Omaha Magazine - May 2019 - HOTEL Edition

SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN // CHINA GARDEN HOT POT // MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS // 2019 BEST NEW ARTIST: EVANDALE

M A Y 2019

Hotel Edition

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TAB L E of CON T E N T S

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

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

THE USUAL SUSPECTS 004 From the Editory

Tyler Lemke In Memoriam

006 Between the Lines 008 Calendar of Events 089 Obviously Omaha

Local Mountain Bike Trails

113 Explore!

117 Instagram 118 Not Funny

A Streetcar Named Destiny

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

Nebraska Shakespeare

022 Music

Evandale

026 Poetry

a.j.k. o’ donnell

094

030 Art

Betni Kalk

DINING 090 Profile

Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn

094 Review

Hot Pot at China Garden

098 Feature

Nebraska Sommeliers

102 Dining Guide SPECIAL SECTION 121 Welcome to Omaha Pages 33-88 are not included in the hotel edition of Omaha Magazine.

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MAY 2019

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768 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at printreleaf.com

DISCOVER VIDEOS AND ONLINE EXTRAS

for select content in this issue.

Use your smart device to go deeper into select stories from this issue of Omaha Magazine for FREE.

Step LOCATE A QR CODE PRINTED IN THIS ISSUE. Make sure you have internet access.

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*Note: the hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover, and it does not include all of the editorial content featured in the magazine’s full city edition. Subscribe to the full magazine at omahamagazine.com/subscribe.

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

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

TYLER LEMKE IN MEMORIAM

OMAHA MAGAZINE’S CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER LONG BEFORE BECOMING Omaha Magazine’s vice president of operations and chief operations officer, Tyler Lemke started working at Our

City magazine in 1989 with brother/publisher Todd Lemke while still in college at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Papillion High School graduate (Class of ’85) also worked for a time at Vitality Magazine. He wore the most hats of anyone employed at Omaha Magazine—ad salesperson, deliveryman, accountant, graphic designer, art director…even janitor. Most recently, his primary duties involved: advertiser billing/ accounting, overseeing the Best of Omaha contest, and managing all company information and technology needs. He was a doting father of three daughters and avid motorcyclist.

Born Nov. 2, 1966, he died at age 52 on March 23, 2019. He is survived by two daughters, Sarah Eve Lemke and Danielle Rose Lemke; his mother Gwenivere D. Lemke; brothers RL Scott Lemke (and wife Amy), Todd Raymond Lemke (and wife Sandy), and Bradley Stephen Lemke; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Vivian Leigh Lemke and father Raymond L. Lemke.

Memories from Colleagues

T

yler, my talented and loyal brother, had been at the magazine for over 25 years (holding jobs like sales, design, accounting, IT, and more) Tyler was the original creator of HER Magazine and Bride & Groom Magazine. He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who put others first. He believed in the individual and freely gave everyone his time and expertise. His absence is a great loss at work and an irreplaceable loss for our family.

—Todd Lemke (publisher)

T

yler was extremely funny and loved to poke fun at himself. He had a great sense of humor and could have me laughing so hard, I had tears.

He loved to try new things that were organic and natural. I remember all his different smoothies over the years, and how he loved to talk about using coconut oil; him sneaking around eating chocolate from anyone that had some sitting out; and talking to me about his online dating funnies (and how funny women could be, and not be). Tyler was so very methodical—about anything from fixing your computer, to folding banners to go inside Best of Omaha envelopes, to explaining/showing each step through any particular process. He was so very smart and analytical. He had a funny voicemail that he is rarely in the office, but he was actually almost always here. I will miss him terribly.

—Sandy Matson (assistant to the publisher)

A

fter nearly 17 years working together, I have a ton of stories about Tyler. Tyler was one person I sought counsel from—for everything.

From personal life to health, computing, or buying a car, he was informed and always did his due diligence. I took it for granted that he would always be there because he was. He made me laugh, question many of my preconceived ideas, and introduced me to the “Illuminati” ;).

I never once saw him be cruel, mean, or disrespectful to anyone. He asked me every single day if I was OK, "Do you need anything?” and I’m pretty sure he did that to everyone. I wish I would have asked him the same more often. I traveled a bit with Sarah on shoots and we would talk about her dad from time to time. I would tell her, “ I love your dad,” not realizing I really meant it. Tyler became a brother of mine and I’ll miss him dearly. RIP Tyler, we love you, buddy.

—Bill Sitzmann (associate publisher)

I

never had a dull moment with Tyler. I loved his quirky humor and sage-like wisdom when it came to all things tech. Every time I heard him coming to the art room door, I knew I’d be laughing and we’d be trying to outdo each other’s dry jokes. He knew how to make us laugh during the most intense weeks of magazine upload. A handful of times, when he would ask “can I help you,” we would randomly joke about wanting Raising Cane’s, and he’d go out secretly bringing meals back to the art room. Anytime I ever needed computer equipment or art materials, he always went out of his way to make sure I got it—even if that meant coming in on the weekend to get things up and running. In the two and a half years I worked with him, he was there almost every day, and I knew I could count on him if I needed help with anything.

There was even a time he raced back after 5 p.m. on a Friday upload day to recover a file I accidentally deleted. Tyler definitely felt like an uncle to me. I will deeply miss his kung fu in the hallways, scaring him at the front door, and racing him to the last donut.

—Derek Joy (senior designer) Visit omahamagazine.com for more staff memories.

MAY

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2019

MAY 2019 VOLUME 37 // ISSUE 2

EDITORIAL Executive Editor

DOUG MEIGS

Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor

TARA SPENCER

GIVE MOM SOMETHING

BEAUTIFUL

Editorial Interns

PUMULO KASAJI · KATE SMITH Contributing Writers

LEO ADAM BIGA · CHRIS BOWLING · ANTHONY FLOTT ROBERT FRAASS · JULIUS FREDRICK · LISA LUKECART NIZ PROSKOCIL · SEAN ROBINSON · CARRIELLE SEDERSTEN TIM TRUDELL · OTIS TWELVE · JAMES VNUK · JESSICA WADE ANNE WALSH · JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS · SARAH WENGERT · JUSTINE YOUNG

RegencyCourtOmaha.com

CREATIVE Creative Director

MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer

DEREK JOY

Graphic Designer II

MADY BESCH

Contributing Photographers

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

CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL · JEREMY WADE RODMAN JOE PANKOWSKI

SALES 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

SANDY MATSON

Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS

Branding Specialists

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Digital Sales Manager

JILLIAN DUNN Sales Assistant

SOPHIA GALARDI

OPERATIONS Operations Officer & Local Stubs Ticketing Representative Distribution Manager

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

Accounting Associate

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION

MIKE BREWER KENDRA HILL

EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher

TODD LEMKE Vice President

GREG BRUNS Associate Publisher

BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:

402.884.2000

Omaha Magazine Vol 37 Issue 2, publishes monthly except February, April, August, November, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Omaha Magazine, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137

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Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS JULIUS FREDRICK —Contributing Writer When not obsessively curating Spotify playlists or wiping away a single cathartic tear from the corner of his eye at the end of a good read, Julius Fredrick can often be found at the zoo giving unsolicited tours to his friends and family. He enjoys food cut into triangles (pizza, quesadillas, finger sandwiches, etc.), and poorly delivering the misheard lyrics of his favorite artists (David Bowie and Kendrick Lamar). With degrees in English, anthropology, and psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Fredrick is inspired by the mysteries of the human condition and seeks to better understand both himself and the people around him, however clumsy the pursuit may seem.

KATE SMITH—Editorial Intern Kate Smith is an aspiring lifelong learner. Currently studying journalism, political science, and French at Creighton University, she has always had a strong connection with words. The self-proclaimed bookworm takes any opportunity she can to read or write. Smith hopes to pursue a career in news reporting and conduct research. Omaha is her home—with the restaurants, art galleries, and outdoor spaces she loves so much—but she also loves to travel. In 2018, Smith finally saw the ocean for the first time and she was swept off her feet. When she’s not studying, exploring, or traveling, Smith spends her free time challenging her mom to games of Scrabble, spending time with family, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, taking care of her plants, and playing volleyball with friends.

SARAH LEMKE—Contributing Photographer Sarah is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Omaha studying journalism and anthropology with an emphasis in creative media. Lemke began working as assistant to photographer Bill Sitzmann in 2012, and she has contributed photography to Omaha Magazine since 2013. Lemke also operates her own photography business; she previously worked as the photo editor for Fat Brain Toys and photographer for radio station KZUM in Lincoln. On top of being a federally licensed drone pilot, she is an avid motorcycle rider (a trait inherited from both of her parents), a dog fanatic, and a music enthusiast. You can often find her bowling terribly at West Lanes mid-week with her friends and winning first place in Mario Kart.

TIM TRUDELL—Contributing Writer Tim Trudell remembers hammering out his version of a neighborhood newspaper on an old typewriter his parents gave him as a childhood gift. After actually entering the journalism profession, he wrote stories ranging from national news to local sports. He has worked in community news in Papillion, Ralston, and Gretna. He is now a full-time freelance writer and online content creator (working primarily with magazines and newspapers). Trudell is the co-creator, photographer, editor, and writer for the travel blog The Walking Tourists (thewalkingtourists.com). He and his wife, Lisa, are co-authors of 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die and the upcoming Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha. Trudell is about to start working on a new book, 100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die.

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MAY 2019

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DINOSAUR UPROAR

Through May 12 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Th is exhibit will feature 20 life-sized dinosaur installations positioned throughout the garden. Massive creations by Guy Darrough will appear right at home nestled among jungle-like landscapes and plant fossils.

Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 6-12, free for children under 6 and garden members. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

of

EVENTS

» Exhibitions « THE ART OF GROWING

Opening May 3 at Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery, 3201 Farnam St. Come see the work of Susan Puelz, Shelly Bartek, Kristin Pluhacek, Rein Vanderhill, Carol Thompson, Stephen Dinsmore, Susan Tinker, and Jan Christensen as they explore the art of growing. Admission: free. 402-884-0911.

—aobfineart.com

IKEBANA EXHIBITION

May 3-5 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Th is exhibition features arrangements from both classical and contemporary schools of Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 6 to 12, free for garden members and children under 6. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

THE BLACK INTERIOR

Through May 4 at the Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. Th rough the use of colorful marked papers, graphites, and painting, Glyneisha Johnson explores the notion of collage as a metaphor to describe black culture through domestic interior spaces and public black spaces related to home. Admission: free. 402-933-3161.

—u-ca.org

UNO BFA & BASA THESIS AND SENIOR SHOWS

HUMAN CONDITION

Through May 4 at Kaneko, 1111 Jones St. An immersion in the human condition provides audiences with a range of creative encounters that explore the physical and psychological experiences that we all face as human beings. Captivating sculptures, dance performances, and lectures encourage visitors to immerse themselves in how we define what it means to be human. Admission: free. 402-341-3800.

—thekaneko.org

GARTH WILLIAMS: ILLUSTRATOR OF THE CENTURY

Opening May 4 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Williams was the illustrator of dozens of children’s classics, including E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, and many Golden Books. Admission: free. 402-342-3300.

—joslyn.org

30 AMERICANS

Through May 5 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Over 60 works by contemporary African-American artists focus on important issues of racial, gender, and sexual identity; ongoing narratives of racial inequality in the United States; poverty; racial stereotyping; and the power of protest. Admission: $10 adults, $5 college students, free for members and ages 17 or younger. 402-342-3300.

—joslyn.org

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MAY 2019

NEBRASKA ARTIST BIENNIAL

Through May 4 at UNO Criss Library and Weber Art Gallery, 6001 Dodge St. Thesis students in the art program and BASA graduating seniors from the University of Nebraska-Omaha showcase their work. Admission: free. 402-554-3206.

—unomaha.edu

Opening May 16 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. The 2019 Nebraska Artist Biennial is a juried exhibition featuring 50+ works from the best artists across Nebraska. Admission: free. 402-305-1510.

—gallery1516.org

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19

STRAIGHT OUT OF OMAHA

Opening May 19 at Douglas County Historical Society, 5730 N. 30th St. In a snapshot of local history and success, this exhibit will explore the inventions, celebrities, businesses, and noteworthy achievements that have grown from Douglas County. 2 p.m. Admission: free, donations accepted.

402-455-9990.

—douglascohistory.org

ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Opening May 25 at the Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Get ready for a magical adventure into the Enchanted Kingdom, an exhibit fi lled with diverse creatures and characters. Explore the Market Place and pretend to be a blacksmith, a tailor, or a farmer. Admission: $13 adults and children, $12 seniors, free for children under 2 and members. 402-342-6164.

—ocm.org

FACE-TO-FACE WITH BLACK HISTORY

Through May 31 at Great Plains Black History Museum, 2505 N. 24th. St. In 2018, the Black Votes Matter organization took a group of high school students on a Civil Rights tour, putting them face-to-face with black history. Th is exhibit showcases their journey.

Admission: free. 402-932-7077.

