDS 2018

NINTH ANNUAL LA VISTA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC

—lavistacommunityfoundation.com

July

28

Benefiting: Merrymakers Association Location: Pitch Pizzeria West Omaha —merrymakers.org

July 20 (8:30 a.m.)

IOWA WESTERN REIVER ATHLETIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

Benefiting: Iowa Western Student-Athlete Scholarships Location: Bent Tree Golf Club —iwcc.edu/foundation

July 21 (4 p.m.-midnight)

July 28 (8:30-11 a.m.)

PURPLESTRIDE OMAHA 2018: WALK TO END PANCREATIC CANCER

Benefiting: PurpleStride Omaha Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village

—support.pancan.org

July 28 (6:30-11 p.m.)

SEVENTH ANNUAL BLUE WATER BASH

Benefiting: Boys Town Okoboji Camp Location: Boys Town Okoboji Camp, Milford, Iowa —boystown.org

BLOCK OUT AFTER DARK 2018

July 29 (7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

—cancerallianceofnebraska.org

Benefiting: Omaha South High School Alumni Association Location: Eagle Hills Golf Course

Benefiting: Cancer Alliance of Nebraska Location: Sinnott’s Sand Bar July 21 (5-9 p.m.)

JOSLYN CASTLE UNLOCKED

Benefiting: Joslyn Castle Trust Location: Joslyn Castle —joslyncastle.com

July 22 (8-11 a.m.)

HEAD FOR THE CURE 5K RUN/WALK Benefiting: Head for the Cure Foundation Location: Lewis & Clark Landing

2018 PACKER GOLF TOURNAMENT

—omahasouthalumni.com

July 30 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)

FRESH START CLASSIC

Benefiting: Fresh Start for All Nations Location: Shadow Ridge Country Club —freshstartclassic.org

—headforthecure.org

—urbanleagueneb.org

—myangelsamongus.org

PERSONALIZED CARE AND EXPERTISE FOR YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH With more than 20 clinic locations, 24/7 virtual care and hundreds of healthcare experts throughout the community, Methodist gives you access to everything you need to keep your family healthy. We know how valuable the relationship is between you and your doctor, which is why we take the time to get to know you and to understand your goals for lifelong health. That’s the kind of care your family deserves, and it’s what you can expect from those of us who wear the Methodist badge. bestcare.org

©2018 Methodist Health System

// 80 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

July 30 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)

19TH ANNUAL CINCF GOLF TOURNAMENT

Benefiting: Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —nicfonline.org

July 30 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.)

SWING 4 KIDS GOLF BENEFIT

Benefiting: Partnership 4 Kids Location: Tiburon Golf Club —p4k.org

July 30 (11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.)

HELP BUILD A HOUSE GOLF EVENT

Benefiting: Gesu Housing Location: Champions Run Golf Course

Listening, Learning, Investing.

—gesuhousing.com

Aug. 3 (11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)

FAIRWAYS FORE AIRWAYS FIFTH ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE

We all have a desire to connect with our community—to engage our neighbors, meet new people, and create lasting relationships. The Landscape is a community-driven

Benefiting: Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Location: Tiburon Golf Club

research project that incorporates publicly-available data, policy review, and insight

—lungs4lifefoundation.org

gathered from engagement with local residents. It provides a structure for knowing

Aug. 3 (4-11 p.m.)

the community and for understanding how to invest in its future.

2018 NEW AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL

Benefiting: Lutheran Family Services Location: Benson First Friday, Military Avenue and Maple Street —bensonfirstfriday.com

Check out the new Community Listening Report: TheLandscapeOmaha.org

Aug. 3 (6-9:30 p.m.)

10TH ANNUAL DANCE FOR A CHANCE: “DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH” Benefiting: Youth Emergency Services Location: Omaha Design Center —yesomaha.org

Aug. 3 (6-11 p.m.)

RIVER BASH ’N’ BREW

OmahaFoundation.org

Benefiting: Visiting Nurse Association Location: Lewis & Clark Landing —thevnacares.org

Aug. 4 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)

SPIRIT OF COURAGE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Benefiting: Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cancer Center Charitable Patient Care Fund Location: Dodge Riverside Golf Club —jehfoundation.org

Aug. 4 (6-10 p.m.)

SPIRIT OF COURAGE GALA

Benefiting: Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cancer Center Charitable Patient Care Fund Location: Mid America Center —jehfoundation.org

Aug. 4 (9-11:30 p.m.)

OWL RIDE: OMAHA WITH LIGHTS

Benefiting: Meyer Foundation for Disabilities Location: Lewis & Clark Landing —owlride.org

Aug. 5 (noon-3 p.m.)

SPIRIT OF COURAGE NO LIMITS TEXAS HOLD ‘EM POKER TOURNAMENT

Benefiting: Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cancer Center Charitable Patient Care Fund Location: Mid America Center —jehfoundation.org

Aug. 6 (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)

SHOOTOUT FOR CANCER

Savor the experience

Benefiting: Various local pediatric cancer organizations Location: Champions Run Golf Course —omahanm.com

Aug. 6 (10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)

A-UNITED GOLF CLASSIC

Benefiting: Scare Away Cancer Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —aunitedglass.com

Aug. 6 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.)

SWING WITH PRIDE, A. LEN LEAVITT MEMORIAL GOLF OPEN Benefiting: Roncalli Catholic High School Location: Indian Creek Golf Club —roncallicatholic.org

Voted Best of Omaha EIGHT Years in a Row 402.558.3202 cateringcreations.com JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 81 //

// GIVING CALENDAR // Aug. 9 (7 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)

Aug. 13 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Aug. 17 (6-10 p.m.)

Benefiting: Release Ministries Location: Iron Horse Golf Club

Benefiting: QLI Tri-Dimensional Rehab Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek

Benefiting: Project Pink’ d Location: Hilton Downtown Omaha

—releaseministries.org

—teamqli.com

Aug. 11 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Aug. 17 (8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)

Benefiting: Aqua Africa Location: Elmwood Park

Benefiting: Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging Location: Benson Park

19TH ANNUAL RELEASE MINISTRIES BILL ELLETT MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC

FOURTH ANNUAL AQUA-RUN 10K RELAY AND 2K WALK —aqua-africa.net

QLI’S 14TH ANNUAL GOLF CHALLENGE

STEP OUT FOR SENIORS WALK-A-THON

—stepoutforseniors.weebly.com

Aug. 11 (5-9 p.m.)

JOSLYN CASTLE UNLOCKED

Benefiting: Joslyn Castle Trust Location: Joslyn Castle —joslyncastle.com

EXPOSED: THAT’S HOW WE ROLL ANNUAL BENEFIT —projectpinkd.org

Aug. 17 (6-9 p.m.)

Aug.

17

JEFFERSON HOUSE “STAND UP FOR KIDS” COMEDY NIGHT

Benefiting: Heartland Family Services Location: Fremont Golf Club

—heartlandfamilyservice.org

Aug. 18 (9-11:30 a.m.)

20TH ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE WALK Benefiting: Grief ’s Journey Location: Miller’s Landing/ Pedestrian Bridge —griefsjourney.org

Aug. 18 (day-long)

PAINT-A-THON

Benefiting: Brush Up Nebraska Location: Various —brushupnebraska.org

Aug. 19 (7-11 a.m.)

BOXER 500 RUN/WALK

Benefiting: Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force Location: Werner Park —coloncancertaskforce.org

Aug. 19 (7:30 a.m., end times vary)

CORPORATE CYCLING CHALLENGE

Benefiting: Eastern Nebraska Trails Network Location: Heartland of America Park —showofficeonline.com

Aug. 19 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

VINTAGE WHEELS AT THE FORT

Benefiting: Douglas County Historical Society Location: Historic Fort Omaha —douglascohistory.org

Aug. 20 (10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)

HEROES FOR THE HOMELESS GOLF BENEFIT

Benefiting: Stephen Center’s Pettigrew Emergency Homeless Shelter Location: Shadow Ridge Country Club —stephencenter.org

Aug. 21 (10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.)

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

Benefiting: Methodist Hospital Foundation Location: Tiburon Golf Club —methodisthospitalfoundation.org

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE ADVANTAGE THAT COMES FROM GOOD VISION.

Aug. 23 (5:30-8:30 p.m.)

WORLD BASH “GLOBAL HOMECOMING”

Benefiting: Intercultural Senior Center Location: Mainelli Center at Saint Robert’s —interculturalseniorcenter.org

Aug. 24 (5-10 p.m.)

WINE AND BEER EVENT

Benefiting: ALS in the Heartland Location: Shops of Legacy —alsintheheartland.org

Aug. 25 (5:30-9:30 p.m.)

12TH ANNUAL SUMMER BASH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER: AN EVENING IN PARIS

Benefiting: Childhood Cancer Campaign Location: Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center —summerbashforccc.org

Learning is all about vision: 80% of what a child learns in school is presented visually.

Aug. 25 (5:30-9:30 p.m.)

ONE SWEET SCHOOL

Benefiting: Madonna School Location: CenturyLink Center Omaha —madonnaschool.org

Aug. 26 (1:30-4 p.m.)

GROW WITH US GALA

Benefiting: City Sprouts Location: Institute for the Culinary Arts, Metro Community College —omahasprouts.org

Aug. 27 (noon-8 p.m.)

11TH ANNUAL JESUIT ACADEMY GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Jesuit Academy Tuition Assistance Fund Location: Indian Creek Golf Course —jesuitacademy.org

Aug. 27 (noon-6 p.m.)

EYE EXAMS FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY including: Infant See for 6-12 month olds and See to Learn for 3-year olds

20TH ANNUAL GOODWILL GOLF CLASSIC

Benefiting: Goodwill’s Real Employment Assisting You (READY) & Business Solutions Programs Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —goodwillomaha.org

Event times and details may change.

Schedule your appointment online at omahaeyecare.com or call us at 402.330.3000 Drs. Marsha Kubica, Corey Langford & Kristen Johnson 14607 W Center Road // 82 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

OMAHA MAGAZINE | TOP DENTISTS 2018

INTRODUCTION: This list is excerpted from the 2018 topDentists™ list, a database which includes listings for more than 125 dentists and specialists in the Omaha Metro Area. The Omaha list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email info@usatopdentists. com or visit usatopdentists.com.

SELECTION PROCESS: “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”

This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be.

Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and of course physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as all dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received as well as status in various dental academies can factor into our decisions.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board.

Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

DISCLAIMER: This list is excerpted from the 2018 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for more than 125 dentists and specialists in the Omaha Metropolitan area. For more information call 706364-0853, email info@usatopdentists.com, or visit usatopdentists.com topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2010-2018 by topDentists, LLC of Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 83 //

PAUL S. BLECHA Blecha Family Dental

BENJAMIN G. HARDY Hardy Dental

WILLIAM J. BRESNAHAN

GREGORY A. HAVELKA

TOBIN N. DRAKE Endodontic Associates

TIMOTHY P. BURCHFIEL Burchfiel Dental

MARY N. KELSEY

JACOB L. FIMPLE Advanced Endodontic Therapy

BRAD W. CARSON Pacific Village Dental

PATRICK K. HAFFEY Nebraska Micro-Endodontics

WILLIAM T. CAVEL Creighton University School of Dentistry

MICHAEL S. HERMSEN Heartland Endodontic Specialists

AMY T. CHADWELL Chadwell Family Dentistry

JOSE L. IBARROLA Creighton University School of Dentistry

JEFFRY F. CHEREK

ENDODONTICS THOMAS J. BEESON Endodontic Associates

COREY K. KARIMJEE Midwest Endodontics CACI I. LIEBENTRITT Omaha Endodontists DAVID A. MAIXNER Midwest Endodontics STEPHEN P. PRYOR Endodontic Specialists CHRISTOPHER J. REDD Heartland Endodontic Specialists ARMAN SAMAD-ZADEH Advanced Endodontic Therapy FRANK S. SLEDER, SR.

