Issue 5.52

5.52 Feb 19-26, 2014

the entertainment weekly of omaha, council bluffs and lincoln

FREE

SCAN ME

Make Believe Recordings

Collect at OEAs 8

Keith Rodger Wins “Best DJ�

must-see shows this week

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things to do this week

87

bars and restaurants profiled

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cover story

14 news of the weird 18 picks of the week 22 calendar

Editorial: editorial@shoutomaha.com • Calendar Listings:calendar@shoutomaha.com accounting@shoutomaha.com • Sales: shoutomaha@gmail.com Shout! Weekly, 3606 N 156th St. Ste 164 • Omaha, NE 68116 Office: 402-932-5584

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35 dining listings 44 bar listings

18 picks

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14 news

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that are diverse and forward-thinking.

story

What’s your favorite Omaha event you’ve been a part of recently?

My favorite Omaha events to be apart of are Loom, Goo, and Defy Grav. They are the only avenues that allow me to be myself and play whatever i believe is good for the people.

Where did you develop your vast knowledge of music?

Ever since I was a child, I was always obsessed with reading about the history of music in general. I was always the one who researched and studied every characteristic and credit of an album I found.

I wanted to know who produced what, who sang on which song, who was the A&R, who engineered it, the story of the artwork, Everything. I believe music was always one of the best avenues to study culture and history of human nature. I hope I can take this knowledge and teach it in a class someday.

How did it feel to see Mean Street take away two awards?

Mean Street are my brothers. I’ve always supported them in every aspect of their project. To see them win Album of the Year was very comforting and convincing that the Omaha community has a high support of Hip Hop. Possibly the highest i’ve ever seen.

Make Believe Recordings Collect at OEAs Keith Rodger Wins “Best DJ”

By Shout Weekly Staff

If you’ve ever met Kethro, real name Keith Rodger, then you know he’s one of the most polite, down-to-earth musicians you could ever meet. In a world supersaturated by massive egos, especially in the entertainment industry, it’s refreshing to come across someone who is not only extremely talented, but also humble. The producer, DJ and co-founder/COO of Make Believe Recordings has been making a name for himself over the past few years with countless DJ appearances and collaborations with other Omaha artists. Last year, he got the chance to do sound on a nationwide tour with The Faint and this year, he’s already off to a promising start.

On Sunday, February 15, the 25-year-old Rodger walked away with an Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award for “Best DJ.” It was a surprising win for him, but nonetheless, a well-deserved one. Rodger took some time to talk to Shout about the win, award ceremonies and seeing fellow label mates M34N STR33T walk away with two

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awards.

Shout Weekly: You won Best DJ the other night at the OEAs. How are you feeling?

Keith Rodger: Feeling very humbled by the response of the community. I never thought I’d win an award for this.

Why do you think you were chosen over the other nominees?

I honesty believed that Shor-T was going to win this year. She one of the hardest working DJs in the region and has influenced me to reach that level. She gave me props after the show and i felt like i was being honored by the queen. No joke.

Do you think it’s important to have an awards ceremony like the OEAs? Even Kayne West was calling the Grammys a joke. But then again, Kanye…

I think it is very important for award ceremonies to exist in general. There is a new level of respect gained for the group or individual. Being recognized by a com-

Shoutomaha.com • feb 19-26, 2014

munity is proof of nothing but solid work, no matter what ceremony it is.

How is Make Believe Recordings doing? What’s on the docket for 2015?

Make Believe Recordings has a big year ahead. We are finishing up Conchance and Both’s records to be released in the spring. We also have a lot of albums currently in production with every artist & band on our roster. There isn’t a single second in a day that one of our artists isn’t working on music or visual art. Make Believe has gone from a think tank to a power house.

Who are your top three favorite albums/ songs to play when you’re DJing?

I can only answer that question with labels. There is way too much music being released in the world to play in my lifetime! Really into Warp, XL, Ninja Tune, Stones Throw, Night Slugs, Bear Club Music Group, Brainfeeder, and Ghostly. They are pushing the envelope with music right now. I am obsessed with finding rosters

Why do you like playing music for people?

Music is medicine for the mind, body, and soul.

What is next?

The Evoleno EP is a personal project i’ve been quietly working on. It will be my first release as a solo artist. I have been working with some amazing sonic and visual artists to help me make this project a reality. I won’t say who’s involved with the record, but they are some of the most honest and hardworking artists I have ever met.

Here are the rest of the results in the music category: MUSIC Best Rock: John Klemmensen and the Party Best Hard Rock: Narcotic Self Best Alternative/Indie: Digital Leather Best Singer-Songwriter: Mitch Gettman Best DJ: Kethro Best Americana/Folk: Matt Cox Band Best Country: Belles & Whistles Best R&B/Soul: Josh Hoyer & The Shadowboxers Best Hip Hop/Rap: M34N STR33T Best Blues: Hector Anchondo Band Best Jazz: Luke Polipnick Trio Best Progressive Rock/Funk/Experimental: Plack Blague Best Ethnic: Esencia Latina Band Best Cover Band: Secret Weapon Album of the Year: Josh Hoyer and The Shadowboxers, “Josh Hoyer and The Shadowboxers” Artist of the Year: M34N STR33T Best New Artist: Kait Berreckman

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Season tickets

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of the

weird

Lead Story

It turns out that a person having a heart attack is usually safer to be in an ambulance headed to a hospital than to already be a patient in a hospital, according to a study by University of North Carolina researchers. It takes longer, on average, for non-ER hospital staff to comply with hospital protocols in ordering and evaluating tests (nearly three hours, according to the study) than it does for ER (and ambulance) staff, who treat every case of cardiac symptoms as life-threatening. Overall, according to a February Wall Street Journal report, the study found the mortality rate for heart-attack victims treated in emergency rooms is 4 percent, compared to 40 percent for patients already admitted for other reasons and then suffering heart attacks.

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The Continuing Crisis Uh-Oh: The man hospitalized in fair condition in January after being rammed from behind by a car while on his bicycle happened to be Darryl Isaacs, 50, one of the most ubiquitously advertising personal-injury lawyers in Louisville, Kentucky. Isaacs calls himself the “Heavy Hitter” and the “Kentucky Hammer” for his aggressiveness on behalf of, among other clients, victims of traffic collisions. The (soon-to-be-poorer) driver told police the sun got in his eyes.

Elephants in Love: (1) India TV reported in January that a wild male elephant from an adjoining sanctuary had broken into the Nandan Kanan zoo in Odisha, wildly besotted with a female, Heera. The male cast aside two other females trying to protect Heera and mated with her. The male lingered overnight until zookeepers could shoo him away. (2) A frisky male elephant crushed four cars in 10 days in January at Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park -- the result, said a park veterinarian, of the stress of the mating season. (Only the last of the four cars was occupied, but no injuries were serious.)

While nearly all Americans enjoy low gasoline prices, residents of sea-locked Alaskan towns (Barrow, Kotzebue, Nome, Ketchikan) have continued to pay their same hefty prices ($7 a gallon, according to one January report on Alaska Dispatch News). Though the price in Anchorage and Fairbanks resembles that in the rest of America, unconnected towns can be supplied only during a four-month

breather from icy sea conditions and thus received their final winter shipments last summer. The price the supplier was forced to pay then dictates pump prices until around May or June.