—gpblackhistorymuseum.org

DEPTH & ACCUMULATION

Through June 2 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Two painters, Carolyn Albrecht and Jennifer Radil, sift through the ebb and flow nature of their medium, the self, the stories they create, and the balance of depth and frivolity. Admission: free. 402-595-2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE IN CONCERT

VIETNAM GHOSTS

May 9-25 at the Apollon, 1801 Vinton St. It’s 1969 and the U.S. is embroiled in the Vietnam War. Private George Andrews has been killed in action, but before his spirit can move on, he has some unfinished business that needs to be completed. Times vary. Tickets: $30+.

402-884-0135.

—apollonomaha.com

May 3-4 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The Star Wars saga begins in Omaha with the groundbreaking blockbuster screened with John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score performed in its entirety. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$89. 402-345-0202.

—ticketomaha.com

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

May

11

Through June 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. O’Daniel creates cinema, performances, sound-dampening textiles, sculptures, mobiles, and large-scale installations that intend to visualize what it means to not have complete access to sound. Shtini is presenting his first solo institutional exhibition in the United States. His painting technique engages his surfaces through layers of underpainting and brushstrokes while his drawings extend how one might look at charcoal and graphite. Admission: free.

402-341-7130.

—bemiscenter.org

ALEX GEMIGNANI

May 11 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Celebrated actor Alex Gemignani brings his talent to the intimate setting of the 1200 Club in the Holland Center.

This actor, director, and composer (who you may know from his work in Carousel, Chicago, Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd, or Hamilton) brings the glitz of Broadway to Omaha. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $40 advanced, $45 day of show. 402-345-0202.

—ticketomaha.com

AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: A GREAT LEAP OF FAITH

Through June 23 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Inspired by a permanent exhibit at the National Museum of American History, this exhibit explores America’s “of, by, and for the people” government. It features multimedia experiences, immersive design, and artifacts from the Smithsonian and state historical organizations. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors, $7 children 3-12, free for children 2 years and under and members. 402-444-5071.

—durhammuseum.org

THE WIZARD OF OZ

May 4 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. In a world premiere production, American Midwest Ballet takes us dancing down the Yellow Brick Road in this imaginative full-length ballet. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $27-$67. 402-345-0606.

—ticketomaha.com

» Stage Performances « DRAGONS LOVE TACOS

May 3-5 & 10-12 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. In this hilarious adaptation of Adam Rubin’s giggle-generating book, Boy and his faithful fido, Leroy, are swept up into the "Dos & Don’ts" of serving tasty treats to big beasts. Times vary. Tickets: $22.50. 402-345-4849.

—rosetheater.org

MEN ON BOATS

May 3-26 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Led by an all-female cast, this is the “true-ish” story of 10 explorers charting the course of the Colorado River in 1869. Guided by a one-armed captain, the outlandish but loyal crew encounters various disasters, confl icts, and harrowing adventures along the way.

Times vary. Tickets: $30. 402-345-0606.

—omahaplayhouse.com

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS

Through May 5 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. When out-of-work Francis becomes employed by two men, he goes to great lengths to serve both employers without them finding out about each other. But soon, cases of mistaken identity and the introduction of several unusual characters begin to thwart his plan. Times vary. Tickets: $36. 402-345-0606.

—omahaplayhouse.com

IMOMSOHARD: MOM’S NIGHT OUT ROUND 2

May 12 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Moms, best friends, and funny ladies Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are the creators of the web series, #IMOMSOHARD. 8 p.m. Tickets: $49.25$199.25. 402-345-0202.

—ticketomaha.com MAY 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

THE WOODSMAN

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May 16-June 16 at Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 10th St. A re-imagined tale of the origin of L. Frank Baum’s The Tin Woodman of Oz, The Woodsman gives the darkly beautiful, haunting, and heartbreaking story a new life through music, storytelling, and puppetry. Thursday-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 6 p.m. or 2 p.m. Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 senior. 402-345-1576.

—bluebarn.org

SAMUEL J. COMROE

May 16 at FunnyBone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. A Los Angeles native and winner of Rickey Gervais’ comedy competition, “Just Sayin,’” Comroe’s comedy is made up of the trials and tribulations of living with Tourettes syndrome after being diagnosed at age 6.

Tickets: $20-$30. 7:30 p.m. 402-493-8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

DEREK HOUGH

May 21 at the Orpheum Theatre, 409 S. 16th St. Fans will journey through a true fusion of dance and music as Derek Hough explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop and everything in between. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50+. 402-345-0606.

—ticketomaha.com

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OMAHA IMPROV FEST 2019

May 23-26 at multiple locations. This seventh annual event will host over 70 shows with teams and performers from all over the U.S for four nights of improv fun, including Katie O’Brien and her group the Katydids, who produce the hit sitcom Teachers, and Bob Wiltfong from The Daily Show. Times vary. Tickets: $5-$20 per show. 402-720-7670.

—omahaimprovfest.com

MARILYN MAYE

May 24 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Highly praised actress and singer Marilyn Maye brings her talent to the intimate setting of the 1200 Club in the Holland Center. Th is Grammy-nominated recording artist, actress, director, arranger, and educator brings her art of song and performance to Omaha. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30.

402-345-0202.

—ticketomaha.com

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MAY 2019

LOVE & LAUGHTER COMEDY SHOW

May 26 at Jesse’s Place, 2311 N. 24th St. Laugh with Vanessa Fraction of Def Comedy Jam and Tony Woods of BET’s ComicView at their upcoming show. Live music from Enjoli & Timeless, an R&B band from right here in Omaha. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $30 day of show, $45 VIP. 402-819-7773.

—@jessesplace on Facebook

RAY BONNEVILLE

DIRTY HEADS

May 8 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Dirty Heads writes songs with no expectations or plans; the boundless environment fosters their inspiration, and their music thrives on freedom. Without boundaries or blueprints, their music comes to life. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29.75. 402-346-9802.

—sokolauditorium.com

May 5 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Acclaimed musician, Ray Bonneville, strips his bluesy Americana down to its essentials and steeps it in a humid Southern vibe. Bonneville’s deep voice works in rhythm with rich guitar and harmonica to create compelling poetry of hard living and deep feeling. 5 p.m. Tickets: $17 advanced, $20 day of show. 402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

MISS SAIGON

HAIRBALL

May 28-June 2 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Experience the acclaimed new production of this legendary musical. Th is is the epic story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who meets an American G.I. and changes her life forever. Times vary. Tickets: $35-95. 402-345-0606.

—ticketomaha.com

May

10

May 10 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. With a fiery pyro show, smoke machines, costumes, big hair, and an ever-evolving playlist of hit songs, Hairball puts on a rock concert like nothing ever seen before. The musicians bring some of music’s most iconic bands to life, from Guns N’ Roses to Poison. 8-11 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $35 day of show. 402-934-9966.

—ralstonarena.com

THORNETTA DAVIS

JACK & JACK

May 5 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson bring their Los Angeles-based fame back to their hometown of Omaha. The pop duo are not only gold-selling but also lifelong friends. Their music infuses tropical grooves, electronic expanse, and hip-hop attitude to bring bright and bold bangers. 8 p.m.

Tickets: $25 advanced, $28 day of show. 402-346-9802.

—sokolauditorium.com

May 10 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Experience the soulful sounds of “Detroit’s Queen of the Blues,” backed by her band of Detroit musicians. Thornetta Davis uses her strong voice to tell stories through song with incredible delivery. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40. 402-345-0202.

—ticketomaha.com

P!NK: “BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA WORLD TOUR”

May 7 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. International pop icon Pink is bringing her world tour to Omaha in the spring. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $47.50+.

402-341-1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

TCHAIKOVSKY’S 5TH SYMPHONY

RAGTIME

May 31-June 30 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Set in the melting pot of New York City at the turn of the century, the lives of a wealthy white couple, a determined Jewish immigrant, and an African-American ragtime musician intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of American life. Times vary. Tickets: $42. 402-345-0606.

—omahaplayhouse.com

May

10-11

May 10-11 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Th is symphony combines moments of beauty and serenity with passages of epic struggle—ending triumphantly in a blaze of brass and percussion. 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $19-$72. 402-345-0202.

—ticketomaha.com

JULIA JACKLIN

MY FAIR LADY

May 10 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. The Australian singer-songwriter’s new album, Crushing, embodies every possible meaning of its title word from sheer intensity of feeling to smothering closeness. The album reveals how our physical experience of the world shapes and distorts our inner lives. 8 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

May 31 & June 1-9 at Chanticleer Community Theater, 830 Franklin Ave. Known as “the perfect musical," My Fair Lady is based on the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. Classic characters Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins illuminate this story of a poor flower girl’s rise to royalty. Times vary. Tickets: $80 adults, $64 seniors, $40 students. 712-323-9955.

—chanticleertheater.com

» Concerts « THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH

May 1 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. When The Bird Sees The Solid Ground is a five-part series with each song as a new, original studio recording with an accompanying video. Shows will take place worldwide. 9 p.m. Tickets: $30. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

KNOCKED LOOSE

May 7 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th is American hardcore punk band from Kentucky incorporates slow-tempo breakdowns into their metal music. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $18 advanced, $20 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com MAY 2019

// 11 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA

RIVER RIOT 2019

May 10 at Westfair Fairgrounds and Amphitheater, 22984 U.S. Highway 6. Th is year’s show will feature Halestorm, In Th is Moment, I Prevail, Sevendust, Th rough Fire, Palaye Royale, Beasto Blanco, and The Impulsive. 1 p.m. Tickets: $25. 712-322-3400.

—westfairevents.com

HATEBREED: 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

May 14 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. The American metalcore band celebrates their 25th year by performing with special guests Obituary, MADBALL, Prong, and Skeletal Remains. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $25.

402-346-9802.

—sokolauditorium.com

THE PRINCE EXPERIENCE

May 11 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. A tribute to Prince, the performance includes all of Prince’s most famous hits including songs from the Purple Rain era. 9 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $25 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

May

15

THE TEMPTATIONS & THE FOUR TOPS

May 15 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Two Motown Legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame groups entertain with an evening of their hit songs that defined a generation. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50-$70. 402-345-0606.

—ticketomaha.com

LUKE COMBS: “BEER NEVER BROKE MY HEART TOUR”

CAMP COPE

May 22 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Shortly after the release of their acclaimed self-titled debut album, Camp Cope launched the “It Takes One” campaign against sexual and physical assault at shows. 7 p.m.

Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—slowdown.com

LOESSFEST 2019

May 22-25 at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, 4200 Ave. LoessFest is a weekend extravaganza featuring musical performances, family attractions, food vendors, and open-air movie screenings. The details for 2019 were not confirmed when this issue of Omaha Magazine went to press. Visit event website for more information.

—loessfest.com

CURSIVE

May 11 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This breakthrough country music artist will perform his platinum-certified debut album, This One's For You, in his first ever headline arena tour. 7 p.m. Tickets: $25+. 402-341-1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

May 25 at Winchester Bar & Grill, 7002 Q St. This is the last date of Cursive’s May U.S. tour, featuring mewithoutYou and The Appleseed Cast. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402-331-9933.

—winchesteromaha.com

KILL VARGAS

PARACHUTE

May 15 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The platinum-selling band is on the brink of a momentous year with the release of their first new music in three years. Their tour will travel through 35+ cities. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $22 day of show.

402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

ELLE KING

May 13 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Elle King brings her “Shake The Spirit Tour” to Omaha with Barns Courtney as the opener. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. 402-346-9802.

—sokolauditorium.com

LIZZ WRIGHT

May 16 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Acclaimed jazz vocalist Lizz Wright brings her smooth and vibrant alto sound to original works and well-known compositions. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$35. 402-345-0202.

—omahaperformingarts.org

CHER: “HERE WE GO AGAIN TOUR”

May 14 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Multi-award winning singer, actress, and show-stopping performer is crossing the U.S. for the first time in five years! Following the recent global success and rave reviews for her role in Mamma Mia 2, Cher will be performing all of her hits along with new songs from the Dancing Queen album. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $37.95+.

402-341-1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

May 26 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Secrets, a band based out of San Diego, California, brings their post-hardcore sound to Omaha for their “Fragile Figures Anniversary Tour.” Awaken I Am, Your Last Chance, No Loss No Regrets, and From Th is Day Forward will also be performing. 7 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-391-2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

THE MAINE

May 26 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The Arizona-based band fuses pop, alternative, and rock styles together to make their unique sound.

With their newest independent release, Lovely Little Lonely, they push genre boundaries. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $28 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

May 26 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Th is multi-platinum selling pop-rock quartet constantly raises the bar for quality music and explosive live shows. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $28 day of show.

402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

May 17 at Stir Cove, One Harrah's Blvd. Formed in 1967, Chicago is one of the longest-running and best-selling groups of all time with an impressive 47 albums that have earned gold and platinum certifications. 8 p.m. Tickets: $50-$78. 712-329-6000.

