July/August 2013 The Encounter by Omaha Magazine

July/August 2013

Sammy Sunshyne loves the Midwest’s hooping community.

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contents Check out the new omahamagazine.com. Find extra web-only content. Our Flipbook version of the magagzine can be found at readonlinenow.com.

35 39

18 On the Cover: Sammy Sunshyne (Samantha Mixan) is part of Omaha’s growing

community of acrobatic performers. Cover photo by Bill Sitzmann.

Editor’s Letter: Tourist................................................................... 6 Downtown Faces: Jeannie Ohira and Joseph Pittack.................... 8 Art: Public Art Primer.................................................................... 10 Feature: PechaKucha................................................................... 12 Living: Stephanie Francois............................................................ 14 Cover Feature: Sammy Sunshyne............................................... 18 Summer Fun in Omaha:............................................................. 23 Feature: How to Ride the River City Star...................................... 27

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Advantage Coupons: Special Advertising Section....................... 29 Downtown Face: Tamara Heasler................................................ 35 Entertainment: Crafty Cocktails................................................... 37 Dining: Dishcrawl......................................................................... 39

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

STALK A LOT of people on Instagram. Most of them live in Omaha (you may know who you are). Because I want to know what people are doing in my city, darn it, and what they’ve found that’s fun that I haven’t discovered yet. Because I want to have fun, too. One such person (hint, she’s our Downtown Living subject in this issue) captioned an Instagram with “When I go out of town, I take full advantage of every second I have to see all the sites, so I’m gonna start doing that in Omaha again. Act like I’m a tourist in my own city and go to places I have never been.” As I was piecing together the stories for this issue, I thought, Yeah. I want to do that, too. We all should! Summer really is beautiful in Downtown Omaha; what better way to soak up these precious months than to try new things? You could try the adventurous approach: a grilled octopus ice cream at Ted and Wally’s, perhaps, or something spicier from Basic Tease. You could go for cultured, with one of PechaKucha’s quick-format lectures or a self-guided tour of our public art. Or, you know, guided tours are nice: Dishcrawl is new to the Omaha foodie scene, and if you’ve never done a cruise on the River City Star, well, you should. And then there’s the entertainment scene, where you can always try something unique: Savor a carefully crafted cocktail called Snowfall in Denmark, or when was the last time you saw a fire-spinning contortionist? Yeah, me neither. I’m a tourist here myself.

Chris Wolfgang Editor, The Encounter Magazine

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DOWNTOWN FACES

Jeannie Ohira and Joseph Pittack

The Faces Behind the Flavors at Ted and Wally’s story by Jasmine Maharisi | photos by Bill Sitzmann

It’s a product we make inhouse, made from scratch, and nobody else has our recipe. -Joseph Pittack 8

UMMER IS IN full swing in the metro, bringing the kind of heat that make us all want to scream for some good old-fashioned ice cream. Jeannie Ohira and Joseph Pittack, the brother-sister duo and proud owners of Ted and Wally’s Premium Homemade Ice Cream at 12th and Howard streets, can accommodate those cravings with their all-natural ice cream available in some tantalizing and daring flavors. Both Omaha natives, Ohira and Pittack began their ice cream careers by working at Ted and Wally’s under previous owners Dave Kirschenman and Julie Gilbert. In 2001, Kirschenman and Gilbert decided to sell the shop and Ohira and Pittack were up for the adventure. “I called Joe, who had moved to Lincoln to go to school to become an English teacher, and said ‘Hey, do you want to come back, try to get a loan, and run this?’” Ohira says. Her brother was onboard, and the two quickly rolled up their sleeves, staying faithful to the founding philosophy of quality and community but making some modifications along the way. The partnership proved to be not only ambitious but successful, too. Under Ohira and Pittack’s ownership, the shop switched to using all-natural ingredients purchased fresh from local merchants. In order to accomplish this, they created their own recipe for the ice cream base to replace the previous one purchased from Hiland Dairy. The result was a more costly and labor-intensive process but one that has earned awards for Ted and Wally’s, as well as loyal customers both locally and out-of-state. “It’s a product we make in-house, made from scratch, and nobody else has our recipe,” Pittack says. “Ted and Wally’s in the Old Market has been doing it since 1996, so it’s an Omaha tradition. We have generations of people that come in here now.” Ted and Wally’s unique flavors are what garner the most attention. Sure, the shop offers traditional flavors such

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as chocolate and vanilla, but Ohira and Pittack tend to showcase more creative selections they’ve invented themselves. Sometimes, shop employees and the public chime in with flavors they’d like to see. To date, Ohira and Pittack have created more than 1,000 ice cream flavors, not including variations. Some public favorites include Monica’s Unicorn Farts, a cotton candy-marshmallow-cake mix with Lucky Charms and sprinkles. Suggested by a Ted and Wally’s employee, the flavor was a big hit, as was Mr. Cigar, a cigar-flavored ice cream celebrating the birthday of Mr. Cigar at S.G. Roi Tobacconist. Another customer favorite is Quit Yer Job and Eat Chocolate, a concoction of chocolate mousse ice cream with chocolate chips, brownies, and Oreos. But those flavors, albeit tasty, are tame compared to some of the other creations Ohira and Pittack have come up with. Some of the more unusual flavors have been bacon, fish, and prime rib. Sriracha ice cream has been on the chalked menu board, as well as jalapeño. Recently, Ohira created a new flavor featuring grilled octopus, which, she admits, “is probably not going to be a big seller.” As for what inspires these nontraditional flavors, everything is game. Sometimes, a friend’s story will spark an idea; other times, it’s a book. Ohira says she must’ve created at least 100 new flavors after reading Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin. But most of all, Ohira and Pittack credit their culturally diverse family—as well as their own preferences for variety and newness—with being big inspirations for Ted and Wally’s unique selection. “I get bored doing the regular stuff and like to try different things,” Ohira says. “I remember people used to say that we have weird flavors. One of those was cotton candy, which isn’t that far out there. But now it’s way more fun and people are a lot more receptive.” For more information about Ted and Wally’s, visit tedandwallys.com. To see the flavors of the day, which include vegan and no sugar added varieties, visit Ted and Wally’s Premium Homemade Ice Cream Facebook page or follow them on Twitter at @tedandwallys.

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the encounter | july/august 2013

ART

Public Art Primer

Your Guide to Exploring Public Art Downtown story by Mandy Mowers | photos by Chris Wolfgang

NE THING NEVER in short supply in this city of ours is public art. Downtown Omaha in particular has a vast collection of pieces—some you’ve surely seen and some that are tucked away. Keep your eyes open this summer for these few pieces in particular and impress your friends with how much you know about public art downtown.

Pioneer Courage Park and Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness Park 14th and Capitol and all four corners of the 16th and Dodge intersection Both owned by First National Bank, these installations span the width of several blocks. Follow Blair Buswell’s and Edward Fraughton’s pioneers, covered wagons, oxen, horses, and mules through Pioneer Courage Park, watch as they scare off bison who run along 14th all the way to Kent Ullberg’s Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness at 16th where Canada geese (each weighing approximately 200 pounds) seem to fly around the intersection, through walls, buildings, even traffic light poles.

The Garden of the Zodiac Old Market Passageway, 10th and Howard On the second floor of the Old Market Passageway (itself a unique artistic and architectural element of Downtown Omaha) are several bronze heads mounted on stone bases. This Garden of the Zodiac was sculpted by Evas Aeppli and represents the 12 signs of the Zodiac. Aeppli also created the Fountain of Erinnyesdiac in the lower level of the Passageway across from the V. Mertz restaurant. These three abstract metal heads, which each spew water, represent the Furies: Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone, all vengeful demi-goddesses of Greek mythology.

A few of the 58 Canada geese on display at 16th and Dodge

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Nebraska Centennial Glass Mosaic The outside of the Woodman building, 18th and Douglas Tom Bartek completed this work in 1967. The mosaic scenes depict Native Americans, pioneers, and Omaha being settled. In 2012, at the age of 80, Bartek released Retrospective, a collection of his works, in three galleries. You can learn more about the mural’s creation at omahamuralproject.org.

Fertile Ground

photo by Scott Drickey

Eastern wall of the Energy Systems, Inc. building, 13th and Webster If you’ve been in the North Downtown area since 2009, you’ve seen Fertile Ground. This 70-foot-tall mural spans 328 feet wide—the length of a city block. It is the largest piece of public art ever installed in Omaha. It’s also the largest mural in the nation to have a single financial backer, the Peter Kiewit Foundation, which funded the piece as a gift to the people of Nebraska and the city of Omaha. The Omaha Mural Project: Fertile Ground was coordinated by the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, which selected Meg Saligman as the artist. Saligman compiled Omaha’s story—past, present, future—in a unique back-to-front approach. Instead of a typical left-to-right treatment, the chronology pushes past events to the background and brings more recent events into the foreground. The painting took a year to complete—June 2008 to June 2009.

