Omaha Magazine - June 2020 - Hotel Edition

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NERDING OUT OVER FOOD DJ CRABRANGUCCI AUSTIN JOHNSON J U N E 2 02 0 |

· SIX INTERESTING APPETIZERS Hotel Edition

A SLICE OF SUMMER

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

INDIAN FOOD, VEGETARIAN OPTIONS, AND CHOCOLATE The 2020 Food Issue

T

his June issue is devoted to food, and the people in the food and beverage industry who feed Omaha daily.

When we began planning this issue months ago, the average American ate out three times a week. When COVID-19 hit, the food industry, like many others, was hit hard. We worked hard to bring you information as accurate as possible at presstime.

I don’t have many vices, but one of them is coffee—nobody wants to talk to or see me before I drink at least 8 oz. of coffee.

That’s why I enjoyed the dining profile about Jasmyn and Jacob Wichert, the creative couple who run Amateur Coffee.

One of my favorite types of cuisine is Indian food. More than one company sells pouches of Indian food and rice that can be heated in the microwave in a minute. These were a lifesaver last year when the flooding affected my water supply, and they also come in handy on days when cooking seems too much of an effort. Several Indian restaurants have appeared in the last few years, one of many cooking styles and businesses that have come about as immigrants come to Omaha. One feature article this month discusses immigration in Omaha, and how people moving to this city have created a variety of restaurants since its beginning—from the Germans and Chinese of the 1800s to the Africans of the 2010s.

Appetizers are a fun indulgence when eating at a restaurant. In fact, at my favorite pub in Omaha, my dinner is often an order of blue-cheese potato skins and a salad. At the editorial planning meeting for this issue, a

co-worker mentioned one restaurant in town that serves PB&J Wings, which got us thinking what choices do diners in Omaha have to stray from the ubiquitous spinach dip? Obviously Omaha offers six alternatives, including those PB&J Wings.

Traveling encourages people to try new things, but Linda Sue Lichtenwalter and fiance Chris Larkin travel largely to taste new foods. The pair, who work in food service here in Omaha, even bring back some of their finds—such as chocolate from Paris. Their story is quite the adventure.

Last year’s main feature was titled “New Cuisine in 2019,” and it featured food from a variety of restaurants, styled for photography by Sarah Hunt. She is an independent food stylist who has built a career for herself creating plates of food to be photographed. We loved the work she produced for us, and we thought you would like to know a bit more about her—so she is one of our A+C features this round.

This year’s main feature shines a spotlight on service industry workers, from owners to servers to barbacks. Turn to page 30 to read more about this project from senior editor Tara Spencer.

This issue also covers chefs, both seasoned and starting out. Austin Johnson started his career bussing tables at a restaurant in West Omaha. Today, he is an executive chef in New York City, and in between, he has studied under chefs from Seattle to Paris. Lauryn Niemants is a student at Metropolitan Community

JUNE

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2020

College who has found a passion for food preparation…a far cry from her favorite high school activity of theater arts.

One of my favorite places in Omaha to get a quick bite to eat is Pepperjax Grill.

Omaha can thank Gary Rohwer for this restaurant, and the entrepreneur has since sold the chain and moved to other ventures. This story appears in the SixtyPlus section.

Other favorite places have closed in the past five years. Petrow’s was a nostalgic place to eat comfort food and drink a milkshake, and I miss Amato’s ricotta pancakes on the weekends when searching for brunch. You will find this story in the Sixty-Plus section as well.

Active Living subject Phil McEvoy spends part of his fall hunting for deer with friends…and anyone he meets is considered one of those friends. The health feature, on the other hand, touts the medically-backed Mediterranean diet.

Takeout Tuesday, Fast-food Friday, and Sunday Supper—this edition will, hopefully, inspire each person to support the food industry in our city. We at Omaha Magazine thank each reader for picking up this edition. We put our hearts, and our stomachs, into bringing you the best of the area. * Note: The hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover and does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition. For more information on our city edition, visit OmahaMagazine.com.

TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 003 From the Editor

Indian Food, Vegetarian Options, and Chocolate

006 Between the Lines 008 Calendar of Events 073 Obviously Omaha

Six Interesting Appetizers

074 Adventure

One Couple Nerds Out Over Food

090 Explore! Calendar 095 Instagram

078

096 Not Funny

Bacon and Eggs and Tortilla Chips…

A R T S + C U LT U R E 014 Performance Tim Siragusa

018 Visual

Sarah Jane Hunt

022 Music

DJ Crabrangucci

DINING 078 Chef Profile

Austin Johnson

080 Profile

Jasmyn and Jacob Wichert

082 Dining Guide

014

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MAY 2020

018

446 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at

.com

ALWAYS LOCA L , ALWAYS BE AUT IF UL .

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Between

THE LINES A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS GIL COHEN—Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing Cohen has been with Omaha Magazine for 13 years, but he said the past three months have been the most challenging and the most rewarding. The challenging part is trying to sell advertising when businesses are not sure when and if they will reopen. The rewarding part is the way the Omaha community has banded together, how businesses have strived to stay open despite having to re-engineer their business plans, and how for-profit and nonprofit organizations have pooled resources to help those in need, including folks who never needed help before. Cohen has had great conversations with some of the Omaha area’s top business leaders and they, and he, are optimistic that things will bounce back and be better than before.

JENNA GABRIAL GALLAGHER—Contributing Writer Gallagher grew up in Omaha and New England reading fashion magazines—and eventually went to work for one, Harper’s Bazaar: first in the classic Devil Wears Prada role, then later as a features editor. She has written and edited several books, including the Louis Vuitton City Guide series for Paris and New York, Harper’s Bazaar’s Greatest Hits and Mary Mitchell: Drawn to Fashion about wonderful Omaha fashion illustrator Mary Mitchell. Gallagher is currently a freelance writer and editor, specializing in dining and entertaining, home décor, fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics, and can be found on Instagram at @thebeaspora. She lives with her husband, a neurotic Maltese, and three funny little girls in a home where she’s hosted concerts, fundraisers, and even a few weddings.

ANDREA KSZYSTYNIAK—Contributing Writer Kszystyniak (pronounced Kiss-Tin-Knee-Ack) moved to Omaha in 2013 to work at the local newspaper. Kszystyniak left the job but stuck around Nebraska and has since co-founded Omaha Zine Fest, an annual event celebrating self publishing. When they’re not making zines as part of Rowdy Boys Zine Collective, they’re feeding their worm farm, trying to get back into fermentation, or reading extensively about mental health and trauma. Abolition, mutual aid, and leftist politics are a big part of Kszystyniak’s life, as is their really fussy 12 year-old-cat, Scout.

Kszystyniak has worked in arts and culture journalism since they published a review of Aqua Teen Hunger Force in their high school newspaper 15 years ago. Getting to write about the things they love for other people continues to be a delightful surprise.

DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN—Columnist Wesselmann won a Debut Dagger from the British CWA for his novel Imp: Being the Lost Notebooks of Rufus Wilmot Griswold in the Matter of the Death of Edgar Allan Poe. His first novel, On the Albino Farm, is was serialized last month on his blog, douglaswesselmann.com. Wesselmann's novel Tales of the Master (Grief Illustrated Press) was released in 2016. He has been a fixture on Omaha radio/ TV for 40 years and currently hosts the morning show on Classical 90.7 FM. Despite rumors to the contrary, Wesselmann lives in the middle of North America, though he is considering moving to one of the edges.

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JUNE 2020

JUNE 2020 VOLUME 38 // ISSUE 2

Get tickets now for best prices and seating!

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor

TARA SPENCER Associate Editor

LINDA PERSIGEHL Editorial Intern

ERIN WALTER Contributing Writers

LEO ADAM BIGA · RYAN BORCHERS · CHRIS BOWLING JENNA GABRIAL GALLAGHER · VIRGINIA KATHRYN GALLNER LISA LUKECART · ANDREA KSZYSTYNIAK · PATRICK MCGEE SEAN ROBINSON · TIM TRUDELL · ERIN WALTER DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN

CREATIVE Creative Director

MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer

DEREK JOY

Aug. 7 –16

Graphic Designer II

MADY BESCH

Contributing Photographers

JUSTIN BARNES · KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES SCOTT DRICKEY · JOSHUA FOO · WILLIAM HESS · SARAH LEMKE

SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN

Senior Branding Specialist

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

MARY HIATT

Senior Sales Executive & 60PLUS in Omaha Contributing Editor

OmahaMag_PopRock_June.indd 1

4/14/20 10:29 AM

GWEN LEMKE

Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor

SANDY MATSON

Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS

Branding Specialists

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Digital Sales Manager

JILLIAN DUNN

OPERATIONS Operations Officer & Local Stubs Ticketing Representative

JOSHUA PETERSON Ad Traffic Manager

DAVID TROUBA

Distribution Manager

MIKE BREWER

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

Accounting Associate

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EXECUTIVE

THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm!

Executive Publisher

TODD LEMKE Vice President

GREG BRUNS Associate Publisher

BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:

402.884.2000

Omaha Magazine Vol 38 Issue II, publishes monthly except February, April, August, November, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices.

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

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EVENTS

» Exhibitions «

LIV SCHULMAN: THE GOBERNMENT

Through June 13 at Bemis Center, 724 S. 12th St. Paris-based artist Schulman’s multi-channel video The Gobernment is described as a fictional historical revision of the lives of forgotten women artists. Th is will be the first presentation of her work in the U.S. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

BARIGHT GALLERY ART SERIES EXHIBIT

Through July 7 at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, 1111 N. Bellevue Blvd. Th is annual series features a different artist, or group of artists, each quarter. Th is time around, the group is Community. Community is a non-juried, salon style exhibit that celebrates the creativity of Fontenelle Forest members, neighbors, staff, volunteers, and friends. The exhibit will be vibrant and diverse, featuring artists of any age, working in any medium or style. Admission: $11. 402.731.3140.

