Jan/Feb 2011 Omaha Magazine - Best of Omaha Issue by Omaha Magazine

Faces • style • Home • events • art • Dining

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Luxury Homes CoLLeCtion 20750 State Street

$2,999,999

14025 Lafayette Street

$1,950,000

810 N 143 Court

$1,285,000

One of a kind house sits on 9.84 acres w/ additional 58 acres in price. 24 x 19 enclosed hot tub building. 17 acre private lake. 7 out buildings. Outside riding arena off of Hwy 31 & State Street.

Gorgeous entry with circular stairway, exquisite French kitchen. Kit. has hardwood flrs, granite, w/i pantry, spacious hearth rm w/FP. Distinctive cherry paneled office w/FP. Game room, exercise room, complete kitchen in lower level.

Class, elegance, functionality, and much more! Hickory wood flooring, granite & marble counter tops, large bedrooms, gorgeous bathrooms & great attention to detail. This is truly a must-see home.

BJ Brown • 681.7774

Sharon Marvin • 689.2380

Eryka Vincentini • 689.0470

7705 N 207 Circle

$998,000

13406 Cuming Street

$945,000

Full sprinkler, Geo thermal pool, 4000 sq ft ICF insulated concrete forms, 1200 sq ft heated 6 car garage, whole house stereo, security cameras, maple cabinets, Kohler fixtures, Viking appliances.

Story and a half with master on the main floor. Immaculate condition - Cizek built home. Spectactular kitchen/hearthroom with granite counter tops, island and w/i pantry. Dramatic MS with his and hers closets. 4 car garage.

Jeff Rensch • 391.5333

Robert Jensen • 670.3471

408 S 96 Street

$839,000

Cherry hardwood floors on main level, custom built-ins in mud & laundry room, kitchen, family room, bedroom & closets. Open family room w/ newly built vaulted ceiling. Library/sitting room w/ fireplace & nearby wet bar.

Sarah Haskell • 616.4443

11811 N 58th Circle

$699,950

1517 N 190 Street

6101 Northern Hills Drive

$889,711

Asian Style home on 5 private/gated acres! Dramatic ceilings, bamboo, slate, 3 FP, handcrafted Italian cabinetry, enchanting pagoda, custom carpets, incredible landscaping. Geothermal zoned heat & A/C. Panoramic views. Truly one-of-a-kind!

Ken Jansen • 330.5954

$789,999

1409 N 190 Street

$725,000

Wrap around porch. Extra wide stair case, upper level family room w/wood burning stone FP. State of the art kitchen w/oversized granite island, finished w/o LL w/wet bar, concrete siding & cultured stone w/masonry finish. Timeless look & feel.

Walkout ranch backs to trees. Beautiful park-like yard. Vaulted ceilings, 8 ft doors. The master bedroom and bath are stunning! LL is great for entertaining. Lots of storage. Beautiful mix of tile and wood. Bonus room in LL could be used as exercise room.

BJ Brown • 681.7774

Roxanne Dooley • 319.9678

1212 N 187 Street

$659,900

Custom-built ranch only 2 minutes from I-680 & North of 72nd St. 4+ acre lot located in a Natural Wildlife Corridor. Hardwd floors, solid wood doors, 3 FP’s, Thermador appliances, home theater. 14’ basement walls, painted & glazed cabinetry, private office.

The Royal Collection of Homes. Master suite with FP, exercise room, sitting room, covered deck & walk-in shower, gourmet kitchen with birch cabinets, granite, stainless steel, butler’s pantry. 2 laundry rooms, wooded walkout lot.

Susan Hancock • 215.7700

John Greguska • 612.0594

19802 Elkhorn Ridge Drive

$600,000

Fantastic w/o ranch on double lot backing to Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course. Oversized bedrooms, large kitchen and family room, sunken wet bar, exercise room and additional storage under garage. Surround system inside and out!

Shari Thomas • 658.9927

V i r t u a l t o u r s a n d M o r e at npdodge.com

At Jack Binion’s® Steak House, picking your steak is never a gamble. With the most premium selections available in Iowa, you can save your luck for when you hit the tables. For reservations and more information about gaming and entertainment, visit horseshoecouncilbluffs.com.

A BUDDY HOLLY TRIBUTE SHOW WORTH SEEING! Featuring Omaha’s Billy McGuigan singing all of your favorite hits!

Harrah’s Ballroom February 3 & 4 | 8pm Tickets on sale online at www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com or by phone at 888-512-SHOW.

E ’S N

BEST OF OMAHA

a h a® ” C o n

managing editor

corey ross

sandra lemke assistant editor

linda persigehl

FEATURE ............................................ 145

LOOKING GREAT, FEELING GREAT

Be l“

publisher

todd lemke

city editor

OMAHA HOME ................................ 89

Annua st

FEATURE .......................................... 22

e1 992!

OM A

features

MAGAZ I HA

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 VO LU ME 2 7 • I SSUE 6

PAGE 22

FASHION FEATURE .......................... 155

BACK IN BLACK

depar tments Editor's LEttEr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

art director/graphic design

matt jensen

assistant graphic design

john gawley arts editor

kim carpenter photography

image director: bill sitzmann

For startErs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0

head photographer: philip s. drickey

CaLEndar oF EvEnts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2

technical advisor

omaha art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8

contributing writers

tyler lemke

omaha FaCEs: LEstEr Katz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 omaha homE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

ART

GALA ......................................................................................................... 125

Gridiron Inspiration .....................................................................................................................134

sales associates

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Galas, etc. ...........................................................................................................................................136 Ambassador of Hope ...............................................................................................................137

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GEnEration o: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 omaha FaCEs: LouiE rotELLa iii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 DINING OUT Wine & Food: Wine Scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Restaurant Review: Crave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Dining Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Chef Profile: Nick Strawhecker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

greg bruns

g w e n l e m k e • gil cohen vick i voet • stacey penrod

Behind the mic: Lynn Trefzger .............................................................................................132

Bemis Benefit .................................................................................................................................142

vice president

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Cover Story .......................................................................................................................................128

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

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Corey Ross Omaha Publications' Managing Editor

Making Our Best

Better Founded in 1992, Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha® contest has been the city’s annual assessment of the best the city has to offer for 19 years now. This year’s listings comprise part of the biggest issue – 164 pages – in the magazine’s history. Prior to the nearly 60 pages of much-anticipated voting results, we present a new twist to the contest. If you’re a subscriber to Omaha Magazine, on page 27 you’ll find a debit card stuck to the page. This your new Best of Omaha® Rewards Card. The rewards card is a gift and loyalty card that you’ll be able to use to get discounts and loyalty points at Best of Omaha® businesses that participate in the rewards program. Details for how to activate, load and use the card can be found on the page at www.bestofomaha.com. If your copy of the magazine doesn’t include a card, you can go on the website and order one (they’re free) or go to a participating business and request one. The card is your passport to potentially nearly 400 businesses in the area. We will be actively signing up businesses throughout the year. You can check the website for updates. For readers, the card makes the contest more usable than ever. The card is your incentive to check out the Best of Omaha® businesses and see what makes them the best, and do so at a discount and accumulate loyalty points. The loy-

january/february | 2011

alty points will be able to be redeemed for such things as free magazine subscriptions, etc.

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For businesses, the card is a way to not only drive business but also another opportunity to remind customers they’re the best. Besides the Best of Omaha® results, in this issue you’ll also find our newly expanded home section, titled OMAHA HOME. OMAHA HOME is a 36-page section dedicated entirely to matters of the home. The content is a mix of home profiles, human interest stories, trend pieces and other locally produced content, all complemented with high-quality homeflattering photography. This issue’s cover home is a striking new home in the Omaha countryside that has a bit of the look of a Colorado ski lodge. Our four-page At Home spread gives a look at the prominent features of the home and some insight into its design and intent.

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Dear Visitors: Pages 27-154

At Home and Transformations are the familiar features in OMAHA HOME that long-time Omaha Magazine readers will recognize. New to home are such things as: a home entertaining feature; stories of home trends and green design; profiles of architect Suzan Rohrig and designer Beth Settles of Interiors Joan and Associates; and a pet feature.

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Omaha

This is

By placing Lincoln’s words in a historical context and presenting such bedrock documents in U.S. history as Lincoln’s First and Second Inaugural addresses, the Gettysburg Address, and the Emancipation Proclamation, the exhibition provides a deeper understanding of how remarkable Lincoln’s decisions were for their time and why his words continue to resonate today. With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition and its national tour are made possible through the generous support of Union Pacific Corporation. The Durham Museum is located in downtown Omaha at 801 South 10th St. Museum hours are Mon&Wed-Sat/10am -5pm; Tues/10am-8pm; Sun/15pm. Admission is $7 Adults; $6 Seniors 62+; $5 Ages 3-12; Free 2 & Under. For more information, call 444-5071 or visit www.durhammuseum.org.

President Abraham Lincoln, head-on portrait, November 1863.

With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition at the Durham In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s revered 16th president, this exhibition reveals Lincoln the man, whose thoughts, words, and actions were deeply affected by personal experiences and pivotal historic events. Omaha’s own Durham Museum will host this revealing exhibit Jan. 15 through March 20. Director of Marketing Shawna Forsberg said The Durham is one of only five venues in the U.S. to feature the exhibition, and the final stop on its nationwide tour. Through documents and books, broadsides and newspapers, prints and photographs, artifacts and maps, the exhibition charts Lincoln’s growth from prairie politician to preeminent statesman. It provides a window into the Lincoln presidency, his struggle to keep the Union intact, and his attempts to heal the nation’s wounds. Filmed commentaries from distinguished Americans appear throughout the exhibition, forging a personal connection to the documents Lincoln wrote. Interactive programs trace the president-elect’s celebratory rail trip from Springfield, Ill., to Washington and the return of his funeral train to Springfield as the nation mourned.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins. Omaha Performing Arts Broadway Across America. Combining the best of the original stories by P.L. Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film, the Tony® Award-winning MARY POPPINS is everything you’d hope for in a Broadway musical – and more. Produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, the show includes such wonderful songs as "Chim Chim Cher-ee", "A Spoonful of Sugar", "Let’s Go Fly a Kite" and, of course, "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". Variety magazine raves, “This is the rare touring production that over-delivers on every level!” Featuring the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft, MARY POPPINS is everything you could ever want in a hit Broadway show! So get swept up in the fun of this high-flying musical the New York Post gives 4 out of 4 stars and calls “a perfect piece of musical theater.” Runs Jan. 27 through Feb. 13, 2011 Slosburg Hall in the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Tickets range from $28-$65. For more show times, ticket info and more information, visit www.omahaperformingarts.org

The National Tour Company of Mary Poppins performs "A Step in Time."

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The Glory of Ukraine Visits Joslyn Art Museum Joslyn Art Museum presents a major exhibition of visually rich and historically intriguing icons and artifacts from the heart of Eastern Europe. The Glory of Ukraine comprises two distinct and rarely seen collections: icons and religious relics from the famous churches, cathedrals, bell towers, and underground caverns of the nearly 1,000-year-old Monastery of the Caves and artifacts of ancient civilizations that populated modern day Ukraine from the private PlaTar collection. Joslyn is the only U.S. museum to display both components of The Glory of Ukraine exhibition, an unprecedented display of Ukrainian spiritual and national treasures, in their entirety in the U.S. In Omaha, major sponsors of The Glory of Ukraine are Douglas County, Mutual of Omaha, Robert H. Storz Foundation, Valmont, and Gail and Michael Yanney. Additional support is provided by the Nebraska Arts Council. Exhibit open Feb. 12-May 8, 2011. Visit Joslyn Art Museum at 2200 Dodge Street. For more

information on admission and hours, call 342-3300 or visit www.joslyn.org Rascal Flatts Take the Stage at Qwest Center Omaha. If any act embodies the place to which country music has evolved in the new century, it is Rascal Flatts. Since their inception in 1999, the trio has helped change the face of popular music. Their trademark sound Gary LeVox's powerfully emotive lead vocals coupled with the soaring harmonies of Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney, set amid world-class arrangements and production, have made the band the standard bearers for cutting-edge country. Show times for the Jan. 22 event and ticket info is available at qwestcenteromaha.com Tickets sold at Ticketmaster.com or at Qwest Center box office, 745-3000.

Grammy Award-winning Rascal Flatts come to Omaha Jan. 22. The Holy Apostle Simon, Volhynia, 16th century. The Glory of Ukraine.

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januar y/februar y | 2011

CALENDAR of events

www.visitomaha.com

Compiled by Linda Persigehl Through 1/16: Golden Kite, Golden Dreams: The SCBWI Awards. Joslyn Art Museum. Illustrations by over 45 artists, all recipients of the Golden Kite Award, the highly coveted prize judged by a jury of peers and recognizing excellence in children's literature. Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat/10am-4pm; Thurs/10 am-8 pm; Sun/noon-4pm; closed Mon $8 adults; $6 seniors and college students; $5 youth (ages 5-17); ages 4 and younger free. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www.joslyn. org. Through 1/23: Seasons of Joy: Currier & Ives Holiday Prints from the ConAgra Collection. Joslyn Art Museum. Over 50 prints by Currier & Ives from the corporate collection of ConAgra Foods, Inc., present a unique and joyous view of 19th-century autumn and winter holidays, rural and urban landscapes, and American life. Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat/10am-4pm; Thurs/10 am-8 pm; Sun/noon-4pm; closed Mon $8 adults; $6 seniors and college students; $5 youth (ages 5-17); ages 4 and younger free. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www.joslyn. org. Through 4/1: Take Time for Tea 1820-1950. General Crook House. Tea pots! Tea cups! Tea accoutrements and memorabilia throughout the years. Come and enjoy this walk through the past. Tues-Fri/10am-4pm; SatSun/1pm-4pm $5 adults($6 NovDec); $4 students; $3 ages 6 to 11; Free for children under 6. 5730 N. 30 St. 455-9990. www.omahahistory.org.

The original National Tour Company of Mary Poppins performs "Supercalifragilisticespialidocious." Orpheum Theater.

CHECK IT! Dates and times are current as of press time but please call ahead to confirm. ONGOING EVENTS Through 1/1: Gingerbread Festival: "A Season of Memories." Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winters Quarters. A display of over 100 gingerbread houses and other gingerbread creations. Talent shows will be part of the exhibit. Admission is free. Check with the Mormon Trail Center for times and talents. 3215 State St. 453.9372. Open 9am9pm daily. Through 1/2: Christmas at Union Station. The Durham Museum. A variety of activities surrounding the holidays, including the region's largest indoor Christmas tree on display. Enjoy great food and music, visit Santa and more! 801 S. 10th St., 444.5071. Hours: Mon&WedSat/10am -5pm; Tues/10am8pm; Sun/1-5pm. Admission: $7 Adults; $6 age 62+; $5 ages 3-12; free age 2 & under. www.thedurhammuseum.org Through 1/2: Ethnic Holiday Trees Exhibit. The Durham Museum. Explore holiday traditions from around the world! Created by local ethnic community groups, the exhibit showcases beautifully decorated holiday trees representing their special holiday customs. 801 S. 10th St., Mon&Wed-Sat/10am-5pm; Tues/10am-8pm; Sun/1-5pm;

444.5071. Admission: $7 Adults; $6 Ages 62; $5 Ages 3-12; Free Ages 2 & under/Members; www. thedurhammuseum.org Through 1/2: Anakin Skywalker's Podracer. Strategic Air & Space Museum. Star Wars Fans! Exclusive engagement of the infamous Podracer – See the highly detailed 46-foot long replica, donated by Nintendo of America, Inc.® This exhibition is on loan from the Museum of Flight. in Seattle,Wash. Daily 10am-5pm; Closed Wed during school year $10 Adults; $5 Children (ages 4-12); Senior & Military Discounts. I-80, Exit 426, Ashland. 402-9443100. www.SASMuseum.com. Through 1/2: 100 Yards of Glory: Omaha's Football History. The Durham Museum. Offers a rare look at the celebrated and untold stories of Omaha’s football past, dating back to the University of Nebraska’s first football game, a 10-0 victory against the Omaha YMCA men’s team in 1890. Explore the games, players, coaches, and trophies that have defined football excellence in our community for 120 years, spanning the high school, collegiate and professional ranks. Mon&WedSat/10am -5pm; Tues/10am-8pm; Sun/1-5pm. Members ALWAYS FREE!, Adults $7.00, Seniors (62+) $6.00, Children (ages 3 - 12) $5.00,

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Children 2 years and under FREE. 801 S. 10 St. 444-5071. www.durhammuseum.org. Through 1/2: "The Secret Life of Howard Hughes." Strategic Air & Space Museum. Exhibit unravels the mystery of Hughes and will make the visitor wonder if he died in 1976, as published, or in 2002 at the age of 96? View never-before-seen personal artifacts said to be those of Hughes. Daily 10am-5pm; Closed Wed during school year $10 Adults; $5 Children (ages 4-12); Senior & Military Discounts. I-80, Exit 426, Ashland. 402-944-3100. www. SASMuseum.com Through 1/2: Crowning Achievements. The Durham Museum. The exhibit will showcase the Ak-Sar-Ben collection, including over 20 dresses worn by Ak-Sar-Ben queens, princesses and countesses, and pieces from the 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben coronation will be on display such as the King’s costume and the crown and scepter of the kingdom of Quivira. Mon&Wed-Sat/10am -5pm; Tues/10am-8pm; Sun/15pm. $7 Adults; $6 Seniors 62+; $5 Ages 3-12; Free 2 & Under. 801 S. 10 St. 444-5071. www.durhammuseum.org.

Through 1/6: Christmas at Boys Town - Historic Creche Displays. Boys Town. In honor of the holiday season, Boys Town will display three Nativity scenes through January 6. The main crèche adorns the historic Music Hall on Flanagan Boulevard, near the main entrance off West Dodge Road and can be seen for miles. This large Nativity scene was created by the late Donia Temple, a Holocaust survivor and former Boys Town employee. Other Nativities are located at Dowd Memorial Catholic Chapel on Dowd Drive, and on Heroes Boulevard, in front of the Village Christmas tree across from the Skip Palrang Field House. Village Circle, near Heroes Blvd. 498-1141. www.boystown.org/ Discover. Through 1/9: Holiday Lights Festival, Downtown Omaha. The Holiday Lights Festival will brighten downtown Omaha’s skyline again this year, bringing in even more lights, more music and more family-friendly holiday activities. Downtown Omaha, Inc. Foundation and The City of Omaha are producers of this event. ConAgra Foods Ice Rink will again open for skaters who bring a $5 entrance fee to benefit the Food Bank for the Heartland. For more details on First National Bank’s Fireworks Show, the Old

Market Holiday Home Tour, Sounds of the Season and other Holiday Lights Festival events, go to www.holidaylightsfestival.org Through 1/9: Holiday Poinsettia Show. Lauritzen Gardens. More than 5,600 poinsettia plants are grown in Lauritzen Gardens' greenhouses starting as early as July for this annual holiday show. This spectacular exhibit includes a 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree, beautifully decorated holiday trees, antique sleighs and model trains that travel through the display. 9am-5pm $6/adults; $3/ages 6-12, free/members and children under 6. 100 Bancroft St. 3464002. www.lauritzengardens.org. Through 1/16: Beyond Realism: The Works of Kent Bellows 1970-2005. Joslyn Art Museum. This retrospective exhibition of Bellows' work presents some 70 drawings and paintings. His exquisitely detailed images provide a perceptive insight into the character of his subjects. Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat/10am-4pm; Thurs/10am-8 pm; Sun/noon4pm; closed Mon $8 adults; $6 seniors and college students; $5 youth (ages 5-17); ages 4 and younger free. 2200 Dodge St. 3423300. www.joslyn.org.

Through 4/10: Big Backyard. Omaha Children's Museum. Kids can climb, bike, camp and hike in the biggest backyard under one roof! Explore 10,000 square feet of outdoorsy fun including the newly restored Richman Gordman Zooland Animals. Members: Free. Non-members$2 with regular admission. 500 S. 20 St. www.ocm.org Through 4/15: Fast Bikes, Fast Cars, Fast Planes. Strategic Air & Space Museum. This exhibit consisting of motorcycles and race cars, will find itself strategically placed among the aircraft in the museum…a fun way to spend a few hours! 10am-5pm Closed Wednesdays until Memorial Day $10 adults; $5 children (ages 4-12); military and senior discounts. I-80, Exit 426, Ashland. 402-944-3100. www.SASMuseum.com. JANUARY EVENTS: January 2011: Nebraska Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Exhibition. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Includes artists: Jamie Burmeister, Liz Vercruysse, Anthony Hawley, Michael Morgan, Francisco Souto, Therman Statom, Peter Walkley, Mary Zicafoose, Mary Day. Bemis Center, 12th & Leavenworth streets, 341.7130. More information soon at www.bemiscenter.org

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January & February

2011

John F. Kennedy, far right, with classmates. (c. 1934) Durham Museum. January 2011: Vera Mercer: Still Lifes. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. 12th & Leavenworth streets, 341.7130. More information soon at www. bemiscenter.org 1/1 – 1/30: Potluck Art for Food. Hot Shops Art Center. A potluck group so benefit for local food banks. Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas, 342-6452. For more info, visit www.hotshopsart center.com 1/15 – 3/20: With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition. The Durham Museum. In commemoration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of the nation’s revered sixteenth president, this exhibition reveals Lincoln the man, whose thoughts, words, and actions were deeply affected by personal experiences and pivotal historic events. $7 Adults; $6 Seniors 62+; $5 Ages 3-12; Free 2 & Under. 801 S. 10 St. 444-5071. www.durhammuseum.org. 1/15 – 3/27: Schoolhouse to Whitehouse: The Education of the Presidents. The Durham Museum. Focusing on the early education of American Presidents from Herbert Hoover through George W. Bush, the family-friendly School House to White House exhibition engages visitors of every age and interest. Documents and photos drawn from the collections of the National Archives Presidential Libraries reveal fascinating details about children that would grow up to be presidents. Mon&Wed-Sat/10am $7 Adults; $6 Seniors 62+; $5 Ages 3-12; Free 2 & Under. 801 S. 10 St. 4445071. www.durhammuseum.org. 1/15 – 5/9: “The Secret Garden” Spring Flower Show. Lauritzen Gardens. 9am-5pm $6/adults; $3/ages 6-12, free/ members and children under 6. 100 Bancroft St. 346-4002. More info coming soon to www.omahabotanicalgardens.org 1/16: Ozzy Osbourne. Qwest Center Omaha. Kicking the new year off with a bang, Rock

Legend Ozzy Osbourne is coming to Qwest Center Omaha’s Arena! In support of his album SCREAM and single “Life Won’t Wait”, the show is part of his world tour on which he’s earning some of the best live reviews of his career. Don’t miss Ozzy Osbourne’s first North American tour since 2007. Show time and Ticket info available at qwestcenteromaha.com Tickets sold at Ticketmaster.com or at Qwest Center box office, 745-3000. 1/20 – 2/14: From Shelterbelt with Love 10. Shelterbelt Theatre. Theatergoers will be showered with love with eight new wonderful plays sure to touch your heart or tickle your funny bone. 3225 California St. 341.2757. Visit www.shelterbelt. org for show times and ticket prices. 1/21-2/13: The Odd Couple. Omaha Community Playhouse. After disastrous marriages two men, one very meticulous and the other one a real slob, move in together with hilarious results. Fresh, rich and remarkably original, this comedy is irresistible and continuously funny. One of Neil Simon’s greatest efforts. Sponsored by: Anne Thorne Weaver and JET LINX. Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage. 6915 Cass St. 553-0800. For tickets and show times, visit www. omahaplayhouse.com 1/30: .38 Special Live. Harrah’s Convention Center. .38 Special is an American rock band that was formed in 1975. The band's first two albums had a strong southern rock vibe, but shifted to an arena rock style in the 80s without abandoning its southern rock roots. Their hits include "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You" and "Back Where You Belong." Show at 8pm.Tickets are $35-$50 and available at 1-888-512-SHOW. Visit www. harrahs

ALWAYS EXCITING. ALWAYS INVITING. ALWAYS IN STYLE. Anchored by an expanded and revitalized Turner Park, Midtown Crossing is situated in the heart of Omaha’s historic Midtown District, just minutes from downtown and major Omaha atttractions. Catch a concert in the park; browse our Outdoor Market on the weekend; or meet friends at one of our exclusive chef-driven restaurants. World class in every respect, Midtown Crossing epitomizes sophisticated urban living, the perfect blend of all that is stylish, new and exceptional – right in the middle of it all!

URBAN LIVING

REDEFINED

www.midtowncrossing.com 31st Ave & Farnam 402.934.8860

FEBRUARY EVENTS 2/3- 2/13: The Misfits. The Rose Theater. Four adolescent misfits have decided that enough is enough. For years, their weight, intelligence, sexual orientation

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januar y/februar y | 2011

CALENDAR of events

www.visitomaha.com January & February

2011

and troubled nature have made them the targets of relentless ridicule. Tired of being defined by hurtful labels, they decide to run for student council on a platform of change. Their message: no more name-calling. What they win is more than they ever imagined! This play is recommended for ages 10 and older. The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. For tickets and show times, visit www.rosetheater.org 2/5: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. The Holland Center. “The finest big band in the world today.” –Daily Telegraph Creative genius. Legendary trumpeter. The “high priest of jazz” (New York Times). Wynton Marsalis leads 15 top jazz soloists to deliver a crisp, swinging repertoire drawn from the masterworks of Ellington, Mingus, and more. This is the premier jazz event of the season! 8pm in Kiewit Hall, Holland Center for Performing Arts, 13th & Douglas. For more information, visit www. omahaperformingarts.org

Film Streams presents "An Evening with Steven Soderbergh," Feb. 20 at The Holland.

january/february | 2011

2/6-2/9: Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Healthy Heroes. Qwest Center Omaha. When Super Grover loses his superness, Sesame Street needs a hero! Never fear, Elmo and his team

of Healthy Heroes are here. Teaching lessons of healthy habits through song and dance, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and your favorite Sesame Street friends will explore exercise, nutrition, sleep/energy and hygiene – all in a quest to put the “super” back in Super Grover. It’s Elmo’s Healthy Heroes to the rescue! Showtimes and ticket prices available at www.qwestcenter omaha.com. Tickets sold at box office or at www.ticketmaster.com 2/8: Violinist David Garrett. Holland Center. “David Garrett is already the stuff of legend.” — BBC Music Magazine. Maverick virtuoso David Garrett has dazzled audiences since age four. With a Guinness World Record for his speedy work on the violin and new inspiration from AC/DC, Queen, and Michael Jackson, Garrett’s distinct artistic vision honors both Metallica and Mozart. 7:30 pm at Kiewit Hall, Holland Center for Performing Arts, 13th & Douglas. For more information, visit www.omahaperformingarts.org 2/12: Momentum: Ballet Nebraska. Joslyn Art Museum. The region's new professional dance company, Ballet

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old nav y

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168th & W. dodge road 402.505.9773 villagepointeshopping.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

Spring indoor floral Show A Tropical Paradise

100 Bancroft Street | Omaha, Nebraska 68108 | www.lauritzengardens.org

www.visitomaha.com January & February

Residential • Commercial • Rec ycling Sales • Service • Rentals

2011

Abe’s Trash Service, Inc. “Serving ““Serv Serv e Omaha For Over 50 Years” LLocally Owned and Operated Lo

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Serving the Omaha Metro and surrounding areas. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Feb. 5th at The Holland.

Nebraska, in partnership with Joslyn Art Museum, is pleased to announce their first winter production Momentum will be held in Joslyn's Witherspoon Concert Hall. Momentum is a mixed-repertory program of short ballets offering dynamic dance in an appealing variety of styles, choreographed by Ballet Nebraska company members and a slate of guests including Texas-based choreographer Edward Truitt, former artistic director of the Lone Star Ballet and an alumnus of the original Omaha Ballet professional dance company. Tickets available through ticketomaha.com or by calling 345-0606. Joslyn members will enjoy a reduced ticket price. 2200 Dodge St. 342-3300. www.joslyn.org. 2/12 – 2/13: Green Living Health Expo. Omaha Civic Auditorium. 1804 Capitol Ave. 346.2333. For more information, visit www.omahacivic.com 2/18: Omaha Performing Arts PresentsStep Afrika! Step Afrika! celebrates stepping, an art form rooted in African tradition. Their intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mix with spoken word to pound the floor and fill the air! Families, dance lovers, and world music fans will love the wondrous loudness of this leading step company. 8:00pm at Kiewit Concert Hall, Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th & Douglas. For more information, visit www.omahaperformingarts.org

Sederbergh will be interviewed by Kurt Andersen, with an introduction by Alexander Payne. Immediately following the interview will be a post-party with food, drinks and music to celebrate the occasion. For information on tickets, visit www.filmstreams.org.nday, February 20, 2011 Holland Performing Arts Center-Presentation Only 2/24 – 2/27: Tangier Shrine Circus. Omaha Civic Auditorium. 1804 Capitol Ave. 346.2333. For more information, visit www.omahacivic.com 2/25 – 3/13: Fantastic Mr. Fox. The Rose Theater. The town's three meanest farmers – Boggis, Bunce and Bean – are fed up. Gone are the chickens and ducks each morning – and gone, too, should be the fox that keeps stealing them. Joining forces, they resolve to end the nightly raids. But foxes are clever and the Fantastic Mr. Fox is the cleverest of them all. Taking his game underground, he challenges the dimwitted farmers to keep their eyes on the prize! Based on the book by Roald Dahl. The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. For tickets and show times, visit www.rosetheater.org

2/19: Yesterday & Today: A Beatles Tribute. UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center. Recital Hall, 7pm. $5 for general admission; $4 for seniors and students; free for UNO students. For more information, visit www.unomaha.edu 2/20: An Evening with Steven Soderbergh. Holland Performing Arts Center. In support of the nonprofit cinema Film Streams' Ruth Sokolof Theater. Academy Awardwinnning director Steven

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LOU LEMKE

Papillion Office

4912 Shannon Dr • Papillion, NE 68133 402-949-0463 • llemke@npdodge.com • www.loulemke.com

Nebraska Organ Recovery System Give the most precious gift of all... Life!