—caesers.com/harrahs

LIL FLIP

May 17 at Forte Music Hall and Bar, 4727 S. 96th St. Lil Flip will be performing in support of his second album, U Gotta Feel Me. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $30 day of show. 402-614-3382.

—fortemusichall.com MAY 2019

SECRETS, AWAKEN I AM, YOUR LAST CHANCE, NO LOSS NO REGRETS & FROM THIS DAY FORWARD

MARIANAS TRENCH

CHICAGO

// 12 //

May 25 at O’Leaver’s, 1322 S. Saddle Creek Rd. Th is power-pop group from Wichita is promoting their new album, Laugh It Off. Local bands Seymour and Garst will open. 8 p.m. 402-556-1238.

—@oleavers on Facebook

RANDALL KING

May 31 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Humble beginnings, a cultivated work ethic, and the influences of classic country legends synchronized together in perfect harmony make up this singer-songwriter’s soulful music. 9 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

OPENS MAY 25 A “true-ish” story of ten explorers charting the Colorado River in 1869.

May 3 – 26 On sale now!

A four-time Tony Award®-winning musical, with soaring ballads and a stunning score.

May 31 – June 30

On sale now!

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

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

stcabriniomaha.org 10th and Williams Street MAY 2019

// 13 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

» Family & More « FARMER’S MARKET

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

A LWA Y S L O C A L, A LWA Y S B E A U T I F U L.

Free with an Omaha Magazine Subscription.

OmahaMagazine.com/Subscribe

// 14 //

MAY 2019

• Council Bluff s (Bayliss Park) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays starting May 2.

• Old Market (11th and Jackson streets) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting May 4.

• Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets) 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting May 4.

• Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays starting May 5.

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

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

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

Sundays starting June 2.

• Rockbrook Village (110th and Center streets) 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays starting June 5.

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

Fridays starting June 7.

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

NAMASTE GOAT YOGA

SATURDAYS @ STINSON CONCERT SERIES

May 1 at Honey Creek Creamery, 25593 Old May 4, 11, 18 & 25 at Stinson Park, 2285 S. Lincoln Highway, Honey Creek, IA. Come get 67th St. Food, drinks, face painting, and balloon May your zen on and share your yoga practice with the artists will all be available during these live conbaby goats of Honey Creek Creamery. Bring a yoga certs, which feature talented bands from Omaha. mat and water to the location just 10 minutes from Th is event takes place each Saturday from May to Omaha. Photos are encouraged! Classes are offered August. The first concert of the season features Taxi Wednesdays and Fridays-Sundays during the month Driver, an Omaha band that provides an interactive of May. Times vary. Admission: $25. 402-690-9252. show with music from the ’50s until now. 7-10 p.m.

—honeycreekcreamery.com Admission: free. 402-496-1616 —aksarbenvillage.com

4

THE RANCH TACO RIDE-RUN

May 2 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion, NE. Come to the Bellevue Berry Farm for a bike ride and run with live music, food, and drink. Families are welcome and there is a play area for children. 5-10 p.m. Admission: free. 402-331-5500.

—bellevueberryfarm.com

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES

May 3 at Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing, 17111 S. 38th St., Spring field, NE. Enjoy live music on summer nights at a local winery and brewery, happening every Friday night through October. 6-9:30 p.m.

Admission: $5. 402-253-2479.

—soaringwingswine.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER’S WEEKEND

May 3-5 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Shareholders in the company created by Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffet, can learn about the year’s earning at this annual meeting. Events include the 7th annual “Invest in Yourself ” 5k, a shareholder shopping day, and more. Times vary. 402-341-1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

CINCO DE MAYO PARADE

May 4 along 24 St. from D to L streets. This dazzling parade—one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Midwest—features floats, marching bands, and more. Other event festivities (including a carnival, fiesta, and boxing tournament) take place May 3-5, rain or shine. 10 a.m. Admission: free.

—cincodemayoomaha.com

108th & Center rockbrookvillage.com

KENTUCKY DERBY 2019

May 4 at Horsemen’s Park, 6303 Q St. Join fellow horse race lovers on Derby Day at Horsemen’s Park to watch, wager, and win. Attendees can also enter to compete in the annual hat contest with $3,000 in prize money. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: free. 402-731-2900.

—horsemenspark.com

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL OF NEBRASKA

May 4-5 & 11-12 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. Step back in time to the days of knights in shining armor with full contact swordplay, equestrian jousting, six unique performance locations, 100+ costumed characters, and free make-and-take crafts. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $13 adults, $8 children. 402-331-5500.

—renfestnebraska.com

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

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

literally.

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

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

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

YOGA ROCKS THE PARK

Starting May 5 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Th is healing arts festival takes place on Sundays and combines yoga and live music as a way to heal your mind and body. Th is event occurs each Sunday through the end of June. Registration starts at 3:30 p.m., yoga starts at 4 p.m. Admission: free, donations accepted. 402-557-6006.

—midtowncrossing.com

OMAHA FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

May 5 at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, 15050 W. Maple Road. The Nebraska Brass Band, the Omaha United Methodist Mass Choir, and the Omaha Children's Choir celebrate music together at this event. 4-6 p.m. Admission: free, $10 VIP. 402-704-6322.

—nebraskabrassband.com

Full Service

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

11025 Elm St. / 402.397.7383 / reveomaha.com

LEASHES AT LAURITZEN

May 6 & 13, June 3 & 10 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Bring your canine friends to explore the grounds and enjoy the outdoors. Heel for family photos, learn about local dog-related nonprofits, and enjoy treats and samples with your pup. 5-8 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 dogs, free for garden members.

402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

MAGA ZINE YEAR

OF THE

Great Plains Journalism Award OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE MAY 2019

// 15 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA

SIP NEBRASKA WINE, CRAFT BEER & SPIRITS FESTIVAL

May 10-11 at Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Highway. Celebrate spring and wine at the 6th annual wine event highlighting vintages from Nebraska wineries and craft breweries. Live music, unlimited wine, hard cider, craft beer, food, art, and more will be available.

Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m. Admission: $25+.

402-882-2448.

—blurparties.com

CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR

May 11 at Kaneko, 1111 Jones St. Children will develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers and receive awards at this one-day marketplace. 10:30 a.m.

Tickets: $20 fee per business, free entry for customers.

402-341-3800.

—childrensbusinessfair.org

OMAHA BREW TOUR

May 18 at Infusion’s Southwest Tap Room & ProMay 17-18 at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, 12102 S. duction Brewery, 6271 S. 118th St. Come enjoy the 180th St. This two-day wine festival includes a soumakings of eight food trucks alongside games, beer, venir glass, tastings of 150 wines from 20 Nebraska and root beer floats at the 3rd Annual Food Truck May wineries, a wine tote, admission to education Extravaganza. Th is event is great for family fun sessions, live music, artisan food vendors, and and dog-friendly. Noon-7 p.m. Admission: free. yard games. Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m.

—@infusionbrewingcompany on Facebook Tickets: $45-$55. 402-310-7264.

—toastwinefest.com

18

MARCH FOR MONARCHS

May 18 at Wildlife Safari Park, 16406 N. 292 St., Ashland, NE. Flutter over to the Wildlife Safari Park for a family fun walk where attendees undergo a migration around the park trails and learn about the monarch’s journey. Guests are encouraged to wear butterfly costumes. 8-11 a.m. Tickets: $25 for non-members, $20 for Wildlife Safari Park and Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium members, $35 day of event. 402-738-2092.

—wildlifesafaripark.com

May 11 at Farnam House Brewing Company, 3588 Farnam St. Tour some of Omaha’s craft beer breweries and bars by bicycle with Nebraska Beer Ride. The event will begin and end at Farnam House Brewing Company with prize drawings at the end of the event. Participants will receive a ticket for a beer at each stop. The event is scheduled rain or shine and riders are expected to bring a helmet, a bike lock, and bike lights. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tickets: $33, $38 day-of-event.

—@nebraskabeerride on Facebook

LAND STEWARDSHIP: VOLUNTEER WORK DAY

FLORENCE DAYS

May 18 at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway. Visitors can watch helicopters fly away and land right in front of them. Inside the museum, workshops and family-friendly activities await visitors. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission: $12 adults, $6 children. 402-944-3100.

—sacmuseum.org

May 11-12 in downtown Florence, 30th St. between State St. and I-680 Historic Florence retains its own small-town feeling with this annual event. Get in the spirit with the Florence Days Parade on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. from Miller Park to McKinley St. Other activities include art displays, a melodrama, talks about the historic Florence Mill, and more. 10 a.m. Admission: free.

—historicflorence.org

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

May 12 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Make your plans now to visit the gardens for a wonderful brunch among the flowers. Reservations are required. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: $30 adults, $13 children 6-12, $8 children 3-5, free for children under 2. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

CELEBRATE CB

May 14-18 in Council Bluffs, various locations.

Hop across the river to celebrate Council Bluff s. Their community pride week begins with the Clean Sweep in Bayliss Park, followed by a special Farmers Market on May 16 and a Spring Cookout on May 17. The week ends with the Celebrate CB Parade and the Children’s Activity Faire on May 18. The 5th annual Selfie Contest will begin May 6 and run through the end of the event.

Times vary. Admission: free. 712-396-2494.

—celebratecb.com

AKOBEN ART & SOCIAL JUSTICE

May 16 at Great Plains Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St. This community workshop focuses on anti-oppression art and responsibility by sharing absent narratives and building awareness through cultural art.

5:30-7 p.m. Admission: free. 402-932-7077.

—gpblackhistorymuseum.org

// 16 //

MAY 2019

FOOD TRUCK EXTRAVAGANZA

TOAST NEBRASKA WINE FESTIVAL

May 18 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Volunteer with the Land Stewardship crew on selected Saturday mornings. Lunch is provided and anyone is welcome to join. Bring the family and get some hard work done. 8:30-11:30 a.m. 402-731-3140.

—fontenelleforest.org

HELICOPTER DAY

ELKHORN ANTIQUE FLEA MARKET

May 19 at Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St. Th is Elkhorn event, held four times a year, hosts over 500 vendors, each with their own unique treasures. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Rain or shine. Admission: $5.

414-525-0820.

—nlpromotionsllc.com

ROCK THE YARD 2019

May 19 at School of Rock, 13270 Millard Ave. Th is yearly music jam helps raise funds for the students’ summer trip. Noon-6 p.m. Admission: $5 adults, free for children 18 and under. 402-691-8875.

—schoolofrock.com

2019 BIG TEN BASEBALL TOURNAMENT

May 22 to May 26 at TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Take your family and friends out to the ballgame for a weekend of baseball at the Big Ten 2019 tournament. Times vary. Tickets: Youth $7 single day, $30 all-session; Reserved $12.50 single day, $55 all-session; Club $15 single day, $60 all-session. 402-546-1800.

—tdameritradeparkomaha.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

SALUTE TO SUMMER FESTIVAL

May 23-26 in downtown La Vista. Old-fashioned fun will be available at this annual event, which takes place on Memorial Day weekend. There will be a carnival in Central Park, a parade down Park View Blvd., and more. Times vary. Admission: free. 402-331-4343.

—cityoflavista.org

Four Old Market

FIRST ANNUAL COUNCIL BLUFFS TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION

May 24-26 at Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way. This three-day convention will feature artists from reality competition series Ink Master. 2 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: $20 per day, $40 three-day pass, children under 12 are free. 215-423-4780.

—villainarts.com

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

May 28-30 at Mike & Josie Harper Center, 602 N. 20th St. This conference serves as a forum for outstanding cross-disciplinary research in human trafficking, with the long-term goal of a professional association dedicated to the study of human trafficking. Featuring keynote speaker Fabrizio Sarrica. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tickets: $100-$150. 402-280-3850.

—creighton.edu

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

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

oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627

OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

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

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

OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646

DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198

OMAHA SPORTS COMMISSION AWARDS

May 30 at Holland Center for Performing Arts, 1200 Douglas St. Join the Omaha Sports Commission and the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame for their inaugural award ceremony as they recognize local sports stars. 6-10 p.m. Tickets: $60. 402-502-2216.

—omahasports.org

TASTE OF OMAHA

May 31-June 2 at Omaha Riverfront and Heartland of America Park, 800 Douglas St. An annual food-fi lled festival that features eats from nearly 50 restaurants. Accompanied by live music, entertainment, and activities at Heartland of America Park, Lewis & Clark Landing, and River’s Edge Park. Times vary.

Admission: free. 402-346-8003.

—showofficeonline.com

All located at 10th & Howard

TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET

May 31 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Come to Midtown Crossing for an evening market with local vendors, food, activities, music, and attractions. Th is event occurs the last Friday of each month, May-September. 6-9 p.m. Admission: free. 402-557-6006.