GENERAL DENTISTRY GREGORY M. BEALS Pacific Springs Dental DOUGLAS K. BENN Creighton University School of Dentistry SARAH T. BILLESBACH Drs. Mancuso & Mancuso Dental

RALPH M. CORPUZ Corpuz Family Dentistry MICHAEL C. DANAHAY Dental Innovations KATHERINE L. DEFORD DeFord Family Dental 8410 S 73rd Plaza, Ste., 104 Papillion, NE 68046 defordfamilydental.com JAMES R. DEMMAN The Dentists at Dundee SCOTT C. DILORENZO 40th and Dodge Family Dentistry JEFFREY D. DWORAK Capehart Family Dentistry THEODORE S. FRANCO Pacific Springs Dental JEFFREY T. GARVEY The Dentists at Hillsborough

JULY/AUGUST 2018

CHRISTINE M. KOZAL Clock Tower Dental TERRY F. LANPHIER Creighton University School of Dentistry RICHARD D. MANNING MARTY J. MATZ The Tooth Doc KIRSTIN T. MCCARVILLE Creighton University School of Dentistry JAMES F. MCCASLIN Evergreen Dental Group STUART J. MCNALLY Millard Hills Dental Health Center DAVID R. MLNARIK Shadow Ridge Dental CAROL M. MURDOCK Creighton University School of Dentistry WILLIAM T. NAUGHTON Creighton University School of Dentistry WILLIAM V. NELSON Augusta Dental MATTHEW C. NEUMANN Serenity Dental

JAMES G. GERNER

JEFFREY R. NIELSEN Bel-Drive Dental

KENDRA L. GOSCH Gosch Family Dental

MARK A. NIELSEN Nielsen Dental

JEROME F. GRADOVILLE

// 84 //

ROBIN R. KHAN Dentistry for Health

MARK J. PANNETON Panneton Dental Group BRIAN S. PENDLEY The Dentists at Village Pointe SCOTT RADNIECKI Creighton University School of Dentistry SUGIKO M. REED Ohana Smiles RICHARD J. RONK, JR. THOMAS E. RUDERSDORF THOMAS O. RUDERSDORF AMY M. RUF The Dentists at Ralston Square JAY D. SAMUELSON The Dentists at Hillsborough

for 14 years

MICHAEL R. SESEMANN Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry ALLAN M. SMITH Bellevue Family Practice Dentistry RANDY E. STOUT Creighton University School of Dentistry CAROLYN L. TAGGART-BURNS Millard Oaks Dental BRETT H. TAYLOR Taylor Dentistry BRETT S. THOMSEN Thomsen Dental Group STEVEN D. WEGNER SmilesofOmaha.com 402-498-0400 KARRY K. WHITTEN Whitten Dentistry 402-397-9330 whittendentistry.com

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WHITTEN DENTISTRY

Take Your Dream Smile for a Test Drive with My Smile Imagined™ DR. KARRY WHITTEN’S grandmother used

to tell her, “You need to have nice shoes and nice teeth.” It comes as no surprise, then, that Dr. Whitten pursued a dentistry career that allows her the opportunity to help people keep or improve their smiles. “We think proactively instead of reactively,” she says.

“Mouth health can have a direct impact on heart health. Risk assessment is important.”

Whether she’s treating a patient for cavities or for cosmetic enhancements, Dr. Whitten treats each patient “how they should be treated—I have a great respect for my patients.”

impressions of the patient’s teeth, which are then used by the in-house ceramist to create a custom mold. The mold is placed directly over the patient’s teeth and acts as a temporary, ideal smile.

It’s like test driving a car.

“It’s like test driving a car,” explains in-house ceramist Thad Hegwood. “The temporary smile goes on over the teeth and the patient gets to give it a try before making any financial commitment.” He adds that it only takes two short, painless visits to obtain the trial smile: a consultation and a fitting. And though the technology behind this is not brand-new, Hegwood says, “It’s not something I see from other dentists in the area.” Having a highly trained, in-house ceramist sets Whitten Dentistry apart and certainly contributes to the success of the My Smile Imagined program.

Whitten Dentistry is perhaps best known in the Omaha area and beyond for their innovative My Smile Imagined™ offering, which provides a trial smile to patients, allowing the patients to actually see and feel what a new smile will be like before deciding to invest in a full procedure. It’s done by making digital

A better smile can have a life-changing affect on patients. Dr. Whitten says, “Some people won’t open their mouths because they’re embarrassed by their smiles, but the trial smile gives them the confidence they need. I’ve had patients cry from happiness with just the trial smile because of the results.” A trial smile gives patients “more

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JULY/AUGUST 2018

of an idea of the feel and touch of teeth” after whitening, straightening, or even applying veneers. Trial smile results are accurate “within reason,” explains Dr. Whitten, who adds that the non-invasive trial smile yields much more accurate results than a computer simulation will since the results can be seen and felt.

My Smile Imagined is not only appropriate as a way to instantly see results without undergoing full dental procedures, it is also appropriate as a way to obtain a weekend smile for weddings, reunions, or other special events.

The trial smile lasts at least a couple of days, and sometimes lasts up to a couple of weeks, depending on how careful the patient is. The no-commitment trial smile is a quick and painless way for patients to obtain the smile of their dreams—either temporarily or as a preview of things to come.

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// 88 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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60PLUS // OPENER

S

our food issue, I wanted to share a recipe that has been passed down through generations of my family.

INCE THIS IS

I remember Grandmother Johnson (my mother’s mother) coming for long summer and Christmastime visits. Her parents, Grandfather Johnson, and his parents were all born in Sweden. But Grandmother Johnson was born in Clay County, Nebraska.

She was an exceptional seamstress. Grandmother Johnson would sew beautiful dresses for my two sisters and me. It was from her that I learned to love fashion and style. She was also a great cook. Although she had some recipes I wasn’t fond of—such as lutefisk (made from aged stockfish or dried/salted whitefish soaked in lye)—she always made Swedish pancakes for breakfast during her visits. They were easy to prepare, and she taught us how to make them as children.

SWEDISH PANCAKES Ingredients: 4 eggs 1 tablespoon sugar 2 cups milk 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup flour 1 pinch salt Instructions: 1. Preheat skillet to medium heat.

2. In a large bowl, beat eggs with wire whisk.

3. Mix in milk, flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter.

4. Pour thin layer on skillet and spread to edges.

5. Cook until top appears dry.

6. Cut into two or four sections and flip with spatula.

7. Cook for another two minutes (or until golden brown).

8. Roll up each pancake and serve with fresh fruit or butter and syrup.

At Christmas, she made pretty and delicious decorated sugar cookies, gingerbread men, snowballs (a Swedish heirloom cookie), Swedish meatballs, and lutefisk. But pancakes are the sort of dish that goes well with any breakfast occasion.

Maybe I’ll make some pancakes for the Fourth of July.

Happy Independence Day!

Contributing Editor

Donna Shonkwiler JULY/AUGUST 2018 • 60PLUS

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ACTIVE LIVING // STORY BY TAMSEN BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

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“YOUR BODY TELLS YOU WHAT IT NEEDS. YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.”

c

HEF PAUL BRAUNSCHWEILER

of Brushi started cooking when he was 6 years old, living in Switzerland with his family.

Although Braunschweiler claims he wasn’t “sporty” growing up, he did enjoy participating in track up until he enrolled in culinary school and became too busy for extracurricular activities. Now an official Ironman with three completed Ironman triathlons under his belt and numerous other races to his credit, Braunschweiler admits that “being in tune” with his body’s dietary needs has helped his race performance.

Paul Braunschweiler

// ACTIVE LIVING //

“Your body tells you what it needs,” he says.

“You have to listen to your body.” He doesn’t follow a strict protocol when it comes to his day-to-day eating, nor does he switch things up pre- or post-race. What he eats largely depends on what he feels like eating. Luckily for Braunschweiler, he has the well-stocked kitchen at Brushi at his disposal. “I can eat what I want. I can just walk around and open the fridge,” he says, gesturing toward the busy Brushi kitchen.

Though many racers swear by “carb-loading” right before a race, Braunschweiler sticks with what his body craves. “I eat what I want; I don’t change my diet at race time a lot.” When asked what a typical day-before-a-race meal might look like for him, he replies, “We get fresh fish from Hawaii every week, so that’s what I’d eat. I eat a lot of salmon.” As for his pre-race nourishment, “I don’t eat a lot before a race—maybe a sports drink and a banana.” Post-race, his go-to meal is “a big bowl of salad with lots of marinated salmon and cucumbers and avocados.” He says his body does crave protein after a race, so if he doesn’t feel like salmon he might have some beef or other meat protein.

Does eating whatever he wants work for Braunschweiler as an athlete? Yes—although his penchant for fresh, nutrient-rich food likely helps. Giving in to cravings won’t work for all racers. But it works for Braunschweiler because he enjoys healthy foods and occasionally allows for splurges so he doesn’t feel deprived. “Allow yourself to splurge a little bit,” he advises fellow racers. “We can do this because we are so active.”

He wasn’t always so active. It wasn’t until after his divorce that he delved into the racing world. “I needed to do something for myself after my divorce,” he says. “I saw people rollerblading and running at Lake Zorinsky, and I decided to start running again. I signed up for the Des Moines Marathon and liked it—I did pretty well even though it’s a little hilly.”

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Braunschweiler has progressed from “doing pretty well” to consistently winning in his age division at every race in which he competes. At nearly 67 years old, he’s diversified his racing because “marathons are hard on the body.” Triathlons are his race of choice nowadays. His advice to other racers is, “You have to make time to train. You can achieve so much with your will.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2018 • 60PLUS

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// ACTIVE LIVING //

Don Hilpipre // 96 //

60PLUS • JULY/AUGUST 2018

ROUTINES // STORY BY TYLER SCHUSTER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

S

Grill is paradise for burger-lovers. So, it should come as no surprise that the Bellevue eatery’s most loyal regular has been eating at Stella’s for more than 60 years.

He became a twice-a-day regular 10 years ago, upon moving into Harmony Court Retirement Apartments in Bellevue. Since then, he’s rarely missed the chance to sip a cold beer, nibble on a burger, and keep employees company.

TELLA’S BAR &

It’s not just any burger joint. On one wall there is the Wall of Fame, covered with photos of the rare conquerors of Stella’s signature food challenge, “The Stellanator” (a 4.75-pound burger stacked with six patties, six eggs, 12 pieces of bacon, peanut butter, and a host of other toppings all pinned between buns with a skewer). And of course, there is also the Wall of Shame for those unable to complete the monstrous burger with a side of fries within 45 minutes.

“He comes in normally twice a day,” says Stella’s co-owner, Pam Francois (the greatgreat-niece of the original Stella). “In the afternoons, he orders two Budweisers, gets hugs from all the girls, and then gets handshakes from all the guys.”

If for some reason the loyal customer doesn’t show up, Stella’s staff will call him or check with his assisted living facility to make sure everything is OK.

Confronted with the burger joint’s legendary reputation, a newcomer could easily overlook another of the restaurant’s famous staples— an elderly gentleman perched on the same black barstool day after day. His name is Don Hilpipre, better known as Stella’s most loyal customer.