Need a Speaker for your next event? Nebraska Organ Recovery System welcomes the opportunity to come and speak to your school, service group, or community organization about the benefits and opportunities of organ and tissue donation.

To find out more visit www.nedonation.org or call (877) 633-1800 januar y/februar y | 2011

OMAHAART

Story by Carol Crissey Nigrelli

Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Carl and Adam Weiss with "Outside the Box" outside of Mammel Hall at UNO.

Sculpting A Legacy Weiss Studios & Gardens

The

delicate flowers and lush greenery gave up the ghost weeks ago at the Weiss Studios and Gardens, located just south of Omaha in the cozy town of Springfield, Neb. The landscape is far from desolate, however. Sculptures fashioned from copper, bronze and steel, positioned throughout the two-acre site, are immune to the harsh cycles of Mother Nature. Small clusters of copper mushrooms with red caps pop up from the bare dirt, as do the tall irises with their beautiful purple blooms and graceful green leaves. A giant steel praying mantis crouches near a group of cattails, acting like a guardian over his botanical friends. Intricate copper rose bushes and working fountains add to the beauty. The sheer whimsy of it all attracts visitors to the Pflug Road home of Carl Weiss and his wife, Dr. Ellen Weiss, year round. “People knock on our door all the time, asking to see the garden art or to check out what I have available in the studio,” explained Carl. “Even in the dead of winter, they can find something to buy and take home.”

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Adam Weiss' "Taking Flight," a 12-foot-high copper crane, also on display at UNO.

An obvious genetic code runs through every sculpture, but one is hard-pressed to distinguish between those created by Carl and the ones made by his 26-year-old son, Adam, who lives in Omaha. “That’s easy,” laughed Adam. “I do smaller pieces like the mushrooms, and I do the praying mantises. I also have bigger pieces like the cornstalk mailbox.” “The irises are mine,” Carl added. “Most of my designs are botanical in nature.” That may be true in the garden, but both father and son currently share bragging rights for securing a public art project of enormous size, scope and prestige. Carl and Adam—independent of each other—jumped at the chance to have a signature piece displayed permanently on the grounds of Mammel Hall, the brand-new building that houses the College of Business Administration at UNO. Knowing the competition would be stiff, Carl drew upon his 15 years as a contractor. He looked…and listened. “I suggested to Adam that we tour the building and get a feel for it, even though it was under construction at the time,” he explained. “Louis Pol, the dean of the school, kept stressing he wanted people www.readonlinenow.com

to think outside the box. So the piece I came up with is called ‘Outside the Box.’” Carl’s winning entry lives up to its name…a 2,750-pound box made of stainless steel, positioned at an angle, with rays of straight lines streaming from the top and bottom corners—a stunning but rare venture into geometric form for Carl. Adam submitted designs, too, but a picture of a copper crane he made, currently on display in South Dakota, caught the art jury’s eye. “They said, ‘We want the crane, only bigger!’ and I said, ‘O.K.’” Months of meticulously detailed work culminated with “Taking Flight,” a 12-foot-high crane with 1,356 individually-cut and crimped feathers. “I kept track,” Adam said with a satisfied smile. With signature pieces now on display at UNO, the professional possibilities for both Carl and Adam have, indeed, taken flight. Adam is especially proud to be a permanent part of the school where he got an art education degree. And he’s proud of his father. “He worked his tail off to put my mom through optometry school. Now it’s his turn to shine.” januar y/februar y | 2011

OMAHAFACES

Story by Molly Garriott Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Lester Katz

Interior Designer Makes Himself at Home in Omaha

Since

Lester Katz moved to Omaha last spring, he has clocked over 46 miles on the Wabash Trace, sipped more than one wine at La Buvette, fallen under the spell of Willa Cather’s My Antonia, and hosted casual gatherings of new friends and colleagues at his Old Market loft. Now moved into a 1922 Craftsman style house under renovation, Katz has plans to host many more gatherings in 2011 and beyond. No moss is growing on Katz’s rolling “getting to know Omaha” stone. Katz has moved around his adult life. He is used to forging new friendships and exploring new cities. But the friendliness of Omaha has set it apart from other cities to which Katz has relocated. “It is the warmest city I ever moved to. I’ve never felt so welcomed in my life,” Katz asserts. Close friendships have been established in a

january/february | 2011

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short period of time. Katz marvels: “I feel like they have been my friends forever.” An interior designer, Katz most recently hails from Nashville, Tenn., where he had an established interior design firm before moving to Omaha. Today, his firm LK Design shares space with Slate Architecture (previously Studio 360). He describes the arrangement as a “win-win” for both parties: they refer business to each other and share such tools of the trade as cutters, printers, and reference materials. A southerner by birth, Katz has spent much of his life south of the Mason-Dixon Line. He grew up in Memphis, lived 12 years in Texas, relocated to Washington, D.C., and Connecticut, and eventually made his way back to his home state of Tennessee to settle in Nashville. For 21 years he owned day spas, but decided to try something else when he admits to “exhausting the creative appeal of being a day spa owner.” He enrolled at Watkins College of Arts and Design in Nashville to obtain

a degree in interior design and graduated summa cum laude four years later. It is no surprise, given his background in day spas, that hospitality design is one area in which Katz excels. “I love coffee shops, restaurants, medical and dental clinics, bars, salons, and day spas,” he lists. Katz says a good interior designer should have a diverse work portfolio, much like having a diversified financial portfolio; thus, he likes to add residential design to his body of work. His self-described style is “contemporary clean.” He plays simple, clean lines off historical elements for an interesting combination of themes. Adding one or two pieces of empire furniture to an otherwise contemporary room, or juxtaposing a Louis XIV wall covering with mid-century modern furniture makes for a more interesting environment than strictly adhering to one theme or period. Katz has launched himself in Omaha’s business community and social networks. He has become active in the Greater Omaha

Chamber of Commerce and recently joined the Suburban Rotary. “I wanted to make a contribution to the community and thought I could make an impact within the Chamber and volunteering with Rotary,” he explains. Katz, who takes sustainable design to heart, has also become LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited and volunteered his time and talents to the US Green Building Council’s Flatwater Chapter. While he is establishing a network of professional colleagues, Katz is also relying on an old love—cooking—as a way to forge new friendships. Whether it’s a five-course French dinner party, a traditional Italian feast (admittedly his favorite cuisine), a batch of “Lester’s Clusters” of “chocolate, walnuts and lots of butter,” or a new ice cream recipe, the effect is the same: When you share a meal, you make a connection. And that’s what is most important to Katz, both professionally and personally.

At The Durham Museum, January 15 – March 20, 2011 With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition provides a rare opportunity to view artifacts from Lincoln’s life and administration. The exhibit reveals Lincoln, the man — whose thoughts, words and actions were deeply affected by personal experiences and pivotal historic events. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how remarkable Lincoln’s decisions were for their time and why his words continue to resonate today.

With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition and its national tour are made possible through the generous support of Union Pacic Corporation. Presented locally by the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, the Douglas County Commissioners, Mutual of Omaha, First National Bank, Valmont Industries, Inc., and Howard and Rhonda Hawks. Media support provided by WOWT Channel 6.

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januar y/februar y | 2011

Best of Omaha

2011

Welcome to the biggest and best Best of Omaha® yet!

e1 992!

Be l“

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MAGAZ A I H

E ’S N

OM A

Our most popular issue is also our biggest ever. Not in ers. Food-related categories receive many votes as our 27 ye ars have we had a bigger magazine! More do retail categories. The most hotly debated categories, more votes… and a bigger prize. One category? Best pizza! lucky voter was chosen at random to win an Check out w w w.BestOfOmaha.com, Apple iPad! where you can see a list of all the win winWe congratulate the businesses who proners since 1992 and video presentavide the best services and products. It’s a tions by participating 2011 winners! huge honor to be in the Best of Omaha® To all the winners in this year’s Winners’ Circle. Winners’ Circle, congratulations. You’re The winners are chosen by pure, popular the best at what you do! To all who vote. This year, we had over 16,000 qualified voted, thank you for your participation. st voters. Now, for the long-awaited Winners of st te Om n Some categories receive more votes than othCircle list! a h a® ” C o

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Best of Omaha® Winners Index 14 Karat ...........................................................68 A Well Dressed Window..................................66 A-1 United Heating & Air................................62 A.C. Nelsen.......................................................86 AAA Travel........................................................86 Absolutely Fresh Seafood ...............................39 aksarben ARS Heating AC...............................62 Alegent .....................................................58, 74 Alpine Inn ........................................................32 Amerispec Home Inspection Service.............64 Anthony's Steakhouse/Ozone Lounge ...39, 41 Apache Camper Center...................................86 Ashley Lynn's Tanning ....................................58 Attitude On Food.............................................72 B Street Collision Center..................................82 Backlund Plumbing ........................................66 Bag N Save.......................................................68 Bagel Bin .........................................................28 Baker's..............................................................68 Bank of the West.............................................72 Bark Avenue ....................................................78 Basic Tease Boutique.......................................68 BCBG ................................................................70 Beauty Brands.................................................54 Beauty First......................................................54 Best Buy...........................................................82 Best in Show Pet Salon...................................78 Big Brain ..........................................................52 Big Wheels 2 Butterfly's .................................68 Black Clover Fitness.........................................58 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska................74 Blue Planet Natural Grill .................................36 Blue Sushi Sake Grill...........................36, 41, 46 BMW Motorcycles of Omaha .........................84 Body Basics......................................................56 Bonefish Grill ...................................................39 Borsheims........................................................68 Brass Armadillo ...............................................68 Brau Builders ...................................................60 Bread Oven French Bakery .............................45 Brewsky's.........................................................52 Brix ............................................................68, 70 Brodkey's .........................................................68 Bronco's ...........................................................32 Brookestone Meadows...................................58 Brookestone Village ........................................72 Brueggers ........................................................28 Bucky's .............................................................68 Budget Blinds..................................................66 Buffalo Wild Wings..........................................48 Burton A/C Heating Plumbing & More .........66 Camp Bow Wow .............................................78 Carson Enterprises...........................................64 Carson Wealth Management Group..............74 Catering Creations...........................................72 Centris Federal Credit Union...........................72 CertaPro Painters.............................................66 Champion ........................................................66 Charleston Homes...........................................62 Charleston's Restaurant..................................39 Charlie's On The Lake ...............................39, 50 Cheesecake Factory.........................................30 Chem Dry of Omaha .......................................60 China Buffet.....................................................30 China Road ......................................................30 Christopher A. Stanosheck, DDS, PC .............54 Classic Pool & Spa............................................66 Cold Stone Creamery ......................................48 Community Rehab Physical Therapy.............58 Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces — CKF .64 Continental Pool & Spa...................................66 Cox Communications ......................................74 Crane Coffee ....................................................46 Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa ...........54, 56 Creighton Federal Credit Union......................72 Crescent Moon ................................................45 Curt Hofer Construction ..................................60 Dante ...............................................................28 Dario's Brasserie ..............................................32 Dave & Buster's ...............................................45 Dave's Auto Body Co. ......................................82 Delice European Bakery & Cafe......................30 Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson ...................84 Dingman's Collision Center.............................82 Dinker's Bar & Grill ..........................................50 Dixie Quicks Magnolia Room .........................28 DJ's Dugout Sports Bar ...................................52 Dogtopia of Omaha ........................................78 Dolphins Touchless Car Wash .........................84 Dr. Steven Wegner ..........................................54 Dundee Dell.....................................................50 Easy Money Pawn Shop .................................70 eCreamery .......................................................48 Elk Ridge Village Active Retirement Comm. .78 Elk Ridge Village Assisted Living ....................72 Elsasser Chiropractic........................................54 Enchanted Honeymoons Travel .....................86

Endless Possibilities Training Systems ...........58 España Rest. Tapas Bar Paella Sangria...........28 Esther's.............................................................68 Excel .................................................................58 Exclusive Repair, Spec. in Honda & Acura......84 Extreme Limo..................................................48 Faces Day Spa ..................................................54 Family Fun Center ...........................................48 Famous Dave's.................................................28 Fantasy's Inc. ...................................................84 Farmer Brown's Steakhouse ..........................39 Fashion Cleaners .............................................72 Feltz WealthPLAN ...........................................74 Fernando's Cafe & Cantina .............................50 Feta's Gyros & Catering ...................................34 First Mortgage Company................................74 First National Bank...................................72, 74 Five Guys Burgers and Fries.....................32, 34 Flat Rate Movers..............................................78 Fontenelle Nature Association .......................48 Fun-Plex...........................................................46 Garbo's Salons & Spas.....................................56 Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals.....................78 Georgetowne Club..........................................78 Gerst Painting Inc............................................66 Gloss Salon & Day Spa ....................................54 Godfather's Pizza.............................................39 Gold's Gym ......................................................56 Goodwill Industries.........................................70 Gordmans........................................................62 Grand China Buffet .........................................30 Granite City Food & Brewery..........................41 Granite Transformations .................................64 Greek Islands Restaurant................................34 Green Onion ....................................................45 Greg Samuelson..............................................58 Grinn & Barrett................................................52 H&H Chevrolet.................................................86 Hap Abraham..................................................72 Harrison Hills ...................................................60 Hartland Bar-B-Que........................................28 Harwood Services ...........................................66 Heafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler ....74 Mortuaries and Crematory.............................74 Hearthstone Homes........................................62 Heartland Lawns.............................................66 Heavican Homes .............................................62 Hector's ...............................................30, 36, 50 Hillcrest County Esstates .................................72 Hillsborough Family Dentistry .......................54 Hillsborough Family Dentistry, P.C. ................54 Hiro Sushi..................................................36, 41 Hoich................................................................64 Holland Performing Arts Center ....................50 Holstein's Harley-Davidson ............................84 Home Buyers Protection Company................64 Home Instead Senior Care..............................74 Horizon ............................................................74 House of J ........................................................62 House of Mufflers & Brakes ............................84 Huerter Orthodontics......................................58 Hummel Day Camp ........................................48 Hy-Vee ......................................................68, 70 IceHouse Sports Bar........................................52 Immanuel Rehab ............................................58 Indian Oven .....................................................34 Ingredient Restaurant.....................................36 Interiors Design Firm.......................................64 Interiors Joan and Associates .........................64 Jack & Mary's...................................................32 Jaipur Indian Restaurant & Brewing .............34 Jams.................................................................39 Janousek Florist...............................................68 Jason's Deli ......................................................39 Jay Samuelson ................................................54 JCPenny............................................................66 Jensen Tire & Auto .............................82, 84, 86 Jerico's..............................................................39 Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear.................68 Jiffy Lube..........................................................86 Jim's Moving and Delivery .............................78 Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches .............39 Joel Schlessinger M.D./Skin Specialists, P.C. ..54 Joesph Skradski DDS .......................................54 John A Gentleman Mortuaries.......................74 John Edney, M.D..............................................54 Johnny's Cafe...................................................41 Joslyn Castle ....................................................38 Julio's................................................................30 Kajoma's Fashion Boutique............................70 Katie's Restaurant ...........................................34 Kelly's Carpet ...................................................60 KFC ...................................................................32 Kinder Care Learning Centers .........................72 Kobe.................................................................36 Koca Chiropractic Clinic...................................54 Kohl's................................................................70

january/february | 2011

Kona Grill® ..........................................28, 41, 46 Kort A. Igel, DDS, MS, PC ................................58 KRT Construction.............................................64 Kum & Go ........................................................68 La Casa Pizzaria ...............................................39 La Mesa Mexican Restaurant .........................36 La Petite ...........................................................72 Lakeside Village...............................................78 Lanoha Nurseries ............................................64 Le Peep ............................................................28 Le Voltaire ........................................................32 Leach Camper Sales Inc ..................................86 Legacy Nails.....................................................56 Lexus Of Omaha .......................................84, 86 Lifetime Fitness ...............................................56 Lindley Clothing ..............................................68 Liquid Courage ................................................52 Lo Sole Mio .........................................34, 36, 52 Loft 610............................................................36 Lucky Bucket....................................................50 Mad Hatter ......................................................84 Mahogany Prime Steakhouse........................52 Maids & More..................................................62 Maria's .............................................................36 Mark's Bistro....................................................52 Martini Nails & Spa .........................................56 Max I Walker....................................................72 McFosters Natural Kind Cafe ..........................36 McKenna's Blues, Booze & BBQ .....................28 McNeil Company Builders ..............................60 Metro Glass......................................................82 Mid America ....................................................56 Mid-City Jewelry & Loan ................................70 Midas ...............................................................82 Midtown Crossing ...........................................60 Midwest Eye Care............................................56 Midwest Tire ....................................................82 Millard Family Eyecare ....................................56 Millard Learning Center ..................................72 Millard Sprinkler Inc........................................64 Mobile Animal.................................................78 Molly Maid of Central Omaha/CB ..................62 Mulhall's ..........................................................64 Mutual Of Omaha ...........................................74 My Pet Nanny..................................................78 Nature's Helper, Inc .........................................64 Nebraska Brewing Company .........................50 Nebraska Furniture Mart ...................60, 62, 82 New Life Thrift .................................................70 Nicola's.............................................................52 Norm's Door Service, Inc.................................60 Nouvelle Eve .............................................68, 70 Nu Trend Dry Cleaners.....................................72 Odermatt Floor Covering, Inc. ........................60 Old Chicago...............................................45, 46 Old Country Buffet ..........................................30 Old Market Limousine Service .......................48 Olive Garden ....................................................39 Omaha Door & Window ..........................60, 66 Omaha Marine Center ....................................82 Omaha Nighthawks........................................52 Omaha Primary Eyecare .................................56 Omaha Storm Chasers ....................................52 Omaha Summer Arts Festival ........................46 Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo ............................46 Oscar's Pizza & Sports Grille ...........................48 Overhead Door Company of Omaha .............60 Panera Bread ...................................................28 Paradise Bakery & Cafe...................................28 Paradise Bay Tanning......................................58 Parsow's Clothing & Sportswear....................68 Pasta Amore ....................................................36 PayPal ..............................................................74 Pearson Chiropractic ......................................54 Pella Windows & Doors ..................................66 Pepperjax Grill .................................................39 Performance Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Inc. ........84 Personalized Fitness & Nutrition....................58 Pet-R-Us...........................................................70 Petco ................................................................70 PetSmart..........................................................70 Pettit's Pastry...................................................45 PF Changs China Bistro ...................................30 Physicians Mutual...........................................74 Piccolo's Florist.................................................68 Pitch Coal-Fire Pizzeria....................................28 Plato's Closet....................................................68 Popp Cosmetic Surgery...................................54 Prairie Life Fitness ...........................................56 Priority 1 Fitness..............................................56 Pump It Up of Omaha.....................................45 Push Pedal Pull................................................56 Qdoba Mexican Grill........................................30 QuikTrip............................................................68 Qwest...............................................................74 Qwest Center ...................................................50 Ralston Veterinary Clinic.................................78

Best of Omaha® Category Index RD Schuller Construction ................................64 Red Lounge .....................................................45 Red Robin ........................................................32 Rice Bowl .........................................................30 Richmont Village.............................................78 Riverfront Place...............................................60 Roberts Nursery, Lawn & Landscaping .........66 Roeder .............................................................74 Roja Mexican Grill + Margarita Bar...............50 Rotella's Italian Bakery, Inc.............................45 Runza .........................................................32,34 Russell Speeder's Car Wash ............................84 SAC Federal Credit Union ...............................72 Safelite .............................................................82 Sally's Beauty Supply......................................54 San-Mai Martial Arts ......................................56 Scooter's Coffeehouse.....................................46 SeaLand Marine & Recreation .......................82 Second Chance ................................................68 ServiceOne................................................64, 66 Seven Salon.....................................................56 Skate Daze .......................................................48 Slowdown .......................................................50 Sol's Jewelry & Loan .......................................70 Spaghetti Works..............................................32 Spezia...............................................................34 Spirit World...............................................68, 70 St. John's Greek Festival..................................46 Stanley Steemer..............................................60 Starbucks .........................................................46 Steamatic of Omaha .......................................60 Stella's Bar and Grill ........................................34 Stems at Countryside......................................68 Stereo West Auto Toys.....................................82 Stereo West Home Theater Store ...................62 Sullivan's Steakhouse .....................................50 Summer Kitchen Café • Bakery ......................28 Superior Honda ...............................................86 Superior Spa & Pool ........................................66 Susie's Pet Grooming ......................................78 T. Hurt Construction, Inc. ................................64 Tan World.........................................................58 Tanner's Bar & Grill..........................................50 Taste of Omaha ...............................................46 Ted & Wally's Ice Cream ..................................48 Texas Roadhouse.............................................32 Thai Kitchen.....................................................41 Thai Pepper......................................................41 Thai Spice.........................................................41 The Amazing Pizza Machine ..........................46 The Biltmore....................................................60 The Designers..................................................64 The Drover .......................................................41 The Durham Museum ....................................78 The French Cafe ...............................................32 The Maids ........................................................62 The Paxton.......................................................60 The Reef at Del Mare................................45, 52 The Sound Environment.................................62 The Taj Kabob & Curry.....................................34 Thermal Services.............................................62 Thrift World......................................................70 Tiger Rock Martial Arts ...................................56 Today's Dental .................................................54 Travel and Transport........................................86 TruGreen ..........................................................66 Two Men and A Truck......................................78 Union Pacific....................................................74 UNMC...............................................................74 UNO..................................................................52 Upstream Brewing Company....28, 41, 45, 50 V Mertz ............................................................52 Valentino's .......................................................30 Valley Marine...................................................82 Valvoline Instant Oil Change ..........................86 Venice Antiques...............................................68 Victoria's Secret ...............................................68 Viking Glass .....................................................82 Vincenzo's ........................................................36 VIP Limousine .................................................48 Visiting Nurse Association ..............................74 Vivace...............................................................34 Voodoo Lounge...............................................50 Walgreens........................................................70 Walker Tire & Auto Service ......................82, 84 Ward's Kitchen and Bath ................................64 Wells Fargo ...............................................72, 74 WheatFields Eatery & Bakery..................30, 41 Whole Foods Market.......................................36 Windstream.....................................................74 Wing Stop........................................................48 Woodhouse Auto Family ................................84 YMCA ...............................................................48 Z Gallerie..........................................................62 Zio's Pizzeria ....................................................39 Zurlo's Bistro Italiano ...............................28, 36 Zzzap! Laser Adventures.................................48

Dining ......................... 28 Appetizers ...................................... 28 Bagels ............................................ 28 Barbecue ........................................ 28 Bowl of Soup .................................. 28 Breakfast ........................................ 28 Brick Oven Pizza ............................. 28 Buffet ............................................. 28 Burrito ............................................ 28 Chinese........................................... 28 Desserts.......................................... 28 Family Restaurant .......................... 32 French ............................................ 32 French Fries .................................... 32 Fried Chicken .................................. 32 Greek .............................................. 34 Hamburger ..................................... 34 Indian ............................................. 34 Italian ............................................. 34 Japanese ........................................ 36 Mexican.......................................... 36 New Restaurant in 2010 ................. 36 Organic .......................................... 36 Pasta .............................................. 36 Pizza ............................................... 36 Prime Rib ....................................... 36 Salad .............................................. 36 Sandwiches .................................... 36 Seafood .......................................... 36 Steakhouse..................................... 41 Sunday Brunch ............................... 41 Sushi .............................................. 41 Thai ................................................ 41

Fun ............................. 45

Bakery ............................................ 45 Beer Selection ................................ 45 Child Party Provider........................ 45 Cocktail Lounge .............................. 45 Coffeehouse ................................... 46 Family Entertainment..................... 46 Festival ........................................... 46 Happy Hour .................................... 46 Hot Wings....................................... 48 Ice Cream........................................ 48 Kids Summer Camp ........................ 48 Laser Tag ........................................ 48 Limousine....................................... 48 Live Music Venue ............................ 50 Margarita ....................................... 50 Martini ........................................... 50 Microbrewery ................................. 50 Neighborhood Bar .......................... 50 Omaha Sports Team ....................... 52 Outdoor Dining Patio...................... 52 Romantic Restaurant...................... 52 Sports Bar....................................... 52 Tattoo Parlor................................... 52

Health & Beauty........... 54 Beauty Supply Store ....................... 54 Chiropractor ................................... 54 Cosmetic Dentist ............................ 54 Cosmetic Surgeon........................... 54 Day Spa .......................................... 54 Family Dentist ................................ 54 Fitness Club .................................... 56 Fitness Equipment Store................. 56 Hair Salon....................................... 56 Martial Arts .................................... 56 Nail Salon ....................................... 56 Optical Shop ................................... 56 Orthodontist................................... 56 Personal Training Facility ................ 56 Physical Therapy ............................. 56 Rehabilitation Facility..................... 56 Tanning Salon ................................ 56

Household ................... 60

Apartments .................................... 60 Carpet Cleaning .............................. 60 Condos ........................................... 60 Custom Home Builder .................... 60 Floor Covering ................................ 60 Garage Doors.................................. 60 Heating & Air.................................. 62 Home Accessories ........................... 62 Home Audio Store .......................... 62 Home Builder ................................. 62 Home Cleaning .............................. 62 Home Inspection ........................... 64 Home Remodeling ......................... 64 Interior Design Firm ....................... 64 Irrigation ........................................ 64 Kitchen & Bath ............................... 64 Landscaping ................................... 64 Lawn Care....................................... 66 Painter............................................ 66 Plumber ......................................... 66 Pools & Spas ................................... 66 Window Coverings.......................... 66 Windows & Doors ........................... 66

Retail .......................... 68

Antique Shop ................................. 68 Beer & Spirits Store ........................ 68 Consignment Store ......................... 68 Convenience Store .......................... 68 Florist ............................................. 68 Grocery Store .................................. 68 Jewelry Store.................................. 68 Lingerie .......................................... 68 Men's Apparel ................................ 68 Pawn Shop ..................................... 70 Pet Store......................................... 70 Pharmacy ....................................... 70 Thrift Store ..................................... 70 Wine Store...................................... 70 Women's Boutique ......................... 70

Service ........................ 72 Assisted Living Facility.................... 72 Bank ............................................... 72 Caterer............................................ 72 Child Care ....................................... 72 Credit Union ................................... 72 Dry Cleaners ................................... 72 Employer ........................................ 74 Financial Planning Firm.................. 74 Funeral Home................................. 74 In-Home Nursing ........................... 74 Internet Provider ............................ 74 Life/Health Insurance Co. ............... 74 Mortgage Lender............................ 74 Moving Company ........................... 78 Pet Grooming Salon ....................... 78 Pet Sitter ........................................ 78 Reception Venue............................. 78 Retirement Community .................. 78 Vet Clinic ........................................ 78

Transportation............. 82 Auto Body Repair ........................... 82 Auto Glass ...................................... 82 Boat Dealer .................................... 82 Brake ............................................. 82 Car Stereo Store .............................. 82 Car Tire .......................................... 82 Car Wash ........................................ 84 Exhaust & Muffler .......................... 84 General Auto Repair ....................... 84 Motorcycle Dealer .......................... 84 New Car Dealer............................... 84 Oil Change ...................................... 86 RV Dealer ....................................... 86 Travel Agency ................................. 86 Used Car Dealer .............................. 86

Dear Visitors: Pages 27-154 are included for subscribers only but can be viewed at

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The Best of Omaha just got better …

You can now patronize the businesses you’ve voted the Best of Omaha® for 2011 and receive discounts and accumulate loyalty points thanks to the Best of Omaha® Rewards card! The card is accepted at any Best of Omaha® business that chooses to participate in the loyalty program, which has the potential to be more than 400 Omaha-area businesses. And there is no cost to you for using the card! To register the attached loyalty card, go to www.bestofomaha.com. If you register your card by Feb. 15, you will automatically receive 250 loyalty points. That’s enough points to earn your first level of reward. You may cash in your points for prizes, or let them accumulate for future redemption.

www.readonlinenow.com

Once registered and activated, the card is your passport to explore and discover all that the Best of Omaha® businesses have to offer – and do it at a great value. Protect this card as you would cash. It is important to register your card, as registration is the only way we can identify you as the owner of the card. New Best of Omaha® Rewards Card businesses will continue to grow so stay updated by checking on the program at www.bestofomaha. com. Details about the card and how to use it will also be available at the web site. Active your card now, receive your 250 loyalty points, and start shopping and saving today with the Best of Omaha®!

januar y/februar y | 2011

Dining Marie Lo Sole

Lo Sole Mio

"Best of Omaha® has allowed us to see that we are doing a good job while being humble and letting our customers brag for us. It is fun to see who your customers compare you to and to see if we can still stay on top, i.e., friendly competition without directly competing. We follow the golden rule. "Do unto others and you would have them do unto you." We serve the quality of food we would like to eat, and give the service we would expect to have when going out. We're not fancy, but want you to feel special when you're here. Also having some family member working at all times shows that we care about the business. A fourth generation is now working here after being open only 18 years. People like to see a family working together. That is the back bone of life."