—fontenelleforest.org

INFLUENCE

Through Aug. 22 at Kaneko, 1111 Jones St. Creativity begins with an idea. Th rough the exploration of physical space, artistic themes, history, and experience, the season of INFLUENCE will examine the history of change at Kaneko while celebrating the future of the organization which has become a driving force for inclusion and diversity of creative thought in Omaha.

402.341.3800 —thekaneko.org

PICASSO, MASTER IN CLAY

Through Aug. 22 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S 25th St. The whimsical works of one of history’s most iconic artists is at El Museo Latino. The exhibition features more than 55 of the legendary Pablo Picasso’s stylized ceramics. On loan from the Park West Museum, this substantial collection is on display for the first time in Omaha. Admission: $5 adults, $4 college students with ID, $3.50 seniors and children ages 5-17, and free to children under 5 and active military with ID. 402.731.1137.

—elmuseolatino.org

CLAUDIA WIESER: GENERATIONS

Through June 13 at Bemis Center, 724 S. 12th St. Wieser is a Bavarian artist whose hand-painted sculptures, gold-leafed drawings, and multi-media installations show her appreciation for classical forms, as well as abstract geometrics. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

ART FROM AFAR: JOSLYN’S ONLINE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

Ongoing. Art fans can log on to the Joslyn’s website to listen to curator-led gallery talks, participate in short courses, take virtual tours, and more.

—joslyn.org

JOE MCHALE

Through June 5 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. McHale is a visual artist based out of Kearney. His paintings are lively and full of kinetic energy. He creates a visual representation of moments when time stands still and the past, present, and future combine into one. Admission: Free. 402.595-2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

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JUNE 2020

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: GRADING DOWNTOWN OMAHA

Through June 21 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Th is educational photography exhibit shows images of the extensive street projects in downtown Omaha that took place throughout the 1880s-1920s. Viewers can learn about the projects that shaped Omaha and see how the streets have changed. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12). 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

PULITZER PRIZE PHOTOGRAPHS

Th rough Sept.20 at Durham Museum. 801 S. 10th St. Photography plays an important role in documenting history. Th is exhibit features over 80 large-format, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs with information about how the image was captured. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (age 62+), $7 children 3-12, free for children under 2 and members. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

SPORTY WOMEN: THE DESIRE TO COMPETE

Through Dec. 31 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Equal treatment for women in sports is as modern a topic today as it was for women 100 years ago.

Th is exhibit uses images from the Durham Museum Photo Archive that highlight elements of conflicting standards that allowed women to compete in sports if they maintained their feminine appearance. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12).

402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

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» Stage Performances « ONLINE AT O-PA

Ongoing. Omaha Performing Arts is providing learning opportunities from the comfort of home through events such as Jazz Academy Digital Lessons and Wednesday Warmups.

—o-pa.org/digital-learning

DANCE AND ACTING CLASSES

Ongoing online through Jewish Community Center of Omaha. JCC has several online classes, including a variety of dance and acting classes, available for people to watch and perform in their living rooms.

—jccomaha.org

A MEMORY HELD IN YOU

Through June 19 online with Amplify Arts.

Positioning itself between the practices of expanded cinema, performance, and meditative listening, A Memory Held in You is an immersive virtual installation that examines how what people see, hear, and feel is woven into the fabric of a remembered experience. In a series of digital events staged across social media platforms and Amplify Arts’ website each week.

—amplifyarts.org

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TARA VAUGHN’S SHE ROCKS

Through June 28 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. She Rocks celebrates women artists and songwriters of the ’60s–’80s, woven together with songs and stories. Backed by an all-star band, Tara performs music from artists like Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Blondie, Heart and many more. In this unique review, Tara Vaughan masterfully presents an evening of classic rock and roll with the focus on female artists and songwriters. Times vary. Tickets: TBD. —omahaplayhouse.com

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MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL

June 18 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra—and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex, and more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: —o-pa.org

JUNE 2020

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

» Concerts « HAIRBALL

June 5 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Hairball is not an ’80s tribute band—it’s an ‘80s hard rock experience. Fans can expect to hear hits from Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey, Aerosmith, and more. Note: Th is concert is rescheduled from April 25.

7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 general admission, $30 club.

402.934.9966 —ralstonarena.com

MIPSO

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

stcabriniomaha.org 10th and Williams Street

OMAHA FARMERS MARKET

June 6 thru Mid-October Due to COVID-19, special health and safety measures will be enforced and only locally grown produce and fresh food will be available.

SATURDAY Old Market

City Parking Garage 1011 Jackson Street 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

Baxter Arena Lot 26 2425 S. 67th Street 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

OmahaFarmersMarket.org

MEDIA SPONSORS

SPONSORS Security National Bank • LeafFilter Gutter Protection Old Omaha Association • Physicians Mutual Veridian Credit Union • Aksarben Village

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JUNE 2020

MARKET DETAILS

First hour is designated for seniors, people with underlying health conditions and expectant mothers.

Visit our website, omahafarmersmarket.org, for a complete list of safety guidelines, additional ways to purchase from vendors and more!

June 5 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This South Carolina band blends Appalachia with modern alt-country, hints of folk-rock, and some humor thrown in. 8 p.m.

Tickets: $15 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

NEVERMIND

June 5 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Grunge rock was synonymous with the 1990s, and no other band was more synonymous with grunge than Nirvana. 8 p.m. Tickets: $10. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

AARON WATSON

June 11 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Watson has been a name in country music for the past 20 years. In fact, his album The Underdog was the first independent album in the history of country music to top the Billboard Country Albums chart. 8 p.m. Tickets: $22 advanced, $25 day of show. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

LAO TIZER QUARTET

June 19 at The Jewel, 1030 Capitol Ave. Th is jazz band has been called “The missing link between The Dave Matthews Band and Snarky Puppy.” The band includes Tizer himself on keys and Eric Marienthal on saxophone. Note: Th is is a rescheduled show from April 10. Tickets: $25. 917.748.4337.

—jewellomaha.com

PETROCK

June 26-27 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Th is ’70s cover band will perform beloved hits from the 1970s for two nights. Note, the show is a rescheduled one from April. Tickets bought for the original show will be honored. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$40. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

THE PINK FLAMINGOS ALBUM RELEASE SHOW.

June 27 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Th is retro band draws on influences from the popular music of the mid-20th Century to modern alt-country. 8 p.m.

Tickets: $10. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

AMERICAN AQUARIUM

June 30 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th is southern-rock band recently released their seventh album, produced by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter John Fulbright. 8 p.m. Tickets: $10.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

LOCAL AUTHORS TO CHECK OUT

Ongoing. Several local authors have published books in the last year. Many are available in Kindle edition, some are available on Amazon, still others are available in bookstores.

• • • • • • • • • • •

•

Baldwin, James M.M. Do Ants Have Souls?

Baker, Lindsey. Th is is Bad Coutley, Lisa Fay. Tether Crucet, Jennine Capo. My Time Among the Whites McGowan, James. The Brigands, Repenter, Players of the Game Book 1, and Repenter, The Hidden Chapters McKinstry-Brown, Sarah. Th is Bright Darkness Montag, Kassandra. After the Flood Stokely, Kim. The Light Unleashed, Portals of Ayden Book 3 Vaughan, Carson. Zoo Nebraska Walker, Sally J. Desert Time, second edition; Learn Genre Film Secrets; Learn Screenwriting; Letting Go of Sacred Th ings, second edition; Meeting People; and A Writer’s Year, second edition Wheeler, Ted. In Our Other Lives

STORIES OF THE PANDEMIC

» Family & More « CSAS AND FARMER’S MARKETS

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

There are several Community Supported Agriculture packages in the area supplying fresh produce through the season. An official list is printed at localharvest.org, but here are some that are ready to offer Omahans fresh produce for a share.

Big Muddy Urban Farm —bigmuddyurbanfarm.com Terrapin Acres —Search “Terrapin Acres” on Facebook Theilen Produce Gardens —theilenproduce.com Wenninghoff ’s —wenninghoff.com

Farmer’s Markets are open again starting this month.

Here are the times and start dates for the local markets.

Attendees are encouraged to check with organizers for availablity before attending any market.

• Baxter Arena Parking Lot 26 (2425 S. 67th Street), across from Aksarben Village 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays starting June 7 • Bellevue (Washington Park, 20th and Franklin streets) 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays starting June 13 • Council Bluff s (Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St.) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays starting June 11 • Gifford Park (33rd and California streets) 5-8 p.m. Fridays • Old Market, City Parking Garage, Top Level (1011 Jackson Street) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting June 6 • Papillion (84th and Lincoln streets) 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays • Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets) 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting June 6

Ongoing. Omahans can be part of communal storytelling about their experience with the coronavirus pandemic. The following museums and libraries are actively collecting related items.

Douglas County Historical Society: Photographs —douglascountyhistory.org/share-your-history The Durham Museum: Letters —durhammuseum.org/stories-of-the-pandemic El Museo Latino: Digital images, oral histories and stories of Latinos, Latino-Americans, and Latino immigrants —elmuseolatino.org Great Plains Black History Museum: Artifacts and digital content documenting the African American experience during the pandemic —gpblackhistorymuseum.org History Nebraska: Objects, photos, journal entries, and other media to document the pandemic in Nebraska —history.nebraska.gov Sarpy County Museum: Objects related to Sarpy County —sarpycountymuseum.org UNO Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections: A wide variety of materials from the Omaha community, including journal entries, photos, reflections, interviews, drawings, plays, and other creative forms —library.unomaha.edu/archives UNMC McGoogan Library of Medicine: Campus-wide project for UNMC and Nebraska medicine students, staff, faculty and alumni —unmc.edu/library

JUNE 2020

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

Four Old Market

TESSELLATION ART AT KANEKO

Ongoing. Omahans can be part of a communal artistic expression during this time of seclusion. Whether one is writing a poem, photographing an image of solitude, painting a picture, or more, people are encouraged to take a photograph of themselves creating art and send it to KANEKO, which will be installed as an artwork when possible.