The Ever-Valuable Internet In January, “Captain Mercedes,” a registered user of the Reddit.com social media site, announced he had compiled a data file cataloguing every bowel movement he had in 2014 and was offering the file to other users to design hypotheses and visual representations of the data in ways that might improve his relationship with his alimentary canal. According to the data-analysis website FiveThirtyEight.com, the “researcher” used the standard “Bristol stool scale” (seven categories of excreta, by shape and consistency) “and produced interesting hypotheses in the ensuing Reddit conversation.”

Suspicions Confirmed (1) A January examination of New York City records through NYC Open Data found that the five most common first names of taxicab drivers licensed by the city are five variations in the spelling of the name “Mohammed.” (2) The last McDonald’s burger to be sold in Iceland before the chain abandoned the country in 2009 has been on open display at the National Museum of Iceland and was recently moved to the Bus Hostel in Reykjavik, “still in good condition,” according to the hostel manager. “Some people have even stolen

of the

weird

some of the fries.”

Harvard University medical researcher Mark Shrime documented recently how easily made-up research can wind up in reputablesounding academic journals -- by submitting an article composed by random-generating text software, supposedly about “the surgical and neoplastic role of cacao extract in breakfast cereals” (and authored by “Pinkerton A. LeBrain and Orson Welles”). Of 37 journals, 17 quickly accepted it, some feigning actually having read it, with the only catch being that Shrime would have to pay a standard $500 fee for publication. Shrime warned that some of the journals have titles dangerously close to highly respected journals and cautions journalist (and reader) skepticism.

Wait, What?

Ms. Meng Wang filed a lawsuit recently in New York City against Gildan Outerwear over her disappointment with Kushyfoot Shaping Tights. In television ads, Wang wrote, a young model sashays down a city street with her eyes dreamily closed and “moans and utters highly sexually charged phrases” “including ‘That’s the spot’ and ‘so good’ ... passersby (stop) in their tracks to look at her with mouths agape.” Wang said the ad clearly implies that the tights produce an orgasmic sensation of some sort, wrote Gothamist.

com, but that she, herself, has come up empty.

Cliches Come to Life (1) Margaretta Evans, 63, finally reported her missing son to the Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) Police Department in January. She said Jason Callahan, who would be 38, had been missing since “early June of 1995” when he left home to follow the Grateful Dead on tour in California and Illinois. (2) Riccardo Pacifici, described as the head of Rome’s Jewish community, was accidentally trapped while visiting the Auschwitz prison death camp in January on Holocaust Remembrance Day, after staff had departed.

When Pacifici and four associates crawled out through a window, security officers spotted them, provoking the New York magazine headline, “Polish Police Detained a Jewish Leader Trying to Escape Auschwitz.”

Least Competent Criminals Two men remain at large after stealing an ATM from Casino Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, in January. They had smashed through glass front doors, unbolted the machine, put it on a dolly and rolled it to a waiting car (though it briefly toppled over onto one of the culprits).

Managers told police the ATM was empty, disabled and scheduled to be moved to an-

other location later that day. A Calgary police officer expressed bemusement at the city’s recent ATM smash-and-grab epidemic, since the machines are hard to unbolt, hard to open and emptied several times a day. “It’s a very ineffective way to make a living.”

Unwise Robbery Target: Police in Champaign, Illinois, charged Clayton Dial, 23, with robbery on New Year’s night, for carrying a pellet gun into the Kamakura Japanese restaurant and demanding money from the hostess. However, he fled quickly when chef Tetsuji Miwa walked over, holding his large sushi knife. “He saw the blade,” Miwa said later, and “started running.” (Miwa and two co-workers gave chase and held him for police.)

Recurring Themes One of the legendary American lawsuit successes is the 1970 award of $50,000 to Gloria Sykes, whose brain injury on a San Francisco cable car left the previously modest Midwestern woman with an unrestrained libido. News of the Weird reported a similar such case, from London, in December 2006.

Now, in January 2015, the British Columbia Supreme Court awarded Alissa Afonina $1.5 million for her auto-accident brain injury. She was apparently a demure, high-achieving student, but following the 2008 collision, she had no impulse control, become “isolated,”

had “outbursts,” made “inappropriate sexual comments” -- and was able to earn a living only as a dominatrix. (Alfonina’s mother, also injured in the accident, was awarded $940,000.)

A News of the Weird Classic (October 2011) “My ultimate dream is to be buried in a deep ocean close to where penguins live,” explained the former Alfred David, 79, otherwise known in his native Belgium as “Monsieur Pingouin” (Mr. Penguin), so named because a 1968 auto accident left him with a waddle in his walk that he decided to embrace with gusto. (His wife abandoned the marriage when he made the name change official; being “Mrs. Penguin” was not what she had signed up for.) Mr. Pingouin started a penguin-item museum that ultimately totaled 3,500 items, and he created a hooded, full-body black-and-white penguin outfit that, according to a September (2011) Reuters dispatch, he wears daily in his waddles around his Brussels neighborhood of Schaerbeek. s!

(Are you ready for News of the Weird Pro Edition? Every Monday at http://NewsoftheWeird.blogspot.com and www.WeirdUniverse.net. Other handy addresses: WeirdNews@earthlink.net, http://www.NewsoftheWeird.com, and P.O. Box 18737, Tampa FL 33679.)

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concerts, family events, comedy, musicals & more Fiber Legends

February 6-April 25, at KANEKO, 1111 Jones, 9 p.m. Admission is free. www.thekaneko.org

The Scoop: Fiber Legends explores the dif-

ferent ways in which fiber art conveys movement, captures and transmits culture and functions as fine art through the works of Nick Cave, Sheila Hicks and Jon Eric Riis. Nick Cave first gained widespread recognition for his Soundsuits: full-body outfits crafted from discarded objects found in antique shops and flea markets. Part sculpture, part costume, the complex, kaleidoscopically colorful works are often featured in solo and group movement performances. Jon Eric Riis, from Atlanta, Georgia, is an internationally known contemporary fiber artist and a collector of Asian textiles. Since 1976, Riis has exhibited his handwoven tapestries throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Sheila Hicks is a Nebraska native and world-renowned fiber artist.

Her work ranges from miniatures to architectural commissions to whimsical soft stones, and employ both loom and non-loom techniques.

Matt Whipkey Album Release Party

with John Klemmensen & The Party, + Kait Berreckman Band, February 20, at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St., 9 p.m. Tickets are $8. www.onepercentproductions. com The Scoop: Very real people live at the heart of Matt Whipkey’s new LP, “Underwater”. Unlike 2013’s historical fiction character study, “Penny Park…” Whipkey turns his songwriter’s eye onto individuals in his own life. While this exploration of lost love, friendship, death and indulgence is personal in nature, its meditation on emotional struggle is definitively universal. Throughout “Underwater”, Whipkey realizes we all have a Maryclare, Hunter B. , Gary Flanagan, Kathleen and Sam in our own story. They live with us, guide us, challenge us, elate us and let us down. They occupy our daily lives, memories and dreams. Matt Whipkey invites you to not only meet these men and women of his world, but to let them mirror the many who shape yours. Over the past three years, few songwriters rival Whipkey’s creative output. On the heels of the rock and roll collection “Two Truths” and the award winning double LP, “Penny Park: Omaha, NE: Summer 1989”, Whipkey releases, “Underwater”, his third full length in as many years. For Whipkey, each release informs and challenges the next. Benefiting from this self imposed game of musical one-upsmanship, “Underwater” presents his strongest set to date.