The Road to Omaha TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, 1200 Mike Fahey Street You may have seen this piece recently, either in person or on television. This bronze sculpture by artist John Lajba is often a focal point during the NCAA Men’s College World Series every June. The sculpture of baseball players was given to the city by local organizing committee College World Series of Omaha, Inc. The Road to Omaha was completed in 1999 and made the move from Rosenblatt Stadium to TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in 2011.

photo by Nathan Else readonlinenow.com

For more information about public art in Omaha, visit publicartomaha.org and find other pieces in Downtown Omaha this summer. the encounter | july/august 2013

FEATURE

PechaKucha

Talking about Creativity with Slides and Beer story by Chris Wolfgang | photos by Bill Sitzmann

OUR NIGHTS A year, they gather in dark, hazy spaces just beyond the streetlamps. Each participant is prepared with 20 projection slides each, showing images on a design topic of their choosing. They’ll take no more than 20 seconds to discuss each slide. It’s called PechaKucha Night, this thing they do. It means “chit chat” in Japanese, and it’s not just happening in Omaha. It’s an evening of informal presentations that began in Tokyo in 2003 as a way for designers to concisely explain their most recent work. Now, more than 500 cities around the world host an evening of thinking and drinking for their local designers and other creative souls to share current projects. Guests in Omaha pack places like Blue Sushi and The Slowdown to capacity in order to hear these sometimes witty, sometimes inspiring, sometimes awkward, but always highly individual presentations. Slides can be confusing, occasionally distasteful, and often beautiful.

Speakers can and do discuss the design of anything and everything, including fashion, architecture, pottery, video games, prosthetics, car overhauls, and Native American heritage. Over the past five years that Omaha has been an official PechaKucha city, 179 people have braved the intimidation of public speaking to add their voices to the quarterly event, with anywhere from eight to a dozen speakers a night. And yes, there is some mark of pride in being an official PechaKucha city, recognized by the PechaKucha organization based in Tokyo. Omaha organizers are Tom Trenolone, founder of design alliance OMAha, Inc. (daOMA), and Brian Kelly, an assistant professor of architecture at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Trenolone had been looking for a way to get local talent to be part of a bigger, more international group. He credits Kelly with being the mastermind who’s kept PechaKucha going in Omaha.

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“We were, I want to say, the 120th city to take it on,” Trenolone recalls. “We were sandwiched between Newcastle, England, and Oslo, Norway, on the site’s list.” He contacted Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham about introducing their Tokyo event to Omaha. “The contract’s still just a handshake, really,” Trenolone says, referring to the relative informality of keeping Omaha listed on the PechaKucha website as a charter city. But Klein and Dytham were serious, he recalls, about making sure Omaha knew what PechaKucha had to include. “We had to explain why we wanted to put it on, and what we were trying to do. They wanted us to know we were overseers of the PechaKucha brand.” There are just a few rules that the couple wanted to make certain every PechaKucha city observed: Events are held at least four times a year, and beer breaks are mandatory. Yes, Trenolone and Kelly have to make certain the event takes place somewhere with a liquor license to facilitate the goal of getting guests to move around and chat about what they’ve seen so far. “Get people to have conversation,” Trenolone says, gesturing at the people moving like restless sardines in a tin can at The Slowdown. “The density is what we want. It adds to the feel.” As far as gaining speakers for the next round of presentations, “We solicit at the end of the night from other speakers,” Kelly says. Word of mouth is another common way to bring in new presenters. There’s rarely a theme to a PechaKucha; Trenolone and Kelly say they’re just looking for a good narrative from each speaker. “It’s the most poorly advertised, yet best attended design event in Omaha,” Trenolone says, only bragging a little. To hunt down the next PechaKucha, check out daOMA’s Facebook page or browse pechakucha.org/cities/omaha. readonlinenow.com

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LIVING

Stephanie Francois brings Bali to Nebraska in her NoDo.

story by Mandy Mowers | photos by Bill Sitzmann

ONCRETE FLOORS AND 26-foot ceilings. A spiral staircase up to the loft where Stephanie Francois has made her “comfy-couch room.” Vast windows. A huge balcony with an honest-to-God cabana, drapey white curtains billowing from the canopy over the outdoor sofa. Francois’ travels have inspired the exotic décor. She loves Asia—her favorite place is Bali. Drawn to the culture and the food (her favorite to eat and to cook), she felt immediately at peace and at home there. That same feel is what she wants to bring to her apartment in the Residences at the Slowdown near 14th and Cuming streets. Francois is well on her way to capturing the simple, open, clean-line look of her Bali dreams. “I want it to be almost like a boutique hotel,” she says. She’s only lived in her place since mid-January. She sold the house she bought two and a half years ago, when she felt she’d reached that time in life where she was supposed to buy a house. A little farther west (near 78th and Pacific), it had an in-ground pool and five bedrooms.

Soon, Francois realized that it was all a lot of maintenance, especially since she travels so much and spends a lot of time at work. Plus, she wanted to be back in the action. She chose her location in the North Downtown district because it’s close to a lot of things, but far enough that she wouldn’t find herself out too often. (She does spend quite a bit of time at House of Loom and the conveniently close Blatt Beer & Table.) Francois also keeps herself busy with her restaurant, Stella’s Bar & Grill in Bellevue. Her great-great-aunt was Stella, and Francois bought the place from Stella’s son six years ago. A Bellevue native, Francois says that even though running a restaurant

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Guests Jared Spence (left) and Brent Crampton (right) join Stephanie on her balcony overlooking The Slowdown. The rest of her space is a testament to her travels and her ability to create a restful atmosphere at home.

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living

Cubby’s Old Market Grocery 601 S. 13th St.

can at times be stressful, “to have a tradition—I mean, it’s 76 years old—it’s worth it to keep a staple in the area.” In the summer, she loves to ride her moped scooter to Bellevue (and everywhere else). During previous colder months, the red, shiny beauty sat in the middle of her main room, calling her name. Francois also owns an older yellow moped—a 1973, she thinks—but so far it’s been another cool decoration. The rest of her décor has been recently picked up from CB2, West Elm, Crate and Barrel, online boutiques, Amazon, and, of course, Nebraska Furniture Mart. When she sold her house, Francois also sold all of her furniture. “My house was so big, I just kept buying stuff to fill it,” Francois says. “That’s why I decided, ‘I’m just gonna sell everything.’ You collect that much stuff, and then it just drowns you.” The fresh start has allowed her a more minimal style, closer to the Bali feel she wants. “It’s not where I want it yet,” Francois says. “But it’s getting there.”

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the new

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COVER FEATURE

story by Chris Wolfgang | photos by Bill Sitzmann

Sammy Sunshyne loves the Midwest’s hooping community.

HE MOST SURREAL event of Sammy Sunshyne’s life happened last year, at the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Mich. “It was the biggest show of the festival,” recalls the Omaha acrobat, “and I got to go inside of a giant inflatable bubble and crowd surf.” The plastic ball made for a rough ride with such a big crowd (she estimates there were 50,000 people), but it was probably the most awe-inspiring thing she’s ever done. “It was only six minutes, but it was the best six minutes of my life. I ran back and hugged my friend, and she spun me around because it was the most beautiful thing.” Just two years before in 2010, Sammy (Samantha Mixan) had attended a different music festival that introduced her to hoop dancing. “Hula hooping was where it all started for me.” Today, she’s a professional acrobatics performer with shows in Downtown Omaha clubs, at festivals and concerts all over

july/august 2013 | the encounter

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the United States, and at international events. Though she will graduate in December with a degree in psychology from University of Nebraska-Omaha, it’s her performing career that has captured her focus. While Sammy’s current proficiency is in hooping and fire dancing, she’s training in contortion as well. “It’s all about increasing my flexibility, mobility, arm strength,” she says. “I’m working on a contortion act with fire for this year.” She’s debuting the act on her summer tour with Quixotic Performing Arts Ensemble, the same troupe she performed with at last year’s Electric Forest Festival. Except for a couple weeks off here and there, she’s traveling readonlinenow.com

with them as a fire dancer for most of May through August. “It’s been an amazing opportunity to work with a group on their level of performance,” Sammy says. “They’ve been so inspiring, and they’ve taught me a lot about performance. They’ve taken me to the best places I’ve performed, the biggest places. It’s a huge part of my career.” When Quixotic contacted her to work as a performer, “it was a dream come into motion for me.” Sammy gives the credit for that connection to the tightly knit community of acrobats in the Midwest. “It’s small and interconnected and people know people. That’s how most opportunities present themselves, through people

you know.” Attempts to train alone are things of the past since she injured herself trying for more complexity on a tour in India in 2010. “There’s a subtle strength that’s needed to control the body in those really intense poses,” she says. Sammy now travels to Kansas City frequently to train at Quixotic Performing Arts, perfecting the lessons at home in Omaha. She practices yoga, takes ballet, and is what she calls a sixday-a-week vegetarian. It also helps that she has access to a great training facility locally, thanks to her position as a tumbling instructor at Elite Cheer. When she can, Sammy trains with circus performers she knows from Montreal and San Francisco, such as Haley Rose Viloria. the encounter | july/august 2013

cover feature

Though she performs all manner of acrobatics from fire dancing to contortion, Sammy says hooping is her first love.