—midtowncrossing.com Event times and details may change.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm

OMAHA’S PREMIER BUSINESS to BUSINESS Magazine

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM /SUBSCRIBE MAY 2019

// 17 //

A+C THEATER // STORY BY JAMES VNUK // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Nebraska Shakespeare on Juno’s Swans and the All-Female

All’s Well that Ends Well

MAY

// 19 //

2019

From left: Sarah Lynn Brown and Katie Becker Colรณn

// A+C THEATER //

hat is the world limiting me to, as a woman? And what if I wasn’t?” Katie Becker Colón asks as we discuss this summer’s production of All’s Well That Ends Well for Shakespeare on the Green. Becker Colón, a long-time actor for Nebraska Shakespeare and their current director of education, will play Parolles as a member of Juno’s Swans, a program for all-female Shakespeare productions.

Becker Colón has had many traditionally “male” roles throughout her career. “One big highlight for me was playing a cardinal in King John, appearing on the stage in all of that jewelry and gold, and wielding power—and not power because of the character’s gender, but power because it was literal and given by a political authority like the Pope.”

Though it may seem a novelty at first blush, the gender imbalance in Shakespeare is a major concern for actors seeking fulfilling roles, especially for women.

For Becker Colón, the opportunities the program has presented have been challenging but rewarding. “Physical license is something I have to prepare for,” she says.

“A few years ago, I played Brutus in Julius Caesar, and I had to physically pull Caesar across the stage over and over. It was wildly uncomfortable for me, because I had never before grabbed a grown man and moved him like that. It felt like stepping outside of my bounds, and it raised questions for me about why I was ‘wired’ that way.”

Sarah Lynn Brown, interim artistic director for Nebraska Shakespeare, formed Juno’s Swans after 2016’s all-male Taming of the Shrew, and they have done enormously successful all-female readings of Richard III and Julius Caesar leading up to this season. “Shakespeare is the best,” Brown says, “and it’s frustrating that we’re left to deal with the realities of his day.”

Because Shakespearean plays were originally performed exclusively by men, this disenfranchisement is borne out in the available roles for men and women today.

By about seven to one, there are more male Shakespeare characters than female, and the largest female role, Rosalind in As You Like It, has only 721 lines compared with over 1,500 for Hamlet.

“ Shakespeare wrote amazing people, regardless of their gender, and because of that, the gender of the actor doesn’t matter as much. No matter who plays the parts, Caesar still dies.”

-Sarah Lynn Brown The challenge for Matthew Olsen, who played Bianca in 2016’s all-male Taming of the Shrew, went in a different direction than his female counterparts. “[Bianca] didn’t have a lot of lines. I’d ask Sarah things like, ‘Why is this character even here? To look pretty? What’s the point?’ and her response was ‘Yeah, no kidding.’ As a man, I have all of these roles custom-made for me, and I came to the realization that female actors go through this constantly.”

Despite these imbalances inherent to Shakespeare, the Swans agree these gender-flipping experiments are opportunities for the actors foremost: “It’s not like we’re trying to ‘fix’ the plays,” Brown says.

“Instead, these performances allow new things to emerge creatively. Shakespeare wrote amazing people, regardless of their gender, and because of that the gender of the actor doesn’t matter as much. No matter who plays the parts, Caesar still dies.”

However, there is an even deeper challenge to these roles than these anecdotes might suggest, and a deeper significance to offering all-female productions. “Female actors are often hesitant to take ownership of these roles, to do the actions they do onstage and not feel compelled to apologize for them,” Brown says. To alleviate this, she created an actor’s circle to precede performances, giving the women time to have space, to bond with the other players, and invite vulnerability, an experience Brown and Becker Colón both speak of fondly. “You cannot be an actor without opening yourself to risk,” Brown states, and she hopes that these productions allow actors to find new frontiers for their craft.

This summer’s All’s Well production also seeks to break new ground in other ways, by inviting audience dialogue after the performances—a first for Nebraska Shakespeare—as well as bringing in numerous all-female musicians and acts to entertain ahead of performances. “When we make space for women like this,” Becker Colón says, “the world changes for the better.” Together, the Swans hope that these productions help normalize putting women in these roles and spaces, and strengthen connections for women within the Omaha community.

Assistant director Ezra Colón says he’s looking forward to taking a step back.

He had previously performed in 2016’s all-male Taming alongside Olsen, but he is behind the scenes this year.

“I’m most excited to be in the room and to learn,” Colón says. “My goal is to help Sarah and the company create the best possible production of All’s Well as we can—this one just happens to be all-female. It is a real pleasure to see Sarah and the Swans work and create.”

Olsen also has nothing but praise for the Swans. “I was blown away by the complexity they brought to the roles; the Caesar reading was some of the best work I’d ever seen…

Shakespeare is universal, and somewhere we’ve lost sight of that a little. Juno’s Swans have brought some of that back.”

Visit nebraskashakespeare.com for more information.

MAY 2019

// 21 //

WINNING WITH

Evandale 2019 BEST NEW ARTIST

A+C MUSIC // STORY BY TARA SPENCER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION BY DEREK JOY

MAY

// 22 //

2019

MAY

// 23 //

2019

From left: Chad Riche, Cody Du, E.J. Petry, Ryan Lang, and Eric Whitney

THEIR SELF-TITLED EP RELEASED IN JANUARY WITH SONGS THEY DESCRIBE AS “HARD-HITTING, SOUTHERN-FLAVORED” ROCK MUSIC.

// 24 //

MAY 2019

// A+C MUSIC //

THE HARDCORE ROCKERS of Evandale prac-

tice in the basement of a two-story home in the suburbs of northwest Omaha.

A healthy, happy Rottweiler (Bianca) greets visitors at the door. The yard is lovely, and the house is tidy—suburban living at its finest.

Once in the basement, however, it’s all business—music business.

Instruments abound. In the practice room, there’s padding on the walls to minimize noise. The décor consists of Denver Broncos memorabilia and several posters from metal bands such as Lamb of God and Disturbed (signed). In another smaller room, there’s a makeshift recording studio.

WHITNEY AND RICHE WERE BOTH MEMBERS OF LOCAL FAVORITE VENACULAS. DU AND LANG PLAYED TOGETHER IN SHATTERPROOF, AND PETRY CAME TO THE GROUP AS A NOVICE TO A BAND THAT MAKES ORIGINAL MUSIC. FORMERLY, HE SANG IN THE COVER BAND RUKKUS.

An Interview at Band Practice In typical rocker style, one of the members of Evandale is running late to practice. As band members wait for drummer Ryan Lang to arrive from work, the others tune guitars, drink beers, and give scratches to their most loyal groupie (Bianca).

“I try to be the band dad, but no one listens,” Lang interjects.

Once gathered, the band rehashes the making of Evandale, which played a debut show at Forte Music Hall in late April 2018.

“I’d say Ryan is more like the facilitator…the counselor,” says bassist Cody Du. “E.J. and Eric are like the married couple.” Everyone bursts out laughing, and they start riffing back and forth on the fighting between “Mr. and Mrs. Tanner.”

“I don’t hang out with these guys,” jokes guitarist Eric Whitney, playing into his grumpyold-man reputation.

Petry jumps in. “You know who you are?” he says to Du. “You’re that guy that just walks up to you in public, punches you in the nose, and runs away.”

In reality, it’s pretty clear they all enjoy hanging out with each other. Their conversation is peppered with inside jokes, and it’s evident that each musician occupies a unique role in the group.

“I would never do that,” Du protests. Petry goes on, “You just throw your little stabs in there.” Du concedes, “Oh,” without further protest, acknowledging his role as the antagonist of the group.

“You know how, even as an adult, you get a little rambunctious at parties and stuff ?” vocalist E.J. Petry says before singling out guitarist Chad Riche. “Chad is the guy that’s like, ‘Hey! Hey! Settle down!’” The others agree. Riche is “the band dad,” and he seems fine with that.

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

New Band, Deep Roots Evandale is a serious band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously. But make no mistake, when it comes to making music they are into it. And it’s not their first rodeo.

Whitney and Riche were members of local favorite Venaculas. Du and Lang played together in Shatterproof, and Petry came to the group as a novice to a band that makes original music. Formerly, he sang in the cover band Rukkus.

MAY

// 25 //

2019

There’s a lot of band crossovers and a few (funny) tales that could be told about their lives before Evandale. But right now, the band members are looking to the future. Their self-titled EP released in January with songs they describe as “hard-hitting, Southernflavored” rock music.

They had what Riche describes as a “killer” release party for the EP. The cherry on top of that night? Finding out they won the opportunity to open for Michigan hard-rock band Pop Evil.

“The weird part about it was, we didn’t know until four days beforehand,” Lang says. “It was like, ‘Cool, let’s rearrange our lives for a little bit to make this work.’”

In case anyone doubts the serious power behind this group, their 2019 Omaha & Entertainment Art Awards trophy for “best new artist” should bring them around. The guys say they were surprised, partially because they were not expecting it to be the first award presented that night.

“I don’t think any one of us looked at the pamphlet, ’cuz it had them in order,” Lang admits. “I had to wrangle you guys up.”

Their aspirations for next year include going for “best rock band” and “best album” at the OEAAs. Until then, they’ll keep busy playing shows across the Midwest, while enjoying the energy and enthusiasm of their hardcore fans.

Petry starts to say it would be nice to get on a big show like…Du interjects, “Ellen?”

Well, Petry was thinking more along the lines of Rockfest or Sturgis. But sure, everyone agrees, Ellen’s talk show would be a pretty sweet gig.

Visit facebook.com/evandaleband for more information.

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

l l e n n o d ' o . k . j . a h t i m Words

R U TOde E C R O F the Literary World Takes on

MAY

// 26 //

2019

// A+C POETRY //

A

T 21 YEARS OLD, word-

smith a.j.k. o’donnell (who does not capitalize her name) is a literary force to be reckoned with.

In 2018, she published her second book, This Void Beckons, and embarked on a nationwide tour in support of the tome, which features evocative prose structured as poetry.

The tour, which included stops in New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Omaha, Lincoln, and Iowa City, was supported throughout by the Colin Higgins Foundation and regionally by the Nebraska Writers Collective. A 2016 recipient of the Colin Higgins Foundation’s Youth Courage Award, o’donnell is grateful for their support and says they allowed her lots of range to steer the tour and choose venues.

“My goal in life is to put out 24 works, whatever that looks like—books, screenplays, poetry collections, anything literary project-wise,” says o’donnell, who published her first book, Nicoteane and Other Foolish Mistakes, in 2015 when she was still in high school. “Twenty-four is an important number to me; it’s the day I was born…I’m two books in, which means I have 22 pieces to go. So, about every two years.”

“As much as the last year has been about me growing as a writer, it’s also been about me growing as a young professional and learning how to navigate my circles to get the support I need,” o’donnell says. She recently started a full-time position as national communications manager for the nonprofit organization Black and Pink Inc., a prison abolitionist organization supporting LGBTQ and HIV-positive prisoners.

This Void Beckons came out under o’donnell’s own Cracked Jar Press, which she says she started with the intent to publish works from underrepresented writers.

Using the publishing and tour process of her own book as a prototype, o’donnell says she learned a lot about the overall “literary atmosphere,” booking and marketing tours, formatting and publishing, and more.

Traveling was also beneficial to o’donnell’s personal growth. She relished experiences such as popping into bodegas and writing poetry on the subway in New York and exploring the Mission District in San Francisco. As she left copies of her book scattered across the nation, she also left little pieces of her heart in the places she fell in love with.

“MY FIRST THOUGHT TO CALM MYSELF DOWN WAS TO GO BACK TO THAT LITTLE KID IN THE BACKYARD READING HARRY POTTER OR PERCY JACKSON AND JUST REMEMBER: ‘YOU GET TO DO THIS. YOU GOT TO WRITE YOUR OWN BOOK.’”

-a.j.k. o'donnell

MAY

// 29 //

2019

“I like to balance the physical around me with the emotional inside of me. So, just seeing where that equilibrium is in different environments is really empowering and brings lots of artistic energy for me,” o’donnell says. “I also think for me as a young trans writer in Omaha, this tour was really vital for my ability to stay focused and grounded, because when I go to big cities like New York, L.A., and San Francisco, there are entire populations of LGBTQ people walking around and it’s very empowering for me.”

In addition to her writing, o’donnell has been a voracious reader since childhood.

She says she’s “always kind of in a world between writing and reading.” If ever she felt nervous to stand in front of a crowd and speak while on tour, she conjured her childhood self, which she describes as “very much a monkey-bars-in-the-summer kind of kid, sprawled with a book under a tree.”

“My first thought to calm myself down was to go back to that little kid in the backyard reading Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and just remember: ‘You get to do this. You got to write your own book,’” she says.

In true tour-de-force fashion, o’donnell has plenty more in the pipeline as she continues her “sacred experience” with writing and pursues her goal of 24 works. This literary dynamo is working on a novel (the working title is What the Crevice Holds), a screenplay, and another poetry collection, as well as taking classes at Metropolitan Community College, with the ultimate goal to one day earn her Ph.D. Visit ajkodonnell.com for more information.