Riitta Ikonen: Portrait of the artist as a young leaf

February 19, at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St., 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. www.bemiscenter.org

Omaha Beer Fest

February 12-February 22, at Various Locations, 12 p.m to 2 a.m. Admission is free to $15, depending on location. www.omahabeerweek.com

The Scoop: As the craft beer scene in Omaha continues to grow, the idea was born to create Omaha Beer Week to bring bars, restaurants, retailers, and breweries across the Omaha area together to celebrate craft beer. 10 beer-packed days with many specials and new, exciting beery events all over town. The first Omaha Beer Week was held in 2012, and has proved to be a success for craft beer fans from Omaha and beyond every year since.

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The Scoop: Riitta Ikonen’s work threads memory, myth, imagination and a romantic view of the natural world through a series of long-term projects pursued alone or in conjunction with regular collaborators. Portrait of the artist as a young leaf presents an overview of the artist’s multi-disciplinary responses to experiences, locations and situations, all of which highlight her ability to examine the silent, dynamic potential that exists between people and the world around them. For Eyes as Big as Plates, Ikonen collaborates with photographer Karoline Hjorth to create a photographic series that documents older inhabitants in remote landscapes around the world. The on-going project, which has taken the artists to Norway, the US, Iceland, the United Kingdom, France, Faroe Islands and Finland, was inspired by Scandinavian folklore. Here nature acts as both content and context: characters literally inhabit the landscape wearing sculptures they create in collaboration with the artists. The camera captures the “mythic” time embedded within the image and the participants’ mental transition as they become one with their wearable sculpture and their natural surroundings.

concerts, family events, comedy, musicals & more

entertainment

Little Women

January 23-February 22, at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25 for students and $40 for adults. www.omahaplayhouse.com

The Scoop: The Omaha Community Playhouse in partnership with its professional wing, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, brings the literary classic Little Women to life. Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy, guided by their beloved Marmee, are more different than any sisters could be.

With their father off to war, the women find strength in themselves and each other to endure heartache and loss and celebrate joys and accomplishments. Experience this timeless, beloved, literary classic as an exhilarating musical with stunning production elements and a powerful score. Share laughter and tears with your entire family in this can’t-miss production.

Remembering Vincent: Responding to Hate

February 19, at Creighton University Harper Center, 602 N. 20th St., 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. www. creighton.edu

The Scoop: Discrimination and hate have both deeply affected the Asian American community and have served as a rallying cry to fight for justice. Asian Americans have often unjustly suffered the blame for America’s economic and political problems throughout history. On February 19, 1942, in the wake of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Executive Order 9066 led to the unjust incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans. Some 40 years later, at the height of anti-Japanese sentiment in the U.S. auto industry, Vincent Chin was brutally murdered. Join us for a brief documentary – Vincent Who? – followed by a panel discussion about how these two events united the Asian American community to respond to hate. Sponsored by the Casper Professorship; Creighton Students Union; the University Committee on Lectures, Films, and Concerts; Office of Multicultural Affairs; and the Japanese American Citizens League - Omaha chapter. Refreshments will be served.

Lowered Expectations: Real Talk About Romance Fabric of Survival

January 15-March 14, at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., 6 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.thekaneko.com for more information.

The Scoop: In 1942, when Jewish residents of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz’s Polish village were ordered by Nazis to report to a nearby train station, 15-year-old Esther Nisenthal fled, with her parents’ blessing with her 13-year-old sister Mania. Hiding with non-Jewish friends in the forest, Esther and Mania ultimately created new identities, posing as Polish Catholic farm girls, hiding in plain sight of the Gestapo. In 1977, at the age of 50, Esther Nisenthal Krinitz began creating works of fabric art to tell her story. Trained as a seamstress, but with no training in art, she ultimately created 36 remarkable fabric pictures of strong, vivid images and folk-art realism, meticulously stitching the narrative of her story beneath each picture

February 13-March 13, at The Apollon, 1801 Vinton St., 5 p.m. Tickets are $12-$35 (with dinner). www.apollonomaha.com

The Scoop: Let’s face it - modern romance is a disaster. At this themed performance, food, and art event we’ll examine Cupid’s domain in an OKCupid world. No one will be spared. Online dating, matchmaking services, speed dating...if you’ve been looking for love through Craigslist Missed Connections, we will find you and, let’s be honest, we will probably laugh at you. Lowered Expectations continues the Apollon’s tradition of anti-Valentine offerings.

Opening Reception: Friday, February 13th 5 p.m to 9 p.m. Student/TAG discounts for selected performances. All admissions include dinner. No physical ticket is required for admission once you have completed your purchase via the web site or at the box office. This is an adult event. Younger guests are welcome, but please contact us to discuss age appropriateness if you have any concerns. Closing Reception: Friday, March 13th 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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calendar

Revel is the only night in Omaha dedicated to ladies who love ladies. It’s an opportunity for the Lesbian community and those who are friends and allies of the LGBT community at large to come together to enjoy the safe company of like-minded people with drinks and dancing.

Hosted by Danielle Renae, Tena Hahn and Tara Jeck. Resident DJ Ema Marco.

sing. After playing around his hometown area of East Tennessee for awhile, two years ago Jacob started uploading cover songs to YouTube as a hobby. Almost ten million views later — here we are.

Luke Polipnick is back at it this Saturday night at Harney Street. Modern Jazz at it’s finest...one of Omaha’s best jazz guitarists. No two songs will ever sound the same with the amount of improv and originality that he brings every time he plays. Get there early to get the best seats.

Jacob Whitesides with Jacquie Lee, February 19, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St., 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. www.theslowdown.com

Luke Polipnick, February 21, at Harney Street Tavern, 1215 Harney St., 9 p.m. Admission is free. www.harneystreettavern.com

Salsa Sundays, February 22 at House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 7 p.m. Tickets are $7. www. houseofloom.com

A get-together for songwriters (or those interested in becoming songwriters) to support, share and talk about their work with other writers. This is not a class and there is not a teacher. This is a community of artists interested in being challenged and inspired by each other.

BOOKS

Benson Songwriters Exchange, February 21, at Barley Street Tavern, 2735 N 62nd St., 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. www. barleystreet.com

Story Time, February 21, at Echo Coffee Shop, 1502 S. 10th St., 10 a.m. Admission is free. www. echocoffeeshop.com

Revel, February 20, at House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 9 p.m. Admission is $5. www. houseofloom.com House of Loom presents Verbal Gumbo with hosts Withlove Felicia & Michelle Troxclair every third-Thursday. Crabby about the political climate? Want some okra change? Just want to discuss your relationshrimps– or the andouille sausage in your life? Well, Verbal Gumbo is here with some hot, spicey flava with a side o’ rice and rhythm. This is the spoken word event that promotes our rich diversity of culture and style.

Bring your spoon to the House of LOOM every 3rd Thursday.

Verbal Gumbo, February 19, at House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 7 p.m. Admission is $7. www. houseofloom.com

Foreign Body Foreign Body are an alternative rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The group’s six members have a storied history within Omaha’s music scene, such collective history informs their current musical output. Influences for this project range from freak folk to pop rock, from Bessie Smith to Bach, these elements swirl within Foreign Body’s sonic meringue, a melodic blend of ambient textures and bombast.