In Omaha, she attends hoop jams, little get-togethers of amateur and professional performers around town, such as Circle of Fire at McFoster’s Natural Kind Cafe and a group at Elmwood Park. “We get together to show off our skills, and there’s usually a drum circle.” Professionally, Sammy’s performed at Sokol Auditorium electronic dance music (EDM) parties. “They have their own show going on, and I’m a bit part of that.” She worked at the Mayan New Year’s Eve at House of Loom and last year’s Omaha Fashion Week after-party at the Burlington. Sometimes, you can catch her work at clubs like Red9 in Lincoln and Halo and Rehab in Omaha. She’s also performed at the Bourbon Theater in Lincoln, both with Quixotic and her fire-dancing partner, Ken Hill. “She’s amazing,” Hill says emphatically. “I’ve seen her since the beginning up to this point, and it’s been awesome to see.” She makes all her own hoops (out of polypropylene) except for her fire props, which are custom-made. Sammy dips the fire-resistant Kevlar spokes into a white gas fuel before performing. “You shake off the excess fuel, and then you light them,” Sammy explains. “It burns the gas, not the Kevlar. So when the gas runs out, your fire prop goes out.” Little scars run up her hands and arms from fire spinning. “I don’t get burned every time, but it’s just something that comes with it. Obviously the more proficient you are, the less likely you are to get burned.” Sammy uses safety precautions such as putting up her hair, wearing lip balm when she’s fire eating, and perhaps squirting a water bottle on her hair and clothes. And when she gets burned during a performance, she doesn’t give it away. “Sometimes, you don’t even notice them until later.” 20

Sammy estimates she performs about twice a month in the off-summer months. “The community’s really growing,” she says. “It’s slowly getting bigger. More people are getting interested in it.” She feels two urges: to experience the performance scene in cities like Oakland, Seattle, Portland, and New York City, but also to bring that scene to the Midwest. “Event planners are only now realizing performers could add so much to their shows, so they’re just now starting to hire them. They add so much atmosphere.” Sammy’s signature performance style is breezy and fun. Constantly smiling, she never makes poses look taxing or difficult; hence her stage name given to her by a friend. “There’s no possible way I could do this without a support system helping me,” she says. “I wouldn’t have these opportunities if I didn’t have the connections. You have to go out there and meet people who can make your dreams happen.” While pursuing her dream on tour this summer, Sammy’s put a lot of thought into instilling her performances with a message. “I’m trying to push the art aspect of performance,” she says. “I want to make it into a work of art that you refine to be something impactful and beautiful as opposed to the sexy entertainment aspect.” For her summer tour, she’s created a backstory for her fire-spinning piece. “So I’m a lost girl looking out over the audience, with my one light,” Sammy explains, “and she’s looking and searching, not knowing where she is. Then she becomes possessed by this inner being, this other side explodes through her personality. She’s confident and doing things that don’t seem possible for humans to do.”

july/august 2013 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

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Through October 13 Dinosaurs Alive! The Lost Valley Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Travel back 65 million years and meet some of the most fascinating and destructive creatures to roam the earth.

July 2 & 6 Shakespeare on the Green: Titus Andronicus Elmwood Park Free production of Shakespeare’s first tragedy, full of revenge and intrigue.

July 2, 16 & 30, August 13 & 27 July 6 Justin Bieber CenturyLink Center Omaha Global superstar Justin Bieber brings his Believe tour to Omaha.

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Tempo of Twilight Lauritzen Gardens Family-friendly outdoor concert series with food and beverages available for purchase.

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Through September 1 Renoir to Chagall: Paris and the Allure of Color Joslyn Art Museum Exhibition featuring the works of Degas, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Cassatt, Matisse, Cezanne, and more.

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July 3 The Avett Brothers Harrah’s Stir Cove Folk band performs for Stir Cove Concert Series.

July 3, 5 & 7 Shakespeare on the Green: Twelfth Night Elmwood Park

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Get friendly with giant robotic bugs in this larger-than-life exhibit presented by Mutual of Omaha.

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the encounter | july/august 2013

Calendar of Events

May

June

U African American Inventors Exhibit U A Jazzy Day of Giving (May 22nd) U JazzAfter5 - 1st and 3rd Fridays in May

U Urban Artist Collective Exhibit U JazzAfter5 - 1st and 3rd Fridays in June

July

August

U North Omaha Music & Arts Youth Camp U The Power & the Glory: Freedom’s Grace Exhibit U Annie the Musical Presented by LIAC, John Beasley

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July 11 – August 15 Jazz on the Green Turner Park at Midtown Crossing Six-week concert series presented by Omaha Performing Arts.

July 11 Grace Potter & The Nocturnals Harrah’s Stir Cove American indie rock band performs for Stir Cove Concert Series.

July 13-14 Railroad Days Lauritzen Gardens Explore Omaha and Council Bluffs’ rich railroad heritage and experience five cultural venues hosting many activities.

July 19 Martina McBride Ralston Arena Country artist Martina McBride performs live.

July 21 Sheryl Crow Harrah’s Stir Cove American singer-songwriter performs for Stir Cove Concert Series.

July 31 Daughtry & 3 Doors Down Harrah’s Stir Cove American rock bands perform for Stir Cove Concert Series.

July 31– August 5 Native Omaha Days Various locations Picnics, vendors, parade, dances, and more.

August 2 Darius Rucker Harrah’s Stir Cove Former lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Hootie & The Blowfish performs for Stir Cove Concert Series.

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August 9-10 Riverfront Wine Festival Stinson Park at Aksarben Village Hundreds of wines from around the world, live music, and food.

August 17 Peter Frampton’s Guitar Circus Harrah’s Stir Cove English singer-songwriter performs for Stir Cove Concert Series.

August 19-24 Omaha Fashion Week 10th & Capitol streets Spring/Summer lines on display courtesy of local designers and Fashion Institute Midwest.

August 19-25 Cox Classic Champions Run

For more events in July and August turn to page 45

Tournament for golfers ready to take the next step to the PGA Tour.

August 30 Chicago Harrah’s Stir Cove American rock band performs for Stir Cove Concert Series.

july/august 2013 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

FEATURE

How to Ride the

River City Star

story by Chris Wolfgang | photos by Bill Sitzmann

HE STRAINS OF “Folsom Prison Blues” as played by a one-man band is the perfect soundtrack to a riverboat tour. I bet there’s rich folks eating/In a fancy dining car/They’re probably drinkin’ coffee/And smokin’ big cigars. You are not those rich people, and this is not their sophisticated evening. This is where you embrace the river rat heritage bestowed upon you by dint of being in Omaha. For the past eight years, the River City Star has hosted 60- and 90-minute cruises up and down the Missouri River from early April through mid-October. Just north of the Lewis and Clark Visitors Center and off of Gallup Drive, plastic palm trees and tropical trinkets guide you down a gangplank to a two-story riverboat. On blistering summer days, the kitschy décor fits. Sightseeing tours happen every Sunday, no reservations required (but you really should anyway). Lunch and dinner cruises do require reservations and feature a cash bar and live entertainment, either by Win Lander or Joey Gulizia. Bartender Katie serves up Watermelons, exactly the drink that was so popular at the now-closed Anchor Inn. “It’s the drink on the river,” says Tami Bader, director of sales. “And there’s not a bit of watermelon in it.” Vodka and a few other liquors form the secret recipe. Arrive. Early. If your dinner cruise is at 6:30 p.m., that means the River City Star pulls away from the dock at 6:30 p.m. Get there 15 minutes ahead of time to pick up your tickets at the office and get settled on the boat. Top floor definitely, if it’s a sunny day. Take the time to soak in your surroundings. Stand at the back of the boat as it pushes off and watch as the twin John Deere diesel jet-drive engines froth up the water for the first time. If there’s a speaker on the sightseeing