A+C ART // STORY BY SEAN ROBINSON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN & BETNI KALK // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

DOCUMENTING THE STORY OF THE SAWIYANO

MAY

// 30 //

2019

// A+C ART //

HOUSES MADE OF leaf shingles and bark tied

together by vine. Tattoos created from soot and a rat’s tooth tool. Carved bamboo arrows used to capture prey that then becomes food.

Undoubtedly, the culture of the Sawiyano people in Papua New Guinea looks nothing like the cornfield-meets-city life of Omaha—or any other metro in the world for that matter.

For Betni Kalk, an artist who grew up with this tribe when her missionary parents were stationed there during her childhood, that’s exactly what makes this indigenous group both precious and precarious.

“People say you can leave New Guinea, but it will never leave you,” Kalk says. “I’m living proof.”

Though she moved to the states in her teen years, Kalk is still finding new ways to explore the village in which she was raised. She’s been back to visit twice—and sent her father on her behalf once—to capture the daily lives of this tribe through photography and video she is editing into a documentary. By doing so, she hopes to not only preserve traditional elements of culture for future generations of Sawiyano but also share this rainforest-hidden piece of the globe with others.

“My worldview was formed there, so I feel indebted,” Kalk says. “To me, it isn’t about fantastic cinematography and award-worthy filmmaking. My goal is to simply capture as much culture as possible to make something I can gift to them.”

Moving from Ontario, Canada, at the age of 3, Kalk’s first memories are of the rivers and bush in New Guinea’s East Sepik Province.

From stumbling upon huge snakes while playing in the wild to watching her parents serve as missionaries, teachers, and impromptu medics, Kalk developed a deep appreciation for the simple, isolated life. Instead of flipping on Punky Brewster or Fraggle Rock, she passed the time drawing the landscape surrounding her.

Kalk and her family moved to the States after 10 years, and she would go on to receive a master’s degree in painting and drawing— the very skill she started developing in the bush as a child. Today, she is a professor of art and design at Creighton University and often shows work at exhibitions across the country, including one this June at Connect Gallery in Omaha.

“Coming to the United States, I just felt out of place at first,” she says. “When you sound like everyone else and look like everyone else but don’t think like everyone else, that’s hard.”

Kalk first went back to the Sawiyano territory in 1999, then again in 2012. Both visits, she brought video cameras to film all the pieces of daily life that make up this unique culture, including craft processes, food gathering, and creation of everyday objects. It wasn’t only her filming, though. She would rotate up to seven cameras among Sawiyano people to ensure authenticity of footage.

What began as short, subtitled clips of activities she would upload to YouTube has taken on a new form as she develops the documentary. For this 30-minute short film, three- to six-second clips are montaged with no subtitles and minimal music, immersing the viewer in the culture and leaving it up to them to interpret the experience.

“Telling a significant story in clips isn’t easy.

I haven’t heard of someone else doing something like this, so that’s nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t scare me,” Kalk says.

Arriving in the village is no cakewalk either.

Because most flights go to the capital city, traveling to rural areas requires months of planning. First, she flies into Port Moresby, where she stays with missionaries until she can find transportation beyond the city. She then takes a truck to the nearest river and floats from village to village by boat, setting up home once she’s arrived. Only then does the real work of filming begin.

“It’s all worth it,” Kalk says. “You can hear and read about things, but to be able to see it on video is a whole different story.”

Once Kalk finishes editing the film, she plans to show it at festivals, starting with those focused on sustainability or green issues. She has heard interest from museums in Germany and France wanting to show it.

And that’s just the beginning.

When it comes to telling the story of the Sawiyano, there’s no stopping Kalk. She’s already compiled a book of photographs of the region with accompanying descriptive text and is working on another made up of villagers’ drawings and paintings. In fact, Google “Sawiyano” and all the top results point back to this artist who is trumpeting a traditional culture through very modern methods—with profits on projects going back to the Sawiyano for medical and educational needs.

“I just want people to get a glimpse of how others live,” Kalk says. “Hopefully, this can help open worldviews, so we can start thinking about how things we do here have a ripple effect all the way to New Guinea.”

Visit b-e-t-n-i.com for more information.

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY JUSTINE YOUNG // PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL MCCOLGAN

Local Mountain Biking

01

Single-Track Trails in Omaha

THE OMAHA METRO is home to many excellent mountain bike trails. Whether you’re a beginner or veteran of single-track traces, there’s something for all experience levels. Grab your helmet and don’t forget to B.Y.O.B (bring your own bike) to these off-road hotspots.

01. JEWEL PARK 688-730 Combs Road Bellevue, NE 68005 Difficulty: intermediate/advanced Don’t let Jewel Park’s shorter, 3-milelong loop fool you—this trail is a complete cardio workout. Nestled in the luscious foliage of Bellevue’s nature scene, you can expect steep climbs right from the beginning of this moreadvanced trail. If you are up for the challenge, the easily visible trail markers and multiple log jumps on this roller coaster-like ride make Jewel Park a must-do. Plus, take a moment to say hello to the playful pups at Jewel’s popular dog park, located next to this ride’s trailhead.

02. LEWIS AND CLARK MONUMENT 19962 Monument Road Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Difficulty: intermediate/advanced Take a short trip to the Iowa side of the Missouri River for this 5-mile-long ride, which begins at the historic Lewis and Clark Monument. Snap a selfie with the breathtaking westward view before you hit this single-loop trail. You can expect to test your technical skills with short, steep climbs and fast-paced fun, along with some easy-to-miss gems along this intermediate-to-advanced ride.

03. PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK 14421 346th St. Louisville, NE 68037 Difficulty: intermediate For those willing to drive south of town to the Platte River, the network of trails at Platte River State Park is worth a trip. This park offers 8 miles of single-track mountain biking and the longest route on our list. Scenic streams and densely packed trees make a beautiful backdrop for these versatile trails, which offer rides for almost any skill level.

02

04. SWANSON PARK 3110 Cornhusker Road Bellevue, NE 68147 Difficulty: beginner/intermediate If you’re looking for a ride without an abundance of difficult climbs or technical maneuvers, Swanson Park’s 6-mile trail is the place to go. Located on the outskirts of Bellevue, this spot is a short commute for Omahadwellers looking for a slower-paced afternoon ride. Take the single-track loop multiple times to work up a sweat, and then explore the smaller network of connecting trails that Swanson Park has to offer.

05. WALNUT CREEK PARK 11601 S. 96th St. Papillion, NE 68046 Difficulty: intermediate You’ll find the Walnut Creek biking trails just south of Papillion, where this 3-mile-long ride travels through open spaces and twists around lowhanging tree branches. Although most of this ride is considered beginner-friendly, cyclists should be prepared for sharp turns and challenging curves on this fun, looped circuit. Remember to keep an eye out for pedestrian cross-traffic as you speed your way through this tougher route.

06. TRANQUILITY PARK 12222 W. Maple Road Omaha, NE 68164 Difficulty: beginner Tranquility Park is a popular go-to route for novice cyclists and those looking to brush up on their biking skills. This 6-mile-long ride is located in northwest Omaha and offers a low-impact, high-fun space to get comfortable on your wheels.

Regardless of your skill level, you can grab your helmet and get going for a fun afternoon on this easier single-track trail.

Visit mccolganphoto.com for more local mountain bike and sports photography.

MAY

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DINING PROFILE // STORY BY CARRIELLE SEDERSTEN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

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T I H ORLANDO W MAY

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// DINING PROFILE //

ORLANDA WHITFIELD, PH.D., was

born and raised in Omaha. She graduated from Central High School in 1959 and received her doctorate in educational leadership from College of Saint Mary, where she teaches adjunct classes. She also teaches classes at Doane University. She works fulltime at CenturyLink as a communications technician and has for the last 20 years. And a little over two years ago, she opened her own business, Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn.

There are few things Whitfield doesn’t do— she loves being busy.

For Whitfield, owning a business is something she’s always wanted. It’s in her roots.

Her dad is an entrepreneur and her grandmother, Doris, is a professional cook and Whitfield’s early teacher. “I remember waking up to the smell of her cooking,” Whitfield says. “She always made sure we went to school or church fed.” Whitfield says she was a young girl when her grandmother first taught her how to make caramel corn on movie night.

Whitfield also credits her grandmother for encouraging creativity in her culinary attempts. She says it made her feel like she could cook anything. So, it only makes sense that cooking comes naturally to her.

The most popular flavor she sells is known as the “Omaha , mix.” It s a sweet, savory mix of caramel corn covered in cheese. Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn offers between 10 to 20 flavors at a time, and Whitfield says , she s always working on new ideas.

So did the location for her business in North Omaha, where she wants to start building her legacy. She was working on a committee for the Mildred Brown Foundation when she decided to open the Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn store at The Fair Deal Village MarketPlace on North 24th Street.

The marketplace houses eight businesses in repurposed shipping containers with a café at the center, where the landmark Omaha diner Fair Deal Café once stood. The redevelopment kept the original art deco and tin ceiling from the café intact.

Whitfield kettle-cooks her popcorn from scratch in a commercial kitchen at No More Empty Pots, a local nonprofit that advocates for food security by connecting individuals with locally grown, organic product. The most popular flavor she sells is known as the “Omaha mix.” It’s a sweet, savory mix of caramel corn covered in cheese. Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn offers between 10 to 20 flavors at a time, and Whitfield says she’s always working on new ideas.

“I love coming up with new flavors and then having people try them to see what their reaction is, good or bad,” she says. Recently her love for Thai food has influenced her creations in the form of movie theater butter and spicy Sriracha popcorn.

She’s most inspired by the women in her life: her grandmother, who turned 90 last year, her granddaughter, NeMiya, and the women business owners in her community. Whitfield says they were incredibly supportive when she started her own business.

Patricia “Big Mama” Barron and Gladys Harrison from Big Mama's Kitchen previously worked with Whitfield at CenturyLink. She says they gave her encouragement and wanted her to succeed.

Supporting women in her community is very important to Whitfield. She’s always trying to find the best way to use her business to give back. She believes food is a great way to bring people together. That’s why her business partners with local sports teams and youth organizations selling popcorn as fundraisers.

Looking to the future, Whitfield wants to expand into local retail stores and, eventually, she wants to open franchise locations. She wants her legacy to include a scholarship for women in her community who want to start a business or advance their education.

“A lot of times, we as women entrepreneurs are starting businesses because the glass ceiling still exists for us in other industries,” Whitfield says. “I think that’s why you’re seeing women start more businesses than anyone else right now.”

Visit stillpoppin402.com for more information.

"I love coming up with new flavors and then having people try them to see what their reaction is, good or bad," she says.

MAY 2019

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

China garden tantalizes taste buds with spicy, steaming, cook-it-yourself hot pot

MAY 2019

// 95 //

// DINING REVIEW //

,

I t s getti ng easier to fi nd d iverse and i nteresti ng Ch i nese food i n oma ha that goes beyond standard Ch i nese-American d ishes. // 96 //

MAY 2019

CHINA GARDEN 8441 W. CENTER RD. 402.397.1995 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE

$$$

OVERALL

(5 STARS POSSIBLE)

A

BIG METAL POT of fiery broth

bubbled away on our table at China Garden as my dining partner and I dropped sliced meat, vegetables, and tofu into the steaming stock, spiked with enough chiles and Sichuan peppercorns to leave our lips tingling. Between bites, we continued dunking food in the fragrant broth, fishing it out with chopsticks and small strainers.

It’s getting easier to find diverse and interesting Chinese food in Omaha that goes beyond standard Chinese-American dishes. China Garden is among a handful of local spots that offer a separate menu with Sichuanese and other regional Chinese cuisines, including hot pot. I’ve been a fan of the restaurant’s Sichuan gems for a few years but hadn’t tried this dish until a recent visit. Hot pot, in which diners cook food in a shared pot of boiling broth, dates back to ancient China. Variations of it have spread throughout Asia and beyond.

Pluck the food out of the broth, dip it in a sauce, eat, and repeat.

China Garden opened in the early 1980s in a small building behind the now-defunct Cinema Center near 84th Street and West Center Road. Owners, chefs, and menu items have changed through the years, and in August 2017, the restaurant moved a block west to a larger space in the Canfield Plaza

Shopping Center. Several tables feature builtin burners for hot pots, and there are private rooms for bigger groups. Customers check off whatever they want for the hot pot on a paper menu. Options include a variety of broths, several kinds of meat, poultry, and seafood, plus tofu, noodles, mushrooms, leafy greens, and other veggies.

We stuck with more familiar ingredients— beautifully marbled ribeye sliced paper thin, napa cabbage, daikon radishes, bamboo shoots, and slabs of fresh tofu—but adventurous eaters can try beef tripe and other organ meats. A plate of mussels and crab accompanies each hot pot. While waiting for our food, we mixed small bowls of dipping sauces at the condiment station using ingredients such as sesame paste, Chinese vinegar, garlic, chiles, sugar, scallions, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cilantro. There’s no hard-and-fast rule— anything goes. The restaurant’s well-versed and helpful staff are happy to answer questions and offer suggestions. China Garden’s bar manager, Luke Edson, guided us as we assembled a flavorful and well-balanced dipping sauce that enhanced each bite.