—tessellationart.org

OMAHA POTTER FAIRE

Unique décor, ornaments and collectibles for every season. oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627

June 6-7 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. Fans of the Harry Potter series will enjoy this event, which includes live owls, costumed characters, vendors, food, and drink (including Butterbeer from The Garbled Owl Butterbeer Shoppe) and children’s activities. 402-331-5500.

—omahapotterfaire.com

BLUES & BALLOONS FESTIVAL

June 1 at Soaring Wings Vineyard, 17111 S. 138th St. The annual blues event will feature several musical guests. Visitors are encouraged to bring a chair and blanket to take in the music. A hot air balloon show will follow. 3:30-10 p.m. Admission: $25 adults, $15 ages 12 and up. 402-253-2479.

—soaringwingswine.com

Fresh chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen.

OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

Travel essentials plus souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.

VIRTUAL OMAHA SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL

OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646

June 6. Those who enjoyed the festival but hated the inconvenience of driving downtown will be pleased to know this popular Omaha event will continue. It won’t be the same, but it promises lots of art. Admission: free.

402-345-5401.

—summerarts.org

COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE ART FAIR Authentic Italian desserts, coffee, and FlavorBurst TMice cream.

DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198

All located at 10th & Howard // 12 //

JUNE 2020

June 6-7 at Countryside Village Shopping Center, 8722 Countryside Plaza. The annual fair showcases a mix of styles, perceptions, and media. The artwork selection inspires casual visitors to start art collections and connoisseurs to add to existing collections. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free.

402-391-2200.

—countryside-village.com

ROSE DAY AND SHOW

June 7 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The Omaha Rose Society is displaying roses to promote the culture and appreciation of this flower. Visitors can view a variety of rose blooms and arrangements, visit with rosarians, and explore the rose garden. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (6-12), free for children under 6. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

108th & Center rockbrookvillage.com

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

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

literally.

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JUNKSTOCK: UNDERNEATH THE STARS

June 19-21 at Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road Drive, Waterloo. Th is vintage festival offers more than 150 junk and vintage vendors, local food trucks, live music, and activities. 4-11 p.m. Friday, 2-11 p.m.

Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $10 per day or $20 full weekend pass, free for children 12 and under. 402-765-8651.

—junkstock.com

Full Service

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

11025 Elm St. / 402.397.7383 / reveomaha.com

POLISH FEST

June 22 at Crescent Moon and Huber-Haus German Bier Hall, 3578 Farnam St. A variety of Polish beers and foods will be available at this festival, including Polish sausage, glombki, and pierogis. noon-11 p.m. Admission: free. 402-345-1708.

—beercornerusa.com

FLATLAND JUGGLING FESTIVAL

June 12-14 at UNMC Center for Healthy Living.

Th is free event includes juggling, hooping, spinning, yo-yos, and having fun. For more information email jimbre1@aol.com.

–– underthecouch.com/flatland

TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET

June 26 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. This monthly outdoor market features local vendors, food, activities, music, and attractions. 6-10 p.m. Admission: free. 402-557-6006.

—midtowncrossing.com

Event times and details are correct as of presstime, but are subject to change. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events are canceling and/or changing dates/time/ places as needed. Most venues base these decisions on direction by the Douglas County Health Department and Nebraska’s publication of guidance on canceling events and limiting the number of people in public gatherings.

Omaha Magazine encourages readers to visit venues' websites and/or calling ahead before attending an event or visiting a museum.

Best of Omaha 2020

VIEW THE 2020 BEST OF OMAHA RESULTS ONLINE! omahamagazine.com/pages/best-of-omaha

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S O F TH E TH E TH EA TR IC ID M A E M O H ROOMS AT R A N T D IN IN G A IS EQ U A LLY U S U TA G ES A R IR F S O M H TTI TH E C O N FI N ES R - P LA Y W R IG TO IN C A IS E E H TH S , A N E IA P H IN G S TA G E M A N Y A TH ES W A IT IN G TA B LE S A N D W A S K LI .

S EN H C A N D K IT D S M EE T W H EN N O T LO N G M A D E EN V ER A T TH E B O IL ER R O O M .

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ER ES D IS H F HOUSE S O S E. H IN G FR O N T O TR E O R TH E R EA C H O R EO G R A P TH N R A EB B LU

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“W

ith his background in acting he could charm any table. It was almost as if dinner service was another performance for him,” said Boiler Room executive chef Tim Nicholson. “[He was] always dressed for the part and ready for the show. He had several regular tables that would come back time and time again to have him make their dining experience special.”

An Omaha Creighton Prep and Creighton University graduate, Siragusa is also a published journalist, essayist, short story writer, and poet. As a visual artist, he’s made internationally exhibited mail art [a populist artistic movement centered on sending small scale works through the postal service], done art photography, and created jewelry.

Before the COVID-19 scare closed restaurants, he worked at Acadian Grille in Dundee.

After years going on creative tears and suffering bouts of depression, he’s reassessing. This self-reflective gesture predates the winter-spring health crisis with its quarantine strictures that left many workers unemployed.

“At present, I see myself as someone who has stepped back in order to recharge my batteries,” he said. “I don’t have any paint on my fingers, I closed my studio, I gave away all my drawing pads and tools. I don’t audition. I don’t have a script in my bag, I am strictly taking stuff in right now.”

He senses revitalization on the horizon.

“Occasionally you’re at crisis points. It means things are going to change really quickly and you better be ready for it,” Siragusa said.

Though an extrovert when orchestrating table service or enacting a part on stage, he’s an introvert by nature.

“I’m perfectly happy talking to 500 people in telling them a story,” Siragusa said. “In reality, I’d rather just be by myself with a book. The arts life is very isolating. There’s me, and that’s about it.”

If nothing else, Siragusa knows himself. Enneagram tests confirm his core traits. “I have high creativity, high intelligence. I’m able to make big decisions and learn things very quickly. I have all these different skills. I’ve been called a chameleon. I can be anything I need to be in an hour.” He chalks up the fact that all that has translated into “low income, low social status” to “how the world works.”

While his sarcasm and impulsivity burn bridges, his authenticity and generosity earn the trust of fellow theater geeks and foodies.

Teri Fender acted alongside him on Siragusa’s original musical Psychobilly Jamboree.

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“Tim was and is wildly creative and hilariously funny. You never really know what medium Tim will be working in next, but you can always be sure it will be like nothing else you have ever seen,” Fender said. “Mostly, Tim has been a loyal and caring friend.”

Former collaborator Jill Anderson calls him “one of the sharpest and most off-the-wall creatives I have ever known.” She admires his “subversive style” and wicked sense of humor.

“His presence in a room is similar to that of Oscar Wilde—the celebrated wit of any occasion,” Anderson said.

Then there’s Siragusa’s big heart.

“If a dishwasher was having a rough go at life,” Nicholson says, “it was not uncommon for Tim to present him new shoes.”

A+C PERFORMANCE // “I’m able to use my theater skills to motivate a crew. A fine-dining table service looks like a dance—everyone’s cooperating and moving in rhythm, silently communicating. I’ve trained a lot of servers. I train them on being attuned to whatever patrons need.

“Making diners feel comfortable—have a seat, take a load off—is something constant.”

He’s sensitive to the marginal place many food workers occupy.

“Some don’t speak English. Some are undocumented. Nobody has insurance.

If someone injures himself on the job, you can’t send him to the emergency room for stitches. Not everybody is in work situations where it gets real like that.”

Compensating for the long hours is getting paid in cash. “That is addictive,” he said. Flexible schedules allow taking off weeks for a project.

Just as most Omaha chefs don’t have the pressure of a national eye on then, he says the same is true for most Omaha artists, “and it’s very freeing.”

“THE SLINGS AND ARROWS OF THE THEATER WORLD OFTEN MEAN NOT GETTING THE GIG, YOU WILL GO INSANE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY.” “One of the qualities many arts people have is high empathy,” said Siragusa, who grew up poor and knows firsthand the challenges of working low-wage jobs and hustling for tips.

“Some of my favorite people are those who got their GED and had a kid when they were in high school. Those are my tribe.”

In his art, Siragusa doesn’t presume being a social conscience.

“It is not the artist’s job to tell people how to live their lives,” he said. “A real pitfall is pretending you have received the plate of liberal ideas from the heavens to impart to the masses.”

He enjoys the “autonomy” visual art affords, though its creation depends on pricey supplies. Writing is more

economical. “The nice thing about writing is that it doesn’t take a lot of resources,” he says. “You can just do it, and you can put your writing out on the web.” Finding a voice and an audience is another matter. “Writing is one of those things where you have to just keep punching at the wall and hope you break through.”

“One of my real passions is supporting the Omaha Public Library. Every month [patrons] can suggest five purchases, and I always go to indie publishers and young writers. If you can give some writer your attention for the span of one short story, then you’re bringing things forward and helping support the arts. That’s important to me.”

There is an art to serving food patrons he takes seriously.

“Omaha has something else valuable to artists—abundant, low cost space where you can work, like the Hot Shops, which is a hidden gem. It’s been integral in my identity.” He moved his practice of mixed media-collage mail art from home to there.

He hit upon mail art when things slowed in theater. “The slings and arrows of the theater world often mean not getting the gig,” he said, “You will go insane trying to figure out why.” He sent or delivered postcards to theater friends, family, and old college chums.

The studio he kept for 16 years served as a salon for art, education, yoga, discussion, rehearsal, chilling out, and community.

Siragusa remains here in part due to “the cultural transformation Omaha’s gone through,” adding, “Omaha was not just a boring place to live up until about 15 years ago, but s----y.” He embraces the things that have created a more livable, dynamic burg.

In this precarious time, he’s confident he will thrive again. “I know how to tell stories and I can do it at another point when I want to.”