Foreign Body with Thinkin’ Machines and Tenderness Wilderness, February 21, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St., 9 p.m. Tickets are $5. www.theslowdown.com Whitesides is a seventeen year old singersongwriter from Knoxville, Tennessee. Jacob was first inspired at a Bluegrass festival in 2008, and ever since then he knew he wanted to do music for a living. Following the festival, Jacob set out to learn how to play guitar and

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Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 9 p.m. Admission is free. www.houseofloom.com House of Loom has dedicated its Sunday nights and classic wood floors to all things salsa, buchata, merengue, cha-cha-cha, pachanga, and guaguanco. And to host and DJ the night, they’ve chosen long-time loom collaborator and the most charismatic, talented salsa dancer in Omaha, Mr. Blandon “Salserodalante” Joiner.

Every Sunday kicks off with a salsa dance lesson for all levels of social dancers at 7 p.m., and you don’t need a partner. Dancers requested and spectators welcome as we offer fresh mint leaf in our Cuban Bacardi Mojitos.

What’s going on in Omaha?

You’ll find out here! Submit calendar listings to calendar@shoutomaha.com. Be sure to include NAMES, DATES, TIMES, ADDRESSES and COSTS, and please give us AT LEAST 7 days notice. Events are included as space allows.

MUSIC

Thespians Festival. This year’s theme is education, so come see what you can learn from our talented performers and crew members.

Jacob Whitesides Featuring live music by The Seen, Save The Hero, School Of Rock Of Omaha and C&A,The Glimmer of Hope Concert is part of the annual benefit concert for the Food Bank for the Heartlands.

Started over 10 years ago, local artists have put their talents and abilities towards supporting the Food Bank and helping needy area families.

According to the Food Bank of the Heartland’s website, about 25,700 different people in the Food Bank for the Heartland’s service area receive emergency food assistance in any given week. This number includes families, the elderly and children of all ages and shows the staggering need of donations. The Glimmer of Hope Concert will give all ages an opportunity to show their support and enjoy some of the areas finest music. Proceeds are donated directly to The Food Bank of the Heartland and used to help fill the Food Bank shelves. The Glimmer of Hope Concert is hosted by Omaha’s own AP and is supported by The Reader, 89.7 The River, Slowdown and CW 15.

The Glimmer of Hope Concert, February 20, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St., 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $6. www.theslowdown.com Omaha Central High School’s 101st Annual Road Show features a variety of unique acts, including the CHS Bell Choir, a string quartet, and even a “talking lobster.” There is a mix of vocal, instrumental, dance, and drama acts showcased at this event, featuring many of Central’s talented students. The show also features the CHS Club ’59 Improv Team, bringing you a completely different performance every night. This year’s show is hosted by Ethan Gray and Emily Weide, directed by Mr. Scott Mead, and stage managed by Marissa Hodgen and Gabrielle Rima with backstage elements by the second place winning tech team at the Nebraska

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Omaha Central High School’s 101st Annual Road Show, February 19, at Omaha Central High, 124 N. 20th St., 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10/Adults and $8/Students. www.central.ops. org

Cheap drinks like $2 Honey Brown Ale pints, $3 premium vodka & gin wells and board games make this an easy Monday night. Service industry welcome.

Stop by the Echo Coffee Shop on 10th and Worthington Streets for story time every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sit back with a cup of coffee while your kids enjoy a free cookie and story.

ART

First Cut: Service Industry Night, February 23, at House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 9 p.m.

Admission is free. www.houseofloom.com Celebrating the music and life of Johnny Cash with local musicians performing their favorite Cash songs, as well as a few of their own that are inspired or influenced by him. Featuring performances by Pat Gehrman, Brad Hoshaw, Michael J. Fillmore and more.

Johnny Cash Tribute, February 19, at Barley Street Tavern, 2735 N. 62nd St., 9 p.m. Tickets are $5. www.barleystreet.com Every Wednesday you’ll find DJ SPiRALE and guests holding down a weekly residency.

SPiRALE is an Omaha native that has spent many years in Mexico City, giving her an edge over most local DJs on eclectic, tasteful & underground selections of music. Her nights span a whole emotional range of music, covering anything from house, techno, downtempo to even reggae. Weekly guests provide new music direction & vibe. Music stars at 10pm / 21+ / No Cover. Enjoy half off a select tap beer & craft cocktail from 5pm to 2am.

DJ SPiRALE and guests, February 25, at House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 10 p.m. Admission is free. www.houseofloom.com Hot Jazz with Luigi, Inc., February 24, at Mr. Toad’s, 1002 Howard St., 9 p.m. Admission is free. www.mrtoadspub.com Every Tuesday at House of Loom, it’s everything you love about karaoke with the volume turned up. Don’t be afraid to go crazy: bring your own costumes, create your own choreography, bring your back up dancers or just grab some in-house props we’ll have on hand. Join the community here: http://www.facebook.com/ karaoketheatre.

Karaoke Theatre, February 24, at House of

Alicia Armentrout Alicia Armentrout’s exhibit, Motivating to Grandeur, of photos taken at the Allwine Prairie and Glacier Creek Preserve in Bennington, NE will be on display at the Michael Phipps Gallery at the Omaha Public Library’s Main Library, 215 S. 15th St., 1st Floor, from January 5 through February 21, 2015.

Motivating to Grandeur: Alicia Armentrout, February 19-February 21, at W. Dale Clark Library, 215 S. 15th St., Times Vary. Admission is free. Visit www.omahalibrary.org for more information.

Jessica Hische is a designer, illustrator and typographer. She spends her days drawing type and designing pretty things and spending her nights working late on everything from editorial illustration to hand-lettering romance novels covers. In September 2009, Jessica created the Daily Drop Cap project where she would post an illustrative cap regularly showcasing her skills.

From there her work expanded to projects like advertising for Google, Starbucks and Target, designing classic book covers for Barnes &

Noble, The Circle by Dave Eggers and redefining branding for clients like MailChimp.

Jessica Hische, February 25, at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St., 8 p.m. Tickets are $5-$10. www.onepercentproductions.com Kleveland Clothing is hosting a silent auction to help support one young artist make a difference.

Experience a plethora of artwork created by up-and-coming Omaha artists and help local teen artist Carma Draney as she fundraises for service trip to New Delhi, India. Enjoying music, baked goods, beverages, and unique pieces of art. All artwork will be donated to help support the cause by many young artist from the Kent Bellows Studios.

Carma’s Collective, February 21, at Kleavland Clothing, 3906 Farnam St., 6 p.m. Admission is free. www.kleavlandclothing.com Popular among young readers, graphic novels are known for their comic format. They are generally described as “sequential art,” where a series of illustrations tells the story, but, unlike newspaper comics, they are the length of a novel and include narrative development. From cave paintings and hieroglyphs, to tapestries and illuminated manuscripts, storytelling through pictures has existed for millennia. The dawn of the Industrial Age marked the publication of The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck, which, with its sequential pictures and captions, many consider to be the first comic book. The twentieth century saw DC Comics’ Superman and Batman and Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and X-Men and the superhero phenomenon. Today, graphic novels are more varied in content than their earlier counterparts and they have a new level of respectability, their impact and popularity the topic of scholarly research and discussion. Notably, in 1992, Art Spiegelman’s Holocaust survivor’s tale, Maus, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. BAM! presents a collection of pen and ink, mixed media, and computer-generated illustrations; preliminary sketches; storyboards; and cover art created by five of the leading contemporary artists/ authors working in the graphic novel format.