After splitting an appetizer of steamed dumplings, we were ready to dive in. We chose two broths, original and spicy, served in a single pot with a divider in the middle. Tomatoes,

jujubes (also known as Chinese red dates), herbs, and spices simmered away in the original broth, a cloudy white liquid with a mild yet complex flavor. Sichuan peppercorns and chiles lent plenty of heat and intensity to the brick-red spicy broth.

Cooking times vary depending on the food.

Paper-thin beef needs just a quick swish in the boiling broth, while heartier items, such as root vegetables, can simmer longer. After a while, flavors start to blend and the meal can get monotonous. There’s not much textural variety since everything is boiled. Still, we enjoyed the participatory aspect of the brothy feast, hovering over the bubbling pot, chatting, cooking, eating, deciding what went in, and when to take it out. With hot pot, it’s less about the food and more about the experience.

China Garden also serves individual hot pots with ingredients already assembled, as well as sizzling dry pots that don’t involve broth.

Whichever style you choose, these pots are sure to hit the spot.

Visit chinagardenomaha.com for more information.

MAY 2019

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DINING FEATURE // STORY BY TIM TRUDELL

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

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Heather Smith, advanced sommelier at The Grey Plume

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IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE HIS GOAL, BROWN HAS TO FACE THE COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS, AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT OVERSEES THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS. SOMMELIERS NEED TO COMPLETE ALL FOUR LEVELS TO BECOME A MASTER.

Matt Brown, aspiring master sommelier at V. Mertz // 100 //

MAY 2019

DINING FEATURE

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Already an expert and a leader in Omaha’s culinary scene, the general manager and advanced sommelier at V. Mertz hopes to add the title “master sommelier” to his resume.

The title will be the culmination of a nearly 13-year adventure—from being a host at Lincoln Thai eatery Blue Orchid to running the upscale Old Market restaurant. He’s come a long way from hosting to managing an inventory of roughly 450 Old World and New World wines plus 200 varieties of spirits.

If he achieves his goal this July, he will become the third master sommelier from Nebraska, joining Matt Stamp, formerly of V. Mertz (previously owned by the Stamp family), and Lincoln native Jesse Becker.

Brown knows that he needs to prepare for all seemingly out-of-the-blue inquiries evaluators may throw at him during his exam. After all, the process of becoming a master sommelier is designed to challenge the best of the best.

“That’s why there’s less than [300] of them around the world,” Brown says.

In order to achieve his goal, Brown has to face the Court of Master Sommeliers, an international organization that oversees the certification process. Sommeliers need to complete all four levels to become a master.

A three-day evaluation program makes up the introductory, or basic, level. Two days of classes include principles of vineyards and winemaking, grape varieties, production, and f lavor. They also practice tableside etiquette, including wine service and customer interactions. On the third day, candidates take an exam that includes a blind tasting of six wines (three whites and three reds). They must analyze each wine, including origin of the grapes.

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“I didn’t really have time to study for this one,” Brown says. “I had a lot of experience in the business and that helped me in passing the test.”

Candidates have three years to complete the second level as certified sommeliers.

The one-day examination consists of three parts—a written test with multiple choice answers, a blind tasting of six wines, and a wine service practical exam. As candidates taste the wine and perform table service, judges may ask questions regarding a variety of drinks, including coffee and tea, in addition to wine and spirits.

The truly outstanding aspirants go on to become advanced sommeliers. People at this level are among the most knowledgeable in the industry. They’re the ones who know the history of where each wine comes from, the soil used to grow the best varieties of grapes, and even the f low of water in the region, Brown says.

At The Grey Plume, Heather Smith says being an advanced sommelier is the fun part of her job as general manager.

“I enjoy getting people out of their comfort zone [in trying new wines],” she says. “ If you want a pinot noir, we can give you options to try something new.”

The f ive-day certif ication process includes classroom discussion to ensure candidates display sound knowledge of wine growing, production, history, and table service. The final exam consists of a written portion, a blind tasting, and table service performance.

“My exam was six glasses with similar colors. I had to know where they were from,” Brown says. All the while, as he explained his answers, judges would ask questions about other drinks and request general information. The process tests a sommelier’s overall knowledge.

The top level—master sommelier—is the most challenging. The process is similar to the advanced sommelier examination, but with higher score requirements. Offered twice a year, candidates spend a considerable amount of time preparing. Brown says he studies about three hours a day.

Most candidates work daily with a master sommelier mentor. But, in Brown’s case, he doesn’t have one to work with.

Stamp and Becker, who each achieved the honor while working in Omaha, have since moved out of state. Stamp is co-owner of Compline, a wine bar and restaurant in Napa, California. Becker, who created the wine program at Boiler Room, is now a portfolio specialist with Winebow.

Anthony Johnson, the current manager of Boiler Room, continues to use the program that Becker established nearly 10 years ago. Adjusting the inventory as needed, Johnson says he maintains the program’s core. While his team doesn’t have any true sommeliers, Johnson encourages servers to spend time with customers and gauge their beverage interests.

At a restaurant, a sommelier’s daily regimen includes managing the beverage inventory, as well as visiting with customers on drink selections, says Brad Marr, a certified sommelier at Dante at Shops of Legacy. Marr, who previously owned Lot 2 in Benson with his wife Johanna, plans to pursue the advanced sommelier certification.

“The challenge for us is making sure you find that perfect bottle of wine for your customer,” Marr says. In some cases, that may mean trying something new.

As Omaha’s culinary scene continues to grow, the city’s sommeliers see the benefit of working together. Meeting weekly, sommeliers and restaurateurs test drinks and discuss issues.

No longer seeing each other as competition, the group works together to make Omaha’s wine scene a tasteful adventure.

Visit vmertz.com, boilerroomomaha.com, thegreyplume.com, and dantepizzeria.com for more information about the establishments mentioned in this article.

MAY 2019

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—charlestons.com/locations

DJ’S DUGOUT - $

636 N. 114th St. (402-498-8855) 1003 Capitol Ave. (402-763-9974) 10308 S. 23rd St. (402-292-9096) 2102 S. 67th St. (402-933-3533) 180th and Q streets (402-292-9096) 192nd and West Maple St. Highway 75 and Oak Hill Road (402-298-4166)

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES WOOD FIRE STEAKS & SEAFOOD INNOVATIVE PASTA—RISOTTO—GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY

Saturday Lunch 11 am - 4 pm

1/2 Price Cocktails Daily 4 - 6 pm NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 5/31/2019 Not Valid With Happy Hour or Any Other Promotions. One Per Check.

Catering

Sunday Brunch 11 am - 2 pm Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys

. Private Party Rooms . Walk-Ins Welcome 3125 South 72 nd Street

(Easy access off I-80, take 72nd Street Exit)

402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation

Lunch Specials

With Free Glass of House Wine HAPPY HOUR M-F / SAT & SUN BRUNCH

BEER • COCKTAILS • WINE • SALADS BURGERS • SAUSAGES • PRETZELS 402.502.9902 6209 MAPLE ST. • BENSON BARCHEN BEER.COM

// 102 //

MAY 2019

BEER GARDEN & BEER HALL

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 16920 Wright Plz, #118 / Omaha, NE 68130 On the corner of 168th & West Center St.

402.884.8966

Catch all of the action at six Omaha-area locations.

DJ's Dugout features burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu along with HD TVs and projectors. Home to Blazin’ Pianos, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept.

—djsdugout.com

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge St. (402-399-8300) 1101 Harney St. in the Old Market (402-614-9333)

Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an "American Grill" that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails.

—jamseats.com

KITH & KIN - $$

402-991-1552 5018 Underwood Ave.

Kith & Kin comes from a southern term that means "friends and family." We offer a family-friendly restaurant in a beautiful space with scratchmade food at a reasonable price. Southern hospitality is our main objective. Located in the heart of Dundee. Welcome to the family.

—kith-kin.us DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

rotellasbakery.com

s ’ a l l e t Ro -Free

n e t u l G reads B

A Family Tradition Since 1921

Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!

Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm

402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com

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

LE PEEP - $

69th & Pacific (402-933-2776) 177th and Center streets (402-934-9914) 156th Street and W. Dodge Road (402-408-1728) 120th and Blondo streets (402-991-8222)

Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot.

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

—lepeepomaha.com

LISA'S RADIAL CAFE - $ 402-551-2176 817 N. 40th St.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING OUR PASTA

Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com

NUMBER #1

We can accommodate parties of 30 or more, by reservation only Catering Available

DINNER HOURS // Mon-Thur: 4:30-9PM, Fri & Sat: 4:30-10PM

Like Us on Facebook

Omaha’s most unique I TA L I A N D I N I NG E X P E R I E N C E

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 rave about our chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff. Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

STELLA’S - $

402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue

Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s.

And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back!

Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday.

—stellasbarandgrill.com ICE CREAM

Thank You, Thank You,

TED AND WALLY’S - $

Thank You

402-341-5827 1120 Jackson St.

For Continually Voting For Us!

Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat 3001 S. 32nd Ave / Omaha, NE 402.345.5656

402.884.9800 13110 BIRCH DR, OMAHA, NE | LOMBARDOSOMAHA.COM

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish!

4150 S. 144 TH ST. • 402.894.9411 • CHARLIESONTHELAKE.NET // 104 //

MAY 2019

Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available.

—tedandwallys.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

ITALIAN

LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$

402-556-6464 45th and Leavenworth streets

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

—lacasapizzaria.net

LOMBARDO'S 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, catering, a daily happy hour (3-6:30 p.m. and all-day Sundays), live music Tuesdays and Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays.

—lombardosomaha.com

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$ 402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave.

The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes.

Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of ovenroasted garlic cloves, specially seasoned olive oil, and (at night) a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak.

Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available.

Lunch offerings include panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere.

No reservations, except for private rooms.

—losolemio.com

One of Omaha’s Best Happy Hours!

Walking Distance to CHI Health Center Omaha & TD Ameritrade Park CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT

402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com /the old mattress factory omaha

@Matt_factory

Mon. – Fri. 3—6 PM Fri. & Sat. After 9 PM julios.com/cateringmenu 123rd & Center | 402-330-2110

the backline comedy theatre

HAPPY HOUR TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

(10-11PM)

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

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+ MAY 2019

// 105 //

PASTA AMORE - $$

402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road

ICE CREAM ● EST 1986 ●

Home -Made in Omaha

Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli. Lunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner starts at 4:30 p.m.

Reservations recommended.

—pastaamore.com

PITCH - $$

402-590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave.

An OpenTable's Diners' Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, handcut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers 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. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., FridaySaturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m.

—pitchpizzeria.com

SPEZIA - $$$

402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St.

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

11

1

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

LEPEEP.COM // 106 //

MAY 2019

Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you'll find a casual elegance that's perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily.

Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers' Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

MEXICAN

FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707)

Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily.

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

—fernandosomaha.com

JULIO’S - $

402-330-2110 2820 S. 123rd Court

Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years. We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas.

And, of course, nachos!

—julios.com

LA MESA - $$

158th Street and W. Maple Road (402-557-6130) 156th and Q streets (402-763-2555) 110th St. and W. Maple Road (402-496-1101) Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue (402-733-8754) 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs (712-256-2762)

Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row. Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

—lamesaomaha.com

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 and L streets (402-331-5656) Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue (402-292-2028) 29th and Farnam streets (402-346-1110)

Romeo's is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.We take real pride in serving our

guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they're the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com SPECIAL DINING

BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $ 402-502-9902 6209 Maple St.

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

BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$

WALKING DISTANCE

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

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

@Matt_factory

402-884-6878 721 N. 132nd St.

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

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

—brushiomaha.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $ 402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St.

Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beer-lover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday.

—beercornerusa.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

Omaha’s Authentic German Restaurant Family-owned since 1976

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

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

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

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

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

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

MAY 2019

// 107 //

FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. (402-932-5691) 2855 S. 168th St. (402-330-3444) 3605 N. 147th St. (402-965-3444) 304 Olson Drive., Papillion (402-965-3444) 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue (402-991-3448)

We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch.

Everything is made to-order here at First Watch.

We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.

—firstwatch.com

GERDA’S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY - $ 402-553-6774 5180 Leavenworth St.

jamseats.com

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

—gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

GREEK ISLANDS - $ 402-346-1528 3821 Center St.

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

—greekislandsomaha.com

J.COCO - $$$

402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St.

Stella’s Bar and Grill

The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco.

Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas.

We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

—jcocoomaha.com

Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha” “Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm // 108 //

MAY 2019

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

VOTED OMAHA’S #1 SPORTS BAR

NEW LOCATION COMING SOON!

ELKHORN - 192nd & Maple

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

DJSDUGOUT.COM Open for Happy Hour 4-7pm Daily

Best Greek

Dining Room Opens at 5pm Daily Private Dining Room Available all day

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

140 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68134

3821 Center St / 402.346.1528

GreekIslandsOmaha.com GreekIslandsOmaha.com

FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Omaha 402.393.0811

www.romeosOMAHA.com

MAY 2019

// 109 //

KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$ 402-505-4089 5352 S. 72nd St.