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tour or live music during the dinner cruise, listen to it all. Try to get Lander to tell you why he doesn’t play Elvis. The River City Star chugs north on the Missouri past the Illinois Central swing bridge, now permanently swung open. “The only way to see it now is from the boat,” Bader says. At Narrows River Park in Council Bluffs, the boat turns south to go underneath the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, breeze past the Downtown Omaha riverfront, and make a final turn just before Harrah’s Casino. Depending on the day, your captain might be Stephen Hosch or Ken Merlin. Captain Hosch isn’t shy about divulging his knowledge of the river. As the River City Star trundles past Freedom Park within the first few minutes of the cruise, he waves his hand to encompass the variety of navy relics on the Nebraska shore. “That’s the Marlin there,” Captain Hosch says. “A ’50s training sub. And the Hazard over there, that’s a minesweeper from World War II. It supported a convoy in Okinawa. It was one of the few steel sweepers.” Incidentally, the USS Hazard is listing a tad these days, after floating on the 2011 flood that reached her on-shore resting place. When the flood finally receded, the Hazard settled back down at a bit of a tilt. The Missouri is an adaptable lady, but if you look closely, you can still see the damage from the flood a couple years ago. Captain Hosch points out that the eddies swirling between manmade jetties and flood-deposits of sand may produce holes 20 feet deep underneath the river’s surface. The Loess Hills are in perfect view at this point of the cruise, all golden with evening sun and accented by the earthy smell of the Missouri. As the River City Star turns south, a completely different view presents itself, the Downtown Omaha skyline. It’s about this time that you should really head down to the buffet (if you’re on a dinner or lunch cruise) to enjoy some grilled barbecue chicken or roast beef, roasted potatoes or perhaps green beans with almonds. If you eat quickly, you can be done in time to see pedestrian reactions when Captain Hosch lets a kid sound the foghorn underneath the Pedestrian Bridge. Stay above deck to see how many swallows’ nests you can count, neatly lined up in the hundreds underneath the lip of the I-480 overpass. On the way back north to the River City Star’s dock, Captain Hosch points out a channel cut into the Iowa bank. It may look like one of the Missouri’s natural changes in character, but the captain says it’s manmade, a place for catfish and sturgeon to lay eggs in safety. He’s seen deer, beaver, catfish, and huge paddlefish on his many tours up and down Omaha’s section of the river. “And have you seen all these geese?” he asks. “Looks like they’re all out dating tonight.” The River City Star is inspected by the Coast Guard annually and certified for 149 passengers. Find the latest information on cruise times and prices at www.rivercitystar.com.

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DOWNTOWN FACE

Hustle and Sew

Tamara Heasler went from striptease to Basic Tease. story by Bailey Hemphill | photos by Bill Sitzmann

F YOU LOOKED at 46-year-old Tamara Heasler, you’d probably assume that she’s a loving wife and mother who runs a cute, little boutique in the Old Market. And you’d be right. But what you might not assume is that said boutique sells sexy lingerie and adult toys. Or that Heasler had a wild past—you know, the kind of past some of us wish we could boast to our children someday because it would make us seem a little less square. Drinking, stripping, moving across the country on a whim—Heasler’s done it. “I think it’s important to take risks,” she says. “I started taking risks at a young age.” That’s probably also why Heasler remembers her 20s as a blur. “I’m glad the liver can repair itself because I was a party animal,” she adds. You know how people joke that it’s only a matter of time before they start stripping to pay the bills? Yeah, Heasler wasn’t joking. Her life was lacking two things—excitement and money. Where better to find both than through stripping? It didn’t help that she also had a sister to compete with. “My sister was an exotic dancer in a Los Angeles club called The Classy Lady. My thought was if she could do it, so could I,” she says. “I guess you could say it was sibling rivalry.” Boomers in Fremont, 20’s Showgirl in Omaha, and Mickey’s Razzle Dazzle in Council Bluffs all got a show of sexy Tamara. And no, she wasn’t embarrassed to use her real name (yes, we’re throwing shade at you, Tasty Melons). In the early ’90s, Heasler decided she needed a change of scenery and took off for San Antonio, Texas. “I didn’t know anyone who lived there. I just answered an ad in the paper for a roommate.” A bold decision, yes, but it was one that eventually led her to where she is today. For three years, Heasler lived in San Antonio and bartended. “I grew tired of the bar business. It’s a trap. Once you start to live on tip money, it’s hard to get a 9-5 job and make the same kind of money.” But she couldn’t shake the nightlife. readonlinenow.com

Many of the girls in the exotic dancer industry are paying for college [or] are single moms. I support them. -Tamara Heasler, Basic Tease owner the encounter | july/august 2013

downtown face

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Always Local, Always Beautiful May/June 2012

tiful l, Always Beau Always Loca

Each issue also features human interest pieces, including architect/designer/builder profiles, hot products, maintenance columns, room spotlights, landscaping columns, neighborhood profiles, home transformations, home happenings, mortgage columns, new business stories, green A Home For All Ages design features, and much, much more. September/Oc tober 2011

Always Local, Always Beauti ful

Architect Steven Ate

WAtkins ULtim

e Backyard Challeng ” “Band of Brothers tion

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tive Reside

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2012 July/August

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In Dallas, Heasler found work as a house mom at a gentlemen’s club. If you’ve never heard the term, house mom is fairly similar to a woman who cares for the girls in a sorority house—except, in this case, the girls are strippers. Heasler loved being a house mom because she could work day shifts and care for anywhere between five and 20 girls who reminded her of her younger self. “I spent lots of time in the dressing room or running errands for the girls or managers. The club paid me to work, and I received tips from the girls at the end of their shifts. The girls took good care of me [and I them].” It was there that she stumbled upon a new business opportunity—sewing clothes for strippers. Back in her stripper days, Heasler had sewn on the side, making her own garb. It only made sense that she could help out the girls under her care. After giving birth to her son—“I guess I did it all wrong. I was supposed to get married first, [but] that damn biological clock started ticking”— Heasler moved back to Omaha to reunite with her “stable” family. She started bartending at Mickey’s Razzle Dazzle once more, but this time, she also worked from home, making and selling clothes for local exotic dancers. In time, she had enough pieces to display her products in local strip clubs. When she turned 35, Heasler knew it was time to get serious about her career. “I knew I couldn’t work in the bar business forever, especially because tips dwindle when you’re not a young, attractive woman anymore.” In Dallas, she had seen many sexy clothing stores selling shoes, clothes, and lingerie. Her plan was to open a store very similar in Omaha. In 2004, she did. Basic Tease became the hot spot for local strippers, bartenders, go-go dancers, and waitresses to purchase sexy clothing. Heasler made a large percentage of the inventory, so the girls knew they had unique pieces. As a former stripper, Heasler loved talking with the girls who came into her shop. “I always told them to have a plan,” she says. “I didn’t want them to fall into that bar-business trap. Many of the girls in the exotic dancer industry are paying for college [or] are single moms. I support them.” After marrying her “wonderful husband,” Brian, in 2009, Heasler moved Basic Tease from its original location on 120th and Blondo to the Old Market and expanded its concept from just sexy clothing to include adult items, pole dancing classes and parties, and boudoir photography. Are you clutching your pearls yet? You don’t need to. Heasler just wants a comfortable place for women and couples to shop for their sexy needs. “I love having the store,” she says. “It gives me an opportunity to have my own retail outlet for all of my artistic projects.”

july/august 2013 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Crafty Cocktails

A First Look at The Berry & Rye story by Kyle Eustice | photos by Bill Sitzmann

OUSE OF LOOM owners Brent Crampton and Ethan Bondelid finally took the plunge and dove headfirst into a new entrepreneurial endeavor, The Berry & Rye. Tucked away in the former Myth Cocktail Lounge at 1109 Howard Street, The Berry & Rye is a craft cocktail lounge with a unique objective in mind. “I love the culture of the drink experience behind the craft. It’s a very soulful approach to imbibing,” Crampton explains. “Something I get to experience often is friends getting together to order these labor-intensive drinks that have lots of creativity and skill put into them, and enjoy good conversation in this sit-back-and-take-your-time kind of atmosphere. Then, when the drinks arrive at your table, people are so intrigued by their drinks, they become a conversation piece.” The craft cocktail is rooted in the classic recipes of the early 1900s. The practices were lost once the Prohibition Era hit in 1920, and people stopped caring about sculpting a superior drink with fresh juice, fresh ingredients, and high-quality spirits. The Berry & Rye strives to provide not only a relaxed environment, but also a carefully concocted and tantalizing drink. “In a sense, it’s like visiting a restaurant,” Bondelid says. “You wouldn’t expect to grab a menu and eat standing up. We ask that people take and enjoy a seat while being served at their table. It’s not the type of place to yell or act overly loud. It’s a comfortable, conversational bar, and this heightens everyone’s experience.” Considering that loud behavior and drinking often go hand-in-hand, creating a more cultured readonlinenow.com

Crampton, left, with Bondelid

It’s a very soulful approach to imbibing. -Brent Crampton the encounter | july/august 2013

entertainment

1012 Howard St. 402.915.4002

Smoke Over Trinidad is smoked with a hand smoker using pipe tobacco and served in a carafe table-side. Let steep to your desired smokiness and pour over ice.