This exhibition, organized by National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (Abilene, TX), is sponsored at Joslyn Art Museum by an anonymous donor and by Cynthia Epstein and David Wiesman.

BAM! It’s a Picture Book: The Art Behind the Graphic Novel, February 19-March 29, at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St., Hours Vary.

Admission Prices Vary. www.joslyn.org Emphasis in this exhibition will be on two bodies of Pluhacek’s art. She has made figure drawings in pastel and charcoal throughout the breadth of her career and has taught the subject since 1990; yet these gestural and sometimes intense artworks are among the least seen of her oeuvre. In each, she reveals aspects of gesture, movement or bearing combined with a strong sense of structure and mass. All drawings in the show were either made in front of a model or in the studio inspired by a live sitter. In addition, Pluhacek will create a kind of studio wall installation displaying drawings made in the Garden of the Zodiac in the week before the show’s opening, and will add new works made on site at several times during the run of the exhibition. Pluhacek will also share a group of her flower drawings, in which pods

and blossoms are examined close-up. For the artist, they represent “simple things that, when observed, grow in complexity.” Picturing usually ordinary blooms, “city flowers” or even weeds, the artist strives to make her botanical specimens monumental and grand, emphasizing strong gesture and a vibrant, even artificial palette. As with her human subjects, the flowers provide a platform for endless play and design with the lines, shapes and colors of living forms. So too, as the result of her aggressive handling and assertive approach to form, the floral subjects take on similar sculptural qualities.

Kristin Pluhacek: Drawings, February 19-March 9, at Garden of the Zodiac, Passageway, Old Market, Hours Vary. Admission is free. www. publicart.org Florabunda will be on display at KANEKO as a part of the collective exhibition, FIBER, from Feb. 6–April 25, 2015. Join them for the unveiling of this exhibition at the FIBER Opening Reception on Friday, Feb. 6 from 6–9 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public. Florabunda is an exhibition that showcases bright designs of historically prominent fabric designers during the golden age of the Hawaiian shirt, exploring the artistic and cultural significance of this form of fabric design. In addition to the garments on display, this exhibition will also feature historic photographs and informative video to glean insight into the designers’ creative process, and production of the fabric and shirts themselves.

The design and production of classic floral patterns and the composition of abundant Hawaiian foliage is at the heart of this exhibition.

Composed of shirts from the 1950s through the 1980s, the collection highlights such designers as Alfred Shaheen, John Meigs, Elsie Das, and many more.

Florabunda, February 19-April 25, at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. www.thekaneko.com COMEDY/POETRY Come with your instrument and your skills to THE 402 music venue in downtown Benson any Monday night. Get your name on the list and get ready to show the world. Each artist is given a 10min slot. All ages are welcome. The 402 Arts Collective wants to provide a venue that is open to all ages, fun for the family, and is a great experience for local musicians. Their hope that seasoned artists along with those just getting started will come share their talent for others to enjoy just for the love of the art. They only ask that you keep it clean, fun, and excellent.

Open Mic Night, February 23, at 402 Collective, 6051 Maple St., 6 p.m. Admission is free. www.402artscollective.org Local comedian Dusty Stahl hosts an open mic night every Wednesday. Bring your best material and come on down.

Open Mic Night, February 24, at Barley Street Tavern, 2735 N. 62nd St., 10 p.m. Admission is free. www.barleystreet.com Calling all quizzies and quizzettes. If you are looking for a way to cram some knowledge into your brain and cram some beer down your gullet – why not try to do both at the same time?

If you would like a chance to get that beer for free along with a night of fun and facts – you

should head down to the Sydney on Tuesdays.

Grab a team of 5 or fewer and answer 40 fun questions for lots of opportunities to win great prizes (most of them obviously and awesomely include alcohol). Don’t mind your own quizness.

February 19, at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St., 7 p.m.

Tickets are $9-$21. www.ralstonarena.com

Sydney Pub Quiz, February 24, at The Sydney, 5918 Maple St., 8 p.m. Admission is free. www. thesydneybenson.com COMMUNITY If you’re in the mood for ice skating, Ralston Arena has you covered. There’s public skating all week long. The Ralston Arena stocks Jackson Ultima leather figure skates. Sizes available on a first-come, first-serve basis or bring your own skates. Please enter through the Southeast entrance. Cash only. Public Ice Skate Times may be pre-empted at any time.

Public Ice Skating, February 19-March 1, at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St., Times Vary.

Admission is $5. www.ralstonarena.com Join the Urban League of Nebraska Young Professionals for this informal networking social as a chance to meet existing members, find out about volunteer opportunities and introduce yourself to like-minded individuals at STIR Live & Loud at Harrah’s Casino. Light appetizers will be available with one drink ticket offered per person. Bring a friend!

Enjoy free shuttle service during every Lancers game this season! Fans are invited to park their cars at Horsemen’s Park, located at 6303 Q Street in Omaha, and enjoy complimentary shuttle service, complete with ADA approved seating, to and from Ralston Arena. Shuttle times are as follows: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on all game days except Sunday, in which it will run from 4 p.m.-8p.m. Please park in the East Lot at Horsemen’s Park.

Young Professional Networking Social, February 21, at Stir’s Harrah’s Casino, Council Bluffs, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. www.harrahscouncilbluffs.com SPORTS 2015 NSAA Wrestling Championship, February 19-21, at CenturyLink Center, 455 N. 10th St., Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $7$9. www.centurylinkcenteromaha.com Winter’s Biggest Cabin Fever Escape! Your ticket to fun and adventure showcases U.S. and Canadian resorts and attractions, hunting and fishing camps, boats, recreational vehicles, campers, outdoor seminars and special attractions.

68th Annual Omaha Boat Sports and Travel Show, February 19-22, at CenturyLink Center, 455 N. 10th St., Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Noon to 9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to Noon. Tickets are Adults, $10, Students (18 & Under), $5, Children (5 & Under), Free. www.centurylinkcenteromaha.com Attended by more than 850 individuals from Omaha business, medical and social communities, the American Heart Association Ball is the annual black-tie gala benefiting the American Heart Associations (AHA) lifesaving mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The evenings festivities begin with a pre-event reception that includes amazing mini-live auctions and silent art auction, followed by an elegant dinner, inspiring program, a spectacular live auction and incredible entertainment.

American Heart Association Ball, February 21, at CenturyLink Center, 455 N. 10th St., 6:30 p.m. Admission prices vary. www. centurylinkcenteromaha.com UNO Men’s Basketball vs. Oral Roberts,

Lancers Hockey vs Team USA, February 20, at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St., 7:35 p.m. Admission is $16.95-$22.95 (Advance Tickets); $20.95$26.95 (Day Of Tickets). www.ralstonarena.com Come watch the curling league every weekend until March 8! Aksarben Curling Club was founded in Omaha in 1958. We are a Nebraska non-profit organization that promotes the growth of the sport in the region including youth development and nationally-competitive college teams. Our membership is around 100 curlers, but there’s always room for more! This year we are curling at the Ralston Ice Arena in Omaha.