Overall, Hilpipre estimates he has eaten just about everything on the menu. He enjoys the burgers, chicken strips, and even the chili, but acknowledges that he does have a regular order: one Stella Staple Burger, no bun.

But he has never tried the Stellanator challenge. Hilpipre says he doesn’t want to lose, and he knows he can’t eat that much.

Often wearing a baseball cap with statements like “U.S. Navy Retired,” the 92-year-old Hilpipre returns to the restaurant like clockwork—usually around midday, then again in late afternoon. Stella’s place in his daily routine has remained unchanged for a decade.

“I’ve been coming up here every day for about 10 years now,” Hilpipre says, beaming with pride. “But I first came here around 1953. I remember Stella [aka Estelle Francois Sullivan Tobler, the restaurant’s original owner] making her hamburgers. Really, just the oldtimers can say that.”

Hilpipre, a native of Minnesota, discovered his love for burgers and the city of Omaha after moving here in the mid-1950s. Before his move to “The Beef State,” Hilpipre proudly served six years in the U.S. Navy and then went looking for his next adventure.

His search for adventure led to the state of Nebraska. He worked as a postman in South Omaha for 28 years and treated himself to an occasional burger during his lunch breaks.

That’s how his bond with Stella’s was born.

While he’s quick to admit he loves the food, that isn’t the only thing that keeps him coming back.

“I love everything here, but especially the girls,” he says with a grin. “They like me and I like them. I’ve got to give every one of them a hug before I leave.”

“He comes in normally twice a day,” says Stella’s co-owner, Pam Francois (the greatgreat-niece of the original Stella). “In the afternoons, he orders two Budweisers, gets hugs from all the girls, and then gets handshakes from all the guys.”

For Hilpipre and those associated with the restaurant, being at Stella’s is as much about the food as it is about the family atmosphere.

Overall, Hilpipre is just as much a part of Stella’s as the grease on the grill.

“He’s part of the family,” Francois says. “He’s a reminder that you have to sometimes slow down and be that special person in someone’s life.”

Visit stellasbarandgrill.com for more information about the restaurant.

JULY/AUGUST 2018 • 60PLUS

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CURIOSITY // STORY BY SANDRA MARTIN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

prons Through the

ges

From Fig Leaves to Modern Domesticity

A

King James Version of the Bible, the use of aprons dates back to Adam and Eve: CCORDING TO THE

“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons,” Genesis 3:7.

That original apron made of fig leaves may be the only apron that isn’t represented in Donna Shonkwiler’s vintage collection.

“I started collecting aprons because they take me back to my childhood days, when my mother and sisters and I wore them to do our chores together,” Shonkwiler recalls.

The apron collector lives in the Florence area but grew up in rural Brazil. Her missionary parents were poor (they had to clear the land to build their house, which had no indoor plumbing or electricity). Nevertheless, she has fond memories of those days. “It was a happy time for me, when life was simple,” Shonkwiler says Shonkwiler’s vast collection of aprons—most of which are carefully ironed and hanging on clothes racks—represents various time periods, locations, ethnic groups, and purposes. Included are aprons with names of states and countries. Some are indicative of particular cultures. Others are made for specific purposes.

She has sturdy cotton aprons with pockets for crafts or gardening, as well as delicate and frilly aprons worn by the lady of the house for special occasions. Many of her aprons have elaborate embroidery, crochet, rickrack, lace, appliqué, and/or cross-stitching. Some have ladies’ hankies sewn onto them.

“ We used aprons

to collect eggs from the chicken coops and vegetables from the garden, in addition to drying a child’s tears and wiping a perspiring brow. ” “Aprons were a form of art that reflected a woman’s talent,” she explains, “each limited only by her imagination.”

According to Shonkwiler, aprons had many uses beyond protecting clothes while cooking. “We used aprons to collect eggs from the chicken coops and vegetables from the garden,” she says, “in addition to drying a child’s tears and wiping a perspiring brow.”

Also, some were made with extra padding at the edges so they could double as hot pads.

“Most grandmas and moms were seamstresses out of necessity, and passed down their talents to their children at an early age.”

Although primarily consisting of women’s aprons, her collection does include some barbecue aprons for men.

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60PLUS • JULY/AUGUST 2018

Shonkwiler’s 35 years of collecting has resulted in “probably” 400 aprons, mostly all handmade, and amazingly, no two alike.

She has cultivated the collection through flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores. A few of them date to the early 1900s.

Her favorite apron holds special meaning, as it was made by her mother. The eyelet full apron (meaning it includes a front bib) was sewn especially for Shonkwiler.

Shonkwiler’s unique collection has never been on display...until now. An exhibit of her aprons kicked off the annual Florence Days celebration on May 12. Family Ties: Art of the Apron will remain on display (with some of the aprons available for sale) at the Florence Mill ArtLoft through July 15. The eyelet apron, a cherished memento normally tucked safely away in a cedar chest, is part of the display.

After a 47-year career as a respiratory therapist, Shonkwiler is enjoying her retirement.

“I’ve loved collecting aprons all these years,” she says. “Now it’s time to share my collection with others, so they can enjoy them, too.”

Visit the Florence Mill on Facebook at @theflorencemill for more information.

The old City Market (bottom right) predated the 25-year-old Omaha Farmers Market downtown.

I

T’S 8:30 A.M. and shoppers are stand-

ing by the Ed Welchert Produce stall in Aksarben Village on any given Sunday in the summer. The Omaha Farmers Market won’t open for another 30 minutes, giving Donna and Ed Welchert (and their team of employees) precious minutes to finish setting up the stand. At 9 a.m., it’s time to sell.

The Welcherts have been a staple of the Omaha Farmers Market since it began downtown 25 years ago. The locations and days of the week have changed—and the crowds have grown—as the market gradually evolved into a refined citywide network of markets with corporate sponsors. ***** Omaha Farmers Market began in 1994 with a small group of vendors in the Old Market.

At the time, Ed Welchert had been farming land north of Omaha with his family for decades, selling his produce wholesale direct to stores like Foodway and Baker’s. When the Welcherts heard about the concept of an outdoor bazaar starting in the Old Market, they figured they ought to check it out.

Not knowing what to expect, they sent one employee with a card table and a couple of wicker baskets full of produce. It fit in one pickup truck.

“It was a slow start,” remembers Donna, recalling how their employee brought almost all of the produce back to the farm that day.

“The people started coming, and kept coming, and kept coming,” Donna says. Her husband estimates it was a good 10 years before things really picked up, and when they did, it just jumped in attendance, he says.

Kent Cisar, an Omaha native, started shopping at the Omaha Farmers Market around that time.

“I loved the vibe of the market back then,” he recalls. “I think the early days of the market for me was shopping with friends who were committed to buying local, high-quality items.”

It wasn’t the first time farmers sold their goods in the Old Market. Agrarians originally sold fruits and vegetables wholesale to restaurants and grocery stores at the City Market. It was a bustling trade in the 1880s, but the growth of grocery store warehouses ended the market in 1964. Ed vaguely recalls traveling with his father, Ray Welchert, to the City Market. Ray was a vendor there, as was Ed’s grandfather.

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JULY/AUGUST 2018

“I loved the vibe of the market back then,” Cisar recalls.

“I think the early days of the market for me was shopping with friends who were committed to buying local, highquality items.”

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In time, the third generation of Welcherts saw their stand grow along with the Omaha Farmers Market. The Welcherts eventually needed to bring three trucks for equipment and produce.

As Ed Welchert Produce brought more crops, the Omaha Farmers Market added more vendors and locations. The downtown farmers market has expanded to more than 90 booths. In 2010, the Omaha Farmers Market added a second location, Aksarben Village, on Sundays. The Sunday market now has more than 115 vendor booths. A third, smaller Omaha Farmers Market runs on Wednesdays in July and August at Charles Drew Health Center.

Cisar has his favorite vendors. He first bought bacon from North Star Neighbors. When they stopped vending, he discovered Crooked Creek Farms. When they switched to selling only at Aksarben Village, Cisar sought them out there.

“The Aksarben Market is now the better market. There’s more vendors, a bit more space, and since it’s centrally located, on nice days it’s jammed, which I like,” Cisar says.

“But if you want to get [specific] items, you better get there before 10 a.m., otherwise [they] may be gone. The Downtown Market isn’t as busy with patrons or vendors these days, but it’s still home. I love the Aksarben area and what it’s done for our city, but nothing can replicate the vibe of brick, old buildings and fresh food of the downtown market.”

Other local farmers markets not affiliated with the officially branded “Omaha Farmers Market” include the Florence Mill Farmers Market (on Sundays at the Florence Mill), the Benson Farmers Market (normally held on Saturdays, but discontinued in 2018 after the loss of the Benson market location), and the Village Pointe Farmers Market (Saturdays).

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60PLUS • JULY/AUGUST 2018

// NOSTALGIA //

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The Welcherts tried to sell at both the Old Market and Aksarben Village locations, but “it about killed us,” Donna says. After 21 years in the Old Market, the Welcherts switched to just Sundays in Aksarben.

The Welcherts typically sell green beans and potatoes. In recent years, they began diversifying their offerings as they noticed younger customers’ changing preferences.

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“The younger crowd is more health conscious,” Ed says.

Donna noticed the shift in customers, too.

The first year they brought kohlrabi, she says just the older customers knew what to do with it. “Over the next two years, you saw this huge shift when younger people came and asked for it.”

Count Cisar among the crowd of noveltyseeking shoppers.

“I think my favorite days of shopping at the market are when I go down with an open mind and let the items I see do the talking,” Cisar says. “I’m always attracted to things I haven’t seen before, like a unique eggplant, squash, or [other] vegetable, and I like asking the vendor how to use it, how it tastes— and, if I was successful, I tell them about it next week.”

Vic Gutman & Associates manages Omaha Farmers Market, which hosts vendors selling fresh produce at the Old Market (Saturdays), Aksarben Village (Sundays), and Charles Drew Health Center (Wednesdays) in the summer, in addition to other specialty markets throughout the year. Visit omahafarmersmarket.com for more information.

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// 103 //

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// 105 //

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY DAVID WILLIAMS // PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

.

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GROWING UP IN the second half of an earlier millennia, the lilting jingle-jangle chimes of an ice

cream truck was my soundtrack to summer. The common Fudgsicle had the power to induce a Pavlovian response in any young child. Buying a red, white, and blue Bomb Pop was an act of patriotism. The chocolaty/nutty Drumstick was considered the pinnacle of atomic age engineering. But ice cream no longer comes right to our doorstep as much as it once did, so let’s point you to where you’ll find the most tempting opportunities for a hurts-so-good brain freeze treat.

01. ZESTO - 610 N. 12th St. (inside Blatt Beer & Table) - 8608 N. 30th St. - 7130 N. 102nd Circle - 1317 S. 204th St. (Elkhorn) Generations of college baseball fans have made the pilgrimage to Omaha for the NCAA College World Series, and no sojourn to TD Ameritrade Park would be complete without a visit to the mecca that is Zesto. The seasonal location that operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the one so often name-dropped by ESPN announcers, is co-located with Beer Blatt & Table just a Texas League single from the ballpark, but be sure to also check out the other locations, especially the frozen-in-time, throwback shop on North 30th Street.

02. ECREAMERY - 5001 Underwood Ave. Zesto may get lots of love from ESPN, but Dundee’s eCreamery has been heralded by…well, just about everyone else.