WWW.MCLOVINSTORE.COM IN THE HEART OF THE OLD MARKET

photo by Dillon Gitano

621 Pacific St, Omaha • 402-345-3438 38

craft cocktail atmosphere may seem like a lofty goal. But for Bondelid and Crampton, it’s something they’ve experienced throughout their many travels. They are bold enough to envision the potential in Omaha. “There is a wealth of great culinary and cocktail experiences out there,” Bondelid assures. “Omaha’s culinary culture has seen some great strides recently, and its cocktail culture is starting to grow as well. In traveling, I’ve been able to visit some of the country’s greatest cocktail venues. I’ve wanted to bring that flavor to Omaha, from the non-overcrowded, loud rooms to the incredible range that can come from balanced and creative cocktails.” Both Bonelid and Crampton are confident in The Berry & Rye’s intriguing concept. To date, they have invested nearly $15,000 into their “ice program.” They have a massive reverse osmosis system, which provides the purest water possible for all syrups and ice machines. From commercial freezers to Japanese ice presses that create perfect spheres to order, they have taken ice very seriously. “The thing that separates The Berry & Rye from the rest is that when you collectively consider all the aspects of our concept, such as the ice program, specialized tools, methodology, expertise, and dedicated atmosphere, we’re taking craft cocktails further than many people in Omaha have up to this point,” Bondelid explains. “Namely, we’re taking our ice program further than any other venue, and we’re the only non-restaurant craft bar that offers hosted seating, ensuring that the consistency in experience remains the same.” Crampton is careful to point out that the seating-room-only policy isn’t a “VIP or exclusive” thing. It’s in place “solely for consistency,” he says. It takes time to craft each drink. The duo has also developed an in-house soda program; they make their own cola, tonic, and citrus syrups, but, of course, their focus is on original cocktails. Classics like gin and tonics are always an option, but they urge you to try one of 20 original recipes on their menu to truly grasp what The Berry & Rye is all about. Perhaps Lily’s Dinner Party, with Broker’s gin, wasabi, and egg whites; or Smoke Over Trinidad, with Zaya rum, sherry, and tobacco syrup made with pipe tobacco from SG Roi. (The latter is served in a corked carafe so guests can pour for themselves at their own speed.) “When tending a bar and making drinks becomes an art form and an experience visually and flavorfully for the guests, then you know what makes it special,” Bondelid says. “When you have people that follow their passion to the farthest extent of their skills, it’s a beautiful thing.”

july/august 2013 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

DINING

Dishcrawl

takes you on a food scavenger hunt. story by Chris Wolfgang | photos by Bill Sitzmann

F YOU HAVEN’T heard of Dishcrawl yet, you’re in for a treat (here you can use the word “literally” unironically). The San Francisco-based organization leads restaurant scavenger hunts so locals can check out the awesome food in their own cities. Thanks to local food blogger Rachel Grace (Fat in Omaha), Omaha got its own chapter in April. The premise is simple but effective. Reserve a spot in a Dishcrawl event online (dishcrawl.com/Omaha), knowing only what neighborhood you’ll be visiting and that you’ll visit four restaurants in the course of about three hours. Other than that, it’s a secret, man. Two days before your Dishcrawl, an e-mail tells you where your evening will begin. Grace organized Omaha’s inaugural ’crawl around the Old Market, so 40 people gathered at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at Upstream Brewing Company. Executive Chef Jeff Everroad of the Old Market anchor restaurant had prepared three small plates, each paired with a complementary Upstream brew. A slice of chorizo rested on a small salad with grated radish and an orange wedge, paired with a Belgian amber. Head Brewmaster Dallas Archer was on hand to explain that the fruity beer was aged on dates. The second taste was a beef short rib slider topped with Red Dragon cheese (soaked in Welsh beer). Guests washed it down with a dark Irish stout, nitrogenated rather than carbonated. The third and final plate that Upstream offered was pork belly, braised for four hours, complete with a single tempura green bean, and paired with Dundee Scotch ale. In case you hadn’t guessed, it’s best not to pre-game before a Dishcrawl. Alcohol may or may not be included in a restaurant’s taste experience, but it certainly won’t be unavailable throughout your evening. If your Dishcrawl is a walking tour as was the Old Market’s, being able to walk is key. One particular group of diners hadn’t got the memo and opted to begin their evening with shots.

readonlinenow.com

Omaha food blogger Rachel Grace guides Dishcrawlers around the city’s culinary delights.

the encounter | july/august 2013

dining

The Zin Room provided bacon-wrapped dates, gouda mac-andcheese, and steak bites for the Dishcrawl in May.

Everroad and Archer each took a moment per table to explain to diners the thought process behind Upstream’s presentation, enthusiastically discussing seasonal changes and complementary flavors. “We asked them if they’d do us a pizza,” Grace says, referring to one of Upstream’s signature dishes, “but they were like, ‘oh, no, no, no.’ They wanted to do something really special.” Each restaurant seemed to share that passion for the new dining event, continuing at Localmotive Food Truck parked by the New BLK. David Burr, co-owner of Localmotive, explained that the sourdough starter used for their signature rounders is seven years old. The fried balls are filled with any number of seasonal and local delicacies; on this occasion, guests sampled both veggie somosa and pork green chili rounders. Burr mentioned that he and his partners have been known to create special flavors by request. “We made a mac-and-cheese rounder for the Localmotive mayor on Foursquare,” he said. Guests mingled in the New BLK to escape the unseasonal chill while they ate. Dishcrawl is a night to get to know people: friends, dates, strangers. It’s an opportunity to invite yourself to a new table, to exchange ideas about food with new people. As each new address was revealed, guests turned the short walk into a laugh-filled scavenger hunt as they chased down the next restaurant. Trini’s, the Mexican restaurant in The Passageway, offered chicken Portobello enchiladas and fish tacos with thin-sliced tilapia and an avocado, topped with chipotle sauce. Two-dollar margaritas added to the convivial spirit, and guests laughed loudly when cook Adam Tremaine stated that Trini’s rice is made from a secret recipe of “salt, pepper, and a lot of love.” The noise of the gathering had increased markedly by that time, and the shots group started to snicker about being a little trashed. With the presence of alcohol and the lateness of the evening, Grace points out that Dishcrawls aren’t that great for kids. Still, perhaps a mature and food-conscious young teenager would do well with the experience. The evening wrapped up with a leisurely stroll to Urban Wine Company for dessert. Manager Angela Reding had prepared a Southern-style chocolate cookie, topped with Scotch ice cream (single malt Lagavulin, to be precise) and English toffee. “I broke out the good stuff for you guys,” Reding said. True to its online claim, the Old Market Dishcrawl began wrapping up at 10 p.m. But the shots group lingered to quietly giggle over a bottle of wine. Stay up to date with future Dishcrawls by following @dishcrawloma on Twitter or facebook.com/DishcrawlOmaha. A vegan crawl is scheduled for July 16. 40

july/august 2013 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

N. 16th St

S. 16th St

Leavenworth St

Jones St

Jackson St

Howard St

Harney St

Farnam St

Douglas St

Dodge St

Capitol Ave

N. 15th St

S. 15th St

N. 14th St

S. 15th St

Harney St

Omaha Chamber Of Commerce S. 13th St S. 13th St

S. 14th St

Farnam St

Jones St

Jackson St

Douglas St

N. 13th St S. 13th St

S. 12th St

S. 13th St

N. 12th St S. 12th St S. 12th St

N. 11th St S. 11th St 9

S. 11th St 11

S. 11th St S. 11th St

Harney St

Howard St

Building, 1914-1915

Leavenworth St

H13

H12

H11

H10

1892-1893 Omaha Fire House, 1903-1904 Windsor Hotel, 1885-1887 Omaha Bemis Bag Company, 1887-1902 Anheuser-Busch Beer Depot, 1887 Union Pacific Passenger Terminal, 1931

H8 Morse Coe Building,

H7 Hotel Howard, 1909

1886-1887

H6 Eisenberg Building,

1879

H5 Burlington Building,

1880-1881

H4 Millard Block,

Building, 1880

H3 Baum Iron Company

1885-1889

H2 J.P. Cooke Buildings,

13, Durham Heritage Museum

Jones St

Historical Tour

H1 Skinner Macaroni

Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

Farnam St

Capitol Ave

10 Jackson St

Dodge St

G N. 10th St N. 10th St S. 10th St S. 10th St S. 10th St

N. 10th St S. 10th St

N. 9th St S. 9th St

S. 7th St

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the encounter | july/august 2013â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Health Services M

Pubs, Taverns & Lounges

Restaurants

Historical Tour

Art Gallery Walk

Parking

Park

The Capitol District

The Old Market District

Roads Interstate On-Ramp/Off-Ramp Railroad Walking Path/Trail

Downtown Omaha Map

NORTH/SOUTH NUMBERS 10-19 (NUMBERS 1-9 ON PAGE 42)