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Photography by Bill Sitzmann // Design by Matt Wieczorek

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// A+C Visual //

Story by Andrea Kszystyniak

y t t e r P a z z i P as a

Beautiful Food is More Than an Instagram Filter

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// A+C Visual //

H

eart-shaped citrus spreads and leafy green salads with fresh arugula, pickled onions, and curly carrots bursting to a bowl’s brim may seem easy to brighten for a film close-up. But behind the most artfully constructed salad is a bit of movie magic.

Sarah Jane Hunt, an Omaha-based food stylist, is behind some of the most artistic looking plates in the Midwest. Her work graces restaurant pages, including Scooter’s Coffee, as well as catalogs and international food campaigns.

“I have used cold mashed potatoes to build a salad before,” she said. “It’s like a flower arrangement.”

Hunt pushes the leaves into the mashed potatoes much like a florist uses foam when making an arrangement. The potatoes stay hidden, a silent supporting actor.

It makes the salad look fresher longer, keeping happy-looking leaves from wilting under hot camera lights.

When planning her displays, Hunt often begins with a sketch. Her studio art degree from Missouri’s Columbia College plays a role, helping to construct beautiful colorful pages in her sketchbook. It’s here that she plots out how to best showcase each item of food: the creaminess of a swirl of peanut butter or the stretchy, milky goodness of melted cheese. Before Hunt has a shoot, she will get a list of products that her client would like featured for a recipe. From there, she makes grocery lists based on what she thinks will pair well together.

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There are tricks of the trade that help.

When Hunt wants to display the perfect sunny side up egg, say on the top of a breakfast sandwich, her methods are different than those used for cooking a home meal. To prepare, she’ll put the egg in a super hot pan, finessing the edges with toothpicks to get the perfect curl.

She then covers it with a dome. When the timing is just right, the yolk still visible and not coated with white, the egg is pulled off the pan and immersed in oil where it is perfectly preserved, frozen in time, until it’s needed.

Growing up, food was a family language for Hunt. Her dad worked in the flight kitchen for United Airlines, coordinating with chefs to develop menus for flights, theming dishes around traveler’s destinations. Supper clubs were also a huge part of the family routine; neighbors would come over several times a year and share new flavors from around the globe.

Her background in music helps, too.

Hunt had initially attended Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, on a music performance scholarship. She compares her process of food construction to that of Russian abstract artist, Wassily Kandinsky. When Kandinsky painted, he listened to music, and that music colored the movements of his brushstrokes. It’s the same with Hunt’s food styling, she said.

“I try to create a path for your eye to follow and the movement is musical.”

Gavin Peters is a Wichita-based photographer who has worked with Hunt for 15 years. They met working on a Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers campaign. Hunt’s artistic eye adds flair to shoots, he said.

“Kind of the difference between a Honda Accord versus a beautiful Ferrari,” he added.

Hunt’s background in the arts makes her a bit of an anomaly in the food styling scene; most people have chef ’s backgrounds, she said. Her job as a food stylist wasn’t necessarily planned, it was more of a coalescence of a lifetime of skills and experiences.

After leaving college, Hunt moved back to Omaha to live with her older sister and was looking for work. Director Alexander Payne had just come to town to shoot the movie Election. Hunt landed an interview and received a position in the film’s craft services department, where she was responsible for helping to feed and care for a crew of more than 100 people each day. She described it as “backbreaking work.”

On set, Hunt was able to see a food stylist at work, including their creation of the “Pick Flick” cupcakes given out

by Reese Witherspoon’s character Tracy Flick, a student body president hopeful. The combination of art and food without the obligation to be on stage excited Hunt.

After the movie wrapped and Hunt had a chance to rest, she began assisting food stylists. She amassed experience at Inflight Productions and Conagra but eventually struck out on a solo career.

Twenty-three years later, she’s still going and is in high demand for campaigns, big and small. Be it jam, chocolate, turkey, or grapefruit, Hunt’s focus is making the beauty of food the star of the show.

“I can be behind the scenes and still be a part of something exciting,” she said.

Visit sarahjanehunt.com or on Instagram at @sarahjanehunt for more information.

Be it jam, chocolate, turkey, or grapefruit, Hunt’s focus is making the beauty of food the star of the show.

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“I’M ALL OVER THE PLACE, YOU’RE ALREADY GOING TO LOVE SOME OF WHAT I PLAY, AND THE STUFF YOU DON’T KNOW YOU’LL LOVE AFTER HEARING IT ON THE FLOOR.”

A+C MUSIC // STORY BY SEAN ROBINSON

HEY, MS. D j DJ CRABRANGUCCI ADDS A LITTLE CRUNCH TO THE OMAHA MUSIC SCENE

M

ost people leave sodium-saturated lunches with full bellies.

Chalis Bristol left with a new DJ name.

It all started over a plate of Chinese food for the woman who would become known as DJ Crabrangucci. Really nice Chinese food. Five years ago, Bristol found herself aghast over the price of crab Rangoon while brunching in a hipster neighborhood in Scottsdale, Arizona. She remembers an order of the crispy wontons cost $12—even though she can’t recall the name of the restaurant itself.

But this wasn’t average crab Rangoon. The perfect mixture of real meat and cream cheese, it was like the luxury brand of Chinese fare. Bristol dubbed the delectable appetizer “crabrangucci,” and her friends decided that would be her new nickname. Deep-fried Gucci-goodness serving as the appetizer of an artist to come.

“The name fits because people look for the same thing in music as they do food,” Bristol said. “Both have to bring me to center, bring me home, and make me feel good.”

Photography by Bill Sitzmann // Design by Matt Wieczorek

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// A+C MUSIC //

T

oday, DJ Crabrangucci is a mainstay of the Omaha nightlife scene. She spins better than most of the boys, leading the charge for more rising female DJs.

Contrary to her name, she’s more than just some snack. Crabrangucci brings the full meal to every set—and then some—as she flips between French rap, Korean pop music, Brazilian indie rock, or good old-fashioned Top 40.

“I’m all over the place,” Bristol said.

“You’re already going to love some of what I play, and the stuff you don’t know you’ll love after hearing it on the floor.”

The DJ name may have come from a pricy yet palate-pleasing meal, but the DJ skills were in the works long before that.

Bristol grew up in the era of Myspace, so she (like many teens) spent hours on the social media platform avoiding algebra homework by hunting underground artists. Countless CDs were burned, but Bristol (unlike many teens) was intensely focused on how the music flowed from song to song. Meticulous, strategic, and meaningful, she had CD making down to a science.

DJ Crabrangucci is a regular bar hopper now. Catch her at Benson’s The Sydney for a monthly residency, dropping the needle at the Old Market’s popular Bar 415, or north downtown spinning an entire Princethemed night at the Slowdown.

“I’m reading the crowd, [I] follow their lead, and then respond to that. That’s what every good DJ should do, no matter the venue,” Bristol said.

Being the good DJ that she is, Bristol knows it’s not party time all the time.

There’s a commitment to community, too. While she typically shies away from private occasions like weddings, Bristol’s Crabrangucci persona will make an appearance to soundtrack community events for Omaha Girls Rock, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Yoga Rocks the Park, and more.

“Sometimes my job is to warm people up, sometimes it’s to hype people up,” Bristol said. “I like to mix music in the moment. That’s where the creativity and artistry come in.”

“SOMETIMES MY JOB IS TO WARM PEOPLE UP, SOMETIMES IT’S TO HYPE PEOPLE UP. I LIKE TO MIX MUSIC IN THE MOMENT. THAT’S WHERE THE CREATIVITY AND ARTISTRY COME IN.” Then came the raves. Much of Bristol’s Artistry and advocacy go hand in late teen experiences exposed her to hand for Bristol. It’s about more new levels of EDM and the tastethan just creating good times—it’s making DJs whose beats set the scene. about creating a new way of success By her early teens, she was the music in the notoriously male-dominated maven behind every good after-party. world of DJs. The bars closed, but the celebration kept going if Bristol had any say.

“As a performer, I have to prove myself, especially as one of few women of “I think I’ve always been a DJ color among a sea of white straight without knowing what I was doing,” men,” Bristol said.

Bristol said.

However, there’s no shortage of Her first real gig was in the summer successful female talent. Bristol of 2014 at the now closed House of credits global acts such as Peggy Loom. She blasted K-pop through the Gou, The Black Madonna, and sleek nightclub and was invited back Miss Honey Dijon for inf luencing again and again to play her eclectic set her. These women remixed what before the venue closed in 2016. the dance scene looks and sounds

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like. Bristol hopes to do the same for local talent that follows in her footsteps.

This techno takeover has already begun. Since Bristol started as a DJ, she has seen the number of girls in the game grow—but there is room to improve. It starts with small acts that make a big impact, which is why Bristol invites other female talent to collaborate and hop behind the turntable with her.

“It’s intimidating for a woman to get started in a hobby dominated by men but seeing a few gals in the mix is inspiring” said Maren Saddler, an up-and-coming Omaha DJ who has worked with Bristol. “Crabrangucci has been a role model for me.”

It’s the end of February, and both Bristol and Saddler are pumping up the crowd at Omaha Fashion Week.

Bristol came to slay in an orange dress accessorized with large DJ headphones—naturally. It’s a packed room that’s about to hear her unique blend of beats. One of her last crowds for a while.

Bristol doesn’t know that yet, though. The fight against spreading COVID-19 has yet to close almost every bar and venue in the city.

“I went from having five shows in a couple of weeks to none,” Bristol said three weeks after her Omaha Fashion Week set.

For now, she recalls that recent glamorous gig—where craft cocktails, models, and f lashy smiles lit up a room to the tune of whatever she was playing—and looks forward to the next time she can get behind the deck.

“It’s going to mean more than it did before, everything will,” she said.

“When this is all over, the best thing we can do is dance and shake some s--- out.”

Follow @djcrabrangucci on social media to find out where she is spinning.

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY ERIN WALTER // PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

01

PIQUING ONE’S INTEREST, AND APPETITE

Six Interesting Appetizers in Omaha

As their name implies, the main function of appetizers is to whet the appetite of diners for the meal that will follow. While there’s nothing wrong with serving classic appetizers like chips and salsa or crackers with cheese, there are a few restaurants in Omaha that have gotten culinarily creative and taken the art of the appetizer to a deliciously different level.