From all the big morning shows to the New York Times to Shark Tank to such celebrity clients as Oprah, Taylor Swift, and Sir Paul McCartney, eCreamery is a darling of the ice cream world. Think you have what it takes to design your own blend? Give it a shot, but just know you’ll be up against some pretty stiff competition, including flavors from their collaboration with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. // 106 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

03. NEVERIA Y PALETERIA LA

MICHOACANA

- 4002 S. 24th St. - 4924 S. 24th St. Do monarch butterflies like ice cream?

If so, they’d flock to South Omaha’s Neveria y Paleteria La Michoacana. That’s where they’d find the same sweet nectar flavors as those of their winter grounds in the Mexican state of Michoacán, the shop’s namesake. In flavors from guava to passion fruit to piña colada—even exotic tamarind—only the freshest real fruits are used in these delicacies that are also distributed through Guerrero Grocery and about 20 convenience stores across a broad southern swath of the city.

04. JONES BROS. CUPCAKES - Aksarben Village, 2121 S. 67th St. - Westroads Mall, 10000 California St. - 2615 S. 180th St. August’s Maha Music Festival will rattle the glass of the windows across the street at Jones Bros. Cupcakes in Aksarben Village, but all will be serene inside, thanks to the calming, Zen-like powers of a scoop of ice cream floating in a Bursting Boba Tea, a popular summer selection from the folks who have made three appearances—and taken home one win—on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Or try one of their couture shakes and malts. Maybe the Salted Caramel Explosion with its combination of chocolate-covered potato chips, sweet and salty cupcake, and salted caramel brownie?

05. PETROW’S - 5914 Center St. Petrow’s isn’t your granddad’s ice…no, wait…Petrow’s is, in fact, your grandad’s ice cream. And your great-grandad’s.

While the iconic family restaurant has occupied the same plot of land on the corner of 60th and Center streets since 1950, the Petrow name is associated with a continuous stream of Nebraska ice cream history that can be traced all the way back to the Fremont Candy Kitchen, which was established in 1903.

Not many places can boast a 115-year-old recipe, but maybe that’s why their famed, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink clown sundae remains popular to this day.

06. EILEEN’S COLOSSAL COOKIES - 1024 S. 74th Plaza - 210 S. 16th St. (inside Brandeis Building) One of the few places on our list that does not make its own ice cream, Eileen’s is still worthy of a mention for their amazing ice cream sandwiches. With usually something like nine flavors of ice cream and about 13 flavors of cookies from which to choose, the possibilities for tasty combinations in building your own ice cream sandwich are almost endless. (Available only at the two locations listed above.)

07. FREEZING - Aksarben Village, 1918 S. 67th St. Watching the crew work at Omaha’s newest ice cream place is part middle school science fair and part Japanese steakhouse acrobatics. To create their Thai rolled ice cream, a viscous glob of semi-liquid ingredients is plopped onto a frozen disc the size of a pizza pan. The mix sets up as it is chopped, kneaded, and otherwise manhandled before being smoothed out into a crepe-thin layer that freezes in a matter of moments.

Using a deft hand and what looks to be a broad-bladed drywall knife, the ice cream is then gently scraped off the disc in a way that forms perfectly coiled spirals of Thai yumminess.

08. DOLCI - Old Market, 1003 Howard St. Dolci gets a nod for sheer ingenuity.

Check out their fanciful Spaghetti and Sweet Balls sundae, where vanilla soft serve is extruded through a ricer to form a bowl of ice cream noodles. Add a few oatmeal peanut butter meatballs and a marinara of strawberry sauce topped with a grated, white chocolate topping in lieu of Parmesan cheese. Surely one of the Old Market’s funkier concoctions.

09. TED & WALLY’S - Old Market, 1120 Jackson St. - Benson, 6023 Maple St. With a recipe that includes 20 percent butterfat, Ted & Wally’s, a local pioneer in upscale ice cream, lays claim to being the area’s only “super premium” product as defined by industry standards. And it’s all churned out in century-old White Mountain freezing machines. Both businesses operate out of equally antique, converted filling stations. The original location is an Old Market fixture, and the newer shop in the beard-and-beer borough of Benson has served to expand the reach of one of the city’s favorite brands.

10. HELADOS SANTA FE - 4807 S. 24th St. The only thing more colorful than the annual Cinco de Mayo parade that passes its front door is the collection of popsicles in the huge freezer case that welcomes you to Helados Santa Fe in the heart of South Omaha. In an array of hues straight out of Andy Warhol’s color palette from his Marilyn Monroe series, you’ll find such ice cream curiosities as cheese, Mexican bread, and avocado. And ice cream infused with hot chili peppers? Yeah, it’s a thing.

11.

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CONEFLOWER CREAMERY

- Blackstone District, 3921 Farnam St. The “Farm to Cone” tagline says it all at the shop in the resurgent, hot-hot-hot Blackstone District. Using a network of local partners from fruit and vegetable growers to dairies, coffee roasters, and locally made root beer—even the sprinkles are made in-house—Coneflower Creamery is committed to supporting local producers while delivering only the freshest of ingredients in a menu that changes with the growing seasons.

A chef-driven philosophy is behind the quest for flavors not normally associated with ice cream. Basil? Saffron?

Ginger? Turmeric? Yes, please!

12. ADDITIONAL METRO AREA SHOPS - Dairy Chef (3223 N. 204th St., Elkhorn) - Dairy Twist (2211 Lincoln Road, Bellevue) - 80's Snack Shack (4733 Giles Road, Bellevue) - Tastee Treet (13996 Wabash Ave., Council Bluffs) - Christy Creme (2853 N. Broadway, Council Bluffs) - Doozies (321 Comanche St., Council Bluffs) Have we neglected any local ice cream shops? Let us know on social media at @omahamagazine.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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HISTORY // STORY BY LINDA PERSIGEHL // ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Going to FOR OVER YEARS

A BRI EF H ISTORY OF TH E BELEAGUERED DOUGLAS COUNTY FAI R

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JULY/AUGUST 2018

4-H PLAYED A big part in Tracy Behnken’s

youth. The Nebraska Extension educator, who grew up on a dairy farm near Bennington, showed dairy cattle and participated in horticulture and entomology competitions from the age of 8 to 18.

So when the Douglas County Fair rolled around each year, Behnken and her siblings filled with excitement. “I’m the youngest of four, and we all showed [livestock] and looked forward to fair time. We’d spend morning ‘til night there, caring for our animals. My cousins were there, and I got to see many of my classmates. And we’d get to see kids from across the county... reconnect with friends we’d made.”

Behnken, 54, says a highlight was riding the Zipper carnival ride with friends, over and over again. She’d also go to the open-air auditorium and watch the song competition and fashion review show. “And I remember us girls trying to keep away from the 4-H boys who’d try to throw you in the stock tank,” she says, laughing. “They were an ornery bunch.”

The Douglas County Fair has created great memories like Behnken’s for countless Nebraskans for more than 140 years. And that longevity is no small feat, considering the changing landscape of the county, both geographically and culturally.

Just a couple of years ago, the fair appeared to be near an end. Its events and entertainment had been cut to the bone, attendance was dismal, and fair planners wondered if it could survive.

But today, with a new home and management, the fair is poised to make a comeback. So believes Matt Gunderson, chair of the Douglas County Fair Advisory Committee and president of Friends of Extension Foundation, which took over management this year. The 2018 fair will be held July 10 to 15 at Village Pointe in West Omaha and Chance Ridge Event Center in Elkhorn. Chance Ridge won't have parking, so visitors will need to take weekend shuttles from lots at Village Pointe or Metropolitan Community College's Elkhorn campus.

To say that the fair has weathered many changes is an understatement. The first fair (in the area now known as Douglas County) was during 1858 in Saratoga prior to Nebraska statehood, according to the Douglas County Historical Society. But the official Douglas County Fair got its start on a parcel of land in Waterloo in the mid-1800s. A portion of property taxes paid

by Nebraska landowners went to the Douglas County Agricultural Society, which initially funded the fair.

“County fairs started as a means for the rural population to showcase what they’d done all year,” says Vernon Waldren, executive director of the Friends of Extension Foundation. “The farmers came out to show the quality crops

they’d grown, compare the size of their melons, and show off their best livestock.”

“Eventually they added home economics— baking, sewing, and other domestics. Then 4-H started in 1902 and became part of Extension, and joined the fair with the goal of educating people about these things.”

The fair steadily grew, adding musical acts, carnival games and rides, and other family fun.

Held in late summer, the event lasted from five to 10 days. The fair stayed in Waterloo for over a century, until the fairgrounds were sold.

In 1988, the Douglas County Fair relocated to Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha, with the Knights of Aksarben taking over management. The tract of land—bounded by 50th to 72nd and Leavenworth to Center streets—seemed a good fit, offering an indoor arena, a racetrack, and stables with plenty of room for exhibits, livestock, rides, and a midway. The location also brought the action closer to the population center, though not all were happy about the fair leaving a small-town setting. Participation by both 4-H and open-class competitors grew, as events were opened to kids from outside counties. The late-July fair was a boon to the city.

In 2003, following the sale of Ak-Sar-Ben for development, the fair was forced to move again, this time settling at the Qwest Center Omaha in downtown. The fair combined with the River City Rodeo & Stock Show to become a fourday event in late September. The urban venue did not appeal to many traditional fair-goers, as events were moved indoors, and many complained the fair had lost its identity. But there was no denying the high turnout. “There were as many as 100,000 people in attendance during those four days,” Gunderson says.

The first few years at the Qwest Center (eventually renamed the CenturyLink Center), the fair offered carnival rides in the parking lot. “But economics dictated that that end pretty quick,” says Eddie Biwer, another Friends of Extension Foundation board member. “Too expensive.”

“Also, the 4-H presence at the [Douglas County] fair was dropped,” Waldren says. “[The kids] went to the Sarpy County Fair.

There were still open-class persons exhibiting, but not in those numbers.”

To keep the fair relevant in its new city setting, organizers recognized it had to become more diverse, Gunderson says. “We began hosting chess tournaments and robotics competitions.

We worked to become more inclusive.”

In 2016, the Knights of Aksarben ended its oversight, and the rodeo/stock show parted ways with the fair. Management was turned over to the Douglas County Fair Foundation. During this uncertain time, the group chose to scale the fair back to three days in late July and sought

out an inexpensive venue, choosing Crossroads Mall at 72nd and Dodge streets. Mostly vacant, the mall housed most of the fair events indoors, with a few bounce houses and a small petting zoo in an outside lot.

The bare-bones fair offered some live music, a magic show, a Disney film screening, and the traditional cake and quilt shows. But without carnival rides and livestock events (rabbits and chickens were showcased indoors), the fair proved lackluster and had disappointing attendance.

Fair organizers knew big changes had to come for it to survive.

Last year, the Douglas County Fair Board moved the event to Chance Ridge Event Center in rural Elkhorn. The one-day July event was a trial run to see if the venue would suit the needs of the fair going forward. Its tagline was “Back to the Dirt,” referencing the fair’s return to the country and the basics of a county fair (minus the carnival rides). It had the regulars—quilts, bunnies, a “sugar arts” baking competition, as well as a progress show (a livestock event for youth to practice their showcasing skills for the state fair). Like in past years, all events were open class, meaning anyone could compete. A beer garden and music concert closed the event.

Though the fair did not boast big numbers, competition entries were up and it was received well by attendees.

The Friends of Extension Foundation is hoping to sign a multi-year contract with Chance Ridge to continue hosting the Douglas County Fair, Gunderson says. With the help of new sponsors and additional marketing this year, organizers hope to build on this momentum.

This year’s event tagline is “Where Urban and Rural Meet,” as the fair focuses on educating fairgoers on how agriculture relates to all of us, as well as pathways to careers in agriculture.