Lunch specials served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel.

Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages.

—koreangardenomaha.com

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. (402-934-5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402-991-3000)

Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available.

Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches. Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products.

—paradisebakery.com

TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $ 402-933-1445/402-238-4317 654 N. 114th St.

Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area. The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu. Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room.

—tajofomaha.com STEAKHOUSES

CASCIO'S - $$

402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St.

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

Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties.

We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.

—casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$ 402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St.

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

—droverrestaurant.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

// 110 //

MAY 2019

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

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE

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: MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

—johnnyscafe.com

STEAK & GRAPES - $

402-884-8966 16920 Wright Plaza, Suite No. 118

We are obsessed with really, really good grapes; creative, gourmet comfort food; and a funky, fun atmosphere in which to share them. We search all over the world to find you great wines. Many wines come from our relationships with smaller, undiscovered vineyards, which offer a great value to our guests. Wine is supposed to be fun.

We pour heavy and will open any bottle for our guests to try by the glass. When you taste a new varietal at Steak & Grapes, let us know how it changed your concept of what wine is supposed to be. Our gourmet comfort food is made fresh, using eco-friendly and local ingredients. As for the fun, we instigate it, but count on you to see it to fruition (literally through the fruit).

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

—steakandgrapesomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

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

Best Of Omaha 13 Years Running

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

VOTED #1 16 YEARS

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

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

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

MAY 2019

// 111 //

STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY!

// EXPLORE CALNENDAR //

Kick off the summer concert season at Sumtur Amphitheater near Papillion.

June 6 - Sublime with Rome June 27 - Three Dog Night

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

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

GoSarpy.com.

BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue

Leopard Lanes, Bellevue

Embassy Suites, La Vista

Holy Family Shrine, near Gretna

Walnut Creek Recreation Area, Papillion

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

NEBRASK A SPACE DAY 2019

May 4 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, Ashland.

Guests can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing at Space Day. This family event features activities, movies, planetarium shows, and guest speakers. 402-94 4-3100.

—sacmuseum.org

COMMUNIT Y APPRECIATION DAY/STUHR UNDER THE STARS May 4 in Grand Island.

The star t of the summer season features free admission, food and drink specials, and activities for the whole family. When the sun goes down, attendees can enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars at the Stuhr Museum’s Railroad Town. Blankets and chairs for sitting are encouraged. 308-385-5316.

—stuhrmuseum.gov

LINCOLN MARATHON

FREE FISHING AND PARK ENTRY DAY

May 5 in Lincoln. This event includes three different races. Runners can par ticipate in the full marathon, half marathon, or 1-mile race. Races start at 7 a.m. and end at Memorial Stadium.

—lincolnmarathon.org

SIP NEBRASK A WINE, CRAFT BEER, AND SPIRITS FESTIVAL May 10-11 at Mahoney State Park, Ashland. The sixth annual festival comes to Mahoney State Park for a weekend filled with live music, wine and beer tastings, and vendors for festivalgoers to enjoy. 402-882-24 48.

—blurparties.com/sipnebraska

May 18 at any Nebraska state park or recreation area Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the purchase a fishing license or park permit. 402-471-0641.

—outdoornebraska.gov

May

KENNY CHESNEY’S “SONGS FOR THE SAINTS 2019 TOUR” May 18 at Pinnacle

18

Bank Arena, Lincoln. Countr y music star Kenny Chesney brings his act to the Pinnacle Bank Arena for a night of fun and music. 402-904-4 4 4 4 .

—pinnaclebankarena.com

WILDLANDS DAY & FREE PARK ENTRY

May 18 at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering.

In Nebraska’s panhandle, this family-friendly event includes a bird hike, wildflower walk, and many other activities. 308-436-3777.

— outdoornebraska.gov

NEBR A SK A JUNK AT HON

May 24-26 at Thompson’s Treasures Antique and Uniques, Sargent. Vendors come together for a festival of antiques, food, and more in central Nebraska.

308-750-9435 .

—facebook.com/junkathonfleamarket

FORT KEARNY OUTDOOR EXPO May 11 at Fort

Kearny State Recreation Area, Kearney. This family-friendly event caters to those who are interested in Nebraska’s outdoor activities and wildlife. Fishing, camping, and archery are but a few of the offered recreational opportunities.

A park entry permit is required. 402-471-6009.

—fortkearnyexpo.com

TOAST NEBRASK A WINE FESTIVAL 2019

May 17-18 at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna.

Vala’s brings you its all-Nebraska w ine festival, complete with music, food vendors, and many local wineries available for tasting.

402-310-7264 .

—toastwinefest.com

NATIONAL BIRD DAY

May 4 at the Arbor Lodge Mansion, Nebraska City. Celebrate birds while touring the Arbor Lodge Mansion.

Visitors can “hunt” for the many resident birds.

402-471-0641.

—outdoornebraska.gov

BILL MORRIS MEMORIAL FISHING DERBY

May 18 at Ponca State Park, Ponca. This all-ages event includes hands-on activities throughout the day. Prizes will be distributed in many categories. 402-471-0641.

—outdoornebraska.gov

ANNUAL BROWNVILLE SPRING FLEA MARKET May 25-27 in Brownville. Hundreds of vendors bring their wares to this annual tradition, including recycled and up-cycled products, food, and antiques. 402-825-6001.

—brownvillehistoricalsociety.org

MIGRATORY BIRD DAY CELEBRATION May 25-27 at the Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area, Crofton. This all-day event includes a glow in the dark egg hunt, guided bird walks, and more (along Nebraska’s riverine border with South Dakota). 402-388-4169.

—outdoornebraska.gov 64TH ANNUAL WILL A CATHER SPRING CONFERENCE May 31-June 1 at National Willa

Cather Center, Red Cloud. This annual event celebrates the works and life of Willa Cather.

866-731-7304 .

—willacather.org

MAY 2019

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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

IOWA

ULTIMATE SPRING WOMEN’S EXPO

CASCADE WING & BREW FEST 2019

May 4 at Cascade Amphitheater, Cascade. Attendees can enjoy some wings and beer as this festival comes back for its sixth year of food, drinks, and live music. 563- 690-8611.

—cascadeiowa.org

MAIFEST May 4 at Amana Colonies, Amana.

Dancers, food trucks, and a parade will bring German traditions to this celebration of spring.

319-622-7622.

—festivalsinamana.com

THIRD ANNUAL COFFEE & DONUT FESTIVAL

May 4 at the Capital Square, Des Moines.

Coffee and doughnuts are the highlights of this Des Moines festival, which includes games and plenty of family fun. 515-599-7500.

—coffeedonutfest.com/des-moines

ART WALK May 4 at Kohlmann Park, Waverly.

This fine arts walk includes more than 40 artists for visitors to peruse. Open to the public.

319-352-4526.

—waverlychamber.com

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU May 4 at Oak Leaf Comics & Collectibles, Mason City Iowa. This event includes free comic books, inflatables, and fun for the whole family. Fifty percent of sales will be donated to the North Iowa Youth Center. 641-424-0333.

—dustcatchers.com

May 7 at the Wild Rose Casino, Clinton. Bring some friends to this event that includes shopping, prizes, and more. 563-243-9000.

—wildroseresorts.com/clinton

THE BEACH BOYS: "NOW & THEN TOUR"

May 9 at the Sioux City Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City. The iconic band will bring their hit music to the Orpheum Theatre for a night to remember.

712-244-5000.

—orpheumlive.com

SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL May 9-12 at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines. This event celebrates everything about gardens with activities, workshops, and more. 515-323-6290.

—dmbotanicalgarden.com

DOWNTOWN SHOW AND SHINE

May 5 at 206 Main Street, Cedar Falls. Cars and motorcycles will line Main Street for viewing. Food vendors will be available at this free event open to the public. 319-277-0213.

—communitymainstreet.org

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MAY 2019

ANNUAL TIVOLI FEST May 24-May 26 in Elk Horn. Celebrate all things Danish at this annual spring festival, which includes Danish food, dances, live enter tainment, fireworks, and more. 712-764-7001.

—danishmuseum.org

ORANGE CITY TULIP FESTIVAL

May 16-18 in Orange City. This event, which began in 1936, celebrates Dutch heritage and consists of beautiful tulips, dances performed in traditional Dutch clothing, daily parades, Dutch food, and more. 712-707-4510.

—octulipfestival.com

TREE TOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL May 23-26 at the

Heritage Park of North Iowa, Forest City. This three-day event brings together big names in country music for a fun festival. Performers include Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley, Lauren Alaina, and more. 641-585-3378.

—treetownfestival.com

05

Rust, Avoca. Attendees can enjoy an outdoor market of vintage goods.

Drinks, food, and vendors will be available.

402-267-4104 .

—ruralrouterust.com

May 24-25 at the Westin Gateway Park, Des Moines. In its 17th year, Celebrasian will be a celebration and appreciation of Asian culture, uniting the Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities in Des Moines. Guests can enjoy live performances, authentic food, May and educational activities. 515-770-1026.

—iowaasianalliance.com

09

May

VINTAGE GARDEN MARKET WITH FRIENDS May 4-5 at Rural Route

CELEBRASIAN

80TH ANNUAL NORTH IOWA BAND FESTIVAL May 23-27 in Mason City.

Seventy-six trombones (or more) will parade through the streets of this Iowa town, where Music Man composer Meredith Wilson lived. Along with marching bands, this festival includes a carnival, food, games, and live entertainment. 641-423-5724.

—nibandfest.com

BOONE RIVER VALLEY FESTIVAL

May 24-27 at the Boone Valley Brewery, Boone. Festival attendees can enjoy a weekend filled with music, crafts, and fun for the whole family.

—boonerivervalleyfestival.com

SPRING ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL

May 25 at Triangle Park, McGregor. This event kicks off summer with vendors, food, and activities for kids. 563-873-2186.

—mcgreg-marq.org

IOWA ARTS FESTIVAL May 31-June 2 in Iowa

City. A family-friendly event that brings together different artists in the Iowa area, this event also features live music performances, food vendors, and more. 319-337-794 4 .

—summerofthearts.org

Nebraska’s Great Park Pursuit Visit Parks. Be Active. Win Prizes.

May 1 –September 16, 2019 Explore Nebraska parks with this free statewide program.

Learn more and register your team at NeGPP.org or download our free app.

844.271.6909 MAY 2019

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K ANSAS BOOTS AND BEER AUCTION

May 3 at Hoover Pavilion, Dodge City. This event brings many food and craft beer vendors together, also featuring live and silent auctions. 620-227-8188.

—boothill.org

KS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

May 4 at the Warehouse Arts District, Lawrence. This oneday festival features more than 25 food trucks with offerings from across the world and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Just Food, the Douglas County Food Bank. 785-856-3040.

—ksfoodtruckfest.com

MISSOURI

HARRY’S HAY DAYS May 4-5 in Grandview. This

GAT SBY DAYS

May 2-6 in Excelsior Springs. Break out the beads, fringe, and zoot suits for this homage to the roaring ’20s. Events include a fashion stroll, antique car parade, a “Gin & Jazz” party, vaudeville performances, and more.

816-630-6161.

—exspgschamber.com

family-friendly event—taking place at the childhood home of Harry Truman—will be a celebration of his birthday and legacy. It is a two-day May event filled with music, vendors, games, and a parade. 816-316-4888.

—grandviewharryshaydays.com

04

A RTFES T ON WA LNU T May 4-5 in Springfield. Over 100 artists will be on display at this celebration of art, with performances, food, and activities for the whole family.

417-831-6200.

—springfieldarts.org RENDITIONS POLISH POTTERY FESTIVAL May

47TH ANNUAL SQUARE FAIR & ARTS FESTIVAL

11 in Weston. This celebration of Polish culture includes live music, dancing, traditional food, and displays of unique pottery and art.

816-640-2909.

—westonmo.com

May 11 at the Anderson County Courthouse, Garnett. An annual event, this free family fun affair brings many craft vendors for visitors to peruse. Live entertainment, food, and more.

785-4 48-6767.

—garnettbpw.com

PEONY FESTIVAL May 18-19 at Stockton Area

Chamber of Commerce, Stockton. The annual Peony Festival will feature peony displays around the city. The event includes a parade, craft vendors, and more. 785-425-6703.

—stocktonks.com

VOLKSWESTON 2019 APPLE BLOSSOM PARADE & FESTIVAL

May 4 in St. Joseph. The parade has been in existence for over 90 years, and it has expanded into a festival with a Kansas City BBQ Societysanctioned barbecue contest. The event runs in conjunction with Discover Downtown, which features live music, food vendors, and kids activities. 816-261-0422.