01. DUCK DUCK GOOSE FRIES AT BLOCK 16 1611 FARNAM ST. | 402.342.1220 Block 16 is taking street food to new heights with an ever-changing, unique menu. They always use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to make their meals.

Block 16 is popular among many for their mouthwatering spins on fries.

The Duck Duck Goose Fries are at the pinnacle of this popularity, and they are anything but ordinary. This basket is piled high with duck confit, crispy skin, cheese, duck-fat mayo, and gooseberry gastrique. Price: $5.50

02. PB&J WINGS AT SICKIES GARAGE

BURGERS & BREWS

1203 CORNHUSKER ROAD, BELLEVUE 531.999.3352 PB&J Wings means exactly that—peanut butter and grape jelly mixed into a sauce into which chicken wings are tossed. A newer restaurant in Omaha, Sickies Garage evokes a grease-monkey vibe while supplying diners with enough drinks to satisfy a Pink Lady or a Greaser. Those unsure about trying this childhood favorite on chicken can order as few as 6 wings in their choice of boneless or traditional, but the online reviews point to more people going for larger orders, and as they serve up to 20 wings, they can satisfy the hungriest of snackers. Price: $8.99-$22.99

03. GOAT CHEESE PEPPADEWS

AT PITCH PIZZERIA

DUNDEE: 5021 UNDERWOOD AVE. 402.590.2625 WEST OMAHA: 17808 BURKE ST. 402.289.4096 The peppadew is a sweet, slightly spicy South African pepper. At Pitch Pizzeria, they stuff their peppadews with creamy goat cheese and serve them atop a bed of baby greens with a basil pesto vinaigrette.

The appetizer is complete with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. The unusual peppadew dish makes for a tasty start to any entrée at Pitch. Price: $10

02

04. BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES

AT J. COCO

5203 LEAVENWORTH ST. 402.884.2626 Eating lighter or sticking to a vegetarian diet does not mean a diner needs to miss out on their favorite foods. This take on Buffalo wings at J. Coco is spicy and meaty, but without the excess fat and calories.

They even come with blue cheese sauce and pickled celery to evoke the experience of eating wings. Price: $9

03

05. LOBSTER HUSH PUPPIES AT RAILCAR 1814 N. 144TH ST. 402.493.4743 Railcar Modern American Kitchen specializes in the classic American dining experience. Their menu takes creative spins on several traditional dishes. Among the items on their starters menu, diners can find the Lobster Hush Puppies. These are far from the average hush puppy—they are made with bacon, lobster, tomato, and green onion, and topped with a bright, creamy harissa aioli. The plate comes with 5 perfectly fluffy pups ready to be shared among the table. Price: $16

06. CLOTHESLINE BACON AT THE WEST

04

05

END OMAHA

1529 S. 203RD ST., SUITE 1 402.502.1884 The West End Omaha serves more than typical bar food. An order of crisp roasted brussel sprouts and meatballs on their own would make a meal to go with their signature drinks. But the standout here is the miniature clothesline to which thick cut sriracha honey bacon strips are pinned over half sour/vinegar pickles, allowing the extra fat to drip onto them. Price: $14

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Photography by Bill Sitzmann · Design by Matt Wieczorek

Mo~sI

A -

Eloquent Language ADVENTURE Story by Lisa Lukecart

One Couple Nerds Out Over Food

Chris Larkin bit into the crunchy shell of a grilled scorpion. The slightly salty, nutty flavor reminded him of a large shelled sunflower seed. Eating the arachnid whole supposedly makes men virile and strong. Malin Plaza bustled with energy as he chewed the protein. Vendors sold souvenirs, clothing, and accessories. The aromatic air promised the exotic spices of Thailand. So Larkin, along with fiancée Linda Sue Lichtenwalter, had eyes only for the rich spread of street food, succulent duck, and rolled ice cream. Lichtenwalter, a vegetarian, couldn’t get enough of the fresh fruit. After peeling the tough purple skin, she sank her teeth into the white sugary flesh of mangosteen. Her fiancée opted for the thorn-covered durian, quite possibly the most foul-smelling fruit around.

Larkin pulled out a segment of the pale-yellow flesh and tasted something similar to a creamy brie cheese. He just couldn’t get over that smell.

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· ADVENTURE ·

“Feet and death,” Larkin recalled.

Larkin, 39, plans on waiting another 10 years before touching durian again, but the memories he has made with his future wife make it all worth it.

The couple bonded on their first date over their mutual love of food. That connection has grown stronger after traveling together around the globe these past four and a half years.

“If you travel together and don’t want to hurt each other by the end of it, she’s probably the one,” he said, laughing.

On their trips, each dive into dishes based on their respective businesses.

Lichtenwalter, 36, opened a private baking business aptly named The Pie Fairy.

During her years working as a pastry chef at Modern Love, a “mythical fairy” made pies before any of the staff arrived. She adopted the nickname, creating classic comfort desserts. Her signature item, Fat Elvis, became a delight for vegan lovers. The Fat Elvis is a peanut butter custard nestled in a graham cracker crust with a chocolate ganache top. The surprise twist is the coconut “bacon.” Lichtenwalter keeps this part of her recipe a secret, but it mimics the flavor of bacon, adding a smoky flavor to the pie.

Larkin, meanwhile, opened a mobile pop-up, The Crepe Beyond. He graduated from The Texas Culinary Academy where he developed an interest in expanding his palate. He has worked in the food industry for 15 years, opening as a chef and sous-chef for Nite Owl and Mula. But Larkin saw a lack of pop-up businesses in Omaha. The crepe offered him a blank canvas, a way to push the boundaries of food. Larkin believes a dish should be 70% familiar, 20% surprising, and 10% scary. Inspired by the documentary, McQueen [based on the life of designer Alexander McQueen], he once created a chocolate-covered coneshaped crepe, filling it with Nutella, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and a tobacco flavored crème which was then bruleed and topped with a candy cigarette. The entire crepe tasted, you guessed it, like coffee and cigarettes.

His motto is food should be delicious, sustainable, fun, and help others. One dollar from each crepe sold is donated to a local nonprofit. In 2019, the couple did a pop-up tour together that ran from April to October. Over $2,000 aided Benson First Friday, Youth Emergency Services, Great Plains Black History Museum, and Omaha Girls Rock.

“It’s great they try new flavors and adapt that to what their audience and fans want. It makes them stand out,” explained Melissa Wurth, the executive director of Omaha Girls Rock.

Some of these ideas spring from food travel adventures…or misadventures.

For example, the duo became lost for hours in Central Park on their first trip together to New York City in 2016. Luckily, the exhausted tourists found a cute little spot, Park West Café and Deli, that served some of the best Turkish coffee.

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“Now that I have a good travel partner, I do my research in advance and have certain tools for tracking down good food in any neighborhood,” Lichtenwalter said.

Whether sipping straight from a coconut in Phuket, Thailand, or eating Peruvian food at Andina Shoreditch in London, these “food nerds” consume the scrumptious journey.

Paris, though, stood out as an educational and eye-opening experience.

Lichtenwalter spent over a hundred dollars in Le Patisserie du Meurice, the establishment of celebrated pastry chef Cedric Grolet. She brought back chocolate from Paris to re-create a pain au, or chocolate bread. The baker honed her skills on croissants, ensuring the airy and flakey style mirrored her experience in France.

Larkin shows his excitement in a photo, light blue eyes wide, as he stares at an enormous crepe from Elo Jazz stuffed with ham, Emmental cheese, and a fried egg. Larkin “steals with his eyes” by watching street vendors to learn about their use of ingredients, timing, and techniques.

“You read about specific chefs going after a signature dish. I want to see the trick,” Larkin explained. “That’s how I make my decision, show me your thing, and the weirdest thing you got.”

"It's great they try new flavors and adapt that to what their audience and fans want. It makes them stand out" - Melissa Wurth, Executive Director of Omaha Girls Rock Larkin had another secret up his sleeve during that trip to the city of love. After asking for her mother’s permission, he sneaked Lichtenwalter’s great-grandmother’s ring into his bags. He proposed to her at the top of the Eiffel Tower at the end of March 2019.

“A pie fairy needed a fairy tale engagement,” he added. “I’m fortunate to live with the only person that I would want to travel the world with.”

This past year, the now-engaged couple traveled to Vietnam. Farmer’s markets became a popular destination. On the street, vendors laid out baskets of bananas, cabbage, and tomatoes. And when dining in casual settings, it is traditional to consume a meal familystyle. They wolfed down morning glory (greens usually stir-fried with fish, soy, or oyster sauce), egg soup, and Vietnamese omelets. Or lunch might mean a classic bánh mì sandwich chock-full of pork pate, citrusy cilantro, pickled carrots, and spicy mayo. The sandwich, made with an airy baguette, was born out of war and famine.

“Food tells a story,” Larkin said.

“Traveling is important to understand other areas of the world and cultures.

We can learn so many beautiful things we can experience only by exploring, understanding the local produce, or a new type of cuisine,” Lichtenwalter said, later adding that while she still abstains from eating meat while abroad, she does make some concessions. "I know several dishes likely had fish sauce or might have used fish stock, as that is a staple in Asian cuisines. But I wasn't going to be a finicky ass---- tourist."

The opportunity to stay with a family and have a home-cooked meal meant immersing themselves further into someone else’s world. The two feasted on fresh chicken, raised by the family, with rice noodles and a flavorful broth. The thin hot sauce contained chilis, rice vinegar, and oil.

“You could smell just how much time, effort, and love got put into it,” Larkin said.

“Food is a language, a more eloquent language than the spoken word.”

Larkin lamented the fact people will miss out on experiences like these due to COVID-19. The illness caused restaurants to shut down.

It caused them to be unable to continue with their small businesses, and they cannot work their jobs at Jake’s Cigars and Spirits.