Merchants Attractions OLD MARKET / DOWNTOWN / RIVERFRONT

ANTIQUES

Antique Annex...F16............................ 402.932.3229 Fairmont Antique Mall...E17.................402.345.9746 Flying Worm Vintage...E16...................402.594.7061 The Imaginarium...D16.........................402.594.7061 Joe’s Collectibles...F16......................... 402.612.1543 J & S Antiques...D16........................... 402.306.6231 Second Chance Antiques...F16........... 402.346.4930

ART

EXCEPTIONAL

TABACCOS

Anderson O’Brien Fine Art...F16...........402.884.0911 Artists’ Cooperative Gallery...G15..........402.342.9617 Bemis Ctr. for Contemporary Arts...E18.402.341.7130 FAME....................................................402.341-3930 Farrah Grant Photography...G16...........402.312.8262 Gallery 616...F17...................................402.214.3061 Garden Of The Zodiac...G15.................. 402.341.1877 Hot Shops Art Center...D2....................402.342.6452 Images of Nature Gallery...G14............. 402.341.8460 KANEKO...F17...................................... 402.341.3800 Love’s Jazz & Arts Center...(24th & Lake)..................... 402.502.5291 Old Market Artists Gallery...G15...........402.346.6569 Omaha ClayWorks...F17......................402.346.0560 Passageway Gallery...G15..................... 402.341.1910 Sirens at the Loft...F16.........................402.933.9333 White Crane Gallery...G15.....................402.345.1066

ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT

503 S. 11th Street / Old Market / Omaha SGRoiTobacconist.com

Blue Barn Theatre...F17.......................402.345.1576 Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre...F17............402.502.4910 CenturyLink Center Omaha...H7.......... 402.341.1500 The Durham Museum...H19.................402.444.5071 Film Streams...D4................................ 402.933.0259 Henry Doorly Zoo...(3701 S. 10th St.).402.733.8401 Holland Performing Arts Center...E12.402.345.0606 Joslyn Art Museum...(2200 Dodge St.)......................... 402.342.3300 KANEKO...F17......................................402.341.3800 Lauritzen Gardens...(100 Bancroft St.).402.346.4002 Love’s Jazz & Arts Center...(24th & Lake)...................... 402.502.5291 MJ Carriage Service...(11th & Howard).402.453.6745 Ollie the Trolley......................................402.597.3596 Omaha Children’s Museum...(500 S. 20th St.)............. 402.342.6164 Omaha Symphony...A16...................... 402.342.3560 Opera Omaha...(1850 Farnam St.)......402.346.7372 Orpheum Theater...B15....................... 402.345.0606 The Rose Theater...(2001 Farnam St.).402.345.4849 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha...E3..........402.546.1800 Ticket Omaha...(www.ticketomaha.org)........................ 402.345.0606

BARS, LOUNGES & PUBS

The Old Market’s

BEST PATIO Serious about our Food. Crazy about our Beer.

11th & HARNEY OLD MARKET

Bar 415...E15.......................................402.346.7455 Barry O’s...G15.....................................402.341.8032 Billy Frogg’s Grill & Bar...F15................402.341.4427 Blue Sushi Sake Grill...E15.................. 402.408.5566 Capitol Lounge & Supper Club...G11... 402.934.5999 DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar/Blazin’ Pianos...G11................ 402.763.9974 The Dubliner Pub...E15........................ 402.342.5887 Eat the Worm...E16..............................402.614.4240 Embassy Suites Old Market...H16....... 402.346.9000 Havana Garage Cigar Bar...G15............402.614.3800 House of Loom...(1012 S. 10th St.).... 402.505.5494 J’s on Jackson...H6...............................402.991.1188 J.D.Tucker’s...G15................................402.934.5190 Jackson St.Tavern...F14.......................402.991.5637 Julio’s Old Market...D16...................... 402.345.6921 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...G16........ 402.344.8627 M’s Pub...F15...................................... 402.342.2550 Mr. Toad’s...G15.................................. 402.345.4488 Maria Sangria...F14..............................402.504.4901 Myth Lounge...F16.............................. 402.884.6985 Nosh Wine Lounge...G11...................... 402.614.2121 O Dining & Lounge...G14......................402.502.7888

O’Connor’s Irish Pub...E16...................402.934.9790 Old Chicago...F15..................................402.341.1616 Old Market Tavern...G16....................... 402.341.0191 Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill...E6....402.346.9116 Parliament Pub...C5............................ 402.934.3301 Rock Bottom Brewery...F15.................402.614.9333 Roja Old Market...E14...........................402.346.9190 Sake Bombers @ Blue...E15............... 402.408.5566 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill...G15..................... 402.359.1290 The Slowdown...D4..............................402.345.7569 Stiles Pub...E15....................................402.991.9911 Stokes Bar & Grill...F15....................... 402.408.9000 T Henery’s Pub...F14........................... 402.345.3651 Twisted Fork Grill & Bar...G15.............. 402.932.9600 Union Pizzeria & Sports Bar...C2........ 402.932.2929 Upstream Brewing Company...F16..... 402.344.0200 Urban Wine Company...G18................ 402.934.0005 Waters Edge Lounge @ Embassy Suites...H16............. 402.346.9000 The Zin Room...B14..............................402.991.0660

BOOKSTORES

Jackson St. Booksellers...F17..............402.341.2664 Soul Desires/Urban Abbey...G16 ........402.898.7600

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

All About Me Boutique...G15................402.505.6000 Basic Tease...D16................................. 402.991.2869 Curbside Clothing...G16 Drastic Plastic...E16.............................402.346.8843 Flying Worm Vintage...E16................... 402.594.7061 The Lotus...E16....................................402.346.8080 McLovin’...G19...................................... 402.915.4002 Nouvelle Eve...F15.................................402.345.4811 Old Market Sundries...G16................... 402.345.8198 Overland Outfitters...G16.....................402.345.2900 Reserve Goodwill in the Market...E16...402.342.4102 Second Chance Antiques...F16............402.346.4930 Souq, Ltd...G15.................................... 402.342.2972 Trocadero...E15....................................402.934.8389 Urban Outfitters...D4.............................402.280.1936

DINING

801 Chophouse at the Paxton...C14.... 402.341.1222 Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine...G15............402.341.9616 Billy Frogg’s Grill & Bar...F15................402.341.4427 Blue Sushi Sake Grill...E15.................. 402.408.5566 The Boiler Room...F17..........................402.916.9274 Capitol Lounge & Supper Club...G11... 402.934.5999 Denim & Diamonds...F14.....................402.504.4901 The Diner...F15.....................................402.341.9870 DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar/Blazin’ Pianos...G11................ 402.763.9974 Eat the Worm...E16..............................402.614.4240 Falling Water Grille @ Embassy Suites...H16................. 402.346.9000 The Flatiron Cafe...(17th & Howard).... 402.344.3040 Hiro 88...D16....................................... 402.933-5168 Indian Oven...G15................................ 402.342.4856 J’s on Jackson...H6...............................402.991.1188 Jackson St. Tavern...F17......................402.991.5637 Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen...C14.......... 402.342.3662 Joe Banana’s (1022 S.10th St.)...........402.346.7227 Julio’s Old Market...D16.........................402.345.692 Liberty Tavern...G7.............................. 402.998.4321 Little King...F4..................................... 402.344.2264 M’s Pub...F15...................................... 402.342.2550 Matsu Sushi...G14............................... 402.346.3988 Michael’s at the Market...F14...............402.346.1205 Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire...E16....... 402.345.8466 O Dining & Lounge...G14......................402.502.7888 O’Connors Irish Pub...E16....................402.934.9790 Old Chicago...F15 .................................402.341.1616 Omaha Prime...G15..............................402.341.7040 PepperJax Grill...D16.............................402.315.1196 Rock Bottom Brewery...F15..................402.614.9333 Roja Old Market...E14........................... 402.346.9190

Shuck’s Fish House...(19th & Leavenworth)................. 402.614.5544 Spaghetti Works...F16.......................... 402.422.0770 Spencer’s @ Hilton Garden Inn...G12...402.280.8888 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill...G15.................... 402.359.1290 Stokes Bar & Grill…F15.......................402.408.9000 Subway...E15.. 402.341.8814 Sullivan’s Steakhouse...B13................. 402.342.0077 Trini’s Mexican Restaurant...G15..........402.346.8400 Twisted Fork Grill & Bar...G15...............402.932.9600 Union Pizzeria & Sports Bar...C2......... 402.932.2929 Upstream Brewing Company...F16......402.344.0200 V.Mertz...G15.......................................402.345.8980 Vincenzo’s Ristorante...E15...................402.342.4010 Vivace...F15..........................................402.342.2050 Wheatfields Express...F15.....................402.991.0917 The Zin Room...B14.............................. 402.991.0660 Zio’s Pizzeria...F16................................402.344.2222

FLOWERS

Garden Flowers...G16...........................402.614.5661 Old Market Habitat...G15..................... 402.342.0044 The Paisley Poppy...B14.......................402.991.6970