Aksarben Curling League, February 20 and 22, at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St., 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. www. ralstonarena.com Lancers Hockey vs. Fargo Force, February 21, at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q. St., 7:05 p.m. Admission is $16.95-$22.95. www.ralstonarena.com

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council bluffs

712

s!

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401 Veterans Memorial Highway Council Bluffs

Daily Specials

Texas Hold ‘Em @7 Thu & Sun Karaoke Fri & Sat

New Menu Burger infusions and homemade pizza!! $12.00 for a 16’ Large Supreme Pizza!!

Call ahead and pick up your pizza or beer at our new Drive-Thru!! 712-366-1669

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Shoutomaha.com • Feb 19-26, 2014

dining nibbles

Written by Jim Delmont

STEAK HOUSES ANTHONY’S.. 72nd and F streets. 331-7575. Closed Sunday. One of the old-line steakhouses, big and friendly.

A good family spot. Huge menu.

BROTHER SEBASTIAN’S STEAKHOUSE AND WINERY. 1350 S. 119th St. 330-0300. Seven days. Not old and not new, this 1980s steakhouse that resembles a California monastery has a great salad bar, romantic little rooms with fireplaces and a great party room. Prices remain reasonable.

CASCIO’S. 1620 S. 10th St. 345-8313. Seven days. Been here forever and still cookin.’ This venerable steak emporium has been a mainstay of the College World Series crowd.

CHARLESTON’S. Just north of West Dodge Road at the Boys Town exit. 431-0023. Open seven days. Don’t let the chain ID fool you – this is a top notch restaurant – casual, with an eclectic menu that includes upscale burgers, lots of salads, fish entrees, steaks, sandwiches, soups, ribs, crisp veggies and rich desserts – including a knockout bread pudding. Management is the key to success here. The ambience is gaslamp hideaway with a bar area popular on weekends.

THE DROVER. 2121 S. 73rd St. 391-7440. Open seven days. Tucked away on a side street, this longtime steakhouse favorite draws customers from the medical neighborhood at 72nd and Mercy Road. Cozy fireplace, good service.

801 CHOP HOUSE (in the Paxton House). 1403 Farnam.

341-1222. Open seven days. Formerly the Paxton Chop House, this beautiful, masculine spot is a twin to one in Des Moines and a major draw for elegant service and classic steakhouse fare. Perfect for memorable occasions, but Sunday night specials are affordable for anyone.

FLEMING’S. Next to Regency Court Shopping Center (south side). 393-0811. Open seven days. Big deal wine offerings here from climate controlled wine closets. Very attractive main dining room with some extra nooks and bar-side service, too. Char-grilled steaks are reasonably priced, with huge sides, and some major seafood offerings. Excellent service and a very nice ambience for a special evening out.

GENJI STEAK HOUSE. 14505 W Center Road. 333-8338.

Popular Japanese, group-style “teppanyaki” cooking with items sliced and diced on a hot metal surface, then tossed about in entertaining ways. Very healthful meals, with lots of protein (several kinds of beef, plus shrimp) and delicious chopped vegetables. Reasonably priced and fun for kids and adults alike.

JERICO’S. 11732 West Dodge Road. 496-0222. Open seven days. Longtime family-run steakhouse known for its prime rib.

JOHNNY’S CAFÈ. 4702 S. 27th St. 731-4774. Closed Sunday. One of Omaha’s most famous steakhouses, it was opened in 1922 by the Kawa family at the stockyards, where the family still operates it. Many loyal customers love the place for lunch or dinner.

JOHNNY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE. 305 N. 170th St. in Village Pointe. 289-9210. Open seven days. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin would have loved this place – tricked out like a Hollywood 1940s supper club, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is one of an Iowa-based chain offering Italian pasta favorites along with steaks and chops. Desserts, made on the premises, are popular.

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t. 16801 Burke 402-391-1755. Seven days. Long-running Japanese steak house offers healthy cuisine, entertaining chefs, reasonable prices and an attractive Regency location.

KONA GRILL. 295 N 170th St. 779-2900. Kona Grill is a sushi restaurant with lots more, including very imaginative appetizers and entrees with Hawaiian, Chinese, japanese and American touches (macadamia nut chicken, satay, potstickers, steamed soybeans, saki-marinated bass, sweet chili-glazed salmon and even a meatloaf made with sweet Italian and Louisiana sausage!). Loads of interesting dipping sauces, too, plus full sushi offerings LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE & SALOON. 3040 S. 143rd Plaza.

333-1553. Open seven days. Last of a chain here, they do a good job with burgers and sandwiches, homemade soups and chili, sirloin and ribeye, their own salad dressings, and good service.

MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE. 13665 California St. 4454380. Boasting the top two per cent of Nebraska prime beef, this once very expensive spot also offers Australian lobster, grilled salmon filet with capers, shrimp and crabmeat; plus lots of salads, lamb, porkchops, bacon-wrapped scallops, king crab legs and a famous house martini. Prices have moderated recently.

OMAHA CHOPHOUSE. Omaha Marriot, 10220 Regency Circle. 399-9000. This is the latest entry at Regency, which once had Allie’s and the fabulous Chardonnay fine dining restaurant. Now it’s a steak place with the usual cuts, plus seafood, fancy sandwiches, various chicken entrees, salads and a pretty extensive wine list.

OMAHA PRIME. 415 S. 11th St. in the Old Market. 3417040. Closed Sunday. Mo Tajvar’s beautiful Old Market spot has a lovely bar area and a handsome room for his prime cuts of beef in this second floor Old Market beauty, complete with rear views of the Old Market Passageway and a smoking room behind glass. A la carte and expensive, like other “prime” beef establishments, but offering a lot of visual charm.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE. 7605 Cass St. 392-2212; 2414 S. 132 Street. 697-1199; 10408 S. 15th Street. 991-9275.

Open seven days. From the opening of the Cass Street original, this Florida-based chain has been one of the most successful chains here. Basically an American steakhouse, it puts up an Australian façade, but the menu offers steaks, ribs and chicken plus baked potatoes, slab fries and barbecued chicken. You can toss a shrimp or two on the Barbie, too. Omahans love them all.

PICCOLO PETE’S. 2202 S 20th St., 342-9038. In South Omaha since 1933, Picolo Pete’s is a classic Omaha Italian steakhouse, with Italian pastas to augment the steaks – plus big salads, burgers, hot roast beef, many breaded items, many fish, kids menu and even pizza.

Try the chicken gizzards – folks love them. Prices are low to moderate.

PINK POODLE. 633 Old Lincoln Highway in Crescent, Iowa, just east of I-680. 545-3744. Closed Monday.

The famous doll collection is gone, but lots of folks think this rustic-style atmosphere and the steak and prime rib specialties are worth the short drive. Steaks, chops, lots of seafood, gizzards and livers, and an inexpensive children’s menu.

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE, 222 S. 15th St. 342-0077. Seven days. Across from the Public Library and very near the Holland Performing Arts Center, Sullivan’s is a handsome, friendly ’40s-style steakhouse down-

Shoutomaha.com • feb 19-26, 2014

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r e n CoProcket DAILY SPECIALS

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

4201 S 38th st Omaha, Nebraska 68107 (402) 505-7377 Mon-Sat 9am-2am Sun 10am-2am

HAPPY HOUR

10am-6pm Daily $250 aluminum pints $275 12oz. Bottles

| $2 Crafts and Imports | $3 Straight shots of anything | $1 Busch Light cans | South O Happy Meal Shot of Blackberry Brandy and a Busch Light can for $3 SUNDAY | $11 Domestic Buckets

dining nibbles town featuring fine steaks and seafood, top-of-theline martinis, and an enormous wine choice from its 15,000-bottle cellar with an hand-cut Italian stone floor.