“My first thought, in addition to the bottom dropping out, is we took for granted the time where we could sit together across the table and be united with food,” Larkin said.

It hasn’t stopped the two from dreaming of destinations to explore later. They still hope to marry under the Northern Lights in Iceland sometime next year with immediate family and friends. Lichtenwalter isn’t sure yet if she will make her own wedding cake for a possible reception in town for industry friends.

“Just a warning to the city of Omaha. We will have a lot of staff members get that day off,” Larkin joked.

Visit @lindathepiefairy and @thecrepebeyond on Facebook to learn more about these businesses.

JUNE 2020

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“I’M LIKE, ‘HOLY F---,’ I’M I N A TH R EE-STAR M ICH ELI N KITCH EN, AN D [H E] I S BAS ICALLY HAN DI NG M E A PI ECE OF FI S H FOR MY FUTU R E.”

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JUNE 2020

DINING PROFILE // STORY BY CH R I S BOWLI NG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOS H UA FOO // DES IGN BY MATT WI ECZOR EK

FINE DINING AROUND THE WORLD ALWAYS COMES BACK TO OMAHA H

ums and honks filled the morning air as traffic inched through the heart of the largest city in America.

“It’s a city that I’m always proud to say I was born and raised in,” Johnson said, “and I’d love to come back and have a restaurant someday.”

Inside, Austin Johnson waited patiently. He’d traveled 3,000 miles and trained for years. Soon he’d see if the greatest chef in this city would give him a job.

Eventually that man appeared. In a Swiss accent, the chef with short brown hair told him he had a test, handing him a piece of bass.

Then 23 years old, Johnson came recommended to Daniel Humm, head chef of Eleven Park Madison and recipient of that year’s James Beard Award for Best Chef New York. But what Humm wanted to see was if he could cook.

Johnson grew up on 168th and Q streets in a family that valued work ethic. Either go to college or make your own way. Johnson didn’t see how he fit into that picture. By the time he entered Millard West High School during the turn of millennium, he felt aimless.

A RENOWNED CHEF'S I NTE R-CONTI N E NTAL C U LI NARY JO U R N EY

“I’m like, ‘Holy f---,’” Johnson remembered more than a decade later. “I’m in a three-star Michelin kitchen, big lights, white tablecloth on the pass, and Daniel Humm is basically handing me a piece of fish for my future.”

Johnson didn’t balk. He seared the Loup de Mer and plated it with poached parsnips and pears in front of Humm and the whole kitchen. He earned his spot.

That experience, although elevated, was typical for Johnson’s life. For years he’d climbed his way through the culinary world, working in kitchens across the country. A few years later he’d do the same in Europe before returning to New York to start his own restaurant.

At 14, Johnson got a part-time job busing tables at the Back Nine Grill in West Omaha. As the TV broadcasted George Bush and Al Gore behind the bar, Johnson watched the kitchen. There, line cooks cussed at each other across the flat-top as they sautéed vegetables and garnished the rims of plates with parsley. He’d never seen energy, excitement, and purpose like that. He begged the chef to teach him.

The next few years Johnson consumed as much of the culinary world as Omaha had to offer, working at Biaggi’s, Buca di Beppo, the French Cafe, among others. During that time, he fed a growing appetite for how to run a kitchen and make a dish great.

At Millard West, he also spent most of his time cooking.

Beiting, then the high school’s culinary teacher, had him in class from his sophomore to senior years and took him and others to state and national culinary competitions.

But as the now-34-year old ponders what’s ahead during site walks of his soon-to-be venture in Tribeca, part of him always looks back. Toward home, the place it all started: Omaha.

JUNE

“I don’t want to say he was lost, I think he just wasn’t very motivated,” said Kate Beiting, who taught him as a high school freshman. “If you’re not interested in anything, why would you be?”

continued on pg.93

// 79 //

2020

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

// 80 //

JUNE 2020

DINING PROFILE // STORY BY VIRGINIA KATHRYN GALLNER

LOVING SOMETHING MORE ISN’T JUST FOR AMATEURS

O

n a typical day at Amateur Coffee, there might be a student working on digital drawings on one side of the bar and another experimenting with charcoal pencils. Many creatives gather in the parlor at the edge of the Joslyn Castle neighborhood and around the corner from Lisa’s Radial Café for coffee and camaraderie.

The owners, Jasmyn and Jacob Wichert, are artists in their own right. Jasmyn does all of the graphic design work for their shop and roastery. Jacob is a musician and member of indie rock band Bokr Tov. Throughout the parlor’s first two years, they have had several musicians on staff, including Nate Van Fleet of See Through Dresses and Heather Hottman of the Hottman Sisters, as well as a filmmaker and a writer.

In 2012, Jasmyn was working as a barista in the Old Market, and Jacob was studying philosophy. He met Matt McCrary, the owner of Muglife Coffee, and fell in love with coffee culture.

Often, people come to coffee because they are talented in other areas, he said, and coffee offer a safe environment for self-expression.

“Coffee is something you can never get bored with, because there’s so much to know,” Jasmyn said.

That love of coffee led them to start roasting at home. During their first few years exploring the industry, they took a lot of trips to Kansas City and other nearby cities to see the thriving culture around coffee.

What sets them apart, though, is that their shop is entirely vegan.

Jacob grew up in a standard Nebraska meat-and-potatoes family. When Jasmyn

was young (around middle or high school, though she wasn’t sure which), she chose to become vegetarian. Her parents followed in her footsteps. The day that Jacob decided to go vegan, she asked if their coffee shop— which, at the time, was a dream project— could also follow her lifestyle.

For Jasmyn, it’s all about values. “How can we provide an excellent specialty coffee experience without hurting animals?”

Jacob remarked that “it was scary, but it was a decision that felt right.”

In a town known for steak, coffee lovers have been very supportive of this all-vegan parlor. The word of mouth has spread to the coasts as well, with people traveling from east and west looking for vegan breakfast options. People looking to learn about coffee culture reach out to Amateur now, just as Jasmyn and Jacob did when they were starting.

In late 2018, they developed a sustainable option for to-go orders, replacing paper cups with whimsically designed glass jars.

When patrons return the "to-go cups," they can refill or receive a one-dollar refund (useable, as noted on their social media, toward the cost of a banana).

Balancing their work and creative lives has been a seamless process, for the most part. Jacob described one recent morning: waking up before the sun to record music, eat breakfast, and open the parlor.

“You’ve got to fight for it if you want it,” he said.

As an artist, Jasmyn takes a playful approach to her coffee designs. She wanted them to reflect the story and personality of every roast, striving for a whimsical experience “like a coloring book.”

JASMYN FIRMLY BELIEVES IT HAS BEEN WORTH THE RISK OF INTRODUCING AN ALL-VEGAN COFFEE PARLOR TO A MEAT-AND-POTATOES STATE.

Some of the art reflects the places where their coffee is served. Modern Love, the allvegan restaurant in Midtown Crossing that has gained international fame, has its own signature blend, as well as Saddle Creek Breakfast Club and Vala’s Pumpkin Patch.

Jasmyn said their partnership with the pumpkin patch has been a dream come true.

“Vala’s is such a part of Nebraska culture,” she said. “[Now] we can support each other.”

Their community partnerships go beyond coffee. They source herbal and caffeinated blends from local business Artemis Teas. Some of the drinks showcase tea blends, such as the Lady London Fog, which focuses on rose instead of the typical lavender.

Katina Talley Foster, owner of Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop, is happy to call Amateur Coffee business neighbors and pastry partners.

“Developing vegan recipes for Amateur’s menu has been a personal favorite project of mine,” Foster said. “It’s important to me to create vegan products that are just as mouthwatering and indulgent as the traditional items in my own shop.”

Having studied food science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Foster enjoys the challenge.

“I’ve loved learning the science behind baking with various nondairy fats and milks and egg replacers and which combinations give me the specific product attributes I’m hoping for,” she said. “It allows me to stretch my artistic muscles.”

The Wicherts started Amateur Coffee as a reflection of their values. Jasmyn firmly believes it has been worth the risk of introducing an all-vegan coffee parlor to a meat-and-potatoes state.

“We only have one life to live,” she said.

“You’ve got to give what you’re good at.”

Visit amateurcoffee.com for more information.

JUNE 2020

// 81 //

- Sponsored Content -

Omaha

DINING GUIDE AMERICAN CHARLESTON’S - $$$

140th and Dodge streets - 402.431.0023 76th and Dodge streets - 402.991.0055 Charleston’s is a casual, upbeat restaurant with a menu filled with dishes prepared from scratch daily. We focus on providing our guests with excellent prices and selecting the highest quality ingredients. Whether you are new to Charleston’s or a long-standing guest, we look forward to seeing you soon!

—charlestons.com/locations

LISA’S RADIAL CAFE - $

817 N. 40th St. - 402-551-2176

American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly.

Gluten-free options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch. Family-owned and operated. This business is a must if you’re in the area. People rave about our chickenfried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff. Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m

5021 Underwood Ave. Omaha, NE 402-590-2625

17808 Burke St. Omaha, NE 402-289-4096

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OLD MATTRESS FACTORY - $

DJ’S DUGOUT - $

636 N. 114th St. - 402.498.8855 1003 Capitol Ave. - 402.763.9974 10308 S. 23rd St. - 402.292.9096 2102 S. 67th St. - 402.933.3533 180th and Q streets - 402.292.9096 192nd & West Maple St. - 402.315.1985 HWY 75 & Oak Hill Road - 402.298.4166 Catch all the action at DJ Dugout Sports Bar’s seven Omaha-area locations. DJ’s Dugout features delicious wings, burgers, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu. Plus, DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar has huge media walls full of HD TVs and projectors.