“One-third of all industries in Omaha are tied to agriculture in some way,” Gunderson says. “You can work in IT, as an accountant, a welder, or in transportation, and still play a part in agriculture and food production.”

Adds Waldren: “Even if you don’t want to work in agriculture, there are skills we teach to help in everyday life, like how to pick fresh produce or selection of meat…[teaching] people how to be better consumers.”

Gunderson realizes that building the fair back to the size it once was is unlikely given the more urban nature of Douglas County, not to mention club sports, technology, and summer camps competing for kids’ attention. But he hopes parents will take the time out for the fair to “create those special memories with their kids and grandkids, and spur that fire and interest in agriculture. It’s great family time.”

Visit douglascountyfair.org for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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HY WOULD A young,

M

healthy finance graduate of California State UniversitySan Marcos leave a prestigious and lucrative job in the world of Southern California banking to run a restaurant in Ralston?

For Michael Sanchez, a more appropriate question was, “How can I not do this?”

In 2008, his grandmother Maria Sanchez, the woman he calls “my everything” and the namesake of the legendary Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, needed his help. Michael’s grandfather, Patrick, had died some years before. Maria was determined to carry on and manage a business they had started together in 1976. But when Maria turned 70, she knew the years were catching up with her.

“Michael is like my husband because he’s really into the business side of the restaurant,” Maria says. Michael’s grandfather grew up in Colorado and was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base when he married Maria in 1959. While the couple lived overseas in Puerto Rico and the Philippines, Patrick set up a Mexican food cart on base during the weekends. The food cart was a hit with fellow service families. It eventually inspired their restaurant.

capacity. Ten years later, the growing popularity of Maria’s signature fried puffy tacos taxes the new floor plan.

“Even now that we’ve expanded, it’s a long wait sometimes,” says Maria, in what may be the understatement of the year. Patrons congregate outside the restaurant before the doors open.

After unleashing his inner entrepreneur, Michael embarked on a creative and professional tear.

Over the past decade the Creighton Prep product has added a satellite Maria’s Mexican Restaurant inside the Ralston Arena, created the sensational Mula in Omaha’s hip Blackstone District, developed a new taco eatery in Benson, drawn up plans for a fastcasual dining experience, earned a graduate degree in business from Creighton University (completed in one year), and won a seat on the Ralston City Council. In addition, he helps raise two sons, ages 12 and 9.

Michael grew up at Maria’s (“My crib was in the back office of the restaurant,” he says) and can perform every job within his businesses.

Although he prefers working outside the kitchen, his vast knowledge of Mexican food has paid dividends in his business ventures.

Maria practically raised Michael from the time he was a baby. “He’s a creator,” she says, acknowledging the grandson inherited her husband’s financial acumen. “I told him, ‘Come home, Michael. We’d love to have you.’”

“Living in California and traveling often to Mexico opened my eyes to how many varieties of Mexican food there are,” he says. “Omahastyle Mexican is very similar to Maria’s, which has a heavy Texas influence. It’s all about sauces, cheese, and beans.”

“It took a lot of planning, mostly over the phone, to make the arrangements for me to come back [as majority owner and operator],” says Michael, 35. “Because she’s so passionate and wants the best for her business and her employees, I think she wanted to advance the business, but she just didn’t have the wherewithal.”

The Tex-Mex influence comes naturally to Maria. “My mother was raised in Texas,” she says. “We use her recipes. We’ve used them from the beginning, when Patrick cooked.”

Michael knew exactly how to advance the family business when he returned to Ralston.

His vision coincided with the same thing customers had been telling his grandmother for years: Maria’s didn’t have enough space.

A remodel and expansion job began immediately on the Burlington Street restaurant in the heart of Ralston. Michael added a party room and doubled the seating

As he conceptualized a culinary creation of his own, Michael strived to bridge the gap between Americanized Mexican food and the traditional fare immigrant families dish up along Omaha’s South 24th Street—fare similar to the street food made-to-order from vendor carts on Mexican street corners.

He chose to establish Mula (Spanish for mule) at 40th and Farnam streets because he felt the community would travel there to sample his contemporary version of Mexican street food. The location struck gold.

“When we moved here to the Blackstone District in 2014, there was nothing around, I mean nothing,” Michael says with a touch of awe. “Now it’s become the hottest part of the city.”

Relying on social media and word-of-mouth, Mula found its footing within a year and exceeded expectations.

The décor reflects the Old World, with statues and icons of the Virgin Mary and colorful votive candles with images of saints lined across the back bar. Hundreds of bottles of tequila rest on rustic bookshelves, giving credence to Mula’s billing as a “Mexican Kitchen and Tequileria.”

Diners experience flavors outside the realm of taco seasoning, with fresh red cabbage, chile crema, a splash of citrus, and “a hint of vanilla” integrated into some of the offerings.

Unlike many Mexican restaurants, portions at Mula don’t rival the size of houseboats, although the tortas, Mexican sandwiches stuffed with meat, can easily feed two.

With Mula running smoothly, Michael turned to a simpler concept and a new restaurant debuting this summer: Taco Co. at 61st and Maple streets in Benson, a margarita garden that pays homage to his grandmother.

“We serve nothing but margaritas and her fried puffy tacos,” he says, referring to the pita bread-like quality of the taco shell. “We also have finger food, salsa, and guac.”

Always one to stay up on trends in the business, Michael and his trusty culinary director, chef Kyle Lamb, have an idea for a line of fast-casual restaurants. “Counter service, not full service, is the largest growing segment,” he says matter-of-factly.

While Michael plans for the future, his beloved grandmother, whose smooth skin and bright smile belie her age, basks in the goodwill bestowed on her at the restaurant.

As she welcomes third- and fourth-generation customers to Maria’s, she takes comfort knowing her family’s culinary legacy will continue for years to come.

Visit mariasralston.com to learn more about Maria’s in Ralston, visit mulaomaha.com for Mula in Blackstone, and find Taco Co. on Facebook at @handmadetacos.

MICHAEL KNEW EXACTLY HOW TO ADVANCE THE FAMILY BUSINESS WHEN HE RETURNED TO RALSTON. HIS VISION COINCIDED WITH THE SAME THING CUSTOMERS HAD BEEN TELLING HIS GRANDMOTHER FOR YEARS: MARIA’S DIDN’T HAVE ENOUGH SPACE. // 110 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

DINING PROFILE // STORY BY CAROL CRISSEY NIGRELLI // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

BUILDING ON FAMILY LEGACY AT MARIA’S AND MULA

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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, cot pr i l a a u d r ie ar ug d it h r e sh d w nd f e r a e l a y u t t o, d i a c e tbr pr os Fla figs,

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

Pinot and

Pumps

JULY/AUGUST

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2018

//SECTION DINING REVIEW // NAMES//

W

HILE CUSTOMERS FILLED

up their cars with gas, I filled up on a five-course meal and knocked back glasses of fine California wines. A gas station is the last place most people would go for fancy dining, but once a month local food and wine lovers gather around tables—set up just beyond the racks of Slim Jims and smokes—at the Old Market Cubby’s to savor elegant dishes paired with wines.

It’s not uncommon these days to find good, affordable bottles of vino at convenience stores, but few offer wine-tasting dinners like Cubby’s has for the last decade. The downtown Omaha convenience store, which includes a deli, produce section, and meat counter, hosts the popular wine dinners on the third Wednesday of the month. Cubby’s kitchen crew prepares the food on-site, and the menu, designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes, changes each month.

Whether guests are casual wine drinkers or connoisseurs, the dinners provide a chance to enhance their knowledge—perhaps my favorite aspect of the event. At a recent dinner, fine wine specialist John Ursick of Omaha and others were on hand to describe the nuances of each wine and answer questions. The dinners are a relative bargain at $30 per person. Portions are generous, and so are the pours.

On my visit, the first course featured a flavorful flatbread layered with dried apricot and figs, prosciutto, and fresh arugula. Edible flowers scattered on top provided an extra pop of color, while the sweetness of the dried fruit combined perfectly with the saltiness of the prosciutto. Also good was the accompanying glass of smooth, fruity chardonnay from The Crusher Wines.

A textural and visual delight, crostini topped with olive tapenade and sliced prosciutto was a satisfying blend of crispy, salty, and savory, but I would have preferred the prosciutto shaved thin. A juicy, easy-drinking red blend, also from The Crusher Wines, complemented the dish beautifully.

I also enjoyed a plate of plump, tender crab cakes that had a generous amount of lump crabmeat and a crispy, golden brown exterior. A glass of full-bodied Chardonnay from B Side Wines on California’s North Coast delighted with its crisp finish.

Shrimp scampi arrived buttery, lemony, and just garlicky enough, but the accompanying pasta was slightly overcooked. It came paired with a Don & Sons pinot noir from Sonoma County, in the heart of wine country.

Wine dinners at Cubby’s are a fun way to sample a variety of bites and learn more about wine in a relaxed, casual, and unconventional setting.

For dessert, a version of frozen s’mores delivered all the flavors one would expect from the classic childhood treat: graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow. A scoop of homemade bubblegum ice cream in the center was luscious and creamy, but the flavor clashed with the other ingredients.

The dessert’s sweetness paired well with the slightly smoky notes of the Gunsight Rock cabernet sauvignon from Paso Robles.

Although a gas station is no match for the ambiance of a rustic winery or cozy bistro, wine dinners at Cubby’s are a fun way to sample a variety of bites and learn more about wine in a relaxed, casual, and unconventional setting.

Visit cubbys.com for more information.

CUBBY’S OLD MARKET GROCERY AND CATERING 601 S. 13TH ST. | 402.341.2900

C rab

FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE OVERALL

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2018

Crostini topped with olive tapenade and sliced prosciutto

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Homemade German Goulash with Spaetzle Homemade bakery items include strudel, donuts & cakes 10 mins from Downtown Omaha 5180 Leavenworth 402.553.6774

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// 116 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Lisa’s Radial Cafe 817 N 40th St, Omaha, NE 68131 Follow us!

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LISA'S RADIAL CAFE - $ 402.551.2176 817 N. 40th St.

American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly. Gluten-free 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 talk about best chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, great coffee, and very friendly staff. Mon.-Fri. 6am-2pm., Sat. and Sun. 7am-2pm.

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OLD MATTRESS FACTORY - $ 402.346.9116 501 N. 13th St.

Keepin' it real in a renovated mattress factory built in 1883, remodeled in 2007 within walking distance to Omaha's major entertainment venues. Three private dining rooms for your own events, or stop in before or after any downtown Omaha event. Open daily from 11am-1am. themattomaha.com

MAHA BAR O B AL

UE EQ

L OC

STELLA’S - $

red i t

a

BBQ v

er

exan

Since 1936, we’ve been making our Stella’s world-famous 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! Mon.–Sat. 11am–9pm., Sun. closed. stellasbarandgrill.com

STIRNELLA - $$$ 402.932.0444 3814 Farnam St.

Stirnella is a refined gastro-pub in the historic Blackstone District, located on 38th & Farnam streets. Featuring local produce, proteins, beer, and spirits. The menu is influenced by local ingredients with dishes from all over the world. The bar program features bottled/canned beer, local beers on tap, craft cocktails, and wine. stirnella.com

UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY - $$

i gl D unch &

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ser

in

t

402.291.6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue

402.344.0200 514 S. 11th St.