HEALTH & FITNESS

Acupunture Omaha Healing Arts Center...E15........................... 402.345.5078 David Bole L.Ac............................. 402.345.5078 Ellen Zinn L.Ac.............................. 402.345.5078 Elizabeth Harmon - Acupuncture...402.991.5753 Ayurvedic Healing (both at Omaha Healing Arts Center) Dr.Rajesh Kotecha...E15............... 402.345.5078 Joyce Librunner, LMT...E15...........402.740.0366 Dental Derek Fender, DDS...E15.............. 402.342.3901 James Polerecky, DDS...C15.........402.341.7576 Omaha Dental Spa (at the Loft)...F16...................... 402.505.4424 Fitness Anytime Fitness...F18....................402.991.2333 Kempo Karate...(19th & Farnam).. 402.905.6865 Omaha Yoga School...G15.............402.346.7813 Massage Therapy Old Market Massage...E15............402.850.6651 Omaha Healing Arts Center...E15...... 402.345.5078 Rachel Andress, LMT................... 402.345.5078 Sandy Aquila, LMT........................ 402.345.5078 Julia Beutler, LMT......................... 402.345.5078 Lisa Christensen, LMT...................402.850.6651 Kirstin Kluver, LMT........................ 402.345.5078 Joyce Linbrunner, LMT..................402.740.0366 Tara Thompson, LMT....................402.706.7398 Medical Commercial Optical Co...E16.........402.344.0219 Creighton Family Healthcare...D19.402.280.5500 Downtown Chiropractic...(21st & Douglas)............. 402.345.7500 Ritch Miller, DC............................. 402.345.7500 Heartland Pathology...A14.............402.346.0195 Physical Therapy Bobby Escolas, CMHT (Hypnotherapist).................. 402.990.2979 Jannette J. Davis, MS, CST...G13.402.341.2230 Cynthia Duggin, MSW, LCSW...E15........................ 402.345.5078 East & West Physical Therapy...E15........................ 402.345.5078 Chanell Jaramillo, MTP, CMH, HHP...E15.............. .. 402.689.0905 Jeff Stormberg, PhD...C14........... 402.393.0642 Tim Swisher, MHR, LMHP, LADC...G13.................. 402.341.2230 Pharmacy Depot Drug...C11.........402.544.DRUG

july/august 2013 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

N. 16 St

Davenport St

Chicago St

Cass St

California St

Mike Fahey St

Burt St

Cuming St

Izard St

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Izard St

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Mike Fahey St

TD Ameritrade Park Omaha

Cass St

Lodging

Pubs, Taverns & Lounges

Restaurants

Parking

Roads Interstate On-Ramp/Off-Ramp Railroad Walking Path/Trail

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Harney St

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Midtown Crossing Map

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N. 12 St N. 12 St N. 12 St

N. 14 St

N. 10 St N. 10 St

N. 13 St N. 13 St N. 13 St N. 13 St

N. 34 St S. 34 St

N. 33 St

S. 33 St

N. 32 Ave

Nicholas St

N. 31 Ave

S. 31 Ave

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Farnam St

Douglas St

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Turner Bl vd

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NORTH/SOUTH NUMBERS 1-9 (NUMBERS 10-19 ON PAGE 40) Turner Blvd

Downtown Omaha Map

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CenturyLink Center Omaha

Merchants Attractions OLD MARKET / DOWNTOWN / RIVERFRONT

HOME FURNISHINGS

Habitat Restore...(24th & Leavenworth)..............402.342.0044 Iron Decor & More...F16......................................402.346.6123 Julia Russell...F12................................................402.891.0691 Niche...G15..........................................................402.344.4399 Room...G15.........................................................402.342.7666 Simply Fabulous...G4........................................... 402.812.2193 Urban by Design...E16..........................................970.214.7608 Zongkers Custom Woods...(S. 3rd St.)...............402.344.7784

HOTELS

With the most delectable

contemporary american cuisine in the Old Market, V.Mertz has something for everyone. $35 Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu • Tues. - Thurs. Award Winning Wine List Old Market Passageway • 1022 Howard St. Reservations Recommended • Call 402.345.8980 Reservations Online • www.vmertz.com General Manager • Certified Sommelier Matthew E. Brown Certified Sommeliers David Eckler, Chris Walter Executive Chef Jon Seymour Sous Chef Jacob Newton

Courtyard by Marriott...H12 ...............................402.346.2200 DoubleTree Hotel...B/C10....................................402.346.7600 Embassy Suites Old Market...H16.......................402.346.9000 Fairfield Inn and Suites...C2.................................402.280.1516 Hampton Inn...E2.................................................402.345.5500 Hilton Garden Inn...C2 ........................................402.341.4400 Hilton Omaha...G7 ..............................................402.998.3400 Holiday Inn...E2.....................................................402.341.0124 Homewood Suites...D2 .......................................402.345.5100 Hotel DECO XV...B14........................................... 402.991.4981 Magnolia Hotel Omaha...A16 .............................402.342.2222

MIDTOWN CROSSING

The Afternoon...W23...........................................402.933.3809 Arian’s Barber Shop...W23..................................402.505.8767 Callahan Financial Planning...V23.......................402.341.2000 Cantina Laredo...W21.........................................402.345.6000 Coldstone Creamery/Rocky Mountain Chocolate...X22.............. 402.359.1719 CRAVE...W22......................................................402.345.9999 Definitive Vision...W23.........................................402.502.7323 Delice European Bakery...W23............................402.505.9500 Element by Westin...X21.....................................402.614.8080 Fashion Cleaners...X22........................................402.916.1987 Garbo’s Salon & Spa...X22..................................402.933.8988 Glo Lounge...X23................................................402.342.4505 The Grey Plume...W22........................................402.763.4447 Ingredient...X23...................................................402.715.4444 Marcus Midtown Cinema...X23..........................402.345.0102 NT Nails............................................................... 402.991.7676 Pana 88...............................................................402.934.7262 Parmida Home Concepts....................................402.504.9267 Peerless Art Gallery.............................................402.876.5309 Prairie Life Fitness...W22....................................402.916.5000 Three Dog Bakery...X23...................................... 402.715.4500 Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery and Deli...X21.402.551.6875 Verizon Wireless by Z Wireless...X23...................402.991.1180

MUSIC SHOPS

Antiquarium Records...D15................................402.345.0294 Homer’s Records...E15.......................................402.346.0264 Drastic Plastic...E16...........................................402.346.8843

OLD MARKET PROPERTIES

Contemporary and traditional Jewelry & Gifts

Best of the Southwest in the Midwest

Lilly Barrack-GL Miller-Calvin Begay and our Silversmith Jim Robinson

Expert repair work Custom designs Silver and 14K Gold Old Market 509 S 11th St Omaha, NE 402-342-1200

Cibola Old Town 7236 1st Ave Scottsdale, AZ 480-990-1700

902 Dodge Condos...G11................................... 402.215.7118 Brandeis Building...A13......................................402.345.6564 Farnam 1600 Building...(1905 Harney St.).........402.342.1616 Grubb/Ellis Pacific Realty...F15..........................402.345.5866 Harney Street Apartments...G18.........................402.934.7510 Old Market Lofts...K3......................................... 402.346.1000 Riverfront Place...C14..........................................402.397.4837 Shamrock Development/Paxton Building...C14..402.934.7711 Skinner Macaroni Apartments...D17..................402.346.2346 The Cornerstone Apartments...F15.................... 402.346.0510 The Greenhouse Apts...H13............................... 402.341.3200 TipTop Building...C2............................................402.345.8000

SPECIALTY FOODS & COFFEE

13th Street Coffee Co...E16.............................. 402.345.2883 Aromas Coffeehouse...G18................................402.614.7009 Bliss Bakery...G18...............................................402.934.7450 Blue Line Coffee...D3.........................................402.932.0294 Cubby’s Old Markey Grocery...E17..................... 402.341.2900 Hollywood Candy...H4........................................ 402.346.9746 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...G16.......................402.344.8627 Nosh Wine Lounge...G11.....................................402.614.2121 Old Market Candy Shop...G16............................402.344.8846 Patrick’s Market...C15.........................................402.884.1600 Red Mango...D4................................................. 402.933.8815

Scooter’s Coffeehouse...F16.............................. 402.991.9868 Soul Desires...G16 ............................................. 402.898.7600 The Tea Smith...F15...........................................402.932.3933 Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream...F16.............................402.341.5827 Urban Wine Company...G18...............................402.934.0005 Wheatfields Express...F15...................................402.991.0917