Dig In at the Dugout! —djsdugout.com

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300 17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 - 402.810.9600 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket - 402.614.9333

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

LE PEEP - $

69th & Pacific - 402.933.2776 177th and Center streets - 402.934.9914 156th Street & W. Dodge Road - 402.408.1728 120th and Blondo streets - 402.991.8222

501 N 13th St. 402.346.9116

Keepin' it real in a renovated mattress factory built in 1883, remodeled in 2007 within walking distance to Omaha's major entertainment venues. Three private dining rooms for your own events, or stop in before or after any downtown Omaha event. Open daily at 11am-1am. themattomaha.com

ROTELLA’S - $

106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue 402.291.6088 Since 1936, we’ve been making our worldfamous Stella’s hamburgers the same way.

The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday.

—stellasbarandgrill.com

TED AND WALLY’S - $ 1120 Jackson St. 402.341.5827

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

Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple. Elegant. Inviting.

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

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

// 82 //

JUNE 2020

• Private Parties & Events, Full & Partial Venue Buyout • Serving Burgers, Beers, Salads, Cocktails & Sunday Brunch

402.502.9902 6209 MAPLE ST. • BENSON GM@BARCHENBEER.COM BARCHEN BEER.COM

BEER GARDEN & BEER HALL

Omaha

DINING GUIDE I TA L I A N

Get a Little Get Saucy.

LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$

45th and Leavenworth streets 402.556.6464

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

—lacasapizzaria.net

a Little Saucy. CHANGE

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES

3001 S. 32nd Ave. 402.345.5656

FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO SPEZIA SPECIALTIES

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

SATURDAY LUNCH [11am–4 pm] Saturday Lunch 11 am - 4 pm

$10

OFF ANY TICKET OVER $25 NO VALUE. CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 12/31/2011 NO CASH EXPIRES 6/30/2020 Not Valid with Happy Hour or Any Other Promotions.

One Per Check.

Catering

COCKTAIL HOUR 1/2 Price Cocktails

MONDAY – SATURDAY Daily 4 - 6 pm 4 – 6 PM ALL COCK TAILS, 11 GLam ASS -WINE Sunday Brunch 2 pm AND BEERS ARE HALF Bottomless MimosasPRICE and

Bloody Marys

PASTA AMORE - $$

CALL FOR Party RESERVATIONS . Private Rooms•.402-391-2950 Walk-Ins Welcome

3125 South 72

Street

CENTRAL LOCATION • 3125 SOUTH 72ND STREET • nd EASY ACCESS OFF I-80 • 72ND STREET EXIT

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

402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation Sports Bar

2016 First Place KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

OMAHA’S #1 SPORTS BAR!

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

Sports Ba r

11027 Prairie Brook Road 402.391.2585

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

Dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. —pastaamore.com

DJSDUGOUT.COM

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

JUNE 2020

// 83 //

SECTION // NAMES

// 84 //

JUNE 2020

SINCE 1921

rotellasbakery.com

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

Breakfast

PITCH - $$

5021 Underwood Ave. 402.590.2625

156th & Dodge • 408-1728 177th & Center • 934-9914 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 69th & Pacific • 933-2776

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

12

1

Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEPOMAHA.COM | @LEPEEPOMAHA

An OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive.

You will enjoy Pitch. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., FridaySaturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m.

—pitchpizzeria.com

SPEZIA - $$$

3125 S. 72nd St. 402.391.2950

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 ser vice, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and C alifornia wines, Anniversar y/ Lovers’ Booth (call to reser ve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4- 6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reser vations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

Seafood - Mexican - Sushi

5101 S 36 th St, Omaha, NE 68107 - 402-213-5723 - Daily Food & Drink Specials

MEXICAN FERNANDO’S - $

Home of the

h Steak ouse

FAMOUS WHISKEY STEAK

@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Open Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm | Dinner nightly from 5pm

7555 Pacific St. - 402.339.8006.

380 N. 114th St. - 402.330.5707

Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m.

—fernandosomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

JUNE 2020

// 85 //

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

1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!

HAPPY HOUR:

Tues–Sat 3-6pm & All Day Sunday

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

REVERSE HAPPY HOUR:

Friday & Saturday 9-11pm $1 OFF TACOS, $3 MEX BEERS, $5.50 MARGS 735 N 14th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402.933.4222 | hookandlime.com

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

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

// 86 //

June 2020

@Matt_factory

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

402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com

Omaha’s Riverfront Entertainment Venue

Omaha

DINING GUIDE JULIO’S - $

2820 S. 123rd Court 402.330.2110

JAMS OLD MARKET • 1101 Harney St • Happy Hour M-F 3pm-6pm

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

Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos!

—julios.com

JAMS MIDTOWN • 7814 West Dodge Road • Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm

JAMS LEGACY • 17070 Wright Plaza • Party Rooms & Patios • jamseats.com

BOOK NOW!

LA MESA - $$

151 FREEDOM PARK ROAD OMAHA www.rivercitystar.com

ek Dining Gre

Greek Islands Restaurant Omaha, NE

xican Dining Me

Family Owned Since 1983 CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS.

3821 Center St. / 402.346.1528 GreekIslandsOmaha.com

www.romeosOMAHA.com

158th Street and W. Maple Road - 402.557.6130 156th and Q streets - 402.763.2555 110th St. and W. Maple Road - 402.496.1101 Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue - 402.733.8754 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion - 402.593.0983 Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs - 712.256.2762 Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row. SundayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. —lamesaomaha.com

MARGARITA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $

4915 S. 72nd St. - 402.393.7515

Margarita’s is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family.

—margaritasmenu.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

JUNE 2020

// 87 //

Omaha

n Sandwi ube ch Re

DINING GUIDE

ROMEO’S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets - 402.391.8870 146th St. and W. Center Road - 402.330.4160 96th and L streets - 402.331.5656 Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue - 402.292.2028 29th and Farnam streets - 4402.346.1110

Romeo’s is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they’re the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Thank You, Thank You,

Thank You

For Continually Voting For Us!

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

an Dining Itali

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

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

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED, SERVING OMAHA SINCE 1967

402.451.8061 3801 Ames Ave | Omaha Ne 68111

// 88 //

JUNE 2020

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

SPECIAL DINING BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $

6209 Maple St. 402.502.9902

Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced by German communal drinking culture. Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people.

The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome. Hours: TuesThurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com

BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$

721 N. 132nd St. 402.884.6878

Swiss-trained chef Paul Braunschweiler combines the best of Europe’s epicurean delights with an American flair. Brushi’s casual and open atmosphere combine to create a true bistro experience. Fresh ingredients highlight the menu. Happy Hours and nightly specials. Private dining available. Patio seating weather permitting.

—brushiomaha.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $ 3578 Farnam St.

402.345.1708 Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beer-lover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday.

—beercornerusa.com

FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. - 402.932.5691 2855 S. 168th St. - 402.330.3444 3605 N. 147th St. - 402.965.3444 304 Olson Drive., Papillion - 402.965.3444 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue - 402.991.3448 We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made toorder here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.

—firstwatch.com

GREEK ISLANDS - $

3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528 Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests.

Carry-out and delivery available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.

—greekislandsomaha.com

J.COCO - $$$

5203 Leavenworth St. - 402.884.2626

The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future.

Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist.

Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-close.

—jcocoomaha.com

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. - 402.934.5757 120 Regency Parkway - 402.991.3000 Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches.

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

—paradisebakery.com

TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $ 654 N. 114th St.

402.933.1445 / 402.238.4317 Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area. The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu.

Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room.

—tajofomaha.com

STEAKHOUSES CASCIO’S - $$

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

—casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$ KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$ 5352 S. 72nd St. - 402.505.4089

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

—koreangardenomaha.com

2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440

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

—droverrestaurant.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

JUNE 2020

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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

NEBRASK A

HERITAGE DAY June 6 at Yanney Heritage Park in Kearney. Kick-off summer with this free event that includes inflatables, several food vendors, fireworks, and live music. 308-233-3278. —yanneypark.org POLISH DAYS June 12-14 in Loup City. This is a three-day celebration of all things Polish. There is a parade, street dance with live music, color run, a beer garden, and more. 308-7450430. —facebook.com/polishdays NEBRASKALAND DAYS June 14-27 at Wild West Arena in North Platte. This festival celebrates Nebraska’s western heritage. The PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo features fan favorites such as bull riding, and steer roping. The event also includes parades, an antique car show, quilt show, and tennis tournaments. Luke Combs and Toby Keith headline the music.

308-532-7939. —nebraskalanddays.com ANNEVAR June 12-13, 19-21 in Ravenna.

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

308-452-3133. —myravenna.com/annevar

FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW June 20-21 at MACNIDER ARTS FESTIVAL AND Strategic Air Command and Aerospace OUTDOOR ART MARKET June 8 Museum in Ashland. Classic and at Charles H. MacNider Art vintage cars will be on display for Museum in Mason City. This JUNE the enjoyment and viewing of the festival, a celebration of ‘Music public. Awards will be handed out Man’ Meredith Willson, includes a Saturday. 402-944-3100. free pancake breakfast, inflatables, —sacmuseum.org and live music. An art market will be displayed on the museum lawn.

641-421-3666. —macniderart.org 40TH ANNUAL HOMESTEAD DAYS June 24-28 at Homestead National Monument near Beatrice and in Beatrice. Visitors ICE CREAM DAYS June 17-20, Le Mars. can see how people lived in the late Known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the 1800s through stage performances, World,” Le Mars is the home of Blue Bunny demonstrations of traditional crafts Ice Cream. This event includes a parade, and farm machinery, a re-enactment a Grill-n-Chill Rib Rally, live music, and of a Civil War encampment, children’s more. 712-546-8821. —lemarsiowa.com festival, a car show, geocaching and more. 402-223-3514. —nps.gov/home STATE CENTER ROSE FESTIVAL June 18-21 in State Center. The town of State RIBFEST June 27-28 in Duncan. Rib Center is known as the “Rose Capital lovers will enjoy this festival, which of Iowa” and their official flower will focuses on tasty barbecued ribs. A be in full bloom during this festival, variety of award-winning barbecue the highlight of which is the aromatic vendors will be on hand to provide this rose garden that is open to the public. summer staple, along with live music.