Upstream features an extensive menu of new American pub fare including appetizers, thin-crust pizzas, superb steaks featuring Omaha Steaks, fresh fish, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and a great children’s menu. Fresh, handcrafted beer and root beer on tap. Extensive wine list. Call ahead for group reservations or to be placed on our waiting list. Visit our classic, upscale poolroom located on the second level. upstreambrewing.com

BARBEQUE

402.991.9994 4702 S. 108th St. | Omaha, Nebraska

FAMOUS DAVE'S - $

13315 Birch Drive (402.779.8600)

@TiredTexanBBQ

twitter.com/tired_texan_bbq

Our Famous Dave's restaurant serves award-winning barbecue ribs and hickory-smoked meats and mouth-watering sides in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. For the “Best Barbeque” in the Midwest, dine in, take out, or have us cater your next event! We'll help make your next catered event in the Omaha area Famous! famousdaves.com/eagle-run

TIRED TEXAN BBQ - $$ 402.991.9994 4702 S. 108th St.

Barbeque, Desserts, American (Traditional).

Family owned and operated in Omaha. You'll be able to taste the freshness of barbecue straight from the smoker, sliced or pulled to order. We strive to offer the finest ingredients, with the utmost freshness, in a comfortable environment. You’re family around here, and if something’s not right, be sure to let us know. Since all of our smoked products come right off the smoker, we may even sell out!! Don’t worry, we won’t let you leave hungry. Tues.-Sun. 11am-9pm, or until we're sold out of meat. tiredtexanbbq.com

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JULY/AUGUST 2018

ICE CREAM ECREAMERY - $

402.934.3888 5001 Underwood Ave.

eCreamery has been serving delicious ice cream, gelato, and sorbet since 2007 at our parlor located at 50th Street and Underwood Avenue in historic Dundee. You can choose from 16 best-selling flavors that rotate daily. Each flavor is hand-churned fresh with the finest ingredients by our ice cream artists. We also ship gifts nationwide. ecreamery.com

TED AND WALLY’S - $ 402.341.5827 1120 Jackson St.

Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream Left Chest 100% Options flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer 7-31-13 your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available.Option A tedandwallys.com

ITALIAN

7984-2017 UpstreamAd-OmahaMagHH-2.375x2.37

LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$

402.556.6464 45th & 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 Tues.-Sat. at 11am and Sun. at 4:30pm. lacasapizzaria.net

LOMBARDOS BISTRO & BAR - $$ 402.884.9800 13110 Birch Drive

We are a locally owned and operated neighborhood eatery with an Italian flare. We offer a full, made-from-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, B hour 3-6:30 pm & all day Sundays, live catering, aOption daily happy music Tuesdays & Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays. lombardosomaha.com

Walking Distance to CenturyLink Center & TD Ameritrade Park, CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT.

402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com

Option C

/the old mattress factory omaha

@Matt_factory

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$ 402.345.5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave.

Located in the middle of a 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, special-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. losolemio.com

PASTA AMORE - $$

402.391.2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road

• Food & Drink Specials Daily • 38 Big Screen TV’s • Great Food & Customer Service 18 0 th & P a c i f i c / 2 0 2 nd & M a p l e Thegoodlifeomaha.com

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 ossobuco. 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. Lunch: 11am-2pm Dinner: 4:30pm Reservations recommended. pastaamore.com DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+ JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 119 //

PITCH - $$

402. 590.2625 5021 Underwood Ave.

An OpenTable's Diners' Choice 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coalfired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and a burger full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Mon. 3pm-10pm Tue.-Thu. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. 3-10pm. pitchpizzeria.com

WALKING DISTANCE

TO CENTURYLINK CENTER & TD AMERITRADE PARK Please be aware of the clear bag policy at TD Ameritrade Park and CenturyLink Center

YOUR PRE-GAME HE AD QUARTE RS FOR LUNCH, DINNE R OR YOUR NE XT EVE NT!

SPEZIA - $$$

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 Mon.-Sun. Cocktail hour: 4-6pm, 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)

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

@Matt_factory

Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. Mon.-Thu., 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 4-9pm. fernandosomaha.com

JULIO’S - $

402.330.2110 2820 S. 123rd Court

Local 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?

They have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos!

julios.com

Thank You, Thank You,

Thank You

LA MESA - $$

For Continually Voting For Us!

th

9201 N 30 (next to the Mormon Bridge) Omaha, NE

Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat 3001 S. 32nd Ave / Omaha, NE 402.345.5656

402.451.3266 / 11-2 reopen 4-9 Tues-Fri Winter hours: 11-2 lunch / Tues-Sat 4-8 / CLOSED Sun & Mon

158th Street & W. Maple Road 156th & Q streets (402.763.2555) 110th St. & W. Maple Road (402.496.1101) Fort Crook Road & Highway 370, Bellevue (402.733.8754) 84th Street & 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 13 years in a row. Sun.-Thu. 11am-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-10:30pm. lamesaomaha.com

EST. 1986

OJ'S CAFE - $$

402.451.3266 9201 N. 30th St. Next to the Mormon Bridge

Now Serving Farm to Table Street Food at our Benson Location

Old Market: 1120 Jackson Street • (402) 341-5827 Benson: 6023 Maple Street // 120 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Family-owned for 41 years. All homemade food, including our signature enchilada dish, homemade salsa, and some of Omaha's best margaritas! Tue.-Fri. 11am-2pm, Sat. 2pm9pm, Closed Sun.-Mon. ojscafe.com

tedandwallys.com 11 Years In A Row

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

Thanks for Voting Us

#1 BREAKFAST 10 YEARS in a Row!

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!

Omaha’s most unique

I TA L I A N D I N I N G E X P E R I E N C E

402.884.9800

13110 BIRCH DR, OMAHA, NE | LOMBARDOSOMAHA.COM

THE ORIGINAL

it’s about all of us.

OMAHA MAGAZ INE’S

FamilyGuide

Whiskey Steak Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am-2pm Cocktail Hour: 3pm-5pm Dinner nightly from 5pm Reservations Accepted Gift Cards Available

Voted Best of Omaha 5 years in a row

2121 South 73rd Street | 402-391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 121 //

7984-2017 UpstreamAd-OmahaMag-5x4.917_FNL.pdf

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7/14/17

1:43 PM

MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $ 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 & L streets (402.331.5656) Galvin & Avery roads, Bellevue (402.292.2028) 29th & Farnam streets (402.346.1110)

Romeo's is your friendly, family Mexican food & 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 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 beer lover’s destination. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11am-2am. Kitchen hours: Mon.Wed., 11am-1pm; Thu.-Sat. 11am-midnight. Closed Sun. 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)

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

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

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. Gerda herself makes 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

GREEK ISLANDS - $ 402.346.1528 3821 Center St.

Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We're well known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Mon.-Thu., 11am-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm; Sun., 11am-7pm. greekislandsomaha.com

www.romeosOMAHA.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

// 122 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

West Omaha's

25 YEARS IN

only champagne

on tap!

THE

▶ 7 days a week◀

MAKING

Happy Hour M-F / Brunch SAT/SUN

Specially brewed

by Lucky Bucket

6 OMAHA AREA LOCATIONS DOWNTOWN

MIRACLE HILLS 114th & Dodge

23rd & Cornhusker

AKSARBEN VILLAGE

MILLARD

PLATTSMOUTH

10th & Capitol 67th & Center

180th & Q

BELLEVUE

Hwy 75 & Oak Hill

DJSDUGOUT.COM 11726_DJ'sOmahAMag_APR2018_2018HalfV1.indd 1

3/21/18 3:47 PM

Best Greek fernandosomaha.com

380 N 114th St 402.330.5707 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 16920 Wright Plz, #118 / Omaha, NE 68130 (On the corner of 168th and West Center)

402.884.8966

7555 Pacific St 402.339.8006

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 JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 123 //

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 Mon.-Fri., 11am-2pm.

Dinner Mon.-Sat., 5pm-close. jcocoomaha.com

KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$ 402.505.4089 5352 S. 72nd St.

Lunch specials served Mon.-Fri. 11am-2pm, featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel.

Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages. koreangardenomaha.com

O’CONNOR’S IRISH PUB - $ 402.934.9790 1217 Howard St.

Comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Great before and after games. We offer pub-style food—burgers, Reubens, daily specials, and homemade soups—as well as all the traditional, favorite Irish libations: Guinness, Harp, and Irish whiskey.

Grill hours: Mon.-Thu., 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm. oconnorsomaha.com

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. (402.934.5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402.991.3000)

&

At Paradise Bakery, we offer 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.

TWO WORLDS...

GR E AT H A P PY H O U R SP E C I A L S!

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 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.

One Amazing Experience 12221 MARY PLAZA • 402-541-7963 RGCATERINGEVENTS.COM/RYANS-FOOD-SPIRITS // 124 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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 Mon.­-Fri., 11am-2pm; cocktail hour, 3-6pm; dinner nightly, 5pm. Reservations accepted. droverrestaurant.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha” Stella’s Bar and Grill

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

Locally Inspired Dishes

by Chef Doug Case

11th & Harney

78th & Dodge

JOIN US ON MONDAY’S FOR $50 FILET & LOBSTER Private dining space available for parties up to 200 guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

JOSH ORSINI Operating Partner

402.393.0811 140 REGENCY PKWY / OMAHA, NE 68114 FLEMINGSSTEAKHOUSE.COM

STORIES OF

Adventure

O’Connor’s Irish Pub 1217 Howard St. • Omaha, NE 68102 402-934-9790 • oconnorsomaha.com JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 125 //

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

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

JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$ 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: Mon.-Sat., 11am-2pm and 5pm-9:30pm. 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).

Mon.-Thu. 10am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 10am-11pm, and Sun. 10am9pm. (Join us for Saturday and Sunday brunch.) steakandgrapesomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

// 126 //

JULY/AUGUST 2018

Lunch Specials

With Free Glass of House Wine HAPPY HOUR M-F / SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH

CHANGING THE WORLD,

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 16920 Wright Plz, #118 / Omaha, NE 68130 O n t h e c o r n e r o f 1 6 8 th a n d W e s t C e n t e r S t r e e t

402.884.8966

ONE DELICIOUS STEAK AT A TIME...

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.

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

Best Of Omaha 12 Years Running

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

2620 River Road Drive Waterloo, NE 68069 402.779.2353 NO RESERVATIONS

FarmerBrowns.com

T H E B E S T I N C A S UA L D I N I N G

T R A D I T I O NA L C L ASSI C S PR EPAR ED FRO M

S C R ATC H DA I LY

T W O O M A H A L O C AT I O N S | 1 3 8 5 1 F N B P K W Y | 7 5 4 0 D O D G E S T | C H A R L E S T O N S . C O M JULY/AUGUST 2018

// 127 //

// EXPLORE CALNENDAR //

STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY! The AeroShell Aerobatic team, coming to the 2018 Offutt Open House & Air Show

Located just a few minutes south of Omaha, Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do.

Attend the 2018 Offutt AFB Open House and Air Show, being held August 11-12. Take a swing at one of our premier golf courses. Go for a stroll at Fontenelle Forest. Spend a summer evening at one of our local wineries or breweries.

Whatever you decide, stay and play and plan your getaway at

GoSarpy.com!

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

Sarpy County Fair, Aug. 1-5

Papio Bay Aquatic Center

Fontenelle Forest

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

NEBRASKA UNCLE SAM JAM! July 3 at Oak Lake Park, First and

Charleston streets, Lincoln. Bring the whole family to Lincoln’s official celebration of Independence Day, featuring food, music, fireworks, and more. 402-441-7547.

—lincoln.ne.gov

ANNUAL JULY FOURTH FLEA MARKET July 3-4 at

Fairbury City Park, 421 Park Road, Fairbury. Spend two days celebrating America’s independence at the largest flea market in southeast Nebraska, where everything from dishes to clothes will be available for purchase, along with great food. A morning parade and a fireworks show at dusk will take place on July 4. 402-729-3221.