Appetizers

Bagels

Barbecue

Upstream Brewing Company 11th&Jackson/171st West Center www.upstreambrewing.com Kona Grill® 402.779.2900 www.konagrill.com España Restaurant Tapas Bar Paella Sangria

Bruegger's

Panera Bread

Famous Dave's www.famousdaves.com Hartland Bar-B-Que

Bowl of Soup

Breakfast

Brick Oven Pizza

Panera Bread

Le Peep

Pitch Coal-Fire Pizzeria

Paradise Bakery & Cafe

Summer Kitchen Café • Bakery

Dante

Upstream Brewing Company 11th&Jackson/171st West Center www.upstreambrewing.com

Dixie Quicks Magnolia Room

Zurlo's Bistro Italiano 402.884.9500 www.zurlos.com

Bagel Bin

McKenna's Blues, Booze & BBQ

“Our firm has participated in the ‘Best of Omaha®’ campaign for several years, but we took for granted the impact that the ‘round black & yellow logo’ has on the community until one of our clients made a comment to us. She had recently moved to Omaha from another state and told us that being from out of town, the contest and logo was a great tool for her and her family to use to recognize which businesses were reputable and worth working with. She mentioned that they look for the logo and when they see it, they know they can be comfortable doing business with that company. It’s an honor to be able to display the logo and it truly does have an impact on our business.” Lindi Janulewicz — Interiors by Joan & Associates

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Creating Beautiful Interiors that Inspire and Refresh

Mon-Fri 9-6, and Sat 10-2 12123 Emmet Street • 402-498-8777 www.DesignersOmaha.com

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment:

OMAHA • 402.498.3444 BELLEVUE • 402.292.6611

Thanks Omaha for Voting Us Best of Omaha Garage Doors • Openers • Service all Brands 24 Hr. Emergency Service

We’re by your side so your parents can stay at home.

Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha”

1222 Royal Dr. • Omaha • 402-331-0526 120 E. Broadway • Council Bluffs • 712-256-6675

Thank you Omaha for your support and voting us best desserts!

We cater too!

Stella’s Bar and Grill

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

januar y/februar y | 2011

Buffet Valentino's Grand China Buffet 402.504.3711 www.grandchinabuffetomaha.com Old Country Buffet China Buffet

Burrito Hector's Julio's Qdoba Mexican Grill

View all the Best of Omaha速 winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

Chinese China Road PF Changs China Bistro Rice Bowl

Desserts WheatFields Eatery & Bakery Cheesecake Factory Delice European Bakery & Cafe 402.505.9500 www.DeliceEuropeanBakery.com

january/february | 2011

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Thank you for voting us Best in Omaha!

www.midwesteyecare.com

CLE CIR

’S

(402) 552-2020 Call to schedule your appointment today.

Council Bluffs office 715 Harmony St. Council Bluffs

Q St. office 18111 Q St. Omaha

’S

La Vista office 7202 Giles La Vista

West Omaha office 13500 California St. Omaha

WINN

Midtown office 4353 Dodge St. Omaha

Thanks Omaha for Voting us Best of Omaha®!

GrandBCesht iBnufafetBuffet

• 90-day satisfaction guarantee for eyeglasses • 12 ophthalmologists • 6 optometrists

•

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11226 Chicago Cir. • 402-504-3711

www.grandchinabuffetomaha.com

Thank you

fortvotingtGoodwill BesttThrifttStore. Thank You for Voting Us Best of Omaha!

Visittourtnewesttstoretatt72ndt&tAmes. www.GoodwillOmaha.org

5402 NW Radial Hwy • Omaha • 402-397.5765

Thanks to our patients for voting Hillsborough Family Dentistry and Dr. Jay Samuelson Best of Omaha® • Comprehensive dental care • Same day Emergency Care • Cleanings and Exams for Adults and Children • Composite ( tooth colored) fillings • Crowns and Bridges • Cosemetic Dentistry including whitening • Root Canal Treatment • Extractions • Dentures and Partials • Implants including MDI’s Hillsborough Family Dentistry 13808 W. Maple Rd. Omaha, NE 68164 (402) 445-4647

Village Pointe Spring Valley Dentistry Dental Center 302 N. 168th Cr., Suite 208 5360 S. 72nd St. Omaha, NE 68118 Omaha NE 68127 (402) 505-7474 402-733-4441

Jay Samuelson, D.D.S. • Jeffrey T. Garvey, D.D.S. • Brian Pendley, D.D.S. • J.R. Demman, D.D.S www.readonlinenow.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

Family Restaurant Red Robin Texas Roadhouse Spaghetti Works

Thank You Omaha for Again Voting Beauty First #1 Beauty Supply Store

Three Years in a Row!

www.beautyfirst.com • Five Omaha Metro Locations

French The French Café Le Voltaire Dario's Brasserie

Career Opportunity at AAA Insurance

2 blocks south of 108th and Q St 402.502.1850 www.glosssalon.com

Thank you Omaha for voting us the best day spa!

Thank you Omaha for voting AAA Travel one of the best!

North America's leading full-service Leisure Travel Agency. Call oR visit today! Clocktower • 390-1000 • 815 N. 98th St. West Center • 333-8200 • 2606 S. 132nd St. West Maple • 493-2700 • 160th and Maple 32

january/february | 2011

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where you can download and email pages to your friends!

French Fries Runza www.runza.com “Runza. TheDifference is Real”® Bronco's Five Guys Burgers and Fries www. fiveguys.com

Fried Chicken Jack & Mary's KFC Alpine Inn

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Thank You Omaha For Voting Us

Best New Car Dealer!

Voted Best New Car Dealer 5 Years in a Row! Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Smart 7010 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 339-3131

Locally Owned and Operated For Over 50 Years

performanceauto.com

Performance Toyota of La Vista 7204 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 731-2000

Performance Volkswagen 7108 S. 124th Circle La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 991-0500

C. Stanosheck, D.D.S. Hospital, Cosmetic, Restorative Dentistry

Greek Greek Islands Restaurant Katie's Restaurant Feta's Gyros & Catering

Hamburger Stella's Bar and Grill “Good food doesn’t have to be fancy” 402.291.6088 Runza www.runza.com “Runza. TheDifference is Real”® Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Indian Indian Oven Jaipur Indian Restaurant & Brewing The Taj Kabob & Curry

5 Years in a Row!

Italian Lo Sole Mio Spezia

Full service, cosmetic, preventative and general sedation dentistry for every smile in any condition.

Vivace

UNMC, Creighton and Children’s Hospital Faculty Member

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The Midwest Provider for Special Needs Patients

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Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, Preferred Dentist American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Member American Academy of Hospital Dentistry Provider International Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics Member

to advertisers’ websites.

Christopher A. Stanosheck, D.D.S., PC 9202 West Dodge St. • Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 884-1607 • www.DrStano.com

january/february | 2011

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Thanks for Voting us Best of Omaha

Thank you Omaha for voting Runza the #1 Best French Fries! ®

7 Years Running

Nationally recognized award winner for outstanding customer satisfaction!

21 Metro Locations Runza® is a registered trademark of Runza® National, Inc.

Thank you Omaha for voting Runza the #2 Best Hamburger! ®

Two Time Winner of BBB Service Integrity Award Located at Irvington Exit and I-680 9630 Redick Ave. • 402-572-0200

21 Metro Locations

Family Owned and Operated in Omaha Since 1974

Runza® is a registered trademark of Runza® National, Inc.

Thank you for being a part of the new revolution in personal training.

402-991-7700 • www.BlackCloverFitness.com 168th & Maple www.readonlinenow.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

Japanese Kobe

Thank you for voting for us!

Hiro Sushi 402.933.0091 www.hiro88.com Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Mexican La Mesa Mexican Restaurant Hector's Maria's

New Restaurant in 2010 Loft 610 Zurlo's Bistro Italiano 402.884.9500 www.zurlos.com Ingredient Restaurant www.ingredientrestaurant.com

Organic Dining McFosters Natural Kind Cafe Blue Planet Natural Grill Whole Foods Market

Pasta Lo Sole Mio Pasta Amore Vincenzo's

View all the Call for an appointment today:

or visit:

402.330.3000

OmahaEyeCare.com

Best of Omaha速 winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

146th and West Center Road

january/february | 2011

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Voted Omaha’s Best

. .

1992, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2011!

1994, 1998, 2002, 2007,

1995, 1999, 2003, 2010,

1996, 2000, 2005, and

Thank you!

January 1 - 10. Get started for just $1!

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Our “Too-Good-To-Be-True-But-It-Is” Special. Come in with JUST $1 (plus tax) to get started! Membership dues of $10 a month don’t start until January 20. Come check us out today!

Lunch – M-Sat Dinner – 7 Nights Old Market • 1207 Harney 342-4010 1818 N 144th • 498-3889

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Lincoln 6891 A St., Suite 118, Clocktower

januar y/februar y | 2011

hometown pport of Omaha’s su d ue in nt co ur ars I appreciate yo r more than 37 ye Fo . za iz P ’s er th fa high with only pizza place – God g pizza pies piled in ak m en be ’s ew 0% real cheese. now, my cr ade dough and 10 em m ho s, nt ie ed s Omaha. the best ingr my family. Thank Only the best for

january/february | 2011

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Pizza Zio's Pizzeria La Casa Pizzaria Godfather's Pizza

Prime Rib Jerico's 402.496.0222 www.jericosomaha.com Anthony's Steakhouse/ Ozone Lounge

Over 750 Single Malts 500 Kinds of Liquor • 230 Kinds of Beer Omaha’s Best Fish & Chips 5007 Underwood • Omaha, NE 68132 • (402) 553-9501 • www.dundeedell.com

Open for Lunch & Dinner Mon-Fri 11AM-11PM Sat Open 3-12PM

Farmer Brown's Steakhouse

Salad

Sunday Brunch from 10am-2pm Dinner 3-9PM

Jams

Great Happy Hour 3-6:30pm (Drink & appetizer specials)

Olive Garden Charleston's Restaurant

Thanks to our customers for voting!

We can Cater any event Large or Small

13110 Birch Dr Ste 100 402-884-9500 www.zurlos.com

Thank You

to everyone who participated in this years Best of Omaha®. Next year's voting

Gift Cards available

We Are More Than Coffee! Comfort Food, Cocktails & Coffee

begins July 1, 2011!

Sandwiches Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches Jason's Deli Pepperjax Grill

Seafood Absolutely Fresh Seafood 402.345.5057/402.827.4376 www.absolutelyfresh.com Bonefish Grill Charlie's On The Lake www.readonlinenow.com

Breakfast . Brunch . Lunch Dinner . Dessert . Coffee . Gelato Paxton Building • 14th & Farnam • 884-0900 For Reservations Book Online CraneCoffeeOmaha.com januar y/februar y | 2011

“Terrific” – Nichole Aksamit

Omaha World-Herald restaurant reviewer

Thanks, Omaha!

Sales and Service on Pools, Hot tubs, Billiards, Saunas, Game Tables and Supplies.

Midwest’s Largest Dealer.

Thanks Omaha for Voting us #1!

Best of Omaha Winner’s Circle 2011 • Pizza

SINCE 1953

Legendary pizza & pasta

45th & Leavenworth • 556-6464 CLOSED MONDAY

4610 S. 132nd Street • 402-333-9033 SuperiorSpaPoolOmaha.com

Thanks Omaha, for voting us Best of Omaha...

Five Years in a Row! 3007 S 83rd Plz Omaha, NE 68124 (402) 391-2923

january/february | 2011

1201 S 157th St Omaha, NE 68130 (402) 884-2272

www.omahapublications.com

Steakhouse Anthony's Steakhouse/ Ozone Lounge

Thank You Omaha!

The Drover Johnny's Cafe 402.731.4774 www.JohnnysCafe.com

Sunday Brunch

We at Millard Family Eyecare pride ourselves on our thorough, up-to-date eyecare, quality products, and friendly service.

12660 Q Street • 402-896-3300 • www.MillardFamilyEyecare.com

Granite City Food & Brewery WheatFields Eatery & Bakery Upstream Brewing Company 11th&Jackson/171st West Center www.upstreambrewing.com

At Community Rehab, we have a unique ability to provide you with a rehabilitation program based on your specific needs.

Thank You for Voting us Best of Omaha®!

View all the Best of Omaha® winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

In Life, on the job, or in the game... Our goal is still the same. Bennington

12301 N. 149th Circle 884-7644

Thank You for Voting Ingredient Best New Restaurant!

Sushi Blue Sushi Sake Grill Hiro Sushi 402.933.0091 www.hiro88.com Kona Grill® 402.779.2900 www.konagrill.com

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Thai Thai Spice Thai Pepper Thai Kitchen

www.readonlinenow.com

Two Locations

Midtown 3201 Farnam Street 402-715-4444

One Pacific Place Grand Opening February 2011 10317 Pacific Street

www.ingredientrestaurant.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

Fun

Alan Stein

Omaha Storm Chasers

“Being voted Omaha’s favorite sports team for three straight years has been able to help us validate what our staff works so hard for every day, and that is to provide Omaha a model minor league baseball franchise. Being voted Omaha’s Best Sports Team is an honor given so many great professional and college programs in the metro. Fans do comment on the Best of Omaha® logo that we display in our offices and at the ticket windows. I think that the ones that don’t know that we have one are proud to see that they are frequenting a “Best of” business. We want to be known as a top-notch business that provides a great entertainment value. We also want to be known for taking our commitment to the betterment of the metro area very seriously.”

Nebraskans serving Nebraskans. bcbsne.com

An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

1123 Jackson Street Omaha, Nebraska

402.342.2885 bigbrainomaha.com

An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

january/february | 2011

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januar y/februar y | 2011

for a h a m y! ou O c y a k m n r a a Th t Ph s e B 1 us # voting

Serving Omaha since 1929 with 35 Locations! Our Services Include:

24 hour Pharmacy - 10 Locations in Omaha! Drive Thru Pharmacy Convenience Compounding On Site Immunizations (Shingles, Back to School, Travel Vaccines) 90 day Prescriptions Free Medication Reviews

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Sinful

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january/february | 2011

expires 2-28-11

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Bakery Rotella's Italian Bakery, Inc. 402.592.6600 www.rotellasbakery.com Pettit's Pastry

Pizzeria

Bread Oven French Bakery

www.ziosPizzeria.com Thank you for voting us #1 again!

Beer Selection Old Chicago Crescent Moon, Huber-Haus, Max & Joe's, Beertopia

Child Party Provider The Amazing Pizza Machine Pump It Up of Omaha www.PumpitUpParty.com Dave & Buster's

For Parties Call 330-1444 up to 60 people

Hand-Streched New York Style Pizza!

391-1881 7834 Dodge St. 330-1444 12997 W. Center Road 344-2222 1109 Howard

•Pizza • Calzones • Pasta • Salads• Hoagies • Appetizers • Lunch Specials

* Full Service M-F Nights & Sat. Sun. All Day

* Self-Service Lunch M-F

* We Deliver Downtown!

Upstream Brewin Best Micro g Co brewe m ry p

Red Lounge

E AC F I R ST P L

The Reef at Del Mare 402.614.7660 www.delmareomaha.com Green Onion

any

Cocktail Lounge

•

A CE

Upstream Brewing Company 11th&Jackson/171st West Center www.upstreambrewing.com

20 PL 11 • FIRST

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has instant links to advertisers’ websites.

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januar y/februar y | 2011

Coffeehouse Scooter's Coffeehouse Starbucks Crane Coffee 402.884.2900 www.cranecoffeeomaha.com

Family Entertainment Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

it’s our guests that win! ✔ #1 for best beer selection ✔ Winners circle for best happy hour Omaha EaglE Run 11th & harney St. 132nd & maple 402.341.1616 402.445.9393

CaSS 78th & Cass 402.384.8355

www.oldchicago.com

PaPilliOn in Shadow lake Center 402.592.2739

The Amazing Pizza Machine Fun-Plex

View all the OakviEw 144th & west Center Rd. 402.330.9001

[indulge] stop in this winter for 3 decadent new items

Best of Omaha® winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

Festival Omaha Summer Arts Festival Taste of Omaha St. John's Greek Festival

Happy Hour Kona Grill® 402.779.2900 www.konagrill.com Blue Sushi Sake Grill

village pointe shopping center 295 n 170th street omaha, ne 68118 402-779-2900

www.konagrill.com 46

january/february | 2011

Old Chicago

www.omahapublications.com

Thank you Omaha for voting us Best of Omaha® 8 years in a row

#1 in Service! Home and Commercial Fitness Equipment Experts 14491 W. Center Rd – by ShopKo • 402-330-1133 • www.priority1fitness.com www.readonlinenow.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

Hot Wings

Thank You Omaha!

Buffalo Wild Wings Oscar's Pizza & Sports Grille 402.758.1910 www.OscarsPizzaAndSportsGrille.com Wing Stop

For voting Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille Best Hot Wings!

Come to West Omaha’s Home of Charbuff Wings!

Restaurant & Banquet Room 11732 W. Dodge Rd. • 496-0222 www.jericosomaha.com

Omaha’s Finest Prime Rib and Much, Much More for 33 Years!

Ice Cream Ted & Wally's Ice Cream 402.341.5827 Friend us on Facebook! Cold Stone Creamery eCreamery

Kids Summer Camp Excellent Food Great Service Friendly People Online at

OscarsPizzaAndSportsGrille.com Carry-Out

(402)758-1910

17330 Lakeside Hills Plaza Omaha, Nebraska

Homemade Pies, Soups, and Salad Dressings Tell your waitress where you found our ad and we’ll give you a FREE Bruschetta Appetizer!

YMCA Hummel Day Camp Fontenelle Nature Association

Laser Tag Skate Daze Zzzap! Laser Adventures Family Fun Center

Limousine VIP Limousine Extreme Limo Old Market Limousine Service

ou Y nk a h T ha! a Om Three Area Locations 132nd & Dodge • Papillion (71st & Giles) • 72nd & Dodge

january/february | 2011

Check out www.ReadOnlineNow.com

where you can download and email pages to your friends!

www.omahapublications.com

thank you omaha for voting us Best of omaha again!

“We have your new floor, so stop in and explore!” Service and Quality Workmanship

(402) 330-1680 body basics_AD_120308.pdf

www.readonlinenow.com

12/3/08

4:01:59 PM

Store HourS M-t-tHurS-Fri — 9:00 - 5:00 WedneSday — 9:00 - 7:00 Saturday — 9:00 - 1:00

7222 South 142nd Street • Omaha, NE 68138 • www.odermattfloors.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

Thanks Omaha for Voting us #1

Live Music Venue Holland Performing Arts Center 402.345.0606 www.omahaperformingarts.org Qwest Center Slowdown

10666 Sapp Bros. Drive Omaha, NE 68138 402-896-9140 • 800-896-9140 www.brassarmadillo.com

Thank ank nk You For Voting Us Best of Omaha

Hector's Roja Mexican Grill + Margarita Bar Fernando's Cafe & Cantina

Martini Charlies On The Lake 402.894.9411 www.charliesonthelake.net Sullivan's Steakhouse 402.342.0077 www.sullivansteakhouse.com Voodoo Lounge

The Quintessential Day Spa at Countryside Village Rejuvinating Facials • Spa Manicures • Spa Pedicures Therapeutic Massage • Steam Spa • Body Treatments Inquire about our spa packages

8715 Countryside Plz. • 402.384.8400 • www.facesspa.com

We are PUMPED that you voted us Best Children's Party Provider!

Thank You Omaha!

Margarita

Birthday Parties

Special Events

Team Parties

Field Trips

Microbrewery Upstream Brewing Company 11th&Jackson/171st West Center www.upstreambrewing.com Lucky Bucket Nebraska Brewing Company

Neighborhood Bar Dundee Dell Tanner's Bar & Grill Dinker's Bar & Grill

402.932.7867 Pump It Up of Omaha 960 South 72nd Street Omaha, NE 68114

PumpItUpParty.com

From our family to yours ...

View all the Best of Omaha®

Thanks again Omaha for voting us Best of Omaha for five years in a row! 15505 Ruggles Street • (2 blocks North of Maple on 156th)

winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com!

884-5100

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Check Engine light on? Steering pulling to one side? Hear a weird noise?

Omaha’s Best Beer Selection Since 1996

• 55 Draft Beers • 600 Bottled Beers • 3 Unique Bars Total Car Care

Earning Omaha’s trust for 40 years 132nd & Dodge 496-9383

89th & Maple 393-7888

84th & L 339-5577

30th & Sprague 455-0135

27th & Leavenworth 346-1040

59th & Center 556-6708

Bellevue 301 Ft. Crook Rd. N 293-1800

• Great Pub Food 3578 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com

what’s in a name?

EVERYTHING!

25 Y E A R S

Thank you Omaha for voting us #1 again! P R E M I U M H O M E M A D E

402.733.6440

I omahadoor.com

Thank You Omaha

for voting us your #1 home accessories store.

12th & Jackson • Old Market • 341-5827

Best of Omaha 11 Years Running!

From one store in 1998 to over 80 stores in seven states, we’re proud to be Omaha based. Amazing People, Amazing Drinks...Amazingly Fast!

402-778-0650 12965 W. Center Road (Montclair Shopping Center) www.readonlinenow.com

Thanks to our AMAZING CUSTOMERS

for your vote and to our many franchisees across all states for all you do!

www.scooterscoffee.com januar y/februar y | 2011

TP LACE

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Del Mare Res Best Outdoor Di taura ning P nt atio

at Del Mare Reef ktail Lounge The Best Coc

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Thank You Omaha for Voting the Reef at Del Mare #1 Outdoor Dining Patio & #1 Cocktail Lounge

The Reef Lounge Open til 2:00 am • Live music Fri and Sat starting at 10:00 pm

810 S. 169th Street

(169th & Pacific)

• 402.614.7660 • w w w.delmareomaha.com

Omaha Sports Team Omaha Storm Chasers 402.734.2550 www.omahastormchasers.com Omaha Nighthawks UNO

Outdoor Dining Patio The Reef at Del Mare 402.614.7660 www.delmareomaha.com Mark's Bistro Nicola's 402.345.8466 www.nicolasintheoldmarket.com

aha for m O n i a ! Ag Thanks Best of Omaha s Voting U

Romantic Restaurant Lo Sole Mio Mahogany Prime Steakhouse 402.445.4380 www.mahoganyprime.com V Mertz

Sports Bar Brewsky's Food & Spirits 402.614.2739 www.brewskys.com IceHouse Sports Bar DJ's Dugout Sports Bar

Tattoo Parlor Big Brain 402.342.2885 www.bigbrainomaha.com Liquid Courage Grinn & Barrett Owners Jon Mumgaard, Brian Kitten and Jim Mumgaard

Thanks Omaha, for voting us

Best Sports Bar 4 straight years! 52

january/february | 2011

Thank You

Come for the food, stay for the fun large parties and families welcome

153rd & Q Streets, 614-2739 84th & Park Drive, 201-2739 www.brewskys.com

to everyone who participated in this years Best of Omaha®. Next year's voting begins July 1, 2011! www.omahapublications.com

THANK YOU OMAHA FOR VOTING!

Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha!

7 Years As Omaha’s #1 Dry Cleaner

Fashion Cleaners Clean Green!

Clean green.

Omaha’s ONLY dry cleaner. fashioncleaners.com Visit us eco-friendly at fashioncleaners.com to learn more.

Werner Park 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE 68046 www.readonlinenow.com

www.moveflatrate.com (402) 709-0970

For Tickets: 402.738.5100 OMAHASTORMCHASERS.COM januar y/februar y | 2011

h & t l a e H

Beauty

Dana Morinelli

Ashley Lynn’s

"Being the Best of Omaha® is such an honor and true testimonial to the Ashley Lynn’s experience. As a business we are honored to know that our clients think of us as the best in Omaha. Having the Best of Omaha® title helps put us a step above the rest when clients are looking around choosing a salon. Knowing that the city voted Ashley Lynn’s the best helps make their decision easier. Being voted No. 1 is a tremendous source of intra-company pride and something we strive for every year. Ashley Lynn’s strives for an excellent customer experience. We work to educate our clients on an ongoing basis about the products and services we offer so they can make the best purchasing decisions based on their individual needs."

Beauty Supply Store

Chiropractor

Cosmetic Dentist

Beauty First

Koca Chiropractic Clinic 402.496.4570 www.kocachiropractic.com Elsasser Chiropractic

Dr. Steven Wegner 402.498.0400 www.smilesofomaha.com Jay Samuelson, Cosmetic Dentist 402.445.4647 www.healthysmilesomaha.com Christopher A. Stanosheck, DDS, PC 402.884.1607 www.DRSTANO.com

Sally's Beauty Supply Beauty Brands

Pearson Chiropractic: A Family Wellness Center www.pearsonchirowellness.com

Cosmetic Surgeon Joel Schlessinger M.D./ Skin Specialists, P.C. 402.334.7546 www.lovelyskin.com Popp Cosmetic Surgery John Edney, M.D.

Day Spa

Family Dentist

Faces Day Spa

Hillsborough Family Dentistry 402.445.4647 www.healthysmilesomaha.com Today's Dental

Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa Gloss Salon & Day Spa

Joseph Skradski, DDS 402.334.4422 www.classicdentistry.com

Dixie Quicks Magnolia Room

Thank You Omaha for Voting us Best Sunday Brunch! Enjoy Sunday Brunch on Saturdays. Same Menu! Same Times! 9am-2pm 346-3549 1915 Leavenworth

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Voted Best of Omaha!

Trust Our Winning Team For Your Next Event!

Thank You Omaha For Voting us:

at the

Call one of our professional planners today!

2440 S. 141st Circle • (402) 334-5446 • www.brandeiscatering.com

6303 Center St. • Suite 103 402-933-1933 www.pearsonchirowellness.com

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our practice members and the community of Omaha for voting us BEST OF OMAHA! We owe it all to you… we couldn’t do it without you!

2085 North 120th St, Ste. D6 Omaha, NE 68164 www.KocaChiropractic.com 402-496-4570

photo by royce-studio.com

As a special thank you for your vote of confidence, please bring in this ad for a COMPLEMENTARY health evaluation and see what chiropractic can do for you!

www.readonlinenow.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

Fitness Club

Fitness Equipment Store

Hair Salon

Lifetime Fitness

Body Basics

Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa

Prairie Life Fitness

Priority 1 Fitness

Garbo's Salons & Spas

Gold's Gym

Push Pedal Pull

Seven Salon

Martial Arts

Nail Salon

Optical Shop

San-Mai Martial Arts

Legacy Nails

Tiger Rock Martial Arts 402.334.5425 Mid-America

Martini Nails & Spa 402.502.2883 www.martininailsandspa.com Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa

Millard Family Eyecare 402.333.8267 www.millardfamilyeyecare.com Midwest Eye Care 402.552.2020 www.midwesteyecare.com Omaha Primary Eyecare 402.330.3000 www.omahaeyecare.com

View all the Best of Omaha®

winners since 1992 on

“In past years, Travel and Transport has been honored to be named the Best Travel Agency in Omaha. Our employee-owners take pride in winning this prestigious award. We appreciate the support and confidence our valued clients have placed in us to help them with their travel plans. We look forward to the results for 2010!” William H. Tech, CTC, CTIE — President & CEO, Travel and Transport, Inc

www.BestOfOmaha.com!

Backed by the Best... Voted by the Best. Thanks Omaha. Thank You Omaha for voting us as one of your best! Let us help you beat the winter blues by shaping up for sunshine!

20% of any personal training package! (new endless possibilities clients only)

Endless Possibilities Training Systems 8410 K Street • Omaha, NE 68127 (402) 290-3915 www.endlesspossibilitiesomaha.com

january/february | 2011

Commercial & Residential Air Conditioning Heating Refrigeration Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing

Heating, Air |Conditioning and Plumbing 397-8100

397-8100

www.thermalservices.com

www.thermalservices.com www.omahapublications.com

We are proud to serve YOU, and we thank you for voting us Best of Omahaâ&#x20AC;Śagain. At First Mortgage Company we specialize in one thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; helping you get the home you want at a payment you can afford.

Our purpose as a top mortgage lender is to provide you with the financial freedom to live out all your hopes and dreams. Every day we work hard to find new ways to give our customers financial freedom. We listen to you and help you access the best financial products and services to achieve your goals. Omaha 11606 Nicholas Street 493-7600 2611 S. 117th Street 431-4309 South Omaha 4604 S. 25th Street 731-8600

www.firstmortgageco.com

Orthodontist Kort A. Igel, DDS, MS, PC 402.330.1152 www.kortigel.com Greg Samuelson Huerter Orthodontics 402.397.4226 www.drtomortho.com

Thank You for Voting Us the Best of Omaha®! Rachel Skradski, CBS Realtor, after placement of cosmetic veneers. Photo by Kim Roudabush, Kim Photography.

Personal Training Facility Black Clover Fitness 402.991.7700 www.blackcloverfitness.com Endless Possibilities Training Systems 402.290.3915 www.endlesspossibilitiespt.com Personalized Fitness & Nutrition

Physical Therapy Excel

12123 Pacific St. • 334-4422 • www.classicdentistry.com Extraordinary Care... Exceptional Results! Thank you to our patients...past, present and future!

Alegent Community Rehab Physical Therapy 402.861.6683 www.communityrehabpt.com

Rehabilitation Facility Brookestone Meadows 402.289.2696 www.BrookestoneMeadows.com Immanuel Rehab Community Rehab Physical Therapy

Tanning Salon Ashley Lynn's Tanning Paradise Bay Tanning Tan World

Orthd

lts u d a ontics for d children, teens an KORT A. IGEL D.D.S., M.S., P. C. O RT H O D O N T I S T

OMAHA: 10801 Pacific Street Suite 200 PAPILLION: 107 Highland Street Phone: 402.330.1152

january/february | 2011

smiles for life www.kortigel.com

www.omahapublications.com

Thank You Omaha For Voting Us Best Greek Food!

Omaha’s #1

Home Inspection Company Protection Beyond the Inspection Experience:

Nearly 100,000 Inspections

Recognition:

Award Winning Office (1997-2009)

Capabilities:

Home Inspections, Certified Radon/Mold Testing, TNT Termite Services (Inspections & Treatments)

Dependability: More ASHI Certified Inspectors than any other company in NE/IA Members of:

• Competitively Priced Starting at $250 • Computer Generated Report • Disc with Photos • Industry’s Mose Complete Errors & Omissions Insurance • 7 Day Availability

OABR, WCR, SW Board of IA

Our Mission

To Be the Leader in Home Inspection Services & to Provide Protection Beyond the Inspection

www.AmeriSpecNE.com • Ph: 402-393-3696 • Fx: 402-393-3137 www.readonlinenow.com

Best of omaha 2011

Miracle Hills Square • 114th & Dodge Harvey Oaks Plaza • 144th & Center www.fetasgyros.com

Pasta Amore a classic spot

Happy New Year

LUNCH: Mon.-Fri.: 11a.m.-2p.m.