Activities include a parade, crowning 402-897-5285. —villageofduncan.com of the “Rose Queen,” live music, and fireworks. —statecenterrosefestival.org

08

IOWA

SUX PRIDE June 6-7 at Doxx

Warehouse Bar in Sioux City. This two-day event will be a celebration of the diversity in Sioux City, featuring an equality march, drag shows, and more. —facebook.com/SUXPride

TESTICLE FESTIVAL June 19 and June 20 at Round the Bend Steakhouse SCANDINAVIAN DAYS June 5-7 in in Ashland. This festival really Story City. This festival celebrates the has some…well, never mind.

Scandinavian heritage of Story City.

Attendees can participate in a Events include Kumla and Kringla eating ball eating contest and listen to live contests, a Lutefisk throwing contest, a 5k music. The event includes a fireworks run/walk, live music, and a craft fair. display and more traditional fair food —storycitygcc.org (nachos, corn dogs, etc.) for those who prefer not to eat bull fries. 402-944-9974. ­—roundthebendsteakhouse.com/festival

19

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JUNE 2020

37TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE SHOW June 19-21

in Walnut. Over 350 dealers of antiques and collectibles line the city of Walnut’s historic streets, during this spectacular display of community and tradition. 712784-3443. —walnutantiqueshow.com

WURST FESTIVAL June 20 in the Amana Colonies. Guests can sample sausages from the area’s best sausage makers and sip on cold drinks while listening to live music, playing games, and watching the second annual Dachshund Derby. 319622-7622. —festivalsinamana.com

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

JUNE 2020

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E - SCOOTERS AVAIL ABLE SUMMER 2020

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

DES MOINES ARTS FESTIVAL June 26-28 at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines.

This event celebrates artists in the Des Moines area and includes the Interrobang Film Festival as well as visual arts and music. Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame Inductees The Family Stone headline Saturday night.

515-286-4950. —desmoinesartsfestival.org SHARED ELECTRIC SCOOTERS FOR CITIES & CAMPUSES

W W W. S PI N . A PP

ARTFEST MIDWEST 2019 June 27-28 at Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. This two-day event will feature over 250 artists and their artworks, food, activities, and more. 515-243-2000. —artfestmidwest.com MISSOURI

NORTH END FESTIVAL June 5-6 at Krug Park in St. Joseph. This community festival includes live music, a parade, dance performances, vendors, food, and fireworks. 816-232-1839. —stjomo.com JUNETEENTHKC HERITAGE FESTIVAL

1080 N 204th Ave Elkhorn, NE 68022 402.289.1175

June 20 in Kansas City. This free event is a celebration of African American culture that features vendors, live entertainment, activities, and more. 816-6730004. —juneteenth-kc.com

reggandwallys.net

June

20

K ANSAS

HEARTLAND STAMPEDE June 25-27 in Topeka. This country music festival is three days of fun and country music. Headliners include Luke Combs and Toby Keith.

785-539-2222. —countrystampede.com

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Billy McGuigan’s Pop Rock Orchestra*

Aug. 7 – 16, 2020

Clybourne Park

A Christmas Carol*

The Candy Project Presents:

Yesterday And Today*

March 18 – 21, 2021

Nov. 20 – Dec. 23, 2020 Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 2020

Aug. 21 – Sept. 20, 2020

The Miracle Worker

Kinky Boots

Sept.25 – Oct. 25, 2020

Water by the Spoonful

April 16 – May 9, 2021

The Scottsboro Boys

Outside Mullingar

In the Heights

Feb. 26 – March 21, 2021

OmahaPlayhouse.com // OmahaMag_June_Season.indd 92 // JUNE 2020

1

Murder on the Orient Express

Jan. 15 – Feb. 7, 2021

Feb. 12 – March 14, 2021

Oct. 16 – Nov. 8, 2020

Gutenberg!

The Musical!*

May 7 – 30, 2021

Roald Dahl’s

Willy Wonka

May 28 – June 27, 2021

*Special Events are not part of subscription packages

4/14/20 1:06 PM

LIGHTS ON THE LAKE June 27 at Osawatomie Lake in Osawatomie.

Attendees can celebrate the culture and history of Kansas at this event, which includes food trucks, live music, and fireworks over the lake. 913-755-2146.

—ozlightsonthelake.com Event times and details may change.

Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

// DINING PROFILE //

continued from pg.79

“

I

really saw that glimmer in his eye when he said, ‘You know, what if we did this, what if we do that or have you ever done that?’” said Beiting, who retired in 2015. “It was magic.”

As Johnson learned the basics of cooking, he learned the reality of working in a kitchen, where uniformity trumps sticking out. And as a young, scrawny kid working alongside career line cooks, Johnson stuck out.

“I’m going to be cooking harder the next five years than I ever have in my life,” he said.

It’s another step in his culinary progression, one where he always keeps an eye on Omaha.

In the summers of 2017 and 2019, he hosted pop-up dinners at Block 16. Last year he invited Beiting into the kitchen where she saw the realized talent of that 14-year-old kid in her homeroom who didn’t seem to have a purpose.

“These guys would burn me, these guys would try and break me down, they would put me in tears, He hadn’t lost his affable Midwestern humility, either. they’d throw my f---ing meat in the garbage,” he “I would say, ‘Chef, what do said. “Like who wants to you want me to do?’” Beiting H E M IGHT HOVE R OVE R cook with a 15-year-old kid? said. “How do you want this?”

Not many people.”

PLATES WITH TI NY SPOONS, “Do whatever you want,” she Beiting as well as his chefs remembered him saying.

FI N ISH I NG DISH ES WITH encouraged him along the “You’re the chef.”

ARTFU L DRIZZLES, DASH ES, way as his skills matured.

Eventually, they also told He might hover over plates OR DOLLOPS, BUT H E’S STI LL him to leave Omaha if he with tiny spoons, finishing wanted to keep growing. dishes with artful drizzles, PRETTY “OMAHA” AT H EART. dashes, or dollops, but he’s At 20 he left for Indianapolis, still pretty “Omaha” at heart. then Seattle, then New York, and took two trips on a commercial salmon fishing That’s why as he imagines the future, one idea boat up Alaska’s inner passage. It led him across materializes at the end of his bucket list. the Atlantic to Noma in Copenhagen, then the best restaurant in the world, as well as Oud Slous, It’s a restaurant somewhere along a rough brick road a best-kept secret in a small Danish village, and the in a market with open air patios and small shops. It’s Frenchie in Paris and London. a place where his family and friends can experience the fine dining he’s spent years mastering.

Today in New York City he’s the executive chef of Goodman’s Bar, a refined spot in an upscale “I’d like to have a restaurant in San Francisco, I want department store on the southern edge of Central to have a restaurant on a sailboat,” he said, “but at Park. In his new restaurant in Tribeca, the same the end of the day it’d be cool to have a kick ass building where John Lennon and Yoko Ono once little restaurant in the Old Market somewhere and founded their own nation, even the vegetables open the greatest little wine bar ever.” are sourced from a 10-acre farm he owns in upstate New York.

Visit @austininnyc on Instagram to learn more about Johnson.

The standards for quality couldn’t be higher.

JUNE

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2020

#OMAHAMAGAZINE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS OF OMAHA TO BE FEATURED HERE.

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JUNE 2020

// 95 //

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

and thanks for all the fish

BACON AND EGGS AND TORTILLA CHIPS…

S

o, I was sitting at the kitchen counter munching on some flaxseed tortilla chips, half watching a news channel nervously—hey, anytime you’re watching a news channel you should be at least a little nervous, right? Anyway, suddenly I started thinking— yeah, I just started thinking. Like most people, it’s not something I do regularly—thinking, that is. But there I was, sitting, thinking, munching. I looked at the flaxseed tortilla chip held lightly between forefinger and thumb, and it came to me. These chips were the real expression of an old expression. They were “food for thought.” At that point I changed the channel to Ghost Hunters and I kind of stopped thinking. But now I know what to do if I ever need to think again. Buy more of those chips.

I’ve run into a few other food clichés the last month or so. One morning, I had my toast ready to go. I had the bacon done. I am very good at bringing it home, by the way. I reached into the carton…and oh, no! There it was, a childhood memory come to life. You see, back when I was very young, I overheard my dad talking about a guy who worked for him, saying he was trouble, and comparing him to a bit of spoiled food. Thus, whenever that guy dropped by the house, I eyed him with apprehension, worried that he might suddenly crack and spill his huge yolk all over my toys. Anyway, I was in the middle of putting together my Saturday breakfast when my memory manifested itself… there it was, a “bad egg” for real. As for that problematic employee, I did notice how he always tried to butter up my dad. It did him no good. My dad was as cool as a cucumber.

JUNE

For years I ate an apple a day. But I realized there were some doctors that you didn’t want to keep away, like those with good Sunday tee times. So, the apples fell away…though not far from the tree.

I remember once telling someone who was trying to get me involved in Amway to go away, I had bigger fish to fry.

And that made me wonder if it was inherently better to fry larger fish. I mean, are small fish not worth the effort? And exactly how much bigger a fish could I fry? My frying pan did have its limits after all. At some point I simply can’t fry any bigger fish even if there are bigger fish to fry. I will say that I loved Albert Finney in Big Fish, but other than that, I think bigger fish are overrated.

If I go to the grocery store and buy a lemon, that’s good. If I go to the car dealership and buy a lemon that’s bad. If I’m handed lemons I make lemonade, but not without sugar in the morning, sugar in the evening, sugar at suppertime. So, pour some sugar on me. (What does that lyric mean?)

Hey, when I’m stuck at home, and I’m not counting my chickens, I think about food a lot. That’s the way of the couch potato.

Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Early Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m. Visit kvno.org for more information.

// 96 //

2020

Pasta amore

402.391.2585

Dine - in / takeout / CurbsiDe available Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) // 402.391.2585 // pastaamore.com Monday - Saturday, 4:30 p.m. On // Outdoor Patio Dining Available

Pasta

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