—fairburyfleamarket.com

1898 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

July 4 at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34, Grand Island. This summer tradition includes a parade, a concert, pieeating contests, games, and more. 308-385-5316.

—stuhrmuseum.org

ZOOFEST July 6-7, 14th and O streets, Lincoln. Taking

place in front of the Zoo Bar, this festival will feature all-day performances from national and local musicians along with food, drinks, and merchandise for sale. 402-435-8754.

—zoobar.com

THE GOOD LIVING TOUR July 7 at City Park, 100 Third

Ave., Red Cloud; July 20 at Johnny Carson Mural, 111 Third St., Norfolk. This statewide concert tour is back.

Acts performing in Red Cloud are Root Marm Chicken Farm Jug Band, Rascal Martinez, Freakabout, and Lester Junction. Acts performing in Norfolk are Emily Bass and the Near Miracle, Bokr Tov, and The Belles. 308-386-8117.

—goodlivingtour.com

MIDWEST TOY FARMERS’ 31ST ANNUAL TOY SHOW July 8 at Northeast Community College, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Norfolk.

Midwest toy farmers will display and sell their toy trucks, tractors, and more at this annual event.

—toyfarmer.com/showsauctions

OREGON TRAIL DAYS July 12-15 in Scottsbluff.

This 97th annual event is one of the oldest community festivals in Nebraska. The celebration includes a kickoff barbecue, a hill climb bicycle ride to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument, a chili cookoff, horseshoe tournament, and more. 308-632-2133.

—oregontraildays.com

JOHN C. FREMONT DAYS July 13-15 in Fremont.

This award-winning celebration of Fremont’s history offers education along with the “Cruisers on Main” car and bike show, a rodeo, an antique and collectors show, a parade, beautiful hot air balloon glow, and many more activities. This year’s festival is dedicated to the remembrance of World War I, and displays will be a part of this recognition of the Great War. 402-727-9428.

—johncfremontdays.org

2018 MCA MUSTANG NATIONAL SHOW

July 13-15 at Pinnacle Bank Arena Festival Lot, 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive, Lincoln. Spectators will be treated to a display of Mustangs along with approximately 500 other vehicles. 402-267-3665.

—hoofbeatoflincoln.com

MY ÁNTONIA July 20-22 at Red Cloud Opera House,

413 N. Webster St., Red Cloud. This play by A.P. Andrews, based on the novel by Willa Cather, follows the life of Ántonia, a young and lonely immigrant girl living with her family in Black Hawk, Nebraska, who befriends young Jim Burden. Their story is one of pioneer hardships, personal struggles, and the endurance of memory. 402-746-2641.

—willacather.org

CHRISTOFER VISSER—CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTOR

July 20 at Schoolhouse Art Gallery & Nature Center, 427 Main St., Brownville. Spend an evening listening to Christofer Visser’s true historical stories along with unique stories pertaining to his travels. 402-825-4992.

—brownville-ne.com

CORNHUSKER STATE GAMES

July 20-29, various locations in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding communities. This amateur sporting event offers participants the opportunity to compete in Olympic contests like gymnastics, track and field, and swimming, as well as more relaxed events like horseshoe pitching and chess. 402-471-2544.

—cornhuskerstategames.com

HIGHWAY 66 CONCOURSE CLASSIC July 22 at

Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland. Come view the nation’s history of classic automobiles while viewing rare autos and motorcycles. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 402-944-3100.

—sacmuseum.org

STEVE MILLER BAND & PETER FRAMPTON Aug.

2 at Pinewood Bowl Theater, 3201 S. Coddington Ave., Lincoln. The two icons will perform hits from their legendary careers and jam together. 402-904-4444.

—pinewoodbowltheater.com

JOSH HOYER & SOUL COLOSSAL

Aug. 3-5 at Brownville Concert Hall, 126 Atlantic St., Brownville. Guests will be entertained by Hoyer and his band’s electrifying fusion of soul and funk. 402-825-3331.

—brownville-ne.com

FAMILY FUN CARNIVAL

Aug. 4 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland. Animals, face painters, and balloon artists will be present at this kidfriendly event, which includes a large shuttle slide, a spacewalk, and a science lesson. 402-944-3100.

—sacmuseum.org

GSK ORANGE RUN

Aug. 4 at Fallbrook YMCA, 700 Penrose Drive, Lincoln. Offering both family-friendly and competitive activities, this event features a 1-mile fun run/walk and a 5K race aimed at promoting fitness, health, and fun.

—lincolnrun.org

NHRA NEBRASKA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Aug. 4-5 at Kearney Raceway Park, 4860 Imperial Ave. Racers from all over the state will compete for the state title in this race. 308-750-2049.

—krpi.com

NEBRASKA ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW

Aug. 5 at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34, Grand Island. Dozens of street rods, hot rods, customized vehicles, and historical American automobiles will be on display at the museum’s 1890s Railroad Town. 308-385-5316.

—stuhrmuseum.org

NEBRASKA STAR PARTY

Aug. 5-10 at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, Highway 97 & Cedar Bay, Valentine. This week-long event dedicated to nature and the stars will entertain children and adults alike. Guests can learn how to explore the night sky and take educational tours of the surrounding area. 402-333-5460.

—nebraskastarparty.org

KOOL-AID DAYS Aug. 10-12 in downtown Hastings.

Celebrate America’s beloved powdered drink mix, which was created in Hastings, with this weekend festival. Events include Kwickest Kool-Aid Drinking Contest, Jammers Boat Races, a fun run/walk, and more. 402-461-8405.

—kool-aiddays.com

AN EVENING WITH EARTH, WIND & FIRE Aug. 14

at Pinewood Bowl Theater, 3201 S. Coddington Ave., Lincoln. Enjoy a night listening to the legendary tunes of this band whose works range from disco and funk to Latin and African music. 402-904-4444.

—pinewoodbowltheater.com

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JULY/AUGUST 2018

COLUMBUS DAYS

Aug. 16-19 in Columbus.

Spend the weekend listening to live music, enjoying food, viewing the All Ford Car Show, a pedal tractor pull, a parade, and more. 402-564-2769.

—facebook.com/columbusdays

NEBRASKA FOOTBALL FANDAY Late August (date

TBD) at Memorial Stadium, 1 Memorial Stadium Drive, Lincoln. Come to Memorial Stadium for a day full of events such as obtaining autographs, and meeting the coaching staff and players. 402-472-2263.

—huskers.com

NEBRASKA STATE FAIR Aug. 24-Sept. 3, 501 E.

Fonner Park Road, Grand Island. Participate in traditional fair activities like livestock exhibits, a midway, and lots of fried food. Concerts include Kelly Clarkson, Sugarland, Up with People, and more. 308-382-1620.

—statefair.org

JASON MRAZ

Aug. 30 at Pinewood Bowl Theater, 3201 S. Coddington Ave., Lincoln. The Grammyaward winning artist will entertain fans alongside his “Superband.” Brett Dennen will perform as a special guest. 402-904-4444.

—pinewoodbowltheater.com

IOWA YANKEE DOODLE POPS July 2 at Iowa State Capitol,

E. Ninth St. and Grand Ave., Des Moines. The 25th annual performance by the Des Moines Symphony will entertain guests with a patriotic outdoor musical performance that ends with a display of fireworks over the city. This free event is welcome to all ages. 515-280-4000.

—dmsymphony.org

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

INDEPENDENCE DAY

July 4 at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale.

Celebrate America’s birthday with a familyoriented day of pie-eating contests, foot races, a town parade, and more. The celebration will also include the Walnut Hill Bluestockings playing baseball according to 1875 rules. 515-278-5286.

—lhf.org

80/35 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018

July 6-7 at Western Gateway Park, 12th and Locust Streets, Des Moines. The 11th-annual music festival will entertain with over 50 musical performances, including Kesha and Phantogram as headliners.

—80-35.com

SATURDAY IN THE PARK July 7 at Grandview Park,

24th St. and Grandview Blvd., Sioux City. On July Fourth weekend, Sioux City hosts a free music festival featuring jazz legend Boz Scaggs and Grammywinner Jason Isbell and the 400 unit. 712-277-2575.

—saturdayinthepark.com

NORTH LIBERTY BLUES & BBQ

July 14 at Centennial Park, St. Andrews Drive, North Liberty. Eat barbecue and listen to performances from regional blues musicians. Activities for children and craft beers are also featured.

—northlibertyblues.org

IOWAY CULTURE DAY July 14 at Living History

Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. Spend the day exploring the Ioway culture—the namesake of the state of Iowa. Guests can take a tractor-cart ride to a 1700style Ioway farm where they can learn how the Ioway constructed their homes, farmed, and prepared food.

In addition, guest speakers will impart their personal knowledge of Ioway tradition and technology. 515-278-5286.

—lhf.org

JAMEY JOHNSON July 20 at McGrath Amphitheater,

475 First St. S.W., Cedar Rapids. The awardwinning singer and songwriter will entertain with his highly praised country hits. 319-362-1729.

—mcgrathamphitheatre.com

46TH ANNUAL RAGBRAI July 22-28 across Iowa.

Thousands of bicyclists will converge upon Iowa for one week in this annual event. This year’s event travels the state from Onawa in western Iowa to Davenport in eastern Iowa. Come for the ride, stay for the homemade pie found in each town along the route. 515-284-8341.

—ragbrai.com

NORDIC FESTIVAL July 26-28, 507 W. Water St.,

Decorah. For over 50 years, Decorah has welcomed visitors from around the world to a festival full of traditional crafts, food, colorful parades, musical performances, and a Saturday night fireworks show. 800-382-3378.

—nordicfest.com

FRIDAY NIGHT MAIN EVENT LLC

July 27 at Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4261 Oak Crest Hill Road SE., Iowa City. This event features carnival rides, a rodeo, and a live performance from country artist Walker McGuire. 319-530-1170.

—fridaynightmainevent.org

PRESENTED BY

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2018 NATIONAL BALLOON CLASSIC

July 27-Aug. 4 at the National Balloon Classic Memorial Balloon Field, 15335 Jewell St., Indianola. This event promises a spectacular visual experience, with nearly 100 hot air balloons adorning the sky, live music, glowing lights, and fireworks at night, along with other family-friendly attractions. 515-961-8415.

—nationalballoonclassic.com

2018 HINTERLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug. 3-4 at Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, 3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles. Guests will be entertained with music from a talented number of artists from around the country (and the world) with styles rooted in rock, country, and more. Performers include Sturgill Simpson, Chvrches, and Ancient Posse.

—hinterlandiowa.com

NEWBO EVOLVE Aug. 3-5, 1620 Second St. S.E., Cedar Rapids. The 10th annual festival includes appearances by film director John Waters and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, a panel session by Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon, and performances from Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson. 319-398-5009.

—gocedarrapids.com/newboevolve

THE SECOND CITY Aug. 4 at Pearson Lakes Art

Center, 2201 U.S. Highway 71, Okoboji. This tour of Chicago’s legendary improv comedy theater features the troupe’s best sketches and songs. 712-332-7013.

—lakesart.org

IOWA STATE FAIR

Aug. 9-19 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, E. 30th St. and E. University Ave., Des Moines. Revel in the family-friendly atmosphere of this annual and traditional event, featuring a butter cow, thrill parks, talent show, games, and much more.

Special guests include Reba McEntire, Florida Georgia Line, and comedian Jim Gaffigan. 515-262-3111.