DINNER: Mon.-Sat.: 4:30p.m-Close Private Party Rooms Business Luncheons Catering Rockbrook Village • (108th & Center) (402) 391-2585 • Fax: 391-0910 www.pastaamore.net

januar y/februar y | 2011

Household Curt Hofer

Curt Hofer Construction

"The Best of Omaha® contest inspires our team to excel year in and year out. One our local colleagues commented to me about how much he has enjoyed seeing our quality products in the Street of Dreams over the years. Best of Omaha® inspires us to stay in the game and rewards long-term performance and quality. In an industry where builders come and go, our key staff have been with the company for 15 to 20 years. They not only like working together, they like working for our clients. It really is incredible."

Apartments

Carpet Cleaning

Condos

Midtown Crossing 402.934.8860 www.midtowncrossing.com Harrison Hills

Steamatic of Omaha 402.331.1116 www.steamaticomaha.com Stanley Steemer

Midtown Crossing 402.934.8860 www.midtowncrossing.com Riverfront Place

The Biltmore

Chem Dry of Omaha

The Paxton

Custom Home Builder

Floor Covering

Garage Doors

Curt Hofer Construction

Nebraska Furniture Mart

Norm's Door Service, Inc.

Brau Builders

Kelly's Carpet

Omaha Door & Window

McNeil Company Builders

Odermatt Floor Covering, Inc. 402.330.1682 www.odermattfloors.com

Overhead Door Company of Omaha

402/345.8466. 13th & Jackson St. nicolasintheoldmarket.com.

Thank You Omaha! follow us on

january/february | 2011

Kids know it’s FUN! Parents know it WORKS! Recent University Study: • No “bench time” -- everyone participates • Focus on academic achievement and discipline “Tae Kwon Do has been proven to effect • Environment of encouragement and respect positive change on academic grade performance • Health/fitness benefits through improved socialization skills, self• Builds self-esteem esteem and reduced fear of failure.” 180th and Center (Behind SuperTarget) 334-5425

124th and Maple (Across from Tranquility Park) 933-9444.

www.omahapublications.com

delivering solutions

for all your cleaning & restoration needs TOTAl ClEANING & RESTORATION RESIDENTIAl - COMMERCIAl - INDuSTRIAl

Disaster repair & Clean-Up Carpet, Furniture, Tile and Drapery Cleaning •Free Estimates •No Hidden Charges •Area & Oriental Rugs •Truck Mounted Power •Odor Removal •Environmentally Friendly Air Duct Cleaning • Helps control Dust & Dirt In Your Home or Office • Reduce Airborn Pollutants That Trigger Asthma and Allergic Reactions Fire and Water Damage Specialists • Mold and Mildew Prevention • Insurance Claims Welcome • Dehumidification Equipment • Mold & Odor Removal

331-1116

“Steamatic Does Not Telemarket”

www.SteamaticOmaha.com

Established 1986

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

8843 WASHINGTON CIR • OMAHA, NE 68127

Heating & Air Thanks for Voting Us in Show Pet S BestBest Pet Grooming Salonalon

A-1 United Heating & Air

’S

CIR

CLE

WINN RC

•

2011•

aksarben ARS Heating AC

Thermal Services 402.397.8100 www.thermalservices.com

Three Years in a Row! We Keep Your Dog Looking and Feeling Like it Just Stepped Into the Winner’s Circle

2758 S. 129th Ave. (132nd & Center) Montclair Shopping Center 402-884-7618

Go ahead, relax and enjoy life. Give you and your family the peace of mind they deserve with “Advanced Funeral Planning” Call today for your Pre-Planning Guide!

Home Accessories House of J Decor & Gifts 402.778.0650 www.houseofj.com Z Gallerie Gordmans

Home Audio Store Nebraska Furniture Mart Stereo West Home Theater Store The Sound Environment 402.391.3842 www.soundenvironment.com

DWORAK CHAPEL•16th & Vinton•346-1144 BELLEVUE MEM. CHAPEL•Bellevue•291-5000

Home Builder Hearthstone Homes Charleston Homes Heavican Homes 402.968.5545 www.heavicanhomesomaha.com

Thanks For Voting Us Best of Omaha!

Home Cleaning Service The Maids Maids & More Molly Maid of Central Omaha/CB

Thank You

Huerter Orthodontics 2410 South 73rd Street • Omaha, NE 68124 402.397.4226 • www.drtomortho.com

Ask us about Invisalign Teen Today!

to everyone who participated in this years Best of Omaha®. Next year's voting begins July 1, 2011!

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

ELECTRONICS DESIGN

& Installation Services

We’ll help you make your house a home. Twice Magazine, the leading trade magazine for electronics and appliances, has named Nebraska Furniture Mart

2010 Best Retailer

Electronics/Major Appliances

Source: Twice Magazine’s Excellence In Retailing Awards

One-stop shopping with more than 20 years experience means we can handle every aspect of your home project. • • • • • • • • • •

Home Theater Systems Whole House Audio and Video Distribution Pre-wiring for new or remodeled homes Home Networks Design Services Intercom Systems Surveillance Cameras Lighting Control Central Vacuum Systems Window Treatments

Thanks, Omaha - You’ve voted us the best!

For a free in-home consultation, contact us at omahainstall@nfm.com or visit us online at www.nfm.com/edic

Audio Video | Home Theater | Home Automation | Systems Integration | And More

Thanks Omaha for voting us Best of Omaha!

Home Inspection Service Amerispec Home Inspection Service 402.393.3696 www.amerispecne.com Home Buyers Protection Company ServiceOne

Home Remodeling RD Schuller Construction

Whole House Remodels Kitchen & Bath Remodels • New Custom Homes Lower Level Finishes • Additions Concrete Commercial & Residential

T. Hurt Construction, Inc. 402.510.9585 www.thurtconstruction.com KRT Construction Inc.

Interior Design Firm Interiors Joan and Associates 402.330.0685 www.interiorsbyjoan.com Interiors Design Firm 8529 Wirt Street • Omaha, NE 68134 402-510-9585 • www.thurtconstruction.com

Trees Shrubs Perennials Garden Center Lawn Care Design/Consultation Landscaping Bulk Materials

The Designers 402.498.8777 12123 Emmett Street

Irrigation Millard Sprinkler Inc. Nature's Helper, Inc 402.334.2625 www.NaturesHelperInc.com Hoich

Kitchen & Bath Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces — CKF Granite Transformations Ward's Kitchen and Bath

Landscaping Mulhall's 402.496.0700 www.mulhalls.com Lanoha Nurseries

www.RobertsLLN.com 4 Blocks North of 156th & Fort

402-551-3654

january/february | 2011

Carson Enterprises 402.676.5579 www.carsonenterprise.com

www.omahapublications.com

Quality Construction - Superior Service Family Owned and Operated

Peace of Mind

Come experience the quality of a truly custom home at a truly exceptional price. Homes starting in low $200s including lot and impressive standard features. Visit our models in Portal Ridge and Copperfields. Call Kristi for more information 402.968.5545 • www.heavicanhomesomaha.com

Results Matter!

rviceOne Se

Thank You Omaha for Voting Us First Place, Two Years in a Row ■

■ ■

“Wrinkles Welcome!”

’S

■

...Experience Rehabilitation at Its Finest

CIRCLE

WINNER

When Experience Counts... Care after total joint replacement Stroke recovery Strengthening after cancer treatment Care after surgery Recovery from a fall or extended illness

■

•

2 011 • W

One Simple Solution. APPLIANCES • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL HEATING & COOLING

339-HELP (4357) 600 Brookestone Meadows Plaza Elkhorn, NE 68022 | (402) 289-2696 ww.BrookestoneMeadows.com A Proud Member of the Vetter Health Services Family www.readonlinenow.com

Locally Owned & Operated Providing quality service for over 20 years.

www.serviceone.com januar y/februar y | 2011

Lawn Care TruGreen Roberts Nursery, Lawn & Landscaping

Proud to have roots in Omaha.

Heartland Lawns

Painter GERST Painting Inc. Painting, Wallpapering and Carpentry 402.289.1010 CertaPro Painters

In Omaha, our customers are our neighbors. Thanks for voting TruGreen “Best Lawn Care” in Omaha Magazine. And for recognizing that our business isn’t just lawn care, it’s customer care.

Harwood Services TG Logo Spot Color (PMS) version

TG Logo 4-Color (CMYK) version

Plumber

TG Logo 100% Black (K) and 45% of Black (K) version

Burton A/C Heating Plumbing & More TG Logo 100% Black (K) version

866 - TruGreen | trugreen.com C: 100% M: 0% Y: 91% K: 42%

C: 80% M: 0% Y: 90% K: 0%

Color Version: “TRU”, “LEAF” and “Go Greener” PMS: 349 / CMYK: C- 100%, M- 0%, Y- 91%, K-42% “GREEN” PMS: 354 / CMYK: C- 80%, M- 0%, Y- 90%, K-0%

C: 0% M: 0% Y: 0% K: 100%

C: 0% M: 0% Y: 0% K: 45%

Black and Grey Scale Version: “TRU”, “LEAF” and “Go Greener” 100% Black (K) “GREEN” 45% Black (K)

Thank You omaha VoTing us # 1 iT’s all abouT Color! for

Backlund Plumbing

TG Logo Reversed (white) against dark solid background.

C: 0% M: 0% Y: 0% K: 0%

ServiceOne

White Version: “TRU”, “LEAF”, “GREEN” and “Go Greener” CMYK- All 0%

Pools & Spas Superior Spa & Pool Continental Pool & Spa Classic Pool & Spa

Window Coverings A Well Dressed Window Budget Blinds JCPenny

The 7th Year in a Row

Windows & Doors Omaha Door & Window Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha & Lincoln Champion

www.Gerstcontracting.com

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Transform

Your Landscape

Value

Add

Thanks for choosing us for

Best Landscaping service!

Function

Add

Mulhallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Thanks Omaha for voting us best Home Remodeler!

Winner 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 MOBA Remodeler of the year State Remodeler of the year

120th & Maple

(402) 496â&#x20AC;&#x201C;0700 www.mulhalls.com

www.readonlinenow.com

Beauty

Add

januar y/februar y | 2011

Retail David Parsow

Parsow’s

"Many people want the comfort and trust that what they buy, and who they buy from, are well respected and established. Us being voted Best of Omaha® gives them that comfort. My father opened his first store in 1952 as a total stranger in Omaha. He instilled in us what hard work, excellent product and unsurpassed customer service will do in guaranteeing success. If needed, we offer at home/office appointments and same day tailoring, and our Made-to-Measure department is the finest in the Midwest. It gives me great satisfaction to know that from top to bottom, from our experienced sales and office staff to our inhouse tailor shop, we’re recognized, again, as the Best of Omaha®. Wherever I go, people come and congratulate me on what a wonderful accomplishment it is and how much they love continuing to shop at Parsow’s."

Antique Shop

Beer & Spirits Store

Consignment Store

Brass Armadillo

HyVee

Second Chance

Spirit World

Big Wheels 2 Butterfly's www.bigwheels2butterflys.com Esther's

Venice Antiques

Brix

Convenience Store

Florist

Grocery Store

QuikTrip

Stems at Countryside

HyVee

Kum & Go

Piccolo's Florist

Baker's

Bucky's

Janousek Florist

Bag N Save

Jewelry Store

Lingerie

Men's Apparel

Borsheims

Victoria's Secret

Brodkey's

Nouvelle Eve

14 Karat

Basic Tease Boutique

Parsow's Clothing & Sportswear 402.397.7900 www.parsows.com Lindley Clothing

Plato's Closet

Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

octo Gentle D BestrVAet nimal Ho Clinic spit

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Thank You Omaha! Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals Over 40 Years Experience in Quality Veterinary Care

201 • 1

’

153rd & Maple • 445-4400

•

W INNER ’S

WI N

R NE

- Our Mission -

To provide our patients with compassionate medical care of the highest quality in a friendly, caring environment by skilled employees, who are eager to provide extraordinary customer service.

120th & Blondo • 493-9650

Full Service Medial • Boarded Surgical Orthopedics • Dental Care Radiology • Cardiology Ultrasound • Endoscopy Boarding • Grooming “For more than forty years you have allowed the Gentle Doctor to care for your pets just as we care for our own.” — Dr. Bashara 89th & Grant 397-4344 • 120th & Blondo 493-9650 • 153rd & Maple 445-4400

www.gentledoctoranimalhospitals.com

89th & Grant • 397-4344 (1 Block North of 90th & Blondo)

After Hours Emergency 339-6232

Pawn Shop

Pet Store

Pharmacy

Sol's Jewelry & Loan

PetSmart

Walgreens

Mid-City Jewelry & Loan

Petco

HyVee

Easy Money Pawn Shop

Pets-R-Us

Kohl's

Thrift Store

Wine Store

Women's Boutique

Goodwill Industries

Brix

Nouvelle Eve

Thrift World

HyVee

BCBG

New Life Thrift

Spirit World

Kajoma's Fashion Boutique 402.991.4477 Friend us on Facebook!

Patients Appreciate the Wide Variety of Options. Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha®! ElsassEr ChiropraCtiC

• Omaha’s most experienced home inspection company. • Home Inspection • Radon & Mold Testing • ASHI® Certified Inspectors • Free 90-Day home warranty

Where good health and happiness start from within!

“29 Years Experience” Check out our website for special promotions! 11906 “I” Street • 402-333-0352 • www.elsasserchiropractic.com

Thanks for voting us Best of Omaha! 402-334-7926 • www.hbponline.com Patrick and Cherie Casey – owners

hoo C y h W

? t e e r B St

• Lifetime gauantee on all repairs • Enterprise rental on site

WEst LOCAt LOCA LOCAtIOn IOn 13222 F street • 333-9872

EAst LOCAtIOn 24th & Hamilton • 344-4471

eet Collision Ce B Str Best Auto Body Repair nter

’S

CIR

CLE

WINN

Open M-F 7am-7pm saturday 8am to nOOn

• Complimentary shuttle anywhere in the Omaha metro area • Free estimates

•

2011•

Open M-F 7:30am to 5:30pm

Two Convenient Locations to Serve You! Free Vehicle Interior/Exterior Detail Coupon With Any Repair

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

s Thanks for voting u ars in a row! Best Of Omaha 3 ye You’re the BEST!

A Must-See Boutique

Kajoma’s Gift Kards are the perfect Valentines gift.

2011 SUPER SALE

Thanks Omaha for voting Best of Omaha!

Starts Jan 3rd CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

June 3 - 5, 2011

25% Off one regular priced item!

Exp: 1/24/11 Limit one coupon per customer.

991.4477 | 84th & 1st St.

Downtown Papillion Open Mon-Sat at 10am

March 3 - 6, 2011

The Home and Garden Event Of The Year!

www.showofficeonline.com

Produced by: Mid-America Expositions 402.346.8003

Bigwheels 2 Butterflys Thank You For Voting Us Best of Omaha®!!!

Thanks Omaha!

Papillion Location & B2B Maternity NW corner of 72nd and 370 1219 Applewood Dr. • 991-1013

120 Regency Pkwy. Regency Court, Omaha 402.397.7900 www.parsows.com www.readonlinenow.com

Omaha Location Corner of 168th & Maple 3510 N. 167th Cir. • 502-5560 B2B Last Chance Clearance Center 11425 S. 72nd St. • 884-5010 Everything is $1.00!!!! www.bigwheels2butterflys.com januar y/februar y | 2011

Services Kermit Engh

Fashion Cleaners

“Being named Best of Omaha® has provided our customers a tremendous level of confidence in how we provide our service. And it is a wonderful reward to our employees, recognizing their hard work and dedication. Although many claim it, we do truly believe our customer service is beyond anyone else in our industry. We prove this through constant secret shopping of all our stores. We have also invested in the latest technology to enhance our customer experience and quality of our workmanship. This includes our adoption of the only environmentally friendly cleaning process in the metro area. And finally, the ultimate in customer convenience through our home valet delivery service. Add all this up and our customers feel special and cared for.”

Assisted Living Facility

Bank

Caterer

Elk Ridge Village Assisted Living 402.763.8692 www.ElkRidgeSeniorLiving.com Brookestone Village

First National Bank 402.346.FNBO www.firstnational.com Wells Fargo

Catering Creations 402.558.3202 www.cateringcreations.com Hap Abraham

Hillcrest County Esstates

Bank of the West

Attitude On Food

Child Care

Credit Union

Dry Cleaners

La Petite

Centris Federal Credit Union 402-334-7000 www.centrisfcu.org SAC Federal Credit Union

Fashion Cleaners 402.342.3491 www.fashioncleaners.com Max I Walker

Creighton Federal Credit Union

Nu Trend Dry Cleaners

Millard Learning Center Kinder Care Learning Centers

Maids Weekly, Biweekly, Monthly Special One Time Cleanings & More... Steam Cleaning Carpets Upholstery • Tile & Grout Wood Floor Rejuvenator “House For Sale” Cleaning Specialist

Call for Best of Omaha specials

402-572-6243

Same day and weekend availability

january/february | 2011

Thank You for Voting Us Best of Omaha® for 6 Years! www.omahapublications.com

Employer PayPal Union Pacific UNMC

Financial Planning Firm Feltz WealthPLAN Carson Wealth Management Group Orizon

Funeral Home

Opportunity Doesn’t Always Knock.

Sometimes it sounds a horn. Union Pacific is proud to be recognized by our hometown as a “Best in Omaha” employer. As the nation’s largest railroad, we offer a wide range of challenging, rewarding positions. Learn more at www.unionpacific.jobs.

Heafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries and Crematory John A Gentleman Mortuaries Roeder

In-Home Nursing Service Visiting Nurse Association Home Instead Senior Care Alegent

Internet Provider Cox Communications Qwest Windstream

Life/Health Insurance Co. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Mutual Of Omaha Physicians Mutual

Mortgage Lender www.up.com

First National Bank 402.346.FNBO www.firstnational.com Wells Fargo First Mortgage Company

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Feltz WealthPLAN Thank You Omaha Magazine Readers for once again Voting us Your #1 Financial Planning Firm!

101 s 108th avenue, 2nd floor • omaha, ne 68154 • www.feltzWP.com • 402.691.0200 Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor.

We oWe a big, tall thank you. First National Bank is proud to be named Best Bank and Best Mortgage Lender in Omaha Magazine’s “Best of Omaha” survey. Thank you, Omaha, for supporting us for over 150 years.

402.346.FNBO | firstnational.com | Member FDIC

www.readonlinenow.com

c_BestOfOmaha_BigTallThankYou_7.625x4.917.indd 1

januar y/februar y | 2011

11/29/10 9:45:38 AM

Thank you Omaha Magazine readers for voting Wells Fargo one of Omaha’s Best Banks and Mortgage Lenders*

Moving Company

Pet Grooming Salon

Pet Sitter

Two Men and A Truck

Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare 402.496.4005 www.barkavenueomaha.com Susie's Pet Grooming

Camp Bow Wow

Jim's Moving and Delivery 402.291.2490 www.jimsmovinginc.com Flat Rate Movers 402.709.0970 www.moveflatrate.com

My Pet Nanny Dogtopia of Omaha

Best in Show Pet Salon

Reception Venue

Retirement Community

Vet Clinic

Georgetowne Club 402.334.5446 www.brandeiscatering.com Joslyn Castle

Lakeside Village

Ralston Veterinary Clinic

Richmont Village

Gentle Doctor Animal Hospitals 402.445.4400 www.gentledoctoranimalhospitals.com Mobile Animal

The Durham Museum

Elk Ridge Village Active Retirement Community 402.763.8692 www.ElkRidgeSeniorLiving.com

“Winning ‘Best of Omaha®’ has definitely helped our business. It is nice to know that the people in Omaha believe in what we are doing here as a restaurant. The staff also benefits from this because it makes them that much prouder of where they work. It has also helped us in how we advertise. Being able to put the ‘Best of Omaha®’ logo on our print advertising may sway the reader to come in and try us. Thank you for allowing us to participate every year.” David Osborn — Mahogany Prime Steakhouse

Thank you for voting us Best Retirement Community of Omaha!

Every Immanuel Community is unique—because every Immanuel resident brings something unique to the community. We tailor our independent and assisted living to your unique needs and lifestyle. Our communities offer restaurant-style dining, a holistic approach to wellness and truly exceptional service.

www.immanuelcommunities.com

january/february | 2011

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Lexus Of Omaha Would Like To Say “Thank You” To Our Clients Who Have Helped Us In Winning The “Elite Of Lexus” Award For Customer Satisfaction 20 Years In A Row. Lexus Of Omaha Is 1 Of 3 Dealerships In The Country, Out Of 213 That Have Won This Prestigious Award Every Year It Has Been Available. You Have Also Voted Us Best Used Car Dealer And One Of The Best New Auto Dealers In The “Best Of Omaha” Poll for the Eighth Year in a Row.

Once Again, Thank You Omaha!

20-Time “Elite of Lexus” Winner For Customer Satisfaction

13025 W. Dodge Road • 333-6400 • 1-800-632-5398 VISIT US AT OUR WEB SITE: www.lexusofomaha.com

Transportation David Sothan

Apache Camper

“Being voted Best of Omaha® has not only given us increased respectability in the business community and the Omaha area, but it has been a huge boost to the morale of the employees who sometimes wonder whether their efforts are appreciated. I also feel that the Best of Omaha® designation gives our customers the assurance that they will be offered the best service and the best products available in the area. The first time we were voted Best of Omaha®, we didn’t even know that RV dealer had become a new category. We were amazed and so very excited the day that we got the letter in the mail – and you know what? That feeling has just gotten better over time. We would really like to thank our customers for voting for us and giving us Omaha’s most recognized seal of approval."

Thanks for voting us

Best of Omaha 2011!

(402) 334-2625 NaturesHelperInc.com Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured

2129 S. 156th Circle • Omaha NE 68130

Omaha’s Water-Efficiency Experts!

THANK YOU OMAHA! VOTING US #1 AGAIN THIS YEAR!

www.midtowncrossing.com Text TAN to 366948 for Mobile Alerts Message & Data Rates Apply

11 Omaha Area Locations No Appointment Tanning • 7 Days a Week

www. as hl e yl ynns t anning. com

january/february | 2011

Thank you!

Midtown Crossing wins Best of Omaha’s “Best Condos" and “Best Apartments” 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Auto Body Repair Dingman's Collision Center 3 Locations in Omaha www.dingmans.com Dave's Auto Body Co. B Street Collision Center

Auto Glass Safelite Metro Glass Viking Glass

Boat Dealer Omaha Marine Center Valley Marine SeaLand Marine & Recreation

Brake Service Jensen Tire & Auto Walker Tire & Auto Service

3rd

Opening Our Location January 2011 To Better Serve You! Southwest Corner of 144th & Industrial Rd 402-502-8757

Midas

Car Stereo Store Stereo West Auto Toys Best Buy Nebraska Furniture Mart

Car Tire Service Jensen Tire & Auto Walker Tire & Auto Service

Thank you for voting st us 1 place six straight years. 402.502.5511 Southwest corner of 120th & Maple

402-502-8757 402.558.3500 Southwest Corner Corner of of 144th & 50th & South Industrial Rd Saddlecreek www.dingmans.com

“We’d Rather Be The Best Than Apologize for Anything Less.” 82

january/february | 2011

Midwest Tire

View all the Best of Omaha®

winners since 1992 on www.BestOfOmaha.com! www.omahapublications.com

Thanks Omaha fOr chOOsing us YOur #1 mOving cOmpanY . . . We offer a full line of moving-related services that can be customized to fit your needs.

CHECK OUT readonlinenow.com FOR OMAHA PUBLICATIONS STABLE OF MAGAZINES ON THE WEB.

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THE KNOW-IT-ALL PAGE 34

BUY OMAHA Celebrating, Empowering, Inspiring... Profiles

the Women of Omaha.

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Omaha marine Center

Car Wash Fantasy's Inc. Russell Speeder's Car Wash Dolphins Touchless Car Wash

Exhaust & Muffler Service

Nebraska’s besT Full service boaT Dealer! 96th & L st. • 402-339-9600 • www.OmahamarineCenter.COm

Thank You for Voting us #1 Five Years in a Row!

House of Mufflers & Brakes Jensen Tire & Auto Mad Hatter

General Auto Repair Jensen Tire & Auto Walker Tire & Auto Service Exclusive Repair, Specializing in Honda & Acura

1120 Fort Crook road Bellevue, Ne 68005 800-756-7344 402-292-1455 www.apaCheCamper.Com www.apa

hwy 77 saltillo rd liNColN, Ne 68430 800-753-9158

Motorcycle Dealer Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson Holstein's Harley-Davidson BMW Motorcycles of Omaha

(402) 345-1400 Celebrating

20 Years! 1811 St. Mary’s Ave.

Just West of the Old Market

New Car Dealer Expires 2/28/11

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Community is something all of us believe in. Thank you for believing in us, Omaha.

Woodhouse Auto Family 800.889.1893 www.woodhouse.com Performance Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Inc. Lexus Of Omaha

Thank You

to everyone who participated in this years Best of Omaha®. Next year's voting begins July 1, 2011!

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Thank You Omaha! Exclusive Repair

continues to grow due to our customer referrals. We sincerely thank you for recommending us. Honda

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4420 Leavenworth Street • Omaha, NE 68105 • 402-551-3015 • Hours: 7am-5pm, Mon.-Fri.

Specializing in Honda & acura repair for almost 30 years. Its been our pleasure serving the omaha Metro area.

Oil Change Jiffy Lube Jensen Tire & Auto Valvoline Instant Oil Change

RV Dealer Apache Camper Center A.C. Nelsen RV World Leach Camper Sales Inc

Travel Agency Travel and Transport 402.399.4500 www.tandt.com AAA Travel Enchanted Honeymoons Travel

Crab Legs Every Friday and Saturday Night! 3605 North 147th St. Omaha, NE (402) 496-1199

737 North 114th St. Omaha, NE (402) 498-3868

2903 Samson Way Bellevue, NE (402) 292-2944

Used Car Dealer Lexus Of Omaha H&H Chevrolet Superior Honda

Check out www.ReadOnlineNow.com

where you can download and email pages to your friends!

Eight Years in a Row

january/february | 2011

www.omahapublications.com

Thank You for voting us the BEST travel agency in Omaha!

For 64 years, Omaha has turned to Travel and Transport and Travel and Transport Vacations for our proven capabilities in travel planning and management. From our innovative corporate travel management solutions, to our expertise in planning unforgettable vacations, our employee-owners are dedicated to bringing the best of both worlds to the travelers and businesses of Omaha!

402.399.4500 Headquarters: 72nd & Mercy www.tandt.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.tandtvacations.com Look for us on Facebook and Twitter.

Thank You omaha! Burton Plumbing has been voted #1 in the Plumbing category for the 8th year in a row thanks to you!

January/February 2011

Country Retreat

Green Revival

ASID's Beth Settles

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Inspiration • Innovation • Design Ideas

In the Design Gallery at Nebraska Furniture Mart, our designers understand that a house should be glamorous, comfortable and easy to live in. It should also reflect your personality and lifestyle. Working with you in our store or in your home, our design professionals can help you transform your rooms into a fitting expression of your style. Our design professionals are not only innovative, but have access and extensive knowledge of our eclectic selection of home furnishings — from living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms to window treatments and more.

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OMAHA HOME: from the editor JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 VOLUME 1 • ISSU E 1 publisher

A New

todd lemke

‘Home’

managing editor

corey ross city editor

sandra lemke assistant editor

linda persigehl art director/graphic design

matt jensen assistant graphic design

john gawley arts editor

kim carpenter photography

image director: bill sitzmann head photographer: philip s. drickey technical advisor

tyler lemke contributing writers

leo adam biga • molly garriott heather lane • wendy townley judy horan • niz proskocil jan & dave faulkner mike becker • charlie santmire vice president

greg bruns account executives

g w e n l e m k e • gil cohen vick i voet • stacey penrod sales associates

alicia smith hollins • dara newson katie anderson FOR ADVERTISING SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

402.884.2000

To subscribe to

Omaha Magazine go to:

To Call Our Own

Welcome to OMAHA HOME. OMAHA HOME is Omaha Magazine’s newly expanded home section. Many of you are receiving this as part of your regular Omaha Magazine, but you may also have picked this up at racks of home-related businesses around Omaha. This “expanded” distribution is one of the two ways our section has expanded, the other being by going from six pages to 36. You’ll still find the familiar Omaha home section feature staples of At Home and Transformations, but now you’ll also discover many other home-related articles designed to “expand’ you home experience. The content of OMAHA HOME is a mix of home profiles, trend stories, humaninterest pieces and columns all centered around the home. This issue’s cover home is a striking new home in the Omaha countryside that has a bit of the look of a Colorado ski lodge. Our four-page At Home spread gives a look at the prominent features of the home and some insight into its design and intent. At Home and Transformations are the familiar features in Omaha Home that long-time Omaha Magazine readers will recognize. New to home are such things as: a home entertaining feature; stories on home trends and green design; profiles of architect Suzan Rohrig and designer Beth Settles of Interiors Joan and Associates; and a pet feature. The driving force behind our new home section is Stacey Penrod, formerly of the Omaha World-Herald. Thanks to Stacey’s contacts and background in home-related publications, we're able to craft an informative section that presents a great complement to the rest of Omaha Magazine. OMAHA HOME will grow and evolve with the change of the seasons and the holidays to keep you informed and inspired about ways to improve your own living environment. We look forward to welcoming you back to OMAHA HOME for many issues to come. Stacey Penrod

omahapublications.com Comments? Send your letter to the editor to: letters@omahapublications.com All versions of Omaha Magazine are published bimonthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. Subscription rates: $19.95 for 6 issues (one year), $24.95 for 12 issues (two years). No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Best of Omaha®™ is a registered tradename of Omaha Magazine.