—appleblossomparade.com

10TH ANNUAL SIKESTON JAYCEE & HEALTH FACILITIES REHAB CRAWFISH BOIL & MUSIC FESTIVAL May 4 at the Sikeston Rodeo L AWRENCE BUSKER FESTIVAL 2018

May 24-26 in downtown Lawrence. This annual event invites everyone to enjoy a get-weirdweekend. It includes unusual live performances by ar tists—both local and global—and the Busker Ball at the Lawrence Arts Center. This will be the first ever all-female busker festival.

785-843-2787.

—lawrencebuskerfest.com

TUMBLEWEED MUSIC FESTIVAL May 30-June 1 at the La Cygne Reservoir, La Cygne. The annual festival filled with music and fun is back for another round. Attendees can enjoy three days and two nights of camping, country music, canoeing, and hot air balloon rides.

—tumbleweedcountry.com

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MAY 2019

Grounds, Sikeston. Attendees can enjoy music and family entertainment. This event includes a grand feast of Louisiana crawfish. 573-471-2498.

—sikeston.net

May 11 in Weston. This event will display vintage Volkswagens along Main Street to the City Hall parking lot. 816-640-2757.

—westonmo.com

FOURTH ANNUAL WESTON WINE FEST

May 18 at Pirtle Winery, Weston. Attendees can enjoy wine, food, and live music. 816-640-2752.

—pirtlewinery.com

WESTPORT ROOTS FESTIVAL

May 25-27 in Kansas City. The music festival is back for its fifth year. Attendees can enjoy three days of fun and music from 60 bands. 816-960-4560.

—westportroots.com

CENTRALIA ANCHOR FESTIVAL May 31-June

2 at the City Square, Centralia. This event brings a fun day filled with music, parade, a carnival, and more. 573-682-2272.

—centraliamochamber.com

KC PRIDEFEST

May 31-June 2 at Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City. Entering its 43rd year, KC PrideFest is back for a celebration of love and diversity. 816-535-0911.

—facebook.com/kcpridefest

Event times and details may change.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

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instagram.com/omahamagazine

facebook.com/omahamagazine

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MAY 2019

// 117 //

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

HOW DID I GET HERE? A STREETCAR NAMED DESTINY

T

HERE'S AN OLD joke about a trav-

eler in New Hampshire chatting with an upstate farmer. “Have you lived here your whole life?” asks the visitor. The farmer replies, “Not yet.”

A lot of folks think I’ve lived my whole life here in Omaha. “You look like you’re from here,” they say. Perhaps it’s the faraway look in my eyes as I stare off towards the distant horizon. Maybe it’s my stoic persona.

I don’t know. I’m even frequently asked about where I went to high school.

Many assume that, with my boyish charm, incisive intelligence, and somewhat socially maladaptive personality that I must have attended Creighton Prep. I didn’t. I was, in fact, trained by Benedictines, the natural enemies of Prep’s Jesuit founders.

Those 16th century bloody feuds are still bitterly remembered. That said, I didn’t get prepped there, but I was admitted to Creighton University despite my somewhat shady secondary school background. How that happened is a short story that I will endeavor to lengthen.

Truth is, I’m not from here.

I was born in Des Moines and then quickly trundled off to Philadelphia for a while with my Navy dad and family. Yeah, I was a toddler in the City of Brotherly Love.

We moved to Kansas City, eventually, where the nuns thought my Philly accent was a speech impediment and soon had it out of me, using rulers and holy water.

So, mostly, I grew up in Kansas City, which is really different from Omaha. Omaha is like the little brother to Chicago—a smaller version of the Windy City, it’s one of those “broad shoulders” Midwest cities that grew up on the far side of the wide Missouri. Kansas City, Missouri, is a sister to Atlanta—Southern-styled and genteel, with a touch of the mob, it’s a city that stayed on the east side of the Muddy. You got kolaches and a cathedral; we got easy access to grits and lots of Baptist gospel choirs. You got polkas; we got ragtime. You say “Bee-at-triss;” we say “Miz-zer-rah.”

But a streetcar got me here. Let me explain.

My dad went to Creighton, before a certain World War intervened. Before he got his Navy wings, he was just a ground-bound farmer’s son who had made it to college—no small accomplishment. My dad, Vince, was a fun-loving guy and there was a certain pub in Dundee. It may, or may not, have been called the Golden Buddha.

Whatever the name, my dad would take the streetcar from the Creighton campus that ran straight into old Dundee and visit the establishment—only after his studies were completed, of course. That’s where he met Harry.

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

MAY

// 118 //

2019

Harry?

Hang on I’m getting there—or here…

Harry went to Creighton, too, and when Vinnie met Harry a friendship came to be. And then, Harry took Vinnie home to Iowa one weekend and introduced him to Ethel. Love happened. Biology worked.

Eventually, I came to be—in an existential sense. Cutting to the chase, I was weaned, learned to walk, picked up a Philly accent, lost my Philly accent, played second base for the Monarch Electric Bolts, grew 62 inches, hung out with Benedictine monks, graduated from high school, and as time came to pass…I decided that I wanted to attend my father’s alma mater…so…

Here I am.

A visitor recently asked me, “Do you like it here?” I remembered the New Hampshire farmer and replied, “Yes…So far.”

Yep, here I am in Omaha.

All thanks to a streetcar.

We should still have some of those.

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.

A shoreside vacation is closer than you think.

You don’t have to hit a coast to get the sun-and-sand summer you crave. Your sandcastle-building,

VACATION

cannonball-jumping, inner-tube-lounging, barhopping-by-boat vacation is just a few hours away.

You. Me. Okoboji. Visit vacationokoboji.com to download your FREE visitor’s guide today.

OKO_1221_PrintAd_OmahaMag_Summer.indd 1

3/18/19 9:54 AM

MAY 2019

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MAY 2 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.

NEBRASKA HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STATE WINTER PROGRAM GREATER OMAHA SPORTS COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN DOUBLETREE 1616 DODGE ST.

MAY 4 5 - 8:30 P.M.

TABLE GRACE THE MUSICAL STAGE READING TABLE GRACE MINISTRIES THE B SIDE BENSON THEATER 6058 MAPLE ST.

MAY 5 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.

MAY 16 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.

MAY 26 8 P.M. - 2 A.M.

THE HARVEST SPOON FESTIVAL SIX FARMS CELEBRATING HARRISON AND POTTAWATTAMIE LOCAL FOODS DOE'S AND DIVA'S DAIRY, INC. 31140 185 T H ST. HONEY CREEK, IA 51542

2019 HONOR ROLL LUNCHEON ROTARY CLUB CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA 455 N. 10 T H ST.

LOVE AND LAUGHTER COMEDY SHOW

WHITE RHINO PRODUCTIONS, LLC JESSE’S PLACE 2311 N. 24 T H ST.

MAY 30 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.

SUMMER ETHICS LUNCHEON BUSINESS ETHICS ALLIANCE TD AMERITRADE PARK 1200 MIKE FAHEY ST.

WELCOME TO OMAHA

WELCOME TO

Omaha

Omaha is known by many nicknames: The Big O, The River City, The Gateway to the West, The City that Does Not Coast (#WeDon’tCoast), Home-aha. Whether you are new to the area or a returning visitor, Omaha has something for everyone. Enjoy and explore! Local businesses and attractions welcome you to “Oh, what a town.”

MAY 2019

// 121 //

WELCOME TO OMAHA

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

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

2420 West Broadway

(712) 352-0296 Council Bluffs, IA

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

2715 South 120th St.

(402) 334-9000 Omaha, NE

5 Omaha Foodie Facts Omaha is home to legendary steaks.

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

We invite you to be the judge.

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

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

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

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

1080 N 204th Ave Elkhorn, NE 68022 402.289.1175 reggandwallys.net

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

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

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

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

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

For more on Omaha’s food scene go to VisitOmaha.com // 122 //

MAY 2019

OMAHA FOR

EVERYONE FOR OMAHA

Our pioneering spirit led us away from the coasts. Here, we built a home, a place where we could lift others up and help others over. That’s what we do.

Every person who arrives to work and play hard elevates us even more.

WELCOME

Get to know us at

WeDontCoast.com Find local events, inspiration and insight into living and working in Greater Omaha.

WELCOME TO OMAHA

Omaha’s First Brewing Company with Unique Jalapeño & Raspberry Beers

402.391.3535 | TheWineryOmaha.com 741 N. 98th St. at Clocktower Village Omaha NE, 68114

Best Indian Restaurant

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

14 YEARS IN A ROW!

5203 LEAVENWORTH ST 402-884-2626 JCOCOOMAHA.COM

Located in Rockbrook Village 10922 Elm St., Omaha, NE 68144 402-392-7331 | jaipurbrewhouse.com

Lunch | Thurs. & Fri. | 11 am to 2 pm Dinner | Sun. to Wed. | 5 - 9:30 pm Thurs. to Sat. | 4:30 - 10 pm

HOURS: Mon-Sat: 10am - 8pm Closed on Sunday

L O C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D 3 51 N 7 8 th S t , O m a h a N E , 6 81 14 // 124 //

MAY 2019

|

foodiesomaha.com

|

402.884.2880

WELCOME TO OMAHA

5

Great Omaha Souvenirs 402-502-7450 14242 Fort St., Omaha, NE 68164

Benson Soap Mill re-purposes natural and discarded products from Omaha restaurants, coffee shops, and farms to create high-quality products. Choose from a variety of hand soaps, bars and bath bombs for a simple, sudsy and sustainable way to remember your time in Omaha. Sold at a variety of local retailers throughout the city.

Lithuanian Bakery’s Napoleonas Torte, a recipe perfected over 40 years, is always a guaranteed thank-you-card-inducing gift.

This delicious creation takes three days to make and features 17 layers of thin wafers, sweet cream and apricot filling. These treats are frozen and shipped all over the country.

Hot Shops Art Center, home of all that is molten, is a creative gift-givers dream come true. Nearly 80 artists offer one-of-a-kind gifts in a variety of artistic fields, like blown glass, jewelry, framed art, pottery, quilts, and woodcarving to name a few. Each piece promises to be an original.

GS

ALO WI

N

BU

FF

OR I GI

L

R AY

’S

NA

The Cordial Cherry creates delicate works of art out of creamy chocolate and sweet cherries – earning a place on Oprah’s list of favorite things. The sweet boutique is filled wall-to-wall with beautifully handcrafted treats taking on different “personas” (think nativity scenes, bumblebees, baseballs, etc.). Grab a gift box and pick your cherries to create a customized present. Located in The Shops of Legacy.

120 S. 31st Ave. Set.1503 Omaha, NE 68131 402.884.5300 | rayswings.com

THANK YOU OMAHA

F O R V OT I N G U S B E S T F R I E D C AT F I S H T WO YEARS IN A ROW!

ECreamery has been featured on The Shark Tank, The View, Today Show, and Rachel Ray. This artisan ice cream shop churns sixteen flavors of specialty ice cream, gelato and dairy-free sorbet. Create a sweet concoction as unique as the recipient and ship it to their doorstep.

RESTAURANT Restaurant & Lounge & LOUNGE Fre sh f i sh, c h ic k e n, a n d h o us e - c u t s te a k s s e r ve d i n a r us t ic a n d f r ie n d l y at mo s ph e re For more unique Omaha souvenir ideas, go to VisitOmaha.com

1006 Cunningham Road, Bellevue 402-292-9963 • catfishlakerestaurant.org

“Fresh fish, chicken, and house cut steaks served in a rustic and friendly atmosphere”

MAY 2019

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WELCOME TO OMAHA

restaurant and wine bar

F R E SH. L O C A L . DI V I N E .

OLD MARKET PASSAGEWAY • 1022 Howard St. • 402.345.8980 • vmertz.com Open for dinner at 5:30 PM • Tuesday — Saturday

WELCOME TO OMAHA

Did you know…

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

You’ll find it at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. … many iconic artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Pollock, and Renoir have works on display in Omaha. Guests marvel at the original Chihuly glass sculpture standing 33 ft. tall and 22 ft. wide. Stop by and see it for yourself at Joslyn Art Museum which offers free admission. … Omaha has more than 400 public works of art on display throughout the city. You’ll find brightly painted murals, sculptures and art pieces including a 13-feet tall fork with spaghetti in the heart of Omaha’s historic Little Italy neighborhood. … Boys Town is home to the world’s largest ball of stamps. … you can stand in two states at once on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – affectionately known as Bob. The state line between NE and IA runs right through Bob. Check out his Twitter and Instagram accounts @BobTBridge

E E R r F e d n U & 2 1 s e $8.00 | Ag

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

!

Dragon Dances • Martial Arts Exhibitions Multicultural Performances • Variety of Vendors Delicious Food & Drinks • Beer Garden Rubik’s Cube, Yo-Yo, and Egg Roll Eating Contests

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! MAY 2019

// 127 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE – it’s about all of us.

Omaha Magazine publishes stories about interesting people who live next door and fascinating former Omahans. It is the place to read stories about the arts, the food, the music, and the events that are making Omaha the cultural epicenter of the Midwest.

OmahaMagazine.com/Subscribe

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