360 STEAKHOUSE at Harrah’s, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, (712) 329-6000. This upscale steakhouse sits at the top of Harrah’s Hotel, on the 12th floor, offering a unique view of the Omaha skyline.

The menu offers elegant beef entrees, seafood (lobster, tiger shrimp, scallops), lots of interesting sides and salads. Private dining room available.

BOURBON BBQ & STEAK at Ameristar Casino, 2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, (712) 328-8888, has replaced the Waterfront Grill there with a menu chock with barbecued pork and chicken items, plus some steaks, salads, sandwiches, seafood in an eclectic mix. Less high hat than its predecessor, it aims for a more regular crowd, including kids.

FINE DINING BISTRO 121. 12129 West Center Road. 697-5107. Former location of Claudia’s, this handsome spot is now Walter Hecht’s new version of his Old Vienna Restaurant, a south Omaha fixture for decades. This Swiss chef offers European fare, including liver dumpling soup, escargot, mussels, Provencal shrimp, duck, lamb and veal entrees, plus risotto with grilled chicken and even Oysters Rockefeller – and you can get a New York strip steak, too. Some of the same plus excellent sandwiches, salads and soups at bargain lunch prices.

Lots of California wines. Hecht is a real veteran of the

Omaha dining scene.

THE FLATIRON CAFÈ. 17th and Howard streets. 344-3040.

Closed Sunday; dinner only six days. Steve and Kathleen Jamrozy have established the gold standard for Omaha restaurants in a lovely room in a triangleshaped building reminiscent of old New York, complete with huge window walls and a tree-shaded patio. Great service, great food, very popular with Orpheum-going crowds all year.

LE VOLTAIRE. 155th Plaza at West Dodge Road (north side). 934-9374. Closed Sunday, Monday. French owner-chef Cedric Fichepain has combined Paris with Alsace in his unpretentious suburban bistro, where the menu offers what you’d expect: French onion soup, bouillabaisse, escargot, duck liver, duck confit, coq au vin, filet mignon and even crepes suzette. Nice wine choices, good service, intimate, very reasonably priced.

LIBERTY TAVERN. In the Hilton Hotel, at 1001 Cass St., across from the Qwest Center. 998-4321. Open seven days. This fine dining restaurant now has a unique and appealing outdoor dining area, California style, that seats 80 – it’s centered on a modernist fireplace and you can order from the indoors restaurant.menu or the less expensive bar menu. The indoors area is attractively modern and has a menu reflecting the “farm to table” movement, with an emphasis on locally provided items, including Iowa pork and Nebraska chicken. Chef Michael Rhodes is doing upscale comfort foods: corn chowder, corn fritters, sweet potato and duck hash, seafood pot pie, flatiron steak,

meatloaf, mac and cheese, but also elegant steak and fish entrees. The big deal dish is the imperial Wagyu beef strip steak from Blair, Neb., with Iowa Maytag blue cheese butter. Creative desserts add to the fun.

V. MERTZ. 1022 Howard St., 345-8980. V. Mertz has to be one of the two or three best restaurants in Nebraska.

Irresistibly attractive at the grotto level of the Old Market Passageway, it provides a womb of old brick, wine racks, sprays of flowers and an ancient Roman style wall fountain, it is perfectly romantic, half- hidden and mysteriously likeable. Executive Chef John Engler oversees a menu that makes the best of organic produce from nearby Crescent, Iowa, lamb, beef and seafood. Artisan cheeses are available after dinner along with some sumptuous desserts. The wine selection is extensive and sophisticated (a semi-finalist for wine service in the James Beard awards). V. Mertz is one of the city’s most expensive restaurants but is worth it (the tasting menu is $100).

NEIGHBORHOOD Anchor Inn, 5413 S. 72nd St. 402-341-1313. anchorinnbar.com – Home of the famous watermelon – and still the best party in town – the Anchor Inn offers daily lunch specials, including the new roasted chicken!

Keep an eye our for some new dinner specials in the very near future. Until then, do your stomach a favor and take it to the Anchor Inn for some of “Junior’s Jumbo Hot Wings” or the “Flour Sandbar Nachos.”

And that’s just for starters. Make sure to try “Anchor Inn’s Famous 1/2 Pound Burger” or “Anchor Inn’s Famous Chicken Sandwich.”

BAILEY’S BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. 1259 S. 120th St. 9325577. Comfort food done with flair. For breakfast; all your favorites, featuring Omaha’s finest Eggs Benedict – 6 varieties, (and Crepes, too) topped with Hollandaise made fresh every day. Come try the best bacon you will ever eat! Breakfast served all day.

And treat yourself to some of Omaha’s finest Salads, Soups, and Sandwiches, plus Chicken Fried Steak, fresh Angus burgers, and Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. When is the last time you had really good Egg Salad or Chicken Salad??? Open 7 days a week 7:00 – 2:00.

BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN. 4322 Leavenworth, 558-5520. A neighborhood place with burgers, phillies and other sandwiches. Daily specials and a sports bar ambience.

BENE PIZZA AND PASTA. 12301 West Maple Road. 4980700. Open seven days a week. Retro pizza spot with ‘70s look – sandwiches, too.

BIG FRED’S PIZZA GARDEN. 119th and Pacific streets. 3334414. Open seven days. Hugely popular pizza joint that attracts crowds all the time, especially on weekends. Sports bar atmosphere with lots of noise.

BILLY FROGGS. 1120 Howard St. in the Old Market. 3414427. 8724 Dodge St. (397-5719; 84th and Giles. Open Seven days. The original on Howard Street has a very nice tree-shaded outdoor dining area and all three pull in a younger crowd for burgers, hot dogs, pub fare and a broad selection of domestic and imported beers. Good hang-out spots.

BOB MONKEY’S NOODLE ZOO. 4950 Dodge Street. 932-9971.

Offbeat lunch place with soups, salads and sandwiches.

BRAZEN HEAD IRISH PUB. 319 N. 78th St., just off West Dodge. 393-3731. Seven days. Irish pub, close to the real thing (the owners imported some parts of it from Ireland). Mixes Irish/English fare with American pub favorites. Huge beer list.

BREWBURGERS. 4629 S. 108th St. 614-7644. Lots of TVs – lives up to its name.

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dining nibbles BUFFALO WILD WINGS. 48th and L streets (734-8088); 76th and Dodge streets (343-9464); 10525 S. 15th St. (9919464); 146th Street and West Maple Road (492-9464); 4287 S. 144th St. (861-9464). Popular wing spot with lots of beer.

CAFFEINE DREAMS. 4524 Farnam St. 932-2803. Multi-level outdoor seating, under the trees, is a dream here, in this ‘60s kind of coffee house. Great brew plus pastries, sandwiches, granola, smoothies and the like.