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD www.readonlinenow.com

Sincerely,

Corey Ross Managing Editor Omaha Publications corey@omahapublications.com januar y/februar y | 2011

OMAHA HOME: contents

FEATURES At Home: Country Retreat … H8 Trends: New in 2011 … H12 Entertaining: Party with a Purpose … H16 Architect profile: Suzan Rohrig … H20

New stores: The Afternoon, Tweed Couch, Pearson & Company … H22 Designer profile: Beth Settles … H24 Transformations: Condo Conversion … H26 Green design: Green Revival … H32 Pets: Pampered Poodles … H34

COLUMNS Real Estate: Tips for Selling Your Home During Winter Months … H19 Tech: Wireless Music in the Home … H21 Mortgage: Fundamentals of Buying a Home … H31

Cut Home Heating costs Forever!

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Call Now for a FREE In-home Consultation! 491-0800 • 709 N. 132nd St. (next to Hy-Vee)

www.claxtonfireplace.com M-f 10-6Sat 9-2

january/february | 2011

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ReAlize yOuR dReAMs fAsteR. With home Loan express. If you’re in the market for a home, let First National Bank help. With our Home Loan Express, On-Time Guarantee, we promise to complete your home loan in 30 days or less.* If we don’t, we’ll pay you up to $500. So not only do you get quick approval, but you’ll have fewer worries and fewer last-minute surprises. We can also help you get pre-approved and guide you through the entire home-buying process. For expert and quick home loan service, choose First National Bank. To apply or for more information, call 402.602.5626 or visit firstnational.com today.

36 area locations | 402.602.5626 | firstnational.com | Member FDIC

* Some limitations apply. Contact a First National Bank Home Mortgage Specialist for full details on guarantee terms and conditions.

OMAHA HOME: at home Story by Molly Garriott Photos by Kameron Bayne Images, Inc.

Country

Retreat

january/february | 2010

www.omahapublications.com

When Aaron Carlson’s client wanted to leave the congestion of urban living behind and create a rural retreat, she did not want to start from scratch completely. But nor did she want to plunk her contemporary style home in the middle of the countryside, like the mirror image of the country cousin thrust upon the big city. The result would be awkward and incongruous. So Carlson, owner of Aaron Carlson Design, and Marshall Wallman, Vice President of Design with Curt Hofer and Associates’ design build firm, hammered out a plan to blend the sleek appeal of contemporary style with the rustic charm of what Carlson calls “the lodge look.” The effect is rural ruggedness wedded to contemporary chic, a case of opposites attract in the decorating and design worlds. The setting shift from city to country was a significant change that warranted some new furnishings and treatments. But it was important to the homeowners to use as many existing pieces from their former homes as possible. Doing so offered continuity. Much of their modern art settled comfortably into their new digs with their new “neighbors.” One striking example of continued on next page

www.readonlinenow.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

OMAHA HOME: at home

H10

january/february | 2010

www.omahapublications.com

Thank You Omaha!

Norm's Door S Best Gara ervic ge Do e, or I

nc.

W IN E

•

20 11 •

www.readonlinenow.com

IR NER ’S C

pairing old and new is the combination of an abstract oil in brilliant shades of blue, orange, and purple over a table fashioned from the trunk and limbs of an old tree. They serve as asymmetrical legs which support a glass table top. The effect is dramatic because it is unexpected. Wallman was the principal builder on this project. He repeatedly used reclaimed wood throughout the house to soften its new construction feel and keep in tune with the home’s natural surroundings. In the master bedroom, a false half wall of recycled barn siding is reborn as the bed’s backboard. Reclaimed barn doors were set on tracks to create sliding doors for the closet and as a division between master bedroom and master bath. The kitchen cabinets are also fashioned from reclaimed wood. Wallman admits that using recycled wood is not the easiest route to go, especially on a scale this size. “It takes a while to dig around to find reclaimed wood,” he asserts. Even then, it is not perfectly preserved, just waiting to be given new life. Nails have to been extracted. It needs to be cleaned, then brushed and finally sealed. It took Marshall about a year to find all the materials for this project. Reclaimed wood found a new home in the kitchen as well. Marshall stumbled upon the hand-hewn beams now suspended from the ceiling in a salvage yard. Not merely added for architectural interest, the beams blend function with beauty in what Marshall calls a “one of a kind application.” Carved into each beam are recessed lights. Another innovative use of unexpected materials is the animal skin wall in the home’s office. Carlson mounted 6x6 inch raw hide squares on a magnetic board, creating a mosaic tribute to cattle country. The homeowners wanted their residence to be pure Nebraska, not an imitation of a mountain cabin. With details like the raw hide wall, the barn siding, and Native American accents, they were able to achieve their goal. What Carlson calls the “textures of the space”- the Navaho rugs, the stone fireplaces, the floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the out of doors inside-give the home its striking style. It’s a country retreat with all the urban amenities. And then some.

WI NN

’S

Residential & Commercial infrared inspections and repairs. www.thermascansolutions.com

Call

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januar y/februar y | 2011

H11

OMAHA HOME: trends Story by Wendy Townley Photos by ?????

What's Hot for 2011 Area Experts Weigh in on What's New for the Bathroom, Kitchen and Other Areas of the Home.

With the arrival of a new year comes resolutions to make personal and professional changes. New calendars begin with the promise of upcoming events. Closets are purged and cabinets are cleaned. And let’s not skim over the eternally popular mantra of I Will Get In Shape This Year. While changes are aplenty every January, one transformation many homeowners lean toward is their spaces. Once the last holiday ornaments are stashed away for another 10 months, what remains is a clean slate that’s often due for an at-home makeover. A number of industries are seeing new home trends for the new year. One of the main reasons: Americans still continue the “nesting” trend, and find value in investing dollars – both large and

H12

january/february | 2011

small – back into the places they call home. “People have decided that if they are going to stay in their homes, they want to enjoy them,” said Barb Ganey of Kitchens and Baths by Briggs. “And that usually means updating one room at a time.” The bathroom – one of the home’s most luxurious sanctuaries – is witness to several trends for 2011 that improve the overall look and feel of this very necessary space. Ganey says that while brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and chrome remain dominant finishes for faucets, warm finishes are making a return. Warm finishes can range from brushed bronze, brushed gold and even polished gold. “These finishes tie into the concept that faucets can be considered bathroom jewelry,” Ganey explains. “The faucets and towel bars have even become strong decorating accents.” For homeowners who want a renovated bathroom on a budget, start first with the faucets. Another relatively easy way to give any room a facelift is through a little elbow grease and a fresh coat (or two) of paint. Sandy AgarStudelska of Diamond Vogel Paint and Decorating (formerly Tretiak’s) says today’s homeowners look for longevity in paint color. While the phrase “trendy” doesn’t always pass their lips, homeowners want tried-and-true classic colors that have been updated. “Think wide stripes, damasks and paisleys,” Agar-Studelska says. “And while we are seeing colors brightening in intensity, soft muted colors and neutrals are being used most in our local markets.” www.omahapublications.com

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Agar-Studelska adds that those neutrals are gray and warmer hues, while colors that occur naturally in nature are also a new, stronger focus. “Colors like blues from the sea and the sky, and greens, orange/red and purples from trees and plants are soothing and peaceful,” Agar-Studelska says. Natural hues are even finding their way to the floors. Today’s homeowners are choosing hardwoods in Birch, Hickory, Maple and even Acacia, says Darren McKean of McKean’s Floor to Ceiling. Some flooring designs are incorporating tile, which has also found its way to walls with colorful glass accents for added impact, McKean adds. “Consumers are updating their existing homes instead of building new homes,” McKean says. “New countertops, cabinets, flooring, plumbing fixtures and appliances seem to be where today’s families are spending their money. The homeowners want an updated home that makes them feel good.” Adam Patrick of Ferguson Enterprises says steam is the buzz word for 2011. Today’s appliances incorporate steam as a highly sanitary cleansing process, often used to loosen baked-on soils in dishwashers and ovens; lift soils from clothing in the washer; and refresh and de-wrinkle apparel in the dryer. When it comes to cooking, steam is a healthy alternative to microwaving and boiling, as it helps to retain the vitamins and nutrients in vegetables, Patrick explains. “Any food that can benefit from moisture-based cooking sources does very well in steam ovens and steamers built into the countertop,” Patrick says. Energy is also very important to today’s families, Patrick adds, and the appliance industry has responded by developing green products in most every category of kitchen appliance. Fireplaces have received a makeover, explains Kim Cahoy of Consolidated Kitchens and Fireplaces. More traditional designs are today being replaced with fireplace units that are more contemporary and linear, with stones or crystals in place of traditional log sets often found in fireplaces. With kitchen cabinetry, Cahoy says homeowners want functionality and the

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maximization of usable space. Features such as rollout trays, trash bin pullouts, spice racks and even recycling centers are gaining popularity in today’s kitchen remodel projects. “Consumers want more bang for their buck, and increased organization and functionality can help families run their household more efficiently,” Cahoy adds. Interior designers agree that when a room’s design elements are in order, the most important component – lighting, which spotlights the décor – is often overlooked. Denise Lane of Echo Lighting Design Gallery says homeowners are opting for more streamlined lighting with straighter, cleaner lines. “These designs give the look of being more timeless,” Lane explains. Satin nickel remains popular in light fixtures, but painted finishes in warmer hues are also gaining traction, as are chrome, older bronze and antique pewter. And the chandelier – featuring more casual and contemporary styles – is moving out of the foyer and dining room, and into bathrooms, bedrooms and even oversized closets, Lane says. Engineered granite countertops, such as those offered by Granite Transformations, are a popular trend for homeowners seeking a facelift in their kitchens, bathrooms and even basement recreation areas. Nicole Neesen of Granite Transformations says engineered granite countertops – those made with 95 percent natural products and 5 percent polymers – give homeowners an opportunity to be more adventurous. Today’s countertops are offered in a variety of colors, including golds and browns, but also in grays and blacks, which are making a comeback. Countertops installed over existing surfaces are kinder on the home and the environment, Neesen says. “And there’s less of a mess,” Neesen adds. “Innovation and technology allow people to remodel their homes with more ease.” New countertops aren’t just being installed in bathrooms, however. Neesen says homeowners are opting for finer surfaces in their home offices, laundry rooms and even around existing fireplaces. www.omahapublications.com

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OMAHA HOME: entertaining Story by Linda Persigehl Photos by John Gawley

Party With A Purpose

Fall-themed Centerpieces and Delectable Desserts Greet Duchesne Fundraiser Guests

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january/february | 2010

www.omahapublications.com

Seated, Lucille Marchese Circo; Standing at right, Michelle Circo Morrison; Standing at left, Gina Morrison McDevitt; and Lucille Elizabeth McDevitt, 10 mos.

Hosting a Duchesne Academy patron party seemed an ideal fit for Michelle Morrison, wife of Dr. Michael Morrison and a Duchesne alum and parent. “It was the perfect way for my family to give back, and to show our strong support. As an educator myself, I strongly believe in Duchesne’s philosophy on education, and want to see it continue to thrive.” In excess of $10,000 was raised at the November fundraising party held at the Morrison's home. The money will go toward underwriting Duchesne's major 2011 fundraiser, a dinner and auction entitled “Vive Le Congé,” in January. According to continued on next page www.readonlinenow.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

H17 17

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Meghan Conway Rowen, Duchesne’s director of alumnae and special events, the night will be a celebration of the beauty and gifts of Duchesne’s rich French tradition. More than 100 were in attendance, including four generations of Circo women. (See photo on page H17. ) All three women are alumnae. Gina McDevitt is also president of the Duchesne Alumnae Board. Several other Duchesne patrons contributed their talents to the event, Morrison said. Floral designer Larry Buckley from Mulhall’s Nursery arranged all the autumnthemed centerpieces, candles and fall foliage décor. Pier and Sean Mulhall, Duchesne parents, are co-chairs of Congé 2011. “Desserts were home-made by Patricia Shea Longacre,” Morrison said. “She has two daughters at Duchesne, and her mother was an alum.” Among her offerings were Sinful White Chocolate Raspberry Bars (see recipe on facing page), and Triple Chocolate Crème Brownies. Alumnae Irene Harvey Ramsey made an array of decorative cookies, while most of the dishes were catered by alum Jenny O’Connor Warren. One of the focal points of the main table was a pair of candlesticks, given to Michael and Michelle Morrison as a wedding gift. “I chose the pattern 36 years ago, because I was drawn to their elegant French design,” Morrison said. Speaking of the Morrison party, Rowen said, “People look forward to these [underwriting] events. Those that can’t attend Congé come to this, especially older alumni. It was a beautiful event…very festive and inviting!” www.omahapublications.com

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OMAHA HOME: real estate

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Tips For Selling Your Home During Winter Months

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Nebraska winters can be particularly challenging when you are trying to sell your home. It requires an additional set of rules when you have to contend with the unpredictability of freezing temperatures along with snow and ice. First and foremost, a home seller needs to be aware of personal safety of folks visiting their home during an open house or scheduled showings. Driveways and sidewalks need to be free from any potential slipping hazards. Once areas are cleared, salt or sand can be used for added traction. It is a good idea to have lots of “runners” on the front step entrance and the interior entry to make sure hardwood floors and carpets are not damaged if people do not remove their shoes. The exterior of the home also needs some additional attention. Ice can collect in the gutters causing a particular problem. As the ice begins to melt, the water can back up under the roof shingles. If the gutters are not clear, water could leak into the interior of the home and result in damage to walls and windows. The gutters should be clear of leaves or other debris so the ice melt has a clear path to the down spouts. If the home is vacant, be sure to have the heat turned up to a reasonable level so potential buyers are comfortable during their visit. It also insures that there is sufficient warmth in the home to protect against frozen pipes. A seasonal furnace check is also a good idea to make sure it is in good condition and operating correctly. Another option is to have a licensed plumber winterize the home. januar y/februar y | 2011

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OMAHA HOME: architect | builder | remodeler profile Story by Leo Adam Biga Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Coming from a family with five generations of physicians, Suzan Karrer Rohrig said she naturally thought about following that path, but architecture, not medicine, captured her imagination. “I love what I do,” said Rohrig, a residential architect who does remodels, additions and new homes. She found herself among only a handful of women studying architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the 1970s, where an advisor discouraged her from pursuing the field. Her folks were supportive, but she said it was the words of a young surgeon who worked in her father’s practice that inspired her to continue. “He said, ‘Don’t let anybody tell you what you can’t do.’” She began her career at prestigious HDR doing building architecture. When she and her husband, Brad Rohrig, started a family, she worked part time. Desiring more flextime, she left HDR to join Bruce Frasier, a residential architect. “I appreciated him so much,” she said of Frasier, whom she considers a mentor. After 14 years with Frasier, she went on her own in 1997. Architect Toby Paul works with her today. “We do beginning to end, full service,” she said. “That way, I think people get a better product.” She describes her guiding principles as “well-crafted, timeless architecture with thoughtful design, creating balance between design excellence, functional programming, aesthetics and budget.” If she has a niche, it’s for doing additions or remodels, when only the right details will do for accentuating the character of the house and environment. With remodels, “It’s more of a puzzle, and actually I love the puzzle. That’s the fun.” Whatever the job, there are constraints. Always budget. On additions or remodels, the goal is making the finished product look like it’s always been there. Then there’s the personality of clients. “Part of my job is therapist,” she said. “Typically it’s a couple I’m working with. Sometimes their priorities are at opposite ends, and you have to kind of bring that together.” At the end of the day, her design must serve the client. “Any architect that tries to make a project a portrait of themselves is highly mistaken.” View a gallery of her work at skrohrigaia.com

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january/february | 2010

Architectural

TOUCH

Suzan Karrer Rohrig www.omahapublications.com

OMAHA HOME: tech Story by: Charlie Santmire, President, The Sound Environment

Wireless Music in the Home

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One of the latest concepts in home entertainment is wireless music distribution. The big benefit is that with wireless, systems can easily fit into existing homes without major destruction and the cost of running wires. If you want to create a multi-room system, you can add rooms at any time, and each room can play the same or different music. Some wireless products have been on the market long enough to have proven solid performance and reliability. Wireless music systems can provide music in either one room or many, and need not involve your Wi-Fi network. That’s an important consideration because it keeps the music stream from being interrupted by traffic on your network and leaves your network free for other purposes. Sources can range from music stored on your computer or iPod, to Internet radio and online music services such as Rhapsody. Some of these online services are free. They allow you to stream music that you have selected directly to your system. These systems have great flexibility. They include small single box systems that can operate on their own internal battery for several hours before recharging. They can also be carried from room to room easily and have surprisingly good sound. Other systems can connect directly to your existing stereo or home theater system with your choice of speakers. Different versions can be created for different rooms, i.e. ultra compact for the master bath, or with larger speakers for room-filling sound in the great room. Wireless systems start from a few hundred dollars, and are available from manufacturers such as Sonos, Arcam (the rCube), AktiMate and Tivoli, among others. For more information on choosing the right wireless music system for your home, go to www.sonos.com or www.arcam.co.uk/. januar y/februar y | 2011

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OMAHA HOME: new on the homefront Story by Heather Heier Lane Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

New on the Block When shopping for something special, you need special places to shop. Three new Omaha retail stores offer up something new for a decorator’s delight!

The Afternoon

Open since November, and located in Midtown Crossing, The Afternoon is a store that is filled with what can best be described as a mix of fine art objects and eclectic gifts—all the fun stuff you never knew you needed, until you saw it. The Afternoon first opened in 1962 as an art gallery that also showcased a few worldly goods, and with the new Midtown location, there are now two stores in Omaha. From the beginning they offered distinctive items, and it is clear when walking into the new store that if you’re in the market for a gift, you need look no further. With five buyers working to keep the inventory fresh and fun, The Afternoon is filled with an array of items ranging from jewelry, accessories, books, and crazy kitchen gadgets, to artisan glass, contemporary furniture, and collectibles. It is almost impossible to imagine another place where you can buy a Vita Mix blender (the kind where you can make a smoothie or a hot cup of soup), an enormous spatula (big enough to tackle even the largest flapjacks), a Blu Dot chair (affordable contemporary furnishings for home or office), and Aticus (a robot made from reclaimed parts). Let’s just say Michelle Massey, senior manager and buyer, isn’t kidding when she says, “We have a little bit of everything.” The Afternoon at Midtown Crossing is located at 3157 Farnam Street. The other Omaha store is at Westroads Mall, with another a little further north at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. Visit the website at www.theafternoon.com.

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january/february | 2011

Tweed Couch

If you are looking for some design help, a dash of inspiration, or even a new friend, perhaps you should head over to Tweed Couch in Rockbrook Village. Diane Flynn, the kind of woman who can talk to anyone, opened her store last October and is looking forward to helping clients find their personal interior design style, and tutoring them in the art of falling in love with their surroundings again. Always artistic, Flynn gleaned her design style from her childhood on a farm in Emerson, Neb. Raised with meager means, Flynn’s mother taught her the value of making things for yourself, and always told her daughter that if you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it happen. Thanks to that advice, you can now shop in what is likely a slice of Flynn’s living room. Not stuffy or at all boardnig, Tweed Couch is filled with new pieces and vintage treasures. You will find beautiful statement pillows next to an old table that has been made into a game table. There are enormous Monopoly pieces and reupholstered antique chairs. Flynn is filling her shop with items that are unique to Omaha and will only carry one or two of each item, so people can rest assured they will not find the exact same stuff at their neighbor’s house or across town. Flynn is friendly, has vision, and can help you make a room comfy and fun with some of the stuff you already have, plus a few new additions. Tweed Couch is located in Rockbrook Village at 2806 S. 110th Court, Omaha. Call 402.502.3736, or www. tweedcouch.com.

www.omahapublications.com

Pearson & Company

As realtors, Nancy and JD Erb know what it takes to make a house sell. So it makes perfect sense that they are now selling furniture and home accessories in their new store, Pearson & Company. Large artwork lines the walls, elaborate furniture surrounds the floor, and if you

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are looking for a Dash and Albert rug, this is the only place in town to get one. What really makes Pearson & Company special is their selection of unique, oneof-a-kind furniture. They have a blend of new and old pieces, including an 1890’s mahogany bench from the Philippines, a couple of armoires made of Colonial doors from Mexico, and an Indian Wedding Bed. They also feature repurposed furniture from a local artist—think a door made into a table or a chair made of barn wood. This is not where you go to find something specific you found at a mall, this is where you go searching for statement pieces. “We may not have the same thing twice, but it is great because we always bring in new stuff,” says Nancy. The store has a definitive rustic feel and it is Nancy’s goal to show people how they can blend rustic pieces with any décor. So why wait to stage your house until you are trying to sell it? Visit Pearson & Company and let them help you stage something you want to come home to everyday. Pearson & Company is located in The Shops of Legacy, at 16939 Wright Plaza. Check out their website at www.pearsonandcompany.com. www.readonlinenow.com

MAKE YOUR NEIGHBORS JEALOUS.

402.331.4062 • 10811 Harrison St., Omaha, NE • www.mckeans.com flooring, cabinets, countertops, ceramic tile, window treatments, plumbing fixtures, design services & more! januar y/februar y | 2011

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OMAHA HOME: design profile Story by Linda Persigehl Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Beth Settles, ASID

Interior Designer Interiors Joan & Associates

Designer Beth Settles, Allied Member ASID, has been an interior designer with Interiors Joan & Associates for over 22 years. She was recently awarded the GOLD AWARD for the 2010 NE/IA ASID Project Awards, Residential Singular Space Category, for her design of the kitchen remodel of a private residence. We asked Settles to tell us a bit about herself, her home, and what inspires her personal decorating style. H24

january/february | 2010

About Me

I grew up on a farm between Tekamah and Herman, Neb. My husband, Dallas, and I have been married for 24 years. I live in northwest Omaha on a golf course with our 3 cats, Max, Iris and Lilly.

My Home

We live in an eclectic ranch style home. Our furnishings are a mix of transitional and classic contemporary. The homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s color pallet includes shades of tans and browns with accents in citrus green, orange and amethyst. Colorful, contemporary original artwork and fun accessories bring the house to life. www.omahapublications.com

My Favorite Home Space

The kitchen hearth room. We both enjoy cooking, and it works extremely well for socializing. The focal point in the hearth room is the custom-made fireplace. The flat-screen TV becomes the focal point on Husker football and college basketball game days! We also enjoy sitting on our stamped concrete patio listening to our bubbling boulder water feature.

Hobbies

Golfing, knitting and working with several non-profit organizations. I just finished chairing the St. Andrews United Methodist Auction, Dinner and Dance, “Midnight in Paris.”

the best neighborhood specialists

Things I Collect

the best professionals

Interesting and unique plates that range from colorful, contemporary fruits and flowers to shoes, displayed on top of our cherry kitchen cabinets. I also enjoy decorating for Christmas. We have a very extensive collection of Dickens Village.

DIY Decorating Advice

I recommend a fresh coat of paint to make an impact in your home. www.readonlinenow.com

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H25

OMAHA HOME: Transformations

Condo Conversion

Story by Susan T. McMannama, ASID

A Paxton pad is converted into a warm, inviting space

Artfully placed lighting

elevates the mood

and adds sparkle to the

rich dark colors

in the living room and dining room.

H26

january/february | 2010

www.omahapublications.com

Moving to Omaha from Alabama for a four-year consulting position would seem a bit daunting for most, especially in the dead of winter. But as those four years come to a close, the owners of this 1,400-squarefoot condominium at the Historic Paxton in downtown Omaha are saddened to leave their newly adopted city, and the many life-long friends they have met along the way.

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Paxton Interior Designer Susan T. McMannama, ASID, worked with her clients to create a luxuriously appointed home that is comfortable, warm, spacious and personal, out of a basic floor plan and concrete walls. Choosing a color palette of chocolate brown, midnight blue, amber and cream, along with chrome, clear glass and mirror as the accents, started the process. The designer and clients spent the next few months searching for just the right furnishings and accessories to complete the design. Walking through the front door into the condo vestibule, with midnight blue walls and dark mahogany wood floors, visitors are greeted with the warmth of the homeowners’ personalities. A custom-made shelf designed by Susan McMannama, ASID, offering a place for keys and mail, also holds a treasured cloisonné lamp. Ivory, cream and white wash the guest bath and bedroom off of the entry with light and airiness. In the bedroom, a white lacquered day bed with a trundle welcomes guests, while keeping floor space continued on next page www.readonlinenow.com

januar y/februar y | 2011

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OMAHA HOME: Transformations

Rich dark paneled

wall with attached

night stands visually

expands the bedroom H28

january/february | 2010

www.omahapublications.com

to a maximum. Dual white Parsons tables serve as desks; the leather and chrome chairs can be pulled over to the day bed for conversations. The adjoining bathroom is elegant with its crisp white subway tile and European-styled plumbing fixtures. The main living area is open, consisting of sitting and dining areas. Chocolate brown velvet upholstery on the sectional is paired with amber colored suede chairs, wool and silk covered pillows and a cream shag area rug. A multi-tiered cocktail table shows off the clients’ personal treasures. Goblet-pleated taffeta draperies trimmed with sumptuous ball and tassel fringe frame the view to the south. Richly textured brown and amber grass cloth glows on the fireplace wall, and is the perfect background for Omaha artist Dan Boylan’s city-scape painting. A custom mirrored shelf also designed by McMannama anchors the television. The clients love of entertaining is met with the use of the dark wood square dining table! With the need for extra storage, a traditional sideboard also serves as a buffet when needed. The clear glass chandelier adds the sparkle the clients love, while the patterned fabric on the dining chairs complement the color scheme With the opening of the Crane Coffee restaurant on the first floor of the Paxton, the kitchen area is getting less use! Natural maple cabinets and Venetian Gold granite complement the stainless steel appliances, while the ribbed glass cabinet doors play off the clear glass backsplash. A glass sculpture purchased at the downtown art fair has been installed above the cook top. The master bedroom posed another challenge – how to incorporate a king size bed in an 11’ wide space. The solution: build a paneled “headboard” with wall hung night stands, adding a bench at the foot of the bed for storage. A monogrammed duvet with a down comforter graces the bed, along with a “mink” throw. Pale silverblue walls in the bedroom and master bath coordinate with the blue pearl granite counter tops and the multi-colored glass tile installed as an accent in the shower and backsplash for the vanities. A luxurious, elegant, warm and personal home created for an extremely warm and elegant couple who fell in love with Omaha. And Omaha, them.

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Something Old, Something New One-of-a-Kind Accessories and Furniture You Can Call Your Own.

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RG30

january/february | 2011

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STEVEN GINN ARCHITECTS when design matters

OMAHA HOME: mortgage FINE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR HOME AND BUSINESS

Mike Becker VP-Bank of the West Mortgage

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There is no doubt we live in a different time in the housing market and the mortgage industry. However, through all of this, the fundamentals of buying a new home is something that has remained and stood the test of time in every up and down economic cycle. There are three items that will help in this process The first choice you need to make is to pick a professional realtor and mortgage banker that you can trust. They can make the buying process as smooth as it can possibly be which isn’t easy in today’s environment with all of the new government regulations. The second thing you can do is to get pre-approved on your mortgage loan. This is extremely important. Quality mortgage bankers will council you on what you can be pre-approved for so that you won’t be overwhelmed with debt. This leads to the last point. The third and maybe the most important thing is to be modest in the desires of a new home. It is easy to forget your other obligations or unexpected expenses that you might have after you move in. My wife and I have three children and the expense of children can put a strain on anyone’s family budget. If the house is going to make you live paycheck to paycheck, think of downsizing or not looking for extra amenities that drive the cost up. Remember, there always seem to be those unexpected expenses too (car repairs, doctor bills, etc). A good rule of thumb is to stay at no more than 45% of your gross income. Also, remember you don’t always have to use the full amount that the bank qualifies you for. We have many quality Mortgage Bankers at Bank of the West ready to council and help you in buying a new home. Good luck and happy house hunting…..it is a great time to buy. januar y/februar y | 2011

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OMAHA HOME: green design Story by Judy Horan Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Energy-efficient windows and appliances, original brick walls, and a well-insulated ceiling make this kitchen/dining room an eco-friendly space.

Green Revival

A view of the cubist-style green roof atop Dunsany Flats.

A more than century-old building now houses modern, eco-friendly condominiums. The year is 1901. President McKinley is assassinated. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid rob a train. A baseball team in Omaha called the Omahogs observes its first anniversary. And the Dunsany apartment building goes up at 10th and Pierce Streets in Omaha. When Syl Orsi bought the property two years ago, people told him to tear down the old building and replace it with a new one. But the developer found many good—and green—reasons to rescue the Renaissance Revival-style building and turn it into 18 modern condominiums called Dunsany Flats. (As of press time, 11 have been completed; seven units are now occupied.) “You have to be really committed to go green. Although labor-

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intensive and more costly, renovating old buildings is eco-friendly… You reuse materials that are there rather than seeing them end up in a landfill,” says Orsi. The 12-inch-thick brick walls, for example, were reused. “If we tore down the building, we would have consumed energy in manufacturing and transporting the materials for a new building. Keeping original materials also adds authenticity to the building and a connection to the past.” Eco-friendly means being efficient with space. The less space used, the lower the energy consumption during construction and use. The kitchen, dining and living areas are in one room. Above the high ceilings are two layers of drywall and six inches of www.omahapublications.com

FURNITURE •ART • ARTIFACTS • POTTERY scottsdale & omaha insulation, which make the units more energyefficient and deadens sound. Energy-efficient windows and appliances, high-efficiency heat pumps, and passive solar heat add to the condos eco-friendliness, Orsi says. Green Roof Cubist Style Each condo unit has a view of the colorful "green roof" that covers the parking garage. The design by Kansas City landscape architect Jeff Bruce was inspired by the cubist art of the early 20th century, reflective of the time when the building was built. The roof is composed of recycled materials and drought-resistant plants. Bruce has designed more than 60 green roofs since 1979, including the world’s largest green roof on 24 acres at Millennium Park in Chicago. Green roofs are eco-friendly, Bruce says. “They are mitigators of stormwater. Cities spend billions of dollars to manage stormwater through the EPA. Typically, green roofs will capture 75 percent of annual precipitation. In the Omaha area, that’s 35 inches per year, so the roof will probably capture 26 inches.” Green roofs with plants reduce urban heat and provide a certain degree of insulation, which reduces energy use. The roof sequesters carbon in the air, reduces air pollution and muffles sound. Green roofs protect the roofing membrane, so the life of the roof is doubled or tripled. Bruce says the initial cost is greater, “but the payback comes within 15 to 20 years.” The roof ’s art design is so unique that its manufacturer, Carlisle Syntec, recently featured it in a national advertisement. “In response to the ad, calls have come into Carlisle from all over about the roof,” says Tim Wood of Scott Enterprises, the roof ’s Omaha-based installer. Prices for the 1,053- to 1,747-square foot condo units range from $220,000 to $345,000. There are five different floor plans.