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Ashley’s Collectibles...E15..................................402.934.3100 Basic Tease...E16...............................................402.991.2869 Cibola of Omaha...G16.......................................402.342.1200 City Limits...F16................................................. 402.345.3570 Cornerstone Gem & Bead Co...E16................... 402.346.4367 DSR Power Sports...E15..................................... 402.991.1383 Goldsmith/Silversmith...G16..............................402.342.1737 Green St. Cycles...D4........................................ 402.505.8002 Havana Garage Cigar Bar...G15..........................402.614.3800 Iron Decor & More...F16.....................................402.346.6123 J.P. Cooke Rubber Stamp Co...D16...................402.342.7175 Jay Welter Cigars...(18th & Jackson).................402.345.1965 Kessler’s...F17....................................................402.715.5888 The Lotus...D16..................................................402.347.8080 Machu Picchu Imports...D16..............................402.706.7818 Nebraska at the Market...E19............................ 402.346.3975 Old Market Sundries...G16.................................402.345.8198 Overland Outfitters...G16..................................402.345.2900 Perspective Jewelry...E15..................................402.934.4416 Red Square...G15.............................................. 402.342.8878 Reserve Goodwill in the Market...E16................402.342.4102 SG Roi Tobacconist...G16...................................402.341.9264 Simply Fabulous...E17........................................402.812.2193 Studio 13...(1736 S. 13th St.).............................402.934.1111 The Summit...(1601 Dodge St.).........................402.341.5555 Susie’s Baskets...E13.........................................402.341.4650 Takechi’s Jewelry...(17th & Harney)...................402.341.3044 Tannenbaum Christmas Shop...G16................. 402.934.8389 Visions Custom Framing Studio...E17............... 402.342.0020

SERVICES

Banking & Finance American National Bank...C14......................402.457.1070 First National Bank...F16.............................402.885.2574 Pinnacle Bank...G12....................................402.346.9180 Security National Bank...G16...................... 402.344.7300 Commercial Alliance Group...G18................................... 402.344.7700 Clark Creative Advertising...D16.................402.345.5800 J.P. Cooke Rubber Stamp Co...D16.............402.342.7175 Market Media.............................................. 402.346.4000 Vic Gutman & Associates............................ 402.345.5401 Information Downtown Omaha, Inc.................................402.341.3700 Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce...D15..................... 402.346.5000 The Encounter Magazine.............................402.884.2000 Old Market Business Association...(www.oldmarket.com) Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau...G14.402.444.4660 Omaha Downtown Improvement District......402.916.1796 Omaha Public Library...C13.........................402.444.4800 Legal Boyle & Associates, PC...F16....................... 402.706.7810 Cullan & Cullan...F15.................................... 402.397.7600 Klein Law Offices...H16.................................402.391.1871 Stinson, Morrison, Hecker LLP...E14.............402.342.1700 Sutera & Sutera Law Office...F15.................402.342.3100 Other Big Brain Productions...F17..........................402.342.2885 Movers Not Shakers...H13............................ 402.614.9770 Old Market Mini Storage...(501 Pacific St.)..402.342.0022 Salon & Spa Edgeworthy, a Fringes Salon...G16...............402.345.0404 The Hair Market Salon...G14.........................402.345.3692 The Nail Shop...(9th & Douglas)...................402.595.8805 Rain Salon...(1006 S. 10th St.)......................402.991.9974 RARE...E15...................................................402.706.9673 Sirens Salon & Day Spa...F16.......................402.933.9333 Urbane Salon & Day Spa...D15.....................402.934.2909

july/august 2013 | the encounter omahamagazine.com

Visit us in the historical RILEY BUILDING at 1016 Douglas On The Mall, 402.346.9180 or online at pinnbank.com.

T H E

W A Y

B A N K I N G

S H O U L D

B E MEMBER FDIC

Downtown and Council Bluffs ONGOING EVENTS Nancy Lepo/Corey Broman at the Fred Simon Gallery. Through July 12 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. The contemporary Nebraska visual artists exhibition features the drawings of Nancy Lepo and ceramics of Corey Broman. M-F/8am-5pm. Free admission. 402595-2142 – nebraskaartscouncil.org

Monday Night Movies in the Park. Through

July 22 at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing, 31st to 33rd & Farnam to Dodge sts Presented by Marcus Midtown Cinema and the Omaha World-Herald, this eight-week movie series features movies chosen by the audience. Crowds gather at dusk with blankets, chairs, and popcorn. Free admission. 402-346-6900 – midtowncrossing.org

Raul Colon: Tall Tales and Huge Hearts. Through July 28 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Explore Raul Colon’s watercolor illustrations of Dr. Jill Biden’s Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops and Frank McCourt’s Angela and the Baby Jesus. Tu-W/10am-4pm; Th/10am-8pm; F-Sat/10am-4pm; Sun/12-4pm. 402-342-3300 – joslyn.org

Tiempo de Danzon by Cristina Kahlo.

Through August 24 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. This special contemporary photography exhibition by great-niece of Frida Kahlo, Cristina Kahlo, displays “danzon,” the office genre and dance of Cuba. M,W,F/10am-5pm; Tu,Th/1-5pm; Sat/10am-2pm. M, W, F/10am5pm; Tu, Th/1-5pm; Sat/10am-2pm. $5 adults, $4 students, $3.50 seniors & ages K-12, free for members. 402-731-1137 – elmuseolatino.org

River City Star Sunday Public Sightseeing Cruise. Through August 25 at River City Star Riverboat, 151 Freedom Park Rd. Spend your Sunday afternoon relaxing on the water, enjoying the sights and sounds of Omaha’s riverfront. Sun/1-2pm & 2:30-3:30pm. 402-3427827 – rivercitystar.com

readonlinenow.com

July/August Calendar of Events

Florence Mill Farmers Market. Through

The Four Seasons Intertwined. July 13-17

JULY

Tomato Fight Run. July 20 at CenturyLink

September 29 at Florence Mill, 9102 N. 30th St. A local farmers market featuring fresh, local produce, artisans and live music every Sunday afternoon. Sun/10am-3pm. Free admission. 402-551-1233 – historicflorence.org

Featured artists Baines, Luth, Smith, and Wroblewski. July 2-28 at Artists’ Coop-

erative Gallery Ltd, 405 S. 11th St. New works from fused glass artist Jesse Baines, painter and weaver N. Byram Luth, photographer Alan R. Smith, and sculptor Pete Wroblewski. Tu-Th/11am-5pm; F-Sat/11am-10pm; Sun/126pm. Free admission. 402-342-9617 – artistscoopgallery.com

TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby and 29th Annual Omaha World-Herald Independence Day Fireworks. July 3 at TD

Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Watch college baseball’s premiere power hitters show off their skills during the home run derby and stay for the fireworks show conclusion. 7:30pm. $35 Family Four Packs, $12 adults, $8 kids. 1-800-745-3000 – collegehomerunderby.com

First Friday Old Market. July 5 at Old Mar-

ket, 13th to 10th & Farnam to Leavenworth sts. Stroll the Old Market’s brick streets and enjoy live music and art galleries during this celebration of local creativity in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood. 6-9pm. Free admission. firstfridayoldmarket.com

River City Star Friday Evening Public Dinner Cruise. July 12 – October 4 at River City

Star Riverboat, 151 Freedom Park Rd. Spend an evening on the Missouri River while enjoying live entertainment on this one-and-a-half hour, two-entree dinner cruise. F/6:30-8pm. $42 adults, $38 seniors (65+), $21 children 12 & under. 402-342-7827 – rivercitystar.com

at Florence Mill, 9102 N. 30th St. Four Nebraska artists who have been friends for 30 years are exhibiting as a group show for the first time in Omaha. Daily/1-5pm. Free admission. 402-5511233 – historicflorence.org Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Join thousands of people in one of the biggest tomato fights of the year at the finish line of this 5K run. 10am. $45. 402-341-1500 – tomatofightrun.com

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. July 21 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Listen to a new collaboration showcasing new material performed by Martin and Edie Brickell along with the unique hybrid of bluegrass and comedy of Grammy®-winners Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers. 7pm. $49-110. 402-345-0606 – omahaperformingarts.org

River City Star Public Irish Dinner Cruise.

July 24 at River City Star Riverboat, 151 Freedom Park Rd. This one-and-a-half hour Irish dinner cruise features live entertainment from Dave March along with a two-entree Irish dinner buffet. 6:30-8pm. $45 adults, $43 seniors (65+), $21 children 12 & under. 402-342-7827 – rivercitystar.com

Downtown Play Streets. July 27 at 13th-

19th on Farnam St. This festival transforms the downtown streets into a play space and fills it with activities like rock climbing, bike safety courses, cooking demos and Zumba. 8am2pm. Free admission. 402-934-6027 – openstreetsomaha.org

Wild, Wild West Day. July 27 at Durham Mu-

seum, 801 S. 10th St. Enjoy Western-inspired activities like cowboy shootouts and trick roping demonstrations for some old-fashioned Western fun. 10am-3pm. $9 adults, $7 seniors, $6 children ages 3-12, free for members and children 2 & under. 402-444-5071 – durhammuseum.org

the encounter | july/august 2013