—iowastatefair.org

FRYFREST

Aug. 31, Quarry Road and E. Ninth St., Coralville. Join Hawkeye fans in this annual celebration of historic football coach Hayden Fry for a day of tailgating, live music, and autograph sessions from current and former football players. 319-337-6592.

—fryfest.com

KANSAS 14TH ANNUAL HEARTLAND ART GUILD INTERNATIONAL MINIATURES ART SHOW July 2-31 at

Paola Chamber of Commerce, Six W. Peoria, Paola.

At this art display, all pieces must be 25 square inches or less in size, making it a display like no other. Over 180 works of art created by artists from the United States and beyond will be present. 913-294-4940.

—artkc.com

JUNK ’N’ DONUTS SWAP MEETS July 14 and Aug. 11 at

Louisburg Cider Mill, 14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg.

Grab a Lost Trail root beer and a cider donut, and shop around the Cider Mill where vendors will be selling antiques and other goods. 913-837-5202.

—louisburgcidermill.com

2018 AMELIA EARHART FESTIVAL July 20-21 in

Atchison. In an annual, honorary celebration of the city’s own pioneer, Atchison’s community will entertain with a carnival, an outdoor concert featuring country artists Brett Young and Maddie & Tae, food, aerobatic displays, historical presentations, and more—capped by a finale of fireworks. 1-800-234-1854.

—visitatchison.com

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CLUE: THE MUSICAL

July 20-Aug. 5 at Helen Hocker Theater, 700 S.W. Zoo Parkway, Topeka.

This musical adaptation of the beloved board game invites the audience to guess the suspect via clues given out throughout the performance. Each performance offers a different conclusion, making the production a truly unique experience. 785-357-5211.

—topekacivictheatre.com

BLACKSMITHS AND PIONEERS DAYS

Aug. 18-19 at Transue Brothers Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, 309 Main St., Summerfield. Spend the weekend watching gun fights, riding in covered wagons and stage coaches, and observing the arts of blacksmithing, marble blowing, and other practices of the late 1800s. 402-520-0644.

—transueblacksmith.org

admission to the museum, which celebrates African-American baseball players. 816-221-1920.

—nlbm.com

FEAST OF FOUNTAINS: A FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Aug. 9 at The Northland Fountain in Anita B. Gorman Park, Vivion Road & N. Oak, Kansas City. Marvel at Kansas City’s mesmerizing fountains as part of this family-friendly event that also includes live music and a wide selection from a variety of food trucks. 816-513-7500.

—kcparks.org

THE FARMER'S HOUSE CORNFEST

Aug. 11 at The Farmer’s House, 23200 Highway 273, Weston. This event includes a corn-eating contest, dunk tank, and duck races. Farm to Fork Kitchen will be serving barbecue, grilled corn on the cob, and hot apple fritters. 816-640-2909.

—westonmo.com

ROD STEWART

MISSOURI KC RIVERFEST

July 4 at Berkley Riverfront Park, 1298 Riverfront Road, Kansas City. This festival features live shows from the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America’s Jazz Ensemble and one of the largest fireworks shows in the Midwest.

—kcriverfest.com

PARAMORE WITH FOSTER THE PEOPLE

July 7 at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City. This American rock ’n’ roll band will perform their hits and will be joined by Foster The People. 816-363-7827.

—kcstarlight.com

FIRST SATURDAY EVENT

July 7 and Aug. 4 at Shoal Creek Living History Museum, 7000 N.E. Barry Road, Kansas City. This free event will introduce guests to the Missouri of the 19th century through historical demonstrations and activities. Re-enactors dressed as outlaws, mountain men, and other characters will participate in skits and gunfights. 816-792-2655.

—shoalcreeklivinghistorymuseum.com

THE TEDDY BEAR PICNIC July 13, Roanoke Park,

3601 Roanoke Road, Kansas City. This celebration of National Teddy Bear Picnic Day will give families the opportunity to have a picnic with their teddy bears and participate in other activities. Janie Next Door will provide live music. 816-513-7500.

—kcparks.org

AQUAPALOOZA

July 21 at Lake of the Ozarks, 1232 Jeffries Road, Osage Beach. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of boating, live music, and a visit to Dog Days Bar & Grill. 573-348-9797.

—dogdays.ws

BUZZ BEACH BALL FESTIVAL July 27 at Providence

Medical Center Amphitheater, 633 N. 130th St., Bonner Springs. This up-and-coming music festival showcases a mixture of underground and indie rock/ pop talent, including Portugal. The Man, Awolnation, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. 1-800-745-3000.

—beachballkc.com

HEART OF AMERICA HOT DOG FESTIVAL Aug. 4 at

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 E 18th St. Celebrate baseball and the all-American hot dog.

Sample specially produced dogs like the Monarch, Royal Frank, and El Maestro, while providing music and family fun. Tickets to the festival include

Aug. 14 at Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Blvd., Kansas City. The rock-androll icon will perform his greatest hits with Cyndi Lauper as special guest. 816-949-7100.

—sprintcenter.com

LOVE NEVER DIES

Aug. 14-19 at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City. This sequel to The Phantom of the Opera takes place in 1907 New York, in which the Phantom tries to reclaim the love of Christine Daaé. 816-363-7827.

—kcstarlight.com

ETHNIC ENRICHMENT FESTIVAL

Aug. 17-19 at Swope Park, 3999 Swope Parkway in Kansas City. This event features more than 60 different cultures selling their native foods and crafts, and performing ethnic music and dances. 816-513-7553.

—eeckc.net

TRAILS WEST! 2018 Aug. 17-19 at Civic Center Park,

900-1200 Francis St., St Joseph. This community celebration features visual and musical artists along with a wide variety of food. 816-233-0231.

—stjomo.com

SAM SMITH Aug. 18 at Sprint Center, 1407 Grand

Blvd., Kansas City. Smith will entertain guests with his signature soulful style. 816-949-7100.

—sprintcenter.com

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2018 Aug. 19 at Muriel

Kauffman Theatre, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City. Named after the hit song by The Turtles, this event brings together some popular bands of the 1960s as they perform their hits, which defined a generation. Acts include The Turtles, The Association, The Cowsills, and more. 816-994-7222.

—theturtles.com

Event times and details may change.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

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

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A

COUPLE MONTHS AGO I WAS IN COPENHAGEN.

No, I did not see the "Little Mermaid” statue in the harbor. I know everybody goes to photograph it when they visit the city. But I remember that this Little Mermaid is based on the Hans Christian Andersen version, not Disney’s romantic feature film.

In the original telling, the mermaid does not get to marry the prince of her dreams and live the happily ever after. Instead, the young scion is married off to a genuine princess, the daughter of a neighboring king. Yeah, turns out the fix was in even before she gave up her fins.

Her mer-sisters offer a nice, sharp knife to gut the prince—a chance to void her contractual deal with the sea witch (which had stipulated marriage to the prince or death).

But instead of stabbing her beloved, the mermaid dives into the waves, turns into sea foam, and becomes a creature of the air.

The prince never realizes how close he came to being assassinated.

Fairytales are often a bit darker than we choose to remember them. I mean, for accuracy’s sake, shouldn’t the poor heartbroken thing have a knife in her hand?

Whatever, I skipped the obligatory visit to the scorned gold digger’s monument.

I was in Copenhagen for food.

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel here and there around the globe, and my first goal is always food. I believe you get the best idea of what a country is all about by discovering what the natives eat.

In Italy, the Mediterranean diet rules with divine pasta, fresh vegetables, and seafood.

I’ve had the best roasted lamb in Trastevere, great liver (yes, liver) on the Via Sistina, and Genoese salami to die for.

Germany is where a Midwesterner can go for comfort food. Schnitzel is basically chickenfried steak, and potatoes and gravy are everywhere you turn. At a street fair in Cologne, one booth specialized in deep-fried bacon. I felt like I was at the Iowa State Fair.

In Hong Kong, I recommend you try the spicy chicken feet or the hairy crab. Or grab a fish from one of the tanks at the street market and hand it to the woman in the next stall who will kill it, clean it, and turn it into the freshest fish stew you’ve ever eaten.

In Japan, everything is good—everything from street vendor yakisoba to Okinawastyle soba. Everything is good except the natto. Do not eat the natto. Just don’t (unless you enjoy munching chunky booger goo).

I wish I could time travel, because (according to Reddit) archeologists recently discovered the oldest ever recipe on a tomb wall in Egypt. It’s for a soup that includes hippopotamus and sparrow, two delicacies

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2018

I have never had the opportunity to try.

I suspect the dish represents our primitive ancestor’s first attempt to deal with leftovers.

So anyway, there I was in Copenhagen, skipping the unarmed Little Mermaid statue, looking for good food. And what did I find?

Well, during my short stay, I had great Italian food, some of the best sushi this side of Osaka, along with fish and chips that beat anything in London.

I even found a Neolithic restaurant serving only what our hunter-gatherer forebears might have found while walking from here to there (basically plants and prehistoric roadkill). I skipped that place.

I did try the frikadeller and rugbrød with gherkins. Meatballs and bread. It wasn’t bad.

But here’s the point of the column. If you’re in Copenhagen, try the Danish.

Which, for accuracy’s sake, should be called “Austrian.” The pastry was originally introduced to the country by Austrian bakers when their Danish counterparts went on strike in 1850. After more than a century of acceptance, the pastry has become genuinely Danish. Kind of like an American, Disneyfied version of the Little Mermaid. But more delicious, and you don’t need a knife.

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.

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The Omaha Metropolitan Area (OMA) Tourism Awards celebrates front-line employees who go above and beyond to make the Omaha metro area a great tourism destination.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NOMINEES Bobby Becker Robert Bennett Matt Burcham Clayton Chapman Pam Christensen Darien Christensen Keith Christie Rodolfo Diaz Elizabeth Dueling Lorraine Dunn Lisa Durham Emily Dye Deborah Ferguson Amy Fisher Josh Fouts Alejandra Garay-Varela Silvia Gomez-Solis Javier Hernandez Christian Hilt Mark Howard Kyle Johnson David W. Johnson Sr. Kaylee Jones Tim Kennedy Ethine Leahy Haley Life Jimmie Logan Patricia Martinez Carolyn McCormick Jim Morley

Matthew Morse Alan Nogg Connie Osler Connie Powell Jennifer Prosser Nate/Kaleigh Raterman Austin Richardson DeEtta Robison Nicole Robison William Rodriguez Jill Roll Maria Rubio Sierra Salgado Pirigyi Michaela Salkeld Michael Schneider Nick Schrunk Will Secrist Bill Seidler Myron Simmons Judy Smith Ashley Stange Austin Stange Terrell Taylor Dawn Utley Mary Webster Rachael White Graham Williams Macee Wise Samuel Zaccone Michael Zayas-Leon

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS Matt Burcham - MECA Outstanding Service in Attraction Operations

Darien Christensen - Embassy Suites LaVista Best Heart of the House Restaurant/Catering Elizabeth Dueling - Best Western Plus Omaha Airport Inn Outstanding Guest Service - Hotel David Johnson Sr. - Omaha Downtown Improvement District Outstanding Volunteer at an Attraction Jimmie Logan - Holiday Inn at Ameristar Outstanding Service in Hotel Operations Sierra Salgado Pirigyi - Urban Abbey Outstanding Customer Service - Retail Terrell Taylor - Element Omaha Midtown Crossing Best Front of the House Restaurant/Catering Rachael White - Mid-America Center Outstanding Guest Service - Attraction

2018 TOURISM HERO OF THE YEAR JACK DIESING JR.

For more details and photos visit OMATourismAwards.com

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