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OMAHA HOME: pets

G R o o M i N G • D o G D ay c a R e • a c c e S S o R i e S

Story by Niz Proskocil Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

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Pampered Poodles

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Sam and Jack enjoy a life of canine luxury

january/february | 2011

It’s certainly not a ruff life for poodles Sam and Jake. These two pampered pooches live in a posh pad— a 6,000-plus-square-foot home in Omaha’s ritzy Linden Estates neighborhood. They nosh on premium pet food from a colorful art-glass bowl and a ceramic dog dish shaped like a big martini glass that says “Mutt-ini.” They each have their own doggie-sized sofa where they kick back and relax after a busy day of sniffing, scratching, snuggling, snoozing and snacking. And when these playful pets aren’t chilling out or chomping on rawhides and squeaky toys, they’re chasing each other around their own personal racetrack, otherwise known as the family room of their owners, Jill and Richard Coyne. “Where’d you get that dryer sheet, Mister?” Jill says to Jake, her nearly 50-pound, particolored standard poodle, as he scurries from the laundry room into the hall. “He’s kind of a wild man.” Kind of spoiled, too. For all the love and happiness that family pets give, it’s hard not to spoil them a little. Or, as Jill says of her two canine companions: “I think they’re a lot spoiled.” Pet toys and plush, cozy dog cushions are scattered throughout the Coyne residence. And like parents of young kids who childproof their home, the Coynes have taken a few extra measures in hopes that their house doesn’t go to the dogs. A wooden pet gate separates rooms where Jake and Sam aren’t allowed. “They could step over it, but they never have,” Jill says. Handmade vinyl slipcovers designed to match the Coynes’ black leather couch help protect seat cushions from Jake’s teeth. “He chews anything he wants to chew if you leave it out,” she says of Jake, who turns 1 in February. Sam, 10, is the couple’s black standard poodle. Compared to his rambunctious playmate, Sam has a more laid-back, easy-going personality. Both dogs, Jill says, are affectionate, and they love attention, daily walks and chasing bunnies in the backyard. Smart, social and athletic, poodles are often misunderstood. A common misconception is that they’re frou-frou dogs. That’s probably because of the elaborate haircuts seen on poodles in the show ring, says Jill, who prefers her dogs have a shorter “puppy cut” (the hair is all one length) instead of poofy pompoms on the head, feet and tail. “People think they’re prima donnas. I think they’re beautiful animals,” she says of poodles. “I’m really crazy about these two.” www.omahapublications.com

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COVER STORY: NEW HELP FOR THE HUNGRY

Food Bank for the Heartland utilizes mobile food pantries to better serve the needy

TALK TO THE HAND

Ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger to perform at Girls Nite Out

YOUR INVITATION TO OMAHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHARITY AND SOCIETY SCENE

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cover story

Story by Corey Ross Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

New Help for the Hungry Food Bank for the Heartland’s mobile pantry reaches the needy where they need it the most – close to home.

Above: Volunteers distribute food at a mobile food pantry, which is a new way Food Bank for the Heartland is serving the needy.

he food was scheduled to arrive at 5:15 p.m., but the line started forming long before. Around 30 needy people were waiting when the Food Bank for the Heartland’s mobile food pantry truck pulled into the parking lot at Heritage Hills Church of the Nazarene in Papillion on a chilly November night. When the nearly 13,000 pounds of food was ready to be distributed around 6:30 p.m., the line stretched outside the church door and nearly wrapped around the building. Many hundreds of the hungry stood shivering dressed in winter coats on a Thursday evening with empty sacks, laundry baskets and plastic bins in hand, waiting for the meals that would get them through the week. Observing the line from the church door, it disappeared into the dark. That’s somewhat appropriate because many of these people are considered to be the “invisible poor,” or the working poor, those who have jobs but aren’t making enough to keep food on the table consistently. One of those was a 28-year-old mother of three who had brought her young

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To view a YouTube clip containing an interview with Brian Barks go to news.vuomaha.com www.omahapublications.com

ANOTHER EPIC CELEBRATION

with music from Finest Hour featuring The BroadBand Horns

son. Sporting a faded Old Navy sweatshirt, she stood in line holding a plastic tub, explaining how she and her husband, though both employed, were having trouble paying the bills. What was on her shopping list? “Anything,” she said. “Anything we can get will help.” Increasingly in Omaha, these are the people being served by charitable organizations such as Food Bank for the Heartland. And the mobile food pantry has been the Food Bank’s response to reaching out to those newly in need, many being those still feeling the effects of the economy. What awaited inside the church for the needy were several card tables full of food. The line began with packed baconwrapped scallops and ended with breads and cakes. The offerings included fresh produce, salads, boxes of pizzas, canned tuna, pastas and some 700 dozen eggs, food mostly donated by companies such as Wal-Mart, Whole Foods and the newly opened Trader Joe’s. In the past, families seeking such relief would have had to identify and travel to an aid organization. Thanks for the mobile food pantries, the food now can arrive directly in their neighborhood. All the Food Bank needs is a gym or parking lot to serve the needy. On this night, it was a church sanctuary. Nearly 1,000 people were served. Sadly, nearly 200 had to be turned away, but they were given instructions on where to find help. Overall, Brian Barks, Director of Development and PR for Food Bank for the Heartland, deemed it another successful run for the mobile food pantry. “There’s no question we’re helping people who would’ve gone without,” he says. “And people have the perception the needy are all crackheads or alcoholics. It isn’t. It really isn’t. Right now, it’s the person who had two jobs who now just has one, or the person who had three jobs and now just has one.” The mobile food pantry is the present and future of the Food Bank. Thanks in part to its success, the Food Bank is on

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cover story pace to deliver 8.5 million pounds of food in 2010. That’s a 28 percent increase from last year and a 45 percent increase from two years ago. Barks says there are two ways to look at those numbers. “The obvious part is that there’s more need, but we’re also getting better at what we’re doing,” he says. “We’re becoming more efficient.” The Food Bank began doing the mobile food pantries about five months ago and is now doing five or six a month. Barks says the mobiles allow the Food Bank to move a lot of food quickly. “It has really helped us with food distribution, especially produce, which has a short shelf-life,” he says. “We’ve struggled before in getting produce turned quickly.” Besides produce, the mobiles focus on delivering the staples, such as meat, dairy and dry goods. The order that went to Papillion, for instance, had 2,000 pounds of meat 2,000 pounds of frozen food and 4,000 pounds of eggs and milk. The meat consisted of steaks, roasts, pork ribs and even organic seafood. Victor DiBlasio, who makes the deliveries for the mobiles, says quality and awareness has caused attendance at the mobile pantries to rise. “Usually it’s only slow if it’s (that location’s) first or second mobile pantry,” he says. “After that, the word of mouth gets out, especially when they find out you’ve got good stuff.” Barks says, on average, studies show that the average American will eat 1.3 pounds per meal. That figure is used to calculate the number of total meals in a delivery. A recently unemployed 28-year-old single mother of a four-year-old daughter standing in line at Heritage Hills was hoping to receive as many meals as possible. “I have no income, so this is it for us right now,” she said. “Anything they can give me helps. If I can not worry about one meal, that’s great. If I can not worry about five meals, that’s even better.” This person used to volunteer for Mission for All Nations, the nonprofit for the working poor that organized the pantry at Heritage Hills. Now she was being served by them. “I’m not the only one in need, and it seems to just keep getting worse.” Barks says the stories he hears at the www.omahapublications.com

mobile drops are heart-wrenching, especially as it pertains to parents. “Several people told me they will bypass a meal, but they won’t let their kids go without,” he says. “They do everything they possibly can to not let that happen.” A group called Feeding America did a study of domestic hunger in 2010. The finding reflected the growing “working poor” demographic in the United States. Barks says the study showed that of the needy, 33 percent owned their home, 40 percent had a high school diploma and 25 percent had gone to college. “It’s the middle-class people living paycheck to paycheck,” he says. “They do OK, but then something catastrophic happens, like a job loss, and what do they do? That’s what we believe has contributed to the huge increase in our food distribution.” The working poor largely live above the poverty line and therefore don’t qualify for government assistance and food stamps. That’s put them in the position of not being able to consistently put food on the table. “They’re the food-insecure,” Mission for All Nations Director Chelsea Salifou said. “That means they don’t have enough food to eat every meal every day. “There’s a huge gap between what a family can make to qualify for assistance and what they need to actually put food on the table and get by.” Last year, Mission for All Nation’s provided 37,000 people with a week’s supply of food. With the addition of the mobile pantries, they expect that number to greatly increase for 2010. Barks says the mobile pantries are designed to be conducive to serving the working poor. The Food Bank times the deliveries to when the working poor are most easily able to attend. In 2011, the Food Bank projects it will increase its deliveries another 1.5 million pounds to 10 million. The Food Bank’s potential, Barks says, has been projected to be 15 million. “We think we can get there in about three years,” he says. “The mobile pantries will be a big part of that.”

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behind the mic... Lynn Trefzger Story by Corey Ross. Photo by Lynn Trefzger.

Talk to the Hand

Veteran ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger brings her comedy act to Girls Nite Out for Girls Inc.

ynn Trefzger’s ventriloquism career began at age 9 when she received a dummy called Simon Says out of the Sears catalog for Christmas. Thanks to the puppet, a shy girl found her voice — and a calling. She started entertaining at a local square dance club and was soon making people laugh at nursing homes, birthday parties and anywhere else she could get a gig. “My parents thought I’d grow out of it,” Trefzger says, with a laugh. “They’d say, ‘She’ll put the dummy down one day.’” Nope. She’s been playing with puppets professionally for close to 30 years now and entertaining thousands annually. Trefzger will perform at Girls Inc.’s annual comedy benefit, Girls Nite Out, on Jan. 27 at the Mutual of Omaha Dome. Trefzger, who’s based in Cleveland but travels extensively, took a few minutes between tour stops recently to discuss her act and the state of her profession.

Q. You recently appeared in a documentary, “I’m No Dummy,” about the history, present and future of ventriloquism in pop culture. What was your participation in the film? A. It’s a comedy documentary, so it’s not that serious, but it features a lot of ventriloquists from the past and present. They did little bios on a few of us. The feedback has been very positive. I knew a lot about the history of ventriloquism, but it was still fascinating to hear about different ventriloquists and what happened to them in their showbusiness careers.

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Q. What’s the state of ventriloquism today? How has it managed to remain relevant in a 3-D/digital age? A. Right now, a lot of people think ventriloquism is a dying art, but I think it’s making a comeback. Because of people like Jeff Dunham and Terry Fator, who won "America’s Got Talent," I think people are more willing to go see a ventriloquist now.

Q. How’s the comedy experience as a ventriloquist different than being a stand-up comedian? A. Because we rely on puppets or dummies, I think we can get away with a little bit more. People are more forgiving of puppets. When they say something blatant, people go, “Oh, the puppet said it, so it’s not so bad.” I use a lot of audience participation in my act and when people come on stage, they don’t look at me, they always look directly at the puppet. I think that gives us a little edge in that we can rely on the puppet. And if something goes wrong, the puppet just blames the ventriloquist. www.omahapublications.com

Q. How long did it take you to master ventriloquism? What’s the toughest part to learn? A. You never stop learning. Beyond speaking without moving your lips, the hardest part to master is the illusion of making the puppet appear alive. After four or five years, though, that becomes second nature. The hardest thing is developing a new character. It’s takes a while to get comfortable with a new character, like right now I’ve got a caveman character I’ve been working for two years and it’s still a work in progress. Q. Tell me a little about your act. A. It’s a show for all ages. A character people like a lot is a drunk camel called Camelot. He’s a little goofy, but a lot of fun. I have an old man who talks about dating and marriage. I have a girl puppet named Emily who is your typical teenager/20-something. Then there’s Chloe, who’s a little girl I use for meeting kids. There’s something in it for everybody, and everybody seems to have a different favorite character. As long as I’m making people laugh, that’s what’s most important. Q. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get into ventriloquism? What would you say to get them started? A. I think it’s a lot about finding a character, or another side of you, that you’re comfortable with. Then it’s a lot of practice. A lot. More than just not moving your lips and moving the dummy, it’s the illusion. It’s takes a lot of practice in front of friends, family. And if you can do it and still remain normal … (laughing) well, there are a few of us out there. More information about Lynn Trefzger can be found at www.lynntrefzger.com. www.readonlinenow.com

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the scoop By Corey Ross. Photos courtesy of www.rudyinternational.com.

Left: Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger. Above: Ruettiger is carried off the field after his final game at Notre Dame.

Gridiron Inspiration Notre Dame football folk hero “Rudy” Ruettiger to share his story with Camp Fire luncheon crowd

ormer walk-on Notre Dame football player Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, the inspiration behind the 1993 movie “Rudy,” will be the featured speaker at Camp Fire USA’s annual luncheon at the Holiday Inn on March 30. The undersized Ruettiger etched his named in Notre Dame lore in 1975 when he sacked the quarterback on the only play of his college career. His story has become a testament to perseverance and overcoming the odds. Ruettiger shares the lessons of his playing career now as a motivational speaker, relaying his story to audiences around the world. Ruettiger is particularly partial to impacting children and has set up the Rudy Foundation to “develop and support programs that positively impact the lives of children cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually.” Ruettiger’s foundation has a program called The Rudy Awards that recognizes children who make exceptional efforts every day to overcome obstacles, set goals and stay on track to reach their dreams, just as he did during childhood. The son of an oil refinery worker, Ruettiger was born the third of

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14 children and “overcame discouragement and despair” to realize his dream of playing for the Fighting Irish. “We are so excited to bring Rudy to Omaha to share his message of hope and inspiration,” Camp Fire Executive Director Penny Parker said. “He is a wonderful example of someone who never gave up in spite of adversity. That is the same message that we try to instill in the 2,300 youth that we serve each year in our out of school time programs.“ For tickets, or more information, call 397.5809. Former NHL Coach to Share Illiteracy Story In 2005, former National Hockey League coach Jacque Demers, admitted in a biography that he was illiterate. Despite his illiteracy, Demers had managed to coach five NHL teams, including guiding Montreal to the Stanley Cup in 1993, and become a general manager. Demers, who’s now a Canadian senator, will share the story of how he overcame his inability to read and write with a luncheon crowd for the Omaha Literacy Center, 1823 Harney St., on March 14. www.omahapublications.com

His appearance at the luncheon, called Literacy Alive, is part of Demers’ commitment to adult literacy. “He’s a wonderful example of being a successful person and yet not being able to read,” says Beverly Todd, executive director of the Literacy Center. “So many people assume that if you can’t read, you’re not intelligent, which is not the case. Jacques has a wonderful story to tell.” The title of Demers’ autobiography translates to “All Spelled Out,” and in it Demers tell of his being a victim of child abuse — the direct cause of his illiteracy. But Demers has worked toward a literacy goal, Todd says. “I understand he’ll read the sports pages and hockey stats, things that interest him,” she says. “We’re all like that.” For more information about the luncheon, call 342.7323.

Oscar Night in Omaha For the 18th year, the Alzheimer’s Association of the Midlands will partner with KETV in February to produce an Oscar Night viewing party in Omaha. This year’s party will take place at the DC Centre, 11830 Stonegate Drive, and begin at 5 p.m. It’s one of 50 officially sanctioned parties held throughout the country. To complement the viewing of the 83rd Academy Awards, guests receive the same official program distributed to celebrities at the actual awards in Hollywood. For more about Oscar Nite, go to www.midlandsalz.org or call 502.4301. Ferlic to be Honored at Heart Ball Distinguished cardiovascular surgeon and researcher Dr. Randy Ferlic, who oversaw the first heart transplant in Nebraska, will be the inaugural recipient of the Spirit of the Heart Award at the 2011 American

Heart Association Heart Ball on Feb. 5. The Omaha Metro Division of the American Heart Association has created an award to honor a physician or investigator who has helped advance the cause during his or her career. In 1985, he headed the surgical team that performed the first heart transplant operation in Nebraska. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgery and has more than 50 peer reviewed publications in national medical journals relating to cardiology, cardiac surgery and research. The Heart Ball, held at the Embassy Suites LaVista, will raise funds to continue vital research and honor Dr. Ferlic for his commitment to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. For more information call Ashley Christensen at 402-346-0771 ext. 26.

February 27, 2011 at Embassy Suites in LaVista. Patron Party 1:00 - 2:00 Tickets are $100. General Admission 2:00 - 6:00 Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door.

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galas, etc. A two-month look at upcoming fundraisers and other charitable events

January 27 Girls Nite Out for Girls Inc. Mutual of Omaha Dome, 5:30 p.m., www.girlsincomaha.org or 457.4676. What it is: An annual comedy benefit that this year will feature ventriloquist/comedian Lynn Trefzger. Where the money goes: Girls Inc.’s largest fundraiser supports programming that helps its girls become strong, smart and bold. January 29 The 26th Annual St. Cecilia’s Cathedral Flower Festival 100 N. 62nd St., Through Jan. 30, 558.3100, ext. 243, www. cathedralartsproject.org. What it is: A magnificent display of flowers and art exhibited throughout St. Cecilia’s Cathedral. Where the money goes: The event supports the Cathedral Arts Project, which is dedicated to bringing some of the best visual and musical artists to the Midwest. January 30 15th Annual EPS Benefit & Awards Dinner Embassy Suites LaVista, 5 p.m., www.essentialps.org or 554.0121. What it is: An evening to honor supporters of Essential Pregnancy Services. Award recipients include – Diane Quinn Award: Dr. Ralph and Carol Kramper; Spirit of EPS Award – Marilyn Kearney; EPS Special Service Award – Roger and Rita Hermsen, Bill and Kathy Kizer; EPS Heart of Gold – Dr. Michelle Benes. Where the money goes: Proceeds from the dinner help EPS to provide basic prenatal medical care, physiciandirected services, parenting education and other services. February 5 The American Heart Association’s Heart Ball Embassy Suites LaVista, 6 p.m., 346.0771, ext. 26 What it is: An elegant event to support the work of the American Heart Association. The evening will include the presentation of the inaugu-

ral Spirit of the Heart Award to Dr. Randall Ferlic, who headed the surgical team that performed the first heart transplant operation in Nebraska in 1985. Where the money goes: Proceeds support AHAfunded cardiovascular disease research and education to improve the lives of women, children and families in the Omaha community. February 12 Rockin Rosie Rocks the Silver Screen Holiday Inn Central – Coco Keys Convention Center, kate_schafer@ hotmail.com or (402) 5788285. What it is: An elegant evening for supporters of the Rose Theater to help ensure the continued success of The Rose Theater and its programs. Guests will walk the red carpet for a night of dinner, dancing and silent & oral auctions. Where the money goes: All proceeds from Rockin’ Rosie will go to further the mission of The Rose Theater; to enrich the lives of children and their families through live theater, dance and arts education. February 19 Carnival of Love for Heartland Family Service Embassy Suites LaVista, (6p.m.), 552.7424 or www.heartlandfamilyservice.org. What it is: A carnivalthemed evening filled with games, auctions, a raffle and dinner. Where the money goes: Proceeds support Heartland Family Service in its mission to strengthen individuals and families in the community through education, counseling and support services. The 4th Annual Ultra Chic Prom Boutique Holiday Inn Convention Center, www.ultrachicprom.com. 9a.m. What it is: Prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and other donated gowns will be available for purchase.

Garments have been cleaned, pressed and prepared by Max I. Walker to look good as new. Where the money goes: All proceeds benefit the Lydia House, a branch of the Open Door Mission that provides such services as food, shelter and other basic needs for single women and families. February 20 Feature III featuring Steven Soderbergh for Film Streams Holland Performing Arts Center, 6:30 p.m., 933.0259 or www.filmstreams.org What it is: Academy Awardwinning director Steve Soderbergh will be the special guest, and interview subject, at this third annual benefit for Film Streams. Soderbergh’s films have been nominated for 14 Academy Awards and won five. He’ll be interviewed by Studio 360 host, author and Film Streams board member Kurt Andersen. Where the money goes: Proceeds support Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater. February 24 Food Bank for the Heartland’s 10th annual Celebrity Chef event Embassy Suites LaVista, 5:30 p.m., 331.1213 or www.foodbankheartland.org What it is: Chef and entertainer George Duran of the Food Network will help the Food Bank celebrate its 30th anniversary. Where the money goes: Proceeds support Food Bank programs and help it serve some 360 organizations in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa to combat hunger. February 25 Fandango 2011 for Adoption Links Worldwide Champions Run, 6:30 p.m., 9785646 or http://www.lfsneb.org. What it is: An evening to support Adoption Links Worldwide in its mission of building families through adoption. They find loving

families for children around the world who need permanent homes. Where the money goes: Proceeds will help Adoption Links connect children in our community and around the world with Forever Families. Heartland Walk for Warmth Midtown Crossing at Turner Park, 6 p.m., 221.2298, www. heartlandwalkforwarmth.org. What it is: A one-mile walk organized by The Salvation Army to raise awareness and support for local energyassistance programs. Where the money goes: Proceeds help fund programs of Black Hills Energy, Metropolitan Utilities District and Omaha Public Power District that provide energy assistance to help families, the disabled and the elderly pay their energy bills. February 26 The 14th Annual JDRF Gala Qwest Center Omaha, 6 p.m., 397.CURE or www.jdrf.org/ omaha What it is: An elegant evening to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This year’s theme is “Big Dreams, Big Hearts…Real Hope for a Cure.” Where the money goes: Last year’s event raised more than $542,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Easter Seals Nebraska Wine Event Embassy Suites LaVista, 5 p.m. reception, 6:30 dinner, 800.650.9880 or ianderson@ ne.easterseals.com. What it is: This event features a multi-course dinner and fine wines from across the country. A vintners’ reception kicks off the evening.

February 27 Oscar Night in America Party for the Alzheimer’s Association DC Centre, 5 p.m., 402.502.4301 or www.alz.org/midlands What it is: One of 50 officially sanctioned Oscar Night parties held in conjunction with the Academy Awards. Besides a viewing of the broadcast on large screens, guests receive the same program distributed to celebrities at the actual show in Hollywood. Where the money goes: Proceeds benefit the Midlands Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, which seeks “to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.” February 27 The VNA’s 14th Annual Art & Soup Embassy Suites LaVista, 2 p.m., 346.3950 What it is: Dubbing itself as “the tastiest fundraiser in town,” Art & Soup combines the creations of 55 chefs and more than 30 restaurants to support the Visiting Nurse Association. Soups are available to sample and artwork, including jewelry and wearable art, is available to purchase. Where the money goes: Proceeds benefit the VNA’s Shelter Nursing program, which provides public health nursing services to children and adults living in Omaha and Council Bluffs homeless shelters.

Where the money goes: This is Easter Seals’ signature fundraiser to support services for individuals with disabilities.

Charitable events for Gala’s calendar of events can be submitted to Corey Ross at corey@omahapublications or 884.2039.

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Ambassador of Hope

Sentimental Journey

Dr. Condeleezza Rice honored as sixth recipient of Ambassador of Hope Award

Annual Durham Museum benefit raises $115,000

Story and photo courtesy of UNMC.

Story courtesy of The Durham Museum. Photos by John Gawley.

ormer U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice, whose mother’s battle with breast cancer played a key role in her life, was honored with UNMC’s Ambassador of Hope Award in October. Nearly 800 people attended the event. Hosted by the Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, the gala is held every two years and is one of the top fundraising events in the city. The Ambassador of Hope Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fight against cancer through research, patient care activities or by raising public awareness of cancer. Only five others have received the award: Robin Roberts, Tom Brokaw, Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Sam Donaldson and Chuck Durham. “Condoleezza has been a strong advocate for breast cancer research and screenings and has done much to raise the public’s awareness of cancer,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. “She is an excellent addition to our select group of Ambassador of Hope honorees.” Also honored were Mike and Lin Simmonds. The Simmonds received the Margre and Chuck Durham Spirit of Nebraska Award for launching a program in 2004 through their Simmonds Restaurant Management firm and its affiliated Burger King restaurants. The program – called Help Beat Cancer for Kids – has raised more than $1 million for cancer research at UNMC.

onorary chairs Christy and Bob Turner welcomed nearly 300 supporters of The Durham in November to Sentimental Journey, the museum’s annual benefit. The theme of this year’s celebration was Have Yourself a “Mary” Little Christmas with festivities paying homage to the holidays and the upcoming, With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition opening at the museum on Jan. 15. In keeping with the exhibit theme, guests enjoyed a performance by Omaha humorist Mary Maxwell and a guest appearance by Fritz Klein, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator. Maxwell delighted guests with her tongue-in-cheek portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln and offered insights into several of our country’s most notable First Ladies. The Durham’s Executive Director, Christi Janssen, gave an update on the museum’s programming and thanked participants for their continued support of the museum. An elegant dinner, catered by Hap Abraham Catering, was served in front of The Durham’s magnificent Christmas tree. Proceeds from the evening’s celebration exceeded $115,000.

For more information on the gala, go to www.nebraskahope.org.

Above: Honorees Dr. Condoleeza Rice and Linn and Mike Simmonds.

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Top: Honorary Chairs Bob and Christy Turner and Fritz Klein (Abraham Lincoln). Above: Allen and Mary Kay Greenberg, Steve and Judie Olson, Janie and Terry Kolbeck, Lynne and John Boyer pictured with Abe Lincoln (Fritz Klein). januar y/februar y | 2011

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Santa's Preview

Jewels of Autumn

Annual Clarkson Service League holiday benefit raises $200,000

Alegent benefit raises funds for enhanced patient imaging and diagnostics

Story and photo courtesy of The Nebraska Medical Center.

Story and photo courtesy of Alegent Health.

Top: Lisa Sekundiak, Chairman of Santa’s Preview, and Lori Bucholz, President of Clarkson Service League. Above: Clarkson Gift Shop Buyers: Patty Landen, Mary Derr, Kara Bachman, Lynne Holdenried, Marianne Holland

Top: Event chair JoAnne Jarvis and Richard A. Hachten II, president and CEO of Alegent Health. Above: Larry and Dr. Lisa Murray, Drs. Kara and Kyle Krehbiel.

he Clarkson Service League’s annual Santa's Preview holiday boutique, featuring one-of-a-kind unique holiday and gift items, kicked off the two-day “Celebrate the Holidays” event, which included shopping, a holiday brunch and style show in November at The Nebraska Medical Center. The Clarkson Service League donates the proceeds from the event, more than $200,000 a year, to special projects for The Nebraska Medical Center. The chair for this year’s Santa’s Preview was Lisa Sekundiak; the brunch chairman was Casey Fehringer. The 2010 President of the Clarkson Service League is Lori Bucholz. Emeritus members of the Clarkson Service League were the honorary chairs for the event this year, with each of these members contributing over 25 years of service to the League and The Nebraska Medical Center. Shoppers were able to purchase great holiday tabletop items, such as Santa cookie jars, specialty foods and tree decorations. Also included were fun items for children, jewelry and handbags. The brunch put everyone in a festive mood to kickoff the holidays and featured a style show with Clarkson Service League members modeling new and exciting merchandise from the Clarkson Gift Shop. Proceeds from this event will help renovate the Clarkson College library and fund Clarkson College scholarships, as well as the James T. Canedy endowed scholarship.

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ilent and live auction items raised nearly $150,000 at the fifth annual Jewels of Autumn benefit at Alegent Health’s Lakeside Hospital. The funds raised will go to enhanced patient imaging and diagnostics at the hospital. Cindy Alloway, the chief operating officer for Lakeside Hospital, welcomed everyone to the event and then turned over the microphone to Dr. Kyle Krehbiel from Radiology Consultants of the Midwest to discuss what advanced technology has done to help in the prevention and treatment of cancer in the region. Event chair JoAnne Jarvis, co-chair Nicole Panneton and emcee Courtney Vacanti helped auction off Husker football tickets, a fishing trip, a hot-air balloon ride, private chef-prepared dinner, Ritz Carlton vacation and a children’s fire station birthday party from the Omaha Fire Department. Specialty baskets auctioned off that evening were donated by employees of Lakeside Hospital.

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TeamMates Tailgate

Star Power

Keith Jackson and Warren Buffett appear in support of mentoring

Kenny Rogers attracts record crowd for Children's Hospital

Story and photos courtesy of TeamMates.

Story and photo courtesy of Children’s Hospital.

uests at the 2010 TeamMates Tailgate in October were treated to a group discussion featuring sports commentator Keith Jackson, Omaha investor Warren Buffett, and TeamMates Co-Founder Tom Osborne, moderated by local comedienne Mary Maxwell. The group reflected on the mentors in their lives, life and college football. Honorary chairmen Mike and Lin Simmonds helped raise more than $550,000 to support the 4,300 mentor/mentee matches in the TeamMates Mentoring Program. Simmonds is Chairman and CEO of Simmonds Holdings Inc. Event co-chairs Scott and Danielle Bunz and Chuck and Christine Stevens with a committee of over 30 former players and volunteers organized the event. The TeamMates Mentoring Program was founded in 1991 by Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne. TeamMates is a school-based mentoring program that matches adult volunteers from the community with students in grades 4-12. Mentors meet one hour per week to provide support and encouragement to school-age youth. The goal of the program is to see youth graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education. The TeamMates Mentoring Program serves over 4,300 youth in 114 communities across Nebraska and Iowa.

rammy Award-winning artist Kenny Rogers entertained a record crowd at the 2010 Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Gala. With more than 900 people in attendance, the 62nd annual event attracted the largest number of Gala guests in Children’s history. Rogers performed for just over an hour. His 1981 hit “Through the Years” provided a fitting theme for the night at Qwest Center Omaha. Video tributes featured classic scenes from his past and allowed the singer to provide special recognition of his children and family. Live and silent auctions offered bidders the opportunity to enjoy vacation outings to Sonoma, Winter Park, Wrigley Field, Chicagoland Speedway and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Other popular items included autographed memorabilia from former Nebraska Cornhusker Ndamukong Suh. Children’s estimates proceeds from the event will reach $400,000. The money benefits the Children’s Specialty Pediatric Center, which opened to patients on Sept. 1.

To become a mentor or to support the TeamMates Mentoring Program, go to www.teammates.org or call 1-877-531-TEAM.

Top: Scott Bunz, Danielle Bunz (chairmen), Warren Buffett, Tom Osborne, Christine Stevens, Chuck Stevens (chairmen). Above:Steve Martin, Amy Haddad, Judy Haney, Terry Haney www.readonlinenow.com

Above: Kenny Rogers performs.

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Wine 'Til Nine

Shining Stars

Casual wine benefit generates $26,000 for Arthritis Foundation

Night of a Thousand Stars moves to Joslyn Art Museum, draws 600

Story and photo courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation.

Story courtesy of Nebraska AIDS Project. Photos by John Gawley.

ore than 200 people came out to sip wine and listen to music by the Chris Saub Trio in support of the Nebraska Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation in October at the Omaha Marriott. The 11th annual Wine ‘Til Nine featured wine, microbrew and whiskey tasting along with complimentary appetizers. Patrons could also bid on silent auction and raffle items. The event raised $26,000. Dignitaries at this year’s event included Mayor Jim Suttle and his wife, Deb; former Mayor Mike Fahey; and former Nebraska Cornhusker quarterback Tommie Frazier. Proceeds will help further research and provide education and programs to help find a cure for arthritis. The disease deteriorates joints, causes inflammation and pain. In severe cases, arthritis can rob people of their mobility. In Nebraska and Pottawattamie County, Iowa, alone, arthritis directly impacts 340,000 adults and an additional 1,800 children.

he Night of A Thousand Stars, Nebraska AIDS Project’s annual benefit, moved to the Joslyn Art Museum in November and offered an array of art pieces for the 600 guests in attendance. Thirty-four art pieces were available for purchase from such recognized names as the late Kent Bellows, Jill Rizzo, Thomas D. Mangelsen, John Prouty and many others. The two art pieces that sold for the highest dollar were the Jill Rizzo piece and the reproduction of a Kent Bellows piece. Rick and Jo Prusha served as honorary co-chairs for the main event. Twenty pre-event host parties were held throughout the year and a grand total of $106,000 was raised for NAP. Nebraska AIDS Project is the only organization providing comprehensive services to people in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa living with HIV and AIDS. The organization also provides confidential testing of sexually transmitted diseases in response to an alarming rate of infection in our area.

The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, non-profit organization helping people take control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related conditions. For more information, go to www.OmahaWTN.com.

Top: Curt and Jill Powers along with Tommie Frazier. Above: Marzia Puccioni, area VP of the Neb. & Iowa Arthritis Foundation along with honorary chairs Liz and Dr. Erik Otterberg.

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Top: Honorary Chairs Rick & Jo Prusha. Above: JJ Replogle, Ex. Dir. Nebraska Aids, and Dr. Devin Fox, Chair.

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Creating Futures

Reflection Ball

“Blind Side” couple inspires crowd, raises funds for Omaha Christian Academy

Midlands Community Foundation benefit raises $140,000

Story and photos courtesy of Omaha Christian Academy.

Story and photo courtesy of the Midlands Community Foundation.

maha Christian Academy (OCA) held its “Creating Futures” Scholarship Dinner in November to raise funds for need-based scholarships and to honor a member of the community for his community service. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, the inspiring couple featured in the hit movie “The Blind Side,” spoke to a crowd of nearly 550 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista about the power that love can have on youth on the brink of falling through society’s cracks. The event’s honorary dinner chairs were Bill and Lucille Sapp with Betty and Jerry Tagge serving as Co-Masters of Ceremony. Guests were also treated to a surprise visit by Sue Mitchell (Miss Sue), played by Kathy Bates in the movie. Mitchell took Michael Oher under her wing and guided him in his academics. The evening included the presentation of OCA’s Community Service Award to former Omaha City Councilman Chuck Sigerson, who was also presented with a “Key to the City” by District 7 City Councilman Tom Mulligan on behalf of Mayor Jim Suttle. Proceeds from the dinner netted nearly $50,000 for Christian education at the academy. Additionally, the school was presented with an anonymous $75,000 match challenge. The generosity of many to help meet this challenge will enable OCA to continue its tradition of academic excellence and strengthen a sense of pride for all members of the OCA community.

he Midlands Community Foundation’s 2010 Reflection Ball, held in November at the Embassy Suites in LaVista, raised more than $140,000. More than 450 guests attended the gala. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Project Harmony, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to protect and support children, collaborate with professionals, and engage the community to end child abuse and neglect, one child at a time. At the ball, the Reflection Award was presented to Lorenze and Janice Roloff for their dedication to public service and support of people and projects in Sarpy and Cass counties. The ball was headed by honorary chairs Bob and Bindy Frederick, chair Carrie Krist and co-chair Jackie Boryca. Krist applauded the work of Project Harmony. “As a pediatric nurse, I have first-hand experience regarding the invaluable services Project Harmony brings to abused and neglected children and their families,” she said. “I am comforted by the fact that they will be embraced and taken care of at Project Harmony.” The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to benefit the diverse needs of the Sarpy and Cass county communities by providing financial support, involvement and service. More information can be found at www.MidlandsCommunity.org.

Top: OCA 9th grader and football player, Andrew Butler, presents the Tuohys with a thank you gift of a portrait he created of Michael Oher. Above: L-R: Bill Sapp, Lucille Sapp, Sean Tuohy, Leigh Anne Tuohy, Betty Tagge & Jerry Tagge www.readonlinenow.com

Top: LaVista Mayor Doug Kindig, Bellevue Mayor-elect Rita Sanders, Bellevue City Council Member Kathy Saniuk, Papillion Mayor David Black. Above: Karla Rupiper, Midlands Community Foundation Board President; Bob and Bindy Frederick, Honorary Chairs; Carrie Krist, Chair; Tonee Gay, Midlands Community Foundation Executive Director; Janice and Lorenze Roloff, Reflection Award Honorees. januar y/februar y | 2011

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Bemis Benefit

Candlelight Ball

The 12th annual Bemis Art Auction raises $460,000 to support artists

Bergan Mercy's 51st annual benefit honors Drs. Chupp and Dunbar

Story courtesy of the Bemis Center. Photos by Corey Ross.

Story courtesy of the Bergan Mercy Auxiliary. Photos by the Village Photographer.

Top: Artists Leslie Iwai and Wanda Ewing. Above: Paul Smith, Kristin Williams, Dr. Debra Reilly-Culver and Bob Culver.

Top: Dr. Thomas Dunbar, Laurie Dunbar, Brenda Chupp and Dr. Ernest Chupp. Above: Honorary chairs Dr. Thaddeus Woods and Dr. Deanna Armstrong.

he Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts 12th Annual Art Auction was again a success, with over 1,000 collectors, donors, artists and art lovers filling the galleries during the week of events. More than 250 international, national and local artists contributed close to 400 artworks for this year's auction. The fundraiser grossed over $460,000 throughout the four-week auction exhibition and event, making it the most successful art auction to date. This celebration of contemporary art helps support the Bemis Center's exceptional artists, innovative programs and public projects. In the live auction, a Betty Woodman piece drew the auction’s highest bid, $20,000. This event would not have been possible without the generous donations from the over 250 artists, numerous foundations, businesses, individual patrons, members and our board of directors.

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rs. Ernie Chupp and Thomas Dunbar were honored with the Candlelight Award in November at the Bergan Mercy Hospital Auxiliary’s 51st annual Candlelight Ball held at Embassy Suites LaVista. The Candlelight Award honors physicians for their many years of service to Bergan Mercy and the community. Glitter was the theme for the evening, from the sparkling crystal and silver wreaths on the doors to the elegant centerpieces. The gourmet dinner was followed by dancing to the music of Robert Glaser and Urban Delight. Chairwomen of this year’s ball were Mary Ellen Wilhelmi and Kathy Gross. Honorary chairs were Bergan Mercy physicians Dr. Thaddeus Woods and Dr. Deanna Armstrong.

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Story by Wendy Townley Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

L-R: Tyler Price, Steven Kelly & Genevieve Alander, partners in The Educated Baker.

What

Steven Kelly

started as a nostalgic tribute to hearty and homemade chicken pot pies from his childhood home in suburban Chicago has found its way nearly 500 miles west to a small Omaha bakery business whose mission is more than tasty treats. Meet Steven Kelly, a 23-year-old recent graduate of Creighton University whose new project, The Educated Baker, yields not just allnatural, preservative-free frozen cookie dough, but a high school mentoring program that teaches students the value of entrepreneurship. Kelly, a Chicago native who moved to Omaha to attend Creighton University, started his college career as a pharmacy major, but quickly learned entrepreneurship was his true calling. Kelly began brainstorming in 2009 for his senior thesis project. Hunger pains (or perhaps a little homesickness) may have prompted Kelly’s idea, as he began working on a wholesale pot pie manufacturing plant. “Chicken pot pies are the ultimate,” Kelly said. Kelly took his Creighton project into the community, but added a new ingredient: mentoring. Thus, The Educated Baker was born, which today gives local high school students the opportunity to www.readonlinenow.com

GENO

work in the kitchen, earn money for their efforts, and learn the concept of entrepreneurship. Kelly has since added two partners – Tyler Price, 21, and Genevieve Alander, 20 – and has temporarily changed his product to all-natural cookie dough. Kelly and his cohorts currently use Gerda’s Bakery at 51st and Leavenworth streets on Sundays and Mondays, when the bakery isn’t open. In early 2011, The Educated Baker will move to a full-service kitchen at the Mastercraft building on North 13th Street. The frozen, all-natural cookie dough is sold at Hy Vee (Snickerdoodle and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip among the current flavors), and customers of Blue Planet Natural Grill can purchase an Educated Baker cookie with their lunch or dinner. Kelly hopes local coffeehouses will also soon follow suit. As much as Kelly enjoys the project and the baked goods, he admits his efforts are not about dollar signs. “We are breaking even right now,” he said. “We do not have a tremendously profitable company, but we want a sustainable company. We want to continually feed money back into the mentoring program.” januar y/februar y | 2010

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Looking Great, Feeling Great... Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s January, and many of us have resolved to live healthier, more active lifestyles in the coming year. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in need of some inspiration to get in shape in 2011, our Looking Great, Feeling Great subjects should do the trick. These fabulous ladies are proofpositive that investing in yourself is worth the effort, and it shows!

At Any Age! www.readonlinenow.com

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Patti Hipple, 47 If you go looking for Patti Hipple outside her insurance office, you’ll likely find the vibrant mother of two keeping fit. She’s typically at the gym five days a week, lifting weights or doing cardio, or jogging outside if the weather cooperates. It’s what keeps Hipple looking equally svelte, whether in a dinner dress or her trendy jeans. No doubt those exerciseinduced endorphins help contribute to her perky, fun personality as well. Hipple says she follows an easy-care beauty routine. “Most of the time I go natural, and just moisturize daily with SPF 15.” For evening, she adds a little liquid foundation and powder blush and eye shadow. No big fuss. She’s an avid wine collector, enjoys gardening and motorcycling, and says, “Spending time with family and friends and traveling keep me feeling young.”

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Deb Kirchner, 53 “Choose to be happy…It’s all about state of mind,” is the motto Deb Kirchner said she learned growing up from her mom, and strives to follow in her own life. The passionate, outgoing mother of two grown kids says she’s always open to new experiences and opportunities, which is what keeps her feeling young and very, very busy! Kirchner, a buyer for Mulhall’s Nursery, has always had to work a bit harder than most to stay healthy. “I’ve been a diabetic since I was 10 years old, and I’ve learned to appreciate each day given to me. I eat right, stay active, and surrounding myself with positive people who are young at heart.” What else makes Kirchner feel young and alive? “I love to barbeque, drink wine, talk the night away, and watch the moon rise. And laughter is the best medi-

cine…. I try to do that when-

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ever I can.”

Suzy Shrier, 65 Suzy Shrier, a mother of three and “MiMi” of five grandchildren, says, “My dream afternoon would be playing on a beach in Cabo with my husband, children and grandkids. We’d snorkel, watch whales, build sand castles and have fun with the beach vendors. Sounds so good, I think we’ll just do it!” Shrier, who works with Children’s Hospital Foundation, makes an effort to keep that slim profile of hers. She worked with a personal trainer who taught her great exercise routines that she does in her home gym. Her best beauty tip: “Care deeply and laugh often. Beauty is an inside job.”

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Joyce Kochen, 83 Joyce Kochen describes herself as an optimist with a good sense of humor. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart for 62 years. Those who know the grandmother of 12 claim they have a hard time keeping up with her between her bridge club, golf, tennis, gardening, dancing, and volunteering. She also does a low-key workout and walks nearly every day. ”I think a lot of aging is ‘use it or lose it’,” Kochen said. “Also, I try to think ‘young’ and keep up with the times.” One of the things she most enjoys is family game night. “Playing games with the family has always been fun for me, especially when we can get the grandkids away from their computers and cell phones.”

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OMAHAFACES

Story by Leo Adam Biga Photos by minorwhitestudios.com

Long Live the Marshmallow King Louie Rotella III

Author's book inspired by his son with Down Syndrome.

Louie

Rotella III never imagined he would write a book, much less a national award winner. But that’s just what this third-generation member of the four-generation Omaha Italian bakery family has done. His The Little King and His Marshmallow Kingdom, which hit bookstores last September, recently won the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. The first-time author only came to write the book because its subject, his 10-year-old son Louie IV, has been such an inspiration to Rotella, his wife Jill, the couple’s two other children and the extended bakery clan. Louie IV has Down Syndrome, but if there is anything his father has learned, it’s that a special needs child is a gift, not a burden. The joy with which little Louie attends life and the way he gives joy to others are things big Louie wanted to share. “Often times when children like Louie or with any special need are brought into the lives of parents, they think they have to prepare for a lifetime of challenges, but instead Louie teaches us a lifetime of joy,” said Rotella. He said his son has taught him to embrace differences. In the book, his son’s bright spirit www.readonlinenow.com

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and tolerant example are embodied by King Louie the Fourth, a special needs monarch who rules over ever-sunny Marshmallow Kingdom, where every meal is a picnic. Benevolent King Louie helps promote acceptance and understanding. “Instead of trying to be like everybody else, this book sends an alternative message that we’re all unique and lets celebrate that,” said Rotella. That message was modeled for Rotella by his elders. “I think it was sort of ingrained in me to a certain extent by my father and grandfather. I got along with all different types of people growing up...I was always the one to sort of defend those that were getting picked on in school. Now with Louie I get to really continue that message, which is really cool.” Still, a book was a stretch for Rotella, an attorney by training and the bakery’s director of human resources. But he was motivated by a desire to reach others, “My wife is on the board of the Ollie Webb Center here in town. It’s an organization that helps children and adults with disabilities, and their families. I was looking at ways I could get involved and make a difference in the community and touch the lives of others, so I thought about writing this book.” At Buddy Walks and other special needs fundraising events, Rotella has gotten the kind of feedback any author would love. “I’ve had lots of people coming up to me, saying, ‘I just want to shake your hand for doing this,’ or, ‘You really made a difference in our lives.’ A lot of times there’s not much out there from a father’s perspective. So when those people come up to me, shake my hand, give me a hug, tell me a job well done, that I made a difference in their lives, that’s what I was hoping to do by writing the book. “That’s what I’m most proud of. It just makes it all worthwhile.” The project team included Omaha veteran artist Mark Chickinelli, who illustrated the book, and Conceirge Marketing, an Omaha publishing and marketing services company. The Little King can be found at Barnes & Noble and select other bookstores. www.omahapublications.com

402-359-1500

www.gorgesvolvo.com

2011 Volvo S60 T6 Automatic AWD 300 Horsepower 325 Pounds of Torque

17665 Burt Street Omaha, NE

$399

Per Month + tax

The All New 2011 Naughty Volvo S60 “The most sporting Volvo ever constructed” — Autoblog

“Style, Performance & Luxury” — Motor Trend

Omaha is about to get a whole lot “Naughtier!” “Safe & a kick in the pants to drive” — Auto Week

$38,550.00, 36 month lease, 10K miles per year Total due at signing $4,293.00

KMTV

Ryan McPike

Carol Wang

Craig Nigrelli

Travis Morgan

YOUR SOURCE FOR BREAKING NEWS AND SEVERE WEATHER!

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back in black photographed by christian behr hair/makeup by Heather Dizmang story written by john w. gawley // Styles come and go. Some we love when they come back. Still others we wish would never see the light of day again. For instance, the side pony on top of the head – that should have stayed in the ‘90s in a Full House Episode, but done right you can look stunning. // // The mini is back in black. Although you can never go wrong in classic black, you now see it in all the shop windows along with rising boots above the knee and lower neck lines, all in the timeless black. This might be ‘in’ now, but as long as you rock it next season, you’ll still turn heads. You can thank us later. // Rebecca looks toward the winter sunshine in a sleek look provided by Dillards. BCBG Generation leather jacket, $288. BCBG Black sequin tile skirt, $178. Over-the-knee www.readonlinenow.com

BCBG Boots, $132

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At any angle, Jasmine is ready to go any direction in Calvin Klein â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sarabelleâ&#x20AC;? laced leather boots, $239. BCBG Mavazria diagonal-striped woven dress, $198.BCBG Generation leather jacket, $288.

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Rebecca is ready to warm up at happy hour wearing this BCBG jacket from Dillards, $298. Blue Haze dress by BCBG Generations, $138.

www.readonlinenow.com

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With accessories and attitude to spare, Jasmine is seen in this three-quartersleeve ribbed grey sweater, $36, and black sweater vest with buckle, $48, both courtesy of Younkers. BCBG skirt, $198 and Betmar â&#x20AC;&#x153;English Roseâ&#x20AC;? woven hat, $38, from Dillards.

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Rebecca wears a soft fitted knit dress that at first glance looks conservative, but has a modern edge with a unique cut-out waist and long fingerless glove sleeves for Nebraska weather. The cutouts may not look warm, but they sure are hot. Dillards, BCBG, $288. www.readonlinenow.com

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As the wind begins to blow, Jasmine throws on a sweater by Hazel, $99, and Betmar cap, $28, from Dillards. Jessica Simpson dress, $69, courtesy of Younkers.

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Story by John Fischer

WINE & FOOD

White Wine with Red Meat?

Is there

a place for white wine with red meat? Generally speaking, not. But there are exceptions. The primary reason that red wines work so well with red meat is that red wines are generally bigger, richer and heavier than white wines. The match of a hefty, rich wine with a similar weight food makes perfect sense, as you are matching wine with food along parallel lines: full-bodied wine with a full-bodied dish. Additionally, the flavors in red wines (berries, mushrooms, truffles, etc.) are more congruent with the flavors in meat. Nevertheless, when matching wine with food, you need to consider the whole dish, not just the meat. One of the most cantankerous combinations is red meat served in combination with seafood. Remember the old standard rule, “white wine with fish”? What do you do when you have a sizzling steak served along with buttered lobster tail: the so-called steak and tail combination?

www.readonlinenow.com

Without doubt, a big, rich red—especially a highly tannic red—would obliterate the delicate flavors in lobster. On the other hand, white wine is certainly not the ideal match for steak. It’s time to make a compromise. Go with the white! White wine will not particularly enhance beef, but will work, whereas red wine will likely smother the flavors in lobster. There are also other elements of taste sensations to consider such as tartness, sweetness, saltiness, and flavors. The easiest way to demonstrate this scenario is by example. Consider sauerbraten, a traditional German dish composed of a beef roast marinated in a sweet-sour marinade, then braised, and served with gravy enriched with crushed ginger snaps. Here we have beef in combination with sweet and sour. The matching wine should also be sweet and tart. What’s more, ginger flavor pairs best with white wine flavors. German Riesling Kabinett is the perfect match—white wine with red meat!

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OMAHAFOOD

Story by: Mystery Reviewer

Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Crave's Executive Chef James Davis.

Crave Twin Cities transplant becomes a culinary star at Midtown

the

development of Midtown Crossing at Turner Park has been a real boon for the city of Omaha. This project has brought lots of excitement and growth to Omaha’s midtown, including construction of new condominiums, apartments, a movie theater, a grocery store, a health club, and most importantly (at least to this Omahan), several new restaurants. One of the most recent restaurants to open was Crave, in October. I have been looking forward to this opening since I first heard about it and read of success this company was having in the Twin Cities area. When I first approached Crave, I was immediately taken in by the attractive red-carpet entrance with a giant, cream-colored front door that is surrounded by stunning long, thin glass tiles. Above the door in large, lighted letters is the name “Crave” with the words below “Fresh, Vibrant, American” on a bright, burgandy-colored band. Once inside, I was blown away by how truly beautiful this restaurant really is. High ceilings with enormous hand-blown burgandy glass chandeliers. Lavish tall wood booths upholstered with crushed velvet. An eye-catching large glass wine tower near the modern cocktail bar. A bright, large exhibition kitchen highlighted by a wood-fired pizza oven decorated with the same long, thin glass tiles featured at the entrance. There’s also a sushi bar where single diners can comfortably enjoy all Crave has to offer. If there’s a school of restaurant design, then Crave Omaha should be a case study on how to do it right. My words really can’t do justice here. This is one magnificent restaurant that you have to see for yourself! The expansive menu at Crave has something for everyone: Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Pizzas, Pastas, Flatbreads, Entrees, Desserts, and a full Sushi menu. Veteran Omaha Chef James Davis will have his work cut out for him managing all of these diverse selections. The menu has been composed using mostly local fresh ingredients, many of which are organic or natural. Some sections are fairly innovative, but many are very typical of an upscale casual dining restaurant such as this. The pricing, on the other hand, is more in the range of a boutique fine dining restaurant and seems a bit on the high end for Omaha.

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Crave

200 South 31st Ave #4103 Omaha, NE 68131 (402) 345-9999 http://www.craveamerica.com Ratings: (out of 5*) Food & Beverage **1/2 Service

***

Ambiance

****1/2

Price

Expensive

Overall

***

www.omahapublications.com

www.readonlinenow.com

Heading to Market Come See the New Stones Custom Designs Special Occasion Pieces Mothers Bracelets Omaha’s Source for Gemstones, Beads & Pearls 515 S. 13th • Old Market • 402-346-4367

Simulcast Racing from All the Top Tracks Over 600 TV’s • Plus Big Red Keno

Open 7 Days a Week • Smoke Free www.horsemenspark.com 6303 “Q” Street • 402-731-2900 Mon-Wed 5pm-9pm

Happy Hours:

Great Lunches & Dinners Daily Specials

Become part of a tradition of leadership, scholarship, faith and service.

Become part of Catholic Education. Students of all faith backgrounds are welcome. Scholarships and tuition assistance available. Check out our websites for more information:

faith

On a recent visit, my dining partner and I started with the Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops ($11.95). The large scallops were attractively presented on crostini with sauteed spinach and a hollandaise-type sauce but were tragically over-cooked for my taste. The “Pita & Spreads” selection ($9.95) was also visually pleasant with kalmata olive humus and a red pepper humus. It also had a half bulb of roasted garlic which was undercooked and hard. Next I tried the Grilled Caesar salad ($4.95) which was grilled perfectly and delicious, to boot. We also tried the “Starter Crave” salad ($4.95), which was a familiar combination of spring greens, balsamic vinaigrette, goat cheese and roasted pine nuts. The greens seemed a bit limp and soggy but it was otherwise OK. During the long wait for our entrees, I also decided to try a roll from the sushi bar. I had the “Godzilla” roll ($17.95) filled with spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, avocado and cumber. It was excellent and one of my favorite parts of my meal. For entrees we tried the Ahi Tuna ($26.95), which was seared with a sesame seed crust. It was cooked to a perfect rare doneness and served with a sweet soy-based sauce, sticky rice and green beans with red peppers. The Spaghetti Pomodoro ($15.95) was well executed and perhaps the best value of the evening. For dessert we had a “S’More Brownie” ($7.95), which was topped with melted marshmellows and a incredbily rich dark chocolate sauce accented with smoked sea salt. The combination was stupendous. The Coconut Cake ($7.95) was no slouch either, and helped end the meal on a positive note. Overall, I felt the food had all of the potential to be excellent but lacked a little polish in execution that I am sure will come with practice. The wine list at Crave was stellar, featuring some of my favorite wines at prices slightly higher than I am used to paying for them. The service at Crave was spot on, efficient and friendly. The management was very visible and actively engaged in the dining experience. There are so many other things on the menu that I want to try, so I already know I will be back many more times. I recommend you make a point of trying it out for yourself. The breathtaking decor is reason in itself to make the trip. Cheers!

Leadership

Archbishop bergAn cAtholic school

mercy high school

www.mercyhigh.org

www.berganknights.com

mount michAel beneDictine high school

creighton prepArAtory school

www.creightonprep.creighton.edu

www.mountmichaelhs.com

Duchesne AcADemy

st. peter clAver cristo rey cAtholic high school

www.duchesneacademy.org

www.spccristorey.org

gross cAtholic high school

roncAlli cAtholic high school

www.grosscatholic.org

www.roncallicatholic.org

scholarship

mAriAn high school

service

www.marianhighschool.net

v.J. AnD AngelA skutt cAtholic high school

www.skuttcatholic.com

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OMAHAFOOD

L E G E N D (average price per entrée) $1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

MC, V, AE, DC

AMERICAN BREWSKY'S FOOD & SPIRITS TWO OMAHA LOCATIONS 614-2739, 153rd & Q Sts.; 201-2739, 84th & Park Drive; Brewsky’s Food & Spirits opened it’s first restaurant/bar in Lincoln, NE in 1990. Brewsky’s now boasts six restaurants in Lincoln and Omaha. Our menu (created by Certified Executive Chef Ed Janousek) surprises people that are expecting the normal “bar food” found at most sports bars. The menu consists of steaks, burgers, chicken, wraps and about everything in between. We offer all the sports packages on our banks of TVs as well. The atmosphere created, the quality of the food served and the modest prices charged define Brewsky’s. We’ve been voted Best Sports Bar in Omaha for three consecutive years (Omaha magazine). Come let us WOW you!

Get a Little Saucy.

BUFFALO WINGS AND RINGS Wings done to perfection. We use only the freshest wings and top them off with our signature sauces that can be combined to create 45 different flavors! If you are a fan of Boneless Wings, then you are in for a treat! We use only fresh tenders that are hand cut, lightly breaded and served up hot and juicy. Our menu also features Gyro’s with homemade cucumber sauce, ½ lb burgers, Wraps, Salads, and Sandwiches. We have a full bar and party room for groups not to mention 39 Plasma TV’s. Located in the L Street Marketplace at 120th and L.

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO GNOCCHI • FRESH SALMON DAILY

SATURDAY LUNCH [11am–4 pm]

$10

OFF ANY TICKET OVER $25 NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 12/31/2011

COCKTAIL HOUR MONDAY – SATURDAY 4 – 6 PM ALL COCK TAILS, GL ASS WINE AND BEERS ARE HALF PRICE

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS • 402-391-2950 CENTRAL LOCATION • 3125 SOUTH 72ND STREET • EASY ACCESS OFF I-80 • 72ND STREET EXIT

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Do you have a story that you’d like to share? Let us know at: editor@omahapublications.com

www.omahapublications.com

Thank you for voting

best brick oven pizza

WWW.PITCHPIZZERIA.COM

590-COAL

Sonoran Style Cooking Made Fresh Daily. Catering and Party Rooms Also Available. 7555 Pacific St. 399–8006 380 N.114 St. 330–5707 Omaha, Nebraska

Owned & Operated by the Cascio Family

64 Years of Selling Great Steaks!

1 mile south of Qwest Center 345-8313 • www.casciossteakhouse.com www.readonlinenow.com

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Open for Lunch & Dinner Mon-Fri 11AM-11PM Sat Open 3-12PM

NICOLA’S IN THE OLD

MARKET The Official Restaurant

of the Holland Performing Arts Center’s Broadway Series Enjoy a distinctive & tempting menu of upscale Italian dishes, including Lobster Ravioli, Classic Carbonara & Mediterranean Lasagna. Offering an Extensive Wine List, Full Bar, Outdoor Garden Patio, Catering Follow us on... & Desserts To Go. NICOLASINTHEOLDMARKET.COM phone number

345.8466

166

location

13TH & JACKSON

january/february | 2011

Sunday Brunch from 10am-2pm Dinner 3-9PM Great Happy Hour 3-6:30pm (Drink & appetizer specials)

Thanks to our customers for voting!

We can Cater any event Large or Small Gift Cards available

13110 Birch Dr Ste 100 402-884-9500 www.zurlos.com Family Owned & Operated Authentic Italian Cuisine Party Rooms Available Carry Out Available

Serving Lunch & Dinner

Mon-Sat nt inu all y Th an k Yo u Om ah a fo r Co st au ra nt Vo ting Us Be st Ita lia n Re 3001 S. 32nd Ave • Omaha, NE • 402-345-5656

www.omahapublications.com

2202 South 20th Street – Omaha

Family Restaurant • Fine Steaks Chicken • Seafood Party Rooms Available

Wave Bistro Asian Asian Fusion Fusion Cuisine Cuisine

402-496-8812 4002 N. 144th St.

e hottest new dining NOW OPE N estination

342-9038 • 346-2865

DAVE AND BUSTER'S 778-3915 132ND & WEST CENTER Have a drink and then go play. Or play, and then grab a bite to eat. At Dave & Buster's, it's totally your call. You can start with a delicious meal in our Grand Dining Room. Then move on to some games in our Million Dollar Midway. Check out our drink specials with your friends-or ones-in lively bar ary American Fare meet• new Music & our Entertainment areas. The options are many! How you do it is up to • Daily Happy Hours | $3 you.www.daveandbusters.com

• Kids Eat Free Sundays

DUNDEE DELL 553-4010 (OMAHA) 5007 Underwood. 11 AM until 1 AM every day, Monday-Sunday. Famous for Fish n’ Chips since 1934. Single malt & scotch tastings open to the public four times a month. Private tastings also available. We serve food from 11 AM to Midnight Sunday through Thursday, and from 11AM to 12:45 AM Friday and Saturday. We also serve a fantastic Sunday brunch from 11AM - 2 PM on Sundays. $

ossing 68131 999 america.com

NOW FEATURING SUSHI & SASHIMI DINNERS Mid Tempura Sukiyaki • Shrimp Try Our tow at Teriyaki Steak • Cantonese n Cr Two Famous Dinners • Family Style for ossi or More • Intimate Tea Rooms ng Available • Reservations Preferred in Tea Rooms.

Plus 20 Exciting Polynesian Cocktails and Delicious Cantonese Appetizers

Open 5pm Mon.- Sat.

Closed Sun. Drinks & Appetizers

7215 BLONDO

397-5049

Omaha

ue Bellev rd illa and M ave Now H oms! Ro Party

Bellevue Benson 21st & Cornhusker 71st & Ames 934-2300 333-6391

Eagle Run 130th & Maple 779-8600

Where good steaks and good service never go out of style.

Serving Steaks, Seafood, Chicken, and more. ADV109

Lunch & Dinner L E G E N D (average price per entrée) $1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

MC, V, AE, DC www.readonlinenow.com

MAI TAI LOUNGE OPEN

4:30 P.M.

Voted Best BBQ Nine Consecutive Years

Lakeside 173rd & West Center 333-8001

Council Bluffs 50 Arena Way 256-1221 (by the MAC)

Millard 120th & L 829-1616

‘

ay Brunch

One Block N of Maple & W side of 144th

Johnn s the original

CRAVE 402-345-9999 (MIDTOWN CROSSING) 200 South 31st Avenue #4103. Omaha’s hottest new restaurant! CRAVE’s menu offers sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, burgers, certified angus steaks, seafood and salads, plus a grand sushi bar. Compliment your meal with a bottle of wine from the 150-plus bottle selection. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.craveamerica.com.

a f é 402-731-4774

27th & L Sts. Five minutes from downtown

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Authentic German Dining Locally Owned Since 1976

Y E A R S

QUAKER STEAK AND LUBE 712-322-0101 (COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA) 3320 Mid America Dr. Council Bluffs, IA."The Lube" serves over 70 million wings annually, has bottles sauces for retail sale and has won the title of "Best Wings USA" Mondays are kids eat free from 5 to 9pm and Tuesdays are all you can eat wings for $12.99 all day. The Metro's only, Quaker Steak and Lube also offers great steaks, ribs and burgers. Live Music again this fall on Friday nights.www.quakersteakandlube.com.

P R E M I U M H OMEMADE

12th & Jackson • Old Market • 341-5827

Full Bar • Carry Out • Dine In Catering For All Occasions Open Seven Days A Week

Thank you for voting us Best of Omaha

3821 Center 346-1528

Visa, MC, Diners & AMEX Accepted

Pan Fried Chicken Wednesdays Catering All Occassion Cakes, Pies & Strudel 5180 Leavenworth 402-553-6774 www.gerdasgermanrestaurant.com Upstream Brewin Best Micro g Co brewe m ry p

UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY TWO OMAHA LOCATIONS 514 S 11th St. (402) 344-0200. Upstream features an extensive menu of new American pub fare including: appetizers and thin-crust pizzas, superb steaks featuring “Omaha Steaks”, fresh fish, pasta, salads, sandwiches and a great children’s menu. Fresh, handcrafted beer and root beer on tap. Extensive wine list. Call ahead for group reservations or to be placed on our waiting list. Visit our classic, upscale poolroom located on the second level.

11/15/10 10:07 AM

any

gerda's OM0210.indd 1

E AC F I R ST P L

•

BBQ

A CE

The Greek Islands

Call for 5 Course Valentine’s Dinner Reservations

20 PL 11 • FIRST

FAMOUS DAVE’S BARBEQUE 829-1616 (OMAHA) Famous Dave’s has been voted Omaha’s favorite barbeque by Omaha Magazine’s readers and the Reader’s Choice. Real hickory smoked ribs, brisket, pork and a great selection made-from-scratch recipes. Open lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Six Omaha-Metro area locations: Bellevue - 21st & Cornhusker, Benson - 71st & Ames, Eagle Run - 130th & Maple, Lakeside - 173rd &Center, Millard - 120th & L, and Council Bluffs by the MAC. Take out and catering available.

ITALIAN DEL MARE ITALIAN + SEAFOOD 614-7660 (OMAHA) 801 S. 169th St. (169th & Pacific) Del Mare fresh Italian menu features dishes from classic to contemporary that are full flavored and healthy. We invite you to come in and experience a meal that has been prepared from scratch with the freshest ingredients. Then you will see what we mean by fresh Italian at Del Mare. www.delmareomaha.com

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DON CARMELO'S 2 LOCATIONS (OMAHA) Tradition - Excellence - Value! Two locations: Rockbrook Village (933-3190) and 204th & Dodge (289-9800) Omaha's First and Finest NY Style Pizza, Stromboli, Calzone, Oven-Toasted Hoagies, Philly Cheese Steaks, Pasta, Salads, Beer & Wine. We also feature take-out and delivery and can cater your special event large or small. Stop in for daily lunch specials 11am -2 pm! GRISANTIS 330-0440 (OMAHA) 10875 W. Dodge Rd. Grisanti's (serving Omaha & Lincoln for over 20 years) is a fun, casual classic Italian restaurant that offers an extensive menu featuring a full selection of house-made and imported pasta, homemade soups & salads, pizza, flatbreads, seafood, chicken, steaks and desserts. Large portions of affordably priced menu selections are prepared with the freshest ingredients available. www.grisantis.net LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO 345-5656 (OMAHA) 3001 So. 32nd, Ave. Located in the middle of a neighborhood surrounded by charming homes. Inside you will find a friendly staff, simple elegance with art & statues of Italy, the aromas of home cooked food & the sound of Italian music welcomes you. At the table everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes & basil, a bowl of oven roasted garlic cloves, special seasoned olive oil, & at night, a jug of Chianti, to set the stage for a wonderful experience! Large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, & even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, & eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offers all of the above, along with panini, salads & one of the best pizza in town. Patio seating, full bar, & a great wine list complete this "Simply Elegant, Simply the Best" restaurant. No reservations, except for private rooms. NICOLA’S 345-8466 (OMAHA) 13th & Jackson. Nicola’s offers a distinctive, tempting menu of upscale Italian dishes, including Lobster Ravioli, Classic Carbonara & Mediterranean Lasagna in an alluring environment. Also enjoy an Extensive Wine List & Full Bar on our Outdoor Garden Patio while you dine. Nicola’s also offers Catering & Desserts To Go for your private party or business gathering. OSCAR'S PIZZA AND SPORTS GRILLE (OMAHA) Oscar's Pizza and Sports Grille is West "O"s number one family sports bar and grille. With over 30 HDTVs and four HUGE screens, you will never miss your favorite team. Got a large group? No problem! Oscars has a party room. Call for availability. Open 7 days a week.

Private Rooms Catering & Delivery 330-0440 fax:330-5433

Sundays Brunch Buffet 10-2 Mon evenings Kids eat free Wednesdays: 1/2 off all bottles of wine

www.grisantis.net

10875 W Dodge Rd. (Old Mill & 108th)

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish

4150 south 144th street • omaha • 894-9411

S U S H I B A R & G R I L L

625 & Up Luncheon Specials $

M0n-Sun 11am-3pm

2 Maki Rolls 3 Maki Rolls Bento Box Chinese Lunch ASIAN CUISINE

Now Catering and Delivering! Happy Hour: Monday - Sunday 3pm-5pm Late Night Happy Hour: Fri. & Sat. 9pm-Close L E G E N D (average price per entrée)

Mon-Thur: 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm • Sun: 12pm-10pm

$1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

MC, V, AE, DC

www.readonlinenow.com

12240 L street | omaha, ne | 991.0022 | www.okinawa-omaha.com januar y/februar y | 2011

169

PASTA AMORE 391-2585 (OMAHA) 108th & West Center road (Rockbrook Village). 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 Bucco. Filet mignon 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 cannolis. Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: 4:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. AE-MC-V. $$

Pure and Simple Fine Dining | Award Winning Wine List

Race cars and Motorcycles hanging from the ceiling! Corvettes in the dining room! Over 30 T.V.s to watch your favorite games. We have a full menu with Ribs, Salads, Burgers, Sandwiches and of course Steak! We feature Jumbo size Chicken Wings with 18 different types of Award-Winning sauces. Our Atomic hot sauce is so hot that you have to sign a waiver to eat them!

PITCH COAL-FIRE PIZZERIA 590-COAL (2625) 5021 Underwood Ave. Coal-fire flavor and fresh, hard-to-find-elsewhere ingredients. That's Pitch in historic Dundee. Unless you've been to the Northeast recently or Naples, Italy, you probably haven't experienced a pizza like it. Coal-fire is a part of an Italian pizza-making heritage. Coal-fire ovens generate 1,000 degrees of heat that produces a crisp, light crust with a distinct but slight charcoaled flavor. It's Naples, old-style cooking. Pitch your own ingredients on top or try one of our signature pizzas that blend the freshest meats and veggies with our traditional sauce. The result: an authentic pie that you won't mistake for any other. www.pitchpizzeria. com

3320 Mid America Drive • Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712.322.0101 • www.quakersteakandlube.com

We’ve perfected the wing. No need for the prayer. Nine tasty sauces. Cold beers on tap. And more than 40 big-screens featuring NFL Sunday Ticket.

bwromaha.com 402.614.7300

L Street Marketplace (12240 L Street)

TP LACE

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•

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2011

•

A CE

Del Mare Res Best Outdoor Di taura ning P nt atio

at Del Mare Reef ktail Lounge The Best Coc

PL 20 11 • FIRST

Thank You Omaha for Voting the Reef at Del Mare #1 Outdoor Dining Patio & #1 Cocktail Lounge

The Reef Lounge Open til 2:00 am • Live music Fri and Sat starting at 10:00 pm

810 S. 169th Street

170

(169th & Pacific)

january/february | 2011

• 402.614.7660 • w w w.delmareomaha.com

SAM AND LOUIE'S MULTIPLE LOCATIONS www.samandlouiesnyp.com. Sam and Louie's is a casual family dining restaurant, with an oldies feel. We specialize in New York style pizza, but have a wide variety of options for any taste bud. Serving hoagies, pastas, calzone, stromboli, salads and more. Offering ice cold beer, wine, and now Gluten Free Pizzas! SPEZIA (OMAHA) 3125 South 72nd Street (3 blocks north of the I-80 interchange). 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, Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads. Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian & California wines, Anniversary Lovers Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Mon-Sat. Cocktail hour: 4-5 pm-all cocktails, glass wine and beers half price. Evening reservations recommended. Call 391-2950. VALENTINO’S Seven Neighborhood locations. (refer to our ad for address and phone numbers) Voted Omaha’s Best Pizza and Buffet by Omaha Magazine, Valentinos has been a Nebraska Tradition for almost 50 years. Convenient Delivery/ Carry out location throughout Omaha serving not only the Best Pizza but also Pastas, Salads, and Breads. The Grand Italian Buffets have something for everyone. Award-winning Buffets offer not only mouthwatering Italian Food but also various other cuisine as well. Open Daily at 11am for Lunch and Open every Sunday at 10am for a Special Sunday Brunch. www.omahapublications.com

ZIO’S PIZZERIA SEVERAL OMAHA LOCATIONS Three locations: 7834 Dodge St. (391-1881), 12997 W. Center Rd. (330-1444), and 1109 Howard St. in the Old Market (344-2222). DELIVERY, DINE-IN, and CARRY-OUT. Serving New York style pizza by slice or whole pies, calzones, hoagies, pastas, salads and garlic breads. Zio’s pies are hand-stretched and baked in old-world ovens. Zio’s offers 35 of the freshest toppings. Taste the freshest pizza at Zio’s. Family dining – open seven days a week. Lunch special and beer and wine available. $

Thanks Omaha for voting us #1 for Breakfast!

ZURLO'S BISTRO ITALIANO 13110 BIRCH DR STE 100 (EAGLE RUN) Zurlo's is the choice for those who like a comfortable setting, and modern atmosphere...whether relaxing on the outdoor patio, or sharing a glass of wine in the bar, your experience will be enjoyable. Chef Enzo has created a classic and innovative menu with signature items such as Salmon crostinis, Chicken Gilda, and our own Brick Oven Pizzas that are sure to please. Made fresh every day, our bread, pastas, dressings, and sauces make "Zurlo's" your favorite Omaha spot for dining.

LIGHT & EASY O’CONNOR’S IRISH PUB & GRILLE 934-9790 (OMAHA) 1217 Howard St. Comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Great before and after games. O’Connor’s offers pub style food: burgers, reubens, daily specials and homemade soups. The pub offers all the traditional Irish favorite libations: Guinness, Harp and Irish whiskey. Grill hours: Mon.Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $

MEXICAN

177th & WEST CENTER RD.

156th & DODGE RD.

117th & BLONDO

IN LEGACY WEST

IN PEPPERWOOD VILLAGE

IN NORTH PARK

(402) 934-9914

(402) 408-1728

(402) 991-8222

DRIVE THRU OPEN

FERNANDO’S TWO OMAHA LOCATIONS Two locations: 7555 Pacific St. (339-8006), 380 N. 114th St. (330-5707). Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. AE-MC-V. $ JULIO’S MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 510 S 13th St. (402) 345-6921. 2820 S 123rd Ct. (402) 330-2110 Julio’s Restaurant is a locally owned Omaha original. Enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, taco salads and, of course, fajitas. You haven’t had nachos unless you’ve had Julio’s nachos. A number of meatless dishes including a garden fajitas with over nine different vegetables! Kids items from macaroni & cheese to kiddie tacos to chicken fingers. www. julios.com LA MESA MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 110th & Maple; 156th & Q; Ft. Crook RD & 370; 84th & Tara Plaza; Lake Manawa Exit (Council Bluffs). Come enjoy an authentic Mexican taste experience at La Mesa! From mouthwatering enchilada’s to fabulous fajitas, La Mesa has something for every connoisseur of Mexican fare to savor. Top it off with one of La Mesa’s famous margaritas. So, kick back in the funfriendly atmosphere and you’ll see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s # 1 Mexican Restaurant Seven Years in a Row!!!!!!

www.readonlinenow.com

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Thank You Omaha! WE DELIVER! CALL NOW!

EAT HERE! 108TH

BAG N SAVE

402-933-2509

For voting Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille Best Hot Wings!

Come to West Omaha’s Home of Charbuff Wings!

Q STREET

WWW.ZEMOGS.COM

ZEMOGS Locally owned and operated, Zemog's is not your traditional Mexican Restaurant. Fun and festive decór combined with a passionate love of flavorful food that fills you up without emptying your wallet. Our freshly made-to-order guacamole to legendary nachos, we strive to make the best food from the freshest ingredients available.

ORIENTAL MT. FUJI INN 397-5049 (OMAHA) 7215 Blondo St. For Japanese dining in the traditional atmosphere, take time to visit Mt. Fuji Inn. Specialties include fresh Sushi and Sashimi, Sukiyaki and Shrimp Tempura. Also featuring Cantonese Chinese dinners and appetizers. Dining in individual tea rooms is available by reservation. Enjoy one’s favorite beverages in the Mai Tai Lounge. Cocktail hour: Mon.-Thu. 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. AE-DC-V. $

Online at O’Connor’s Irish Pub 1217 Howard St. • Omaha, NE 68102 402-934-9790

OscarsPizzaAndSportsGrille.com Carry-Out

(402)758-1910

17330 Lakeside Hills Plaza Omaha, Nebraska

WAVE BISTRO ASIAN FUSION CUISINE 496-8812 (OMAHA) 4002 N 144th St (One Blk N. of Maple St&West Side of 144th St) Step into a world where green waves suspend in the air, an intimate interior as mouth watering aromas waft thru the air. White linen table cloths, show plates & flowers. Wave Bistro presents the best Asian Cuisine in Omaha with a European twist. One of a kind dishes from scratch such as Cashew Crusted Salmon to Tea Smoked Duck-a balance between contemporary & traditional food to create an exciting dining experience. Full service bar. Mon-Thurs 11:00AM-9:00PM,Fri-Sat 11:00AM-10:00PM. All Credit Cards Accepted.

Restaurant & Banquet Room 11732 W. Dodge Rd. • 496-0222 www.jericosomaha.com

Omaha’s Finest Seafood and Much, Much More for 33 Years!

Excellent Food Great Service Friendly People Homemade Pies, Soups, and Salad Dressings Tell your waitress where you found our ad and we’ll give you a FREE Bruschetta Appetizer!

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Meet local quality professional singles of all ages. Locally owned and private organization. All applicants are interviewed and screened with criminal background checks. We work with people who are stable and serious about dating.

681-6676

info@youruniqueconnection.com

New Year’s Special

25% Off All New Memberships! Expires March 31st, 2011 • Must bring in this ad

L E G E N D (average price per entrée) $1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

MC, V, AE, DC www.omahapublications.com

SEAFOOD

CHARLIE’S ON THE LAKE (OMAHA) 144th and F streets (894-9411). Charlie’s is the only fresh-fish daily seafood restaurant in Omaha. Featuring a relaxed, yet contemporary atmosphere that is fun for all ages. Besides fresh seafood, Charlie’s is the home of the James Bond style martini, shaken not stirred, in over 20 varieties, in addition to over 60 wines. Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. $ HIRO SUSHI 2 LOCATIONS Hiro Sushi, 3655 N 129th St, 402-933-0091. Hiro 88, 1308 Jackson Street, 402-933-5168. Home to one of Omaha's largest Sake selections. Hiro offers the best in both bar selection and expertly rolled sushi. The menu draws on Asian Fusion cuisine and Asian inspired tapas. Join us for Lunch, Happy Hour or call to plan your private party.

Come & experience what all of Omaha is talking about!

HIRO 88 URBAN CHIC IN OLD MARKET OKINAWA SUSHI 991-0022 (OMAHA) Located at 12240 L Street. Featuring the finest Chinese and Japanese cuisine with a variety of sushi. Enjoy the casual family friendly atmosphere. Hours: Mon-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon-10 p.m.

HIRO 88 o l d m a r k e t 1308 Jackson St. 933.5168 [outdoor dining]

HIRO WEST w e s t 3655 N 129th St . 933.0091

omaha

[south of 129th & maple]

SPECIAL DINING DELICE NOW AT MIDTOWN CROSSING Reopened at 3201 Farnam in Midtown Crossing Delice European Bakery has been a favorite in Omaha for over 20 yrs. Famous for our desserts and pastries we also offer a wide variety of sandwiches,savories,and soups.If your looking for catering lunch for your office or a special event feel free to call us at 505-9500. www. deliceeuropeanbakery.com. Hrs Mon-Thurs 7am to 9pm. Fri and Sat 7am to 11pm and Sun 7am to 6pm.

{ Happy Hour Specialties } Mon-Fri 3-6, 10-Close Sat 10-Close

Select Sushi Rolls, Drink Specials & Appetizers

www.Hiro88.com www.readonlinenow.com

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GERDA’S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY 402-553-6774 (OMAHA) 5188 Leavenworth St (402-553-6774) Omaha’s only Authentic German Restaurant. A little piece of Germany in Omaha. Gerda herself makes homemade spaetzle, schnitzels and rouladen. Fresh made soups, red cabbage, sauerkraut and dumplings are a few other treats. Stay for dessert of black forest cake or grab fresh bakery for breakfast on your way out. www.gerdasgermanrestaurant.com GREEK ISLANDS 346-1528 (OMAHA) 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. Well known for our Gyro sandwiches and salads. We do catering and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carryout and delivery available. Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. AE-DC-MC-V. $

1948

HORSEMEN'S PARK 402-731-2900 (OMAHA) Horsemen’s Park located at 6303 Q Street. Happy Hour Mon-Wed from 5-9 p.m. - $1 pints, $1.75 domestic bottles and $2 well drinks. Tuesday - 25¢ wings from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday - $5.95 Steak Night after 5:00 p.m. Thursday - 75¢ tacos and $1.75 margaritas after 5:00 p.m. Friday – $7.95 Prime Rib Dinner after 5:00 p.m. Daily specials 7 days a week. Open daily at 10:00 a.m. Check out our website at www.horsemenspark.com.

Thank You Omaha

JAIPUR BREWING COMPANY 402-392-7331 (OMAHA) 10922 Elm St. Rockbrook Village. A casual restaurant in a ralaxed atmosphere. Lunch; Chicken Tikki Naan with Chutney; Tandoori Chicken & Muligatanny soup. Dinner entrees include fresh vegetables dishes, grilled colorado lamb sirloin, Sushi grade Ahi, Tandoori marinated grilled salmon, Tandoor grilled beef tenderloin, to name a few. Wide selection of wines & liquor, on site brewed beer. Lunch: Thurs. & Fr. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Sun.-Thurs. 5:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m.; Fri & Sat. 5:30 p.m.-10:45 p.m.

From the Rotella Family

KONA GRILL 779-2900 (OMAHA) 295 N 170th St., Village Pointe. Kona Grill is the winner of over 50 awards nationally, including Best New Restaurant and Best Sushi. The eclectic menu offers a variety of dishes from gourmet pizza to the award winning sushi. Kona Grill’s recipe for casual elegance includes mesmerizing aquariums, sushi bar, and an exhibition kitchen. Their lively patio is a great place to see and be seen. At Kona Grill there is something for everyone. MARRAKECH AT THE BRANDEIS BRANDEIS BUILDING (OMAHA) 210 South 16th Street, Suite 104, Omaha, Nebraska 68102 Marrakech at the Brandeis Food Court- Indulge your senses with the fresh, nutritious and aromatic ingredients found in our gourmet Moroccan spiced sandwiches and soups. We invite you to savor the uncompromising quality found in such offerings as our; Pepper Crusted Salmon Wrap, Tomato and Eggplant and our Tomato, Braised Short Rib Baguette and Vegetable soup.

BREAD LOAVES

L E G E N D (average price per entrée) $1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

www.rotellasbakery.com january/february | 2011 174 Rotella_Jan.Feb 2011.indd 1

MC, V, AE, DC

11/29/10 3:23:25 PM

www.omahapublications.com

YO EW R

8 Metro Locations

Owners Jon Mumgaard, Brian Kitten and Jim Mumgaard

TED & WALLY’S ICE CREAM 341-5827 Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream at 12th & Jackson in the Old Market. Since 1986, we've created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt & ice. We offer your favorites plus unique flavors like Margarita, Green Tea, Guinness, and French Toast. Special orders available.

STEAKHOUSES

Z Z E RIA

SamAndLouiesNYP.com

Come for the food, stay for the fun large parties and families welcome

153rd & Q Streets, 614-2739 84th & Park Drive, 201-2739 www.brewskys.com

Thanks Omaha, for voting us

Best Sports Bar 4 straight years!

NY Style Pizza • Hoagies • Pastas Calzone • Stromboli Salads Ice Cold Beer • Wine Now Serving Gluten Free Pizzas!

$5.00 OFF Any 16” or 18” Pizza expires 2.28.2011 • no cash value

801 CHOPOUSE AT THE PAXTON 402-341-1222 1403 Farnam St. Designed with a 1920's era New York Chophouse in mind, 801 is the epitome of elegance. You will not forget the crisp white tablecloth fine dining experience. From their USDA prime grade beef and jet-fresh seafood from all over the world, 801 Chophouse is truly the best Omaha has to offer. Open 7 nights a week.

CASCIO'S STEAK HOUSE 402-345-8313 Since 1946, Cascio’s Steak House has been Omaha’s #1 steakhouse. The Cascio family established high standards of top quality food which is carefully prepared and promptly served by the friendly staff. Minutes south of the old market. The perfect place to hold your entire banquet and party needs Cascio’s has 7 party rooms handling groups of 10-400 people. www.casciossteakhouse.com

www.readonlinenow.com

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CHEFPROFILE

Story by Shannon Smith Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

Glenn Wheeler Spencer's for Steak and Chops

Most

people who go to college on a football scholarship didn’t grow up watching “The French Chef with Julia Child,” or eagerly helping their mother stir sauces for meals. But from standing on a milk crate to reach the stove in their Chicago home’s kitchen, to attending the University of Utah, Glen Wheeler’s path to becoming a chef was unorthodox. It was at college Wheeler realized he wanted to return to the industry of his first job, then began working his way up from dishwasher to executive chef. The confident, yet modest, executive chef of Spencer’s for Steak and Chops, very rarely says “I” when he speaks, even when talking about developing the restaurant’s new menu for 2011. “It’s a team effort. There’s no chef that can do anything by himself,” Wheeler said. “It’s definitely not a one-person effort, it can’t be. Otherwise you’ll never succeed.” Wheeler has been with Spencer’s for six months, and is excited to incorporate his signature Latin and

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Asian flavor profiles into the steakhouse’s cuisine, which Wheeler says gives him the freedom to experiment beyond “meat and potatoes” dining. “We’re a modern steakhouse, a steakhouse with shoulders,” Wheeler said. “We’ve been spreading our wings, we’re not bound by any boundaries, so we’re able to dictate, and do what we want to do.” One of Wheeler’s greatest fears is complacency. He changes restaurants every few years to challenge himself, he hires young, ambitious cooks to keep him on his toes, and he frequents the used book store on Jackson Street weekly to look for new cookbook arrivals. A constant student, everything Wheeler does centers around his curiosity for life, his passion to become better. “I love this business and I wouldn’t do anything else,” said Wheeler, a married father of two grown children. “I’ve been in kitchens for 28 years now, but still, I try to keep learning and seeing that there’s always something new or interesting, or you can always do something better, that’s what keeps me going.” www.omahapublications.com

THE DROVER 391-7440 2121 S. 73rd Street (just 1/2 block of Doubletree) 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. Reservations accepted. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11am – 2pm. Cocktail Hour 3-6pm Dinner nightly at 5pm. Reservations accepted. AE,Dc-MC-V $$$

JOHNNY’S CAFÉ – SINCE 1922 731-4774 (OMAHA) 27th and L streets. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny’s Café a restaurant to remember. Serving only the finest corn-fed beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete one’s meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha’s original restaurants. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. AE-MC-V. $$

OMAHA PRIME 341-7040 (OMAHA) 415 S. 11th St. (Old Market). Only restaurant featuring complete Prime beef. Open six days a week, Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-close. $$-$$$

L E G E N D (average price per entrée) $1 to 10 - $, $10 to 20 - $$, $20 to 30 - $$$, $30 and over - $$$$

MC, V, AE, DC www.readonlinenow.com

PASSPORT RESTAURANT 344-3200 (OMAHA) 1101 Jackson St. An elegant, but simplistic ambience highlights this upscale Old Market eatery. Serving Prime grade beef. Open at 5 p.m. six days a week. $-$$

PICCOLO’S RESTAURANT 342-9038 (OMAHA) 2202 S. 20th St. One of Omaha’s finest traditions, where quality steaks are served at low prices. Especially designed for a family outing or a business social. The specialty is tasty prime rib, served for the last 60 years under the crystal ball. Daily lunches: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.1:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thu. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 4:30 p.m.-110:30 p.m. Daily and night specials.

SPENCER'S FOR STEAKS AND CHOPS 280-8888 OLD MARKET 102 South 10th Street. At Spencer’s we strive for only the finest dining experience. Our dinner menu includes prime grade beef and we also collaborate with local farmers and ranchers to bring in only the finest product. Check out our award winning wine list. Sun.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-1 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. www.specersforsteaksandchops.com SULLIVAN'S STEAKHOUSE 342-0077 (OMAHA) 222 South 15th St. (Old Market). A vibrant neighborhood American Steakhouse featuring steaks, seafood, handshaken martinis and live music. With 20 locations nationally, we offer comfortable fine dining in a lively atmosphere. Whether it's for business or pleasure we look forward to quickly becoming your favorite local steakhouse. januar y/februar y | 2011

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OMAHACITYSEEN HOT SHOPS ART CENTER WINTER OPEN HOUSE 12.4.10

SNOWBALL AT CRAVE 12.10.10

NOMAD’S 4TH GLOBAL BIRTHDAY PARTY 12.11.10

1: Nick & Elizabeth 2: Christina & Brian 3: Michael & Colleen

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4: Brian & Taylor 5: Mary & Karen 6: Brogan & Sarah

7: Lisa, Bob & Melissa 8: Aaron & Angel 9: Whitney & Joe www.omahapublications.com

Coming to Omaha 2011 Coming to Omaha 2011