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY. 10120 California St. at Westroads. 393-1166. Seven days. Enormous chain restaurant done up in exotic architecture and interiors that resemble a British officers’ club in Egypt in the 19th century. Big operation with a huge menu: glamburgers, white chicken chili, Asian fare, fish ‘n chips, all kinds of sandwiches, soups, salads; imaginative items mixing culinary styles – crabcake sandwich, Cuban sandwich, stuffed mushrooms, pizza, fried zucchini, mini corndogs, steaks, beef ribs, pork chops, salmon, tuna, shrimp scampi and, of course, lots of different cheesecakes. It would take months to work your way through this menu. Good family spot.

CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE. 168th and West Dodge Road (Village Pointe). 289-4210. Outrageous Caribbean/island décor frames a restaurant with all kinds of exotic burgers and sweet-flavored specialties and tropical drinks.

DOC & EDDIE’S BBQ. 168th and Harrison (on west side of 168th, a block north of Harrison). 895-7427. Bare bones spot where the food is everything. Established

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by Dr. Jeffrey DeMare, a pediatric physician, and his late partner, Eddie Vacek. Tasty, slow-cooked meats – does a lot of take-out via drive-through.

DON CARMELO’S. 2647 S. 159th Plaza (333-5256) In Rockbrook at 108th and Center Streets (933-3190); 3113 N. 120th St. (333-5256); 1024 N. 204th Ave (289-9800) New York-style pizzerias offering pizza, calzones and similar fare.

THE DUNDEE DELL. 5007 Underwood Ave. 553-9501.

Seven days. Dundee classic known for its fish and chips, hot sandwiches and burgers. A neighborhood spot with a big following (especially at lunch), its bar has well over 100 imported beers plus some superb Scotch offerings.

FAMOUS DAVE’S. Several Omaha metro locations, including a new one at Eagle Run on West Maple Road.

This chain BBQ spot has good basic BBQ fare, plus lots of sides, generous portions, nice atmosphere and good service.

FIREWATER GRILLE. 7007 Grover Street, in the Comfort Inn. 452-FIRE (3473). Live music and offbeat island cuisine in this Hawaiian-themed bar/restaurant attached to a motel.

FUDDRUCKERS. 7059 Dodge St., 556-0504. 16920 Wright Plaza #118, 932-7790. Fuddruckers boasts the “World’s Greatest Hamburgers,” and they have a big variety of them. Good spot for kids.

GOLDBERG’S GRILL & BAR. 2936 S. 132nd St., 333-1086 and

Shoutomaha.com • feb 19-26, 2014

GOLDBERG’S IN DUNDEE, 5008 Dodge St., 5562006. Especially popular at lunch with sandwiches, soups, burgers, salads.

HARKERT’S BBQ. 4865 Center St., 554-0102. Old time and small BBQ spot favored by insiders. Hickor-smoked meats and sides. Does a lot of take-out.

JAMS. 7814 Dodge St. 399-8300. Closed Sunday. One of Omaha’s best restaurants and one of the most popular. Mark Hoch’s long room with a bar is still a cool place, with an eclectic, inventive menu that changes often but always offers a two-tier selection ranging from inexpensive burgers, sandwiches and meatloaf to very original, often Southwest-inspired entrees.

Great bar is a watering hole for thirtyish and fortyish singles. Not easy to get a table on weekend nights, but worth the wait.

JAZZ: A LOUISIANA KITCHEN. 1421 Farnam St. 342-3662.

Now that Butsy Ledoux’s is closed there aren’t many Louisiana-style places around here, but Jazz offers a version of Cajun and Creole fare that resembles a place you might stumble into just off Bourbon Street.

JOE TESS’ PLACE. 5424 S. 24th St. 731-7278. Closed Monday. Oldtime neighborhood place famous for fish, fish, fish (trout, walleye, tilapia) and all fresh, plus shrimp, oysters – many fried items, with the catfish renowned, but they do steaks, chicken and other entrées on their huge menu. Chicken and fish sandwiches galore, plus seafood stews and chowders.

Lots of sides, kids’ menu. The “famous fish” is served on rye bread for $6.50. Pitchers of beer, cream cheese cakes. Big Friday night crowds. Prices are low, but cash preferred. Live fish market, lots of carryout business.

KING KONG. 4409 Dodge St., 553-3326. 5250 S. 72nd St., 932-6420. 3362 S. 13th St., 934-8988. Don’t let the name fool you – this is basically a Greek restaurant, with

excellent gyro’s, but they do burgers and phillie sandwiches and lots more.

LA BUVETTE WINE BAR AND DELI. 511 S. 11th St. in the Old Market. 344-8627. Open seven days. Despite the limited offerings, La Buvette is one of the city’s better restaurants. Technically (in France) a bistro is a wine shop that also offers food – that’s La Buvette. It is crammed with bottles of wine and you can have a terrific dinner consisting of only wine, fine cheeses and baguette French bread – and that’s the truth. But they do have appetizers and entrees, too: foi gras, pate’, mussels, salmon, chicken, lamb shanks, veal cheeks and other bistro fare. French doors open to make the whole place a sidewalk café.

La Mesa, 156th and Q streets; 110th and Maple streets; 84th and Tara Plaza; Hwy 370 & Fort Crook Rd, Bellevue, and Council Bluffs (Lake Manawa Exit). Voted as Omaha’s best Mexican restaurant 8 times times in a row., La Mesa offers free chips and salsa, great portions and a fun atmosphere.

The menu is broad, with everything from classics, such as burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, tamales and tostadas. Specialties include Chilaquiles Mexicanos, the El Magnifico, Chicken Chipolte Salad and El Patron (shrimp). La Mesa offers over 100 tequilas, the largest selection in the area!

LANSKY’S PIZZA, Pasta and Philly, 4601 S. 50th St., 7311919; 3909 Twin Creek Dr., Bellevue, 502-0555; 1131 N. Broadway, Council Bluffs, (712) 329-5400. Philly steak sandwiches and pizza – they dominate here.

LE PEEP, 2012 N. 117th Ave. 991-8222; (other locations in Pepperwood Village at 156th and West Dodge, and at 177th and West Center Road). Aneel and Hope Taj oversee three locations where everything is fresh and the huge pancakes rival those at the Market Basket (ask for pecans and bananas in yours); eggs Benedict and other egg creations are ambrosial, bacon and sau-

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dining nibbles sages lean and substantial, huge list of omelets, but also lunch items, too, as they are open until 2 p.m.

Great table service and high quality food.

LISA’S RADIAL CAFÈ. 817 N. 40th St. 551-2176. Open seven days for breakfast, Friday only for dinner. Lisa Schembri and family run a very special place here – a neighborhood breakfast spot that brings a touch of California to Omaha (Lisa did culinary studies there).

In a very old building they offer one hundred different kinds of French toast, elegant egg dishes, every kind of pancake, a vast number of omelets, Farmer Brothers coffee and downhome cooking on Friday nights.

THE MARKET BASKET. 87th and Pacific streets in the Countryside Village Shopping Center. 397-1100.

Breakfast and lunch seven days; no dinner on Monday. One of Omaha’s little wonder restaurants, long a favorite with the carriage trade, especially for breakfast and lunch. Liz Liakos’ place is also a bakery, with two dining rooms and she has waxed on the breakfast lunch business while also endeavoring to build up the dinner business with a succession of top notch chefs. Coffees and teas here are wunderbar, as are the pancakes, quiches, French toast, egg dishes, potato dishes, muffins, pastries and everything breakfast.

Liz has homemade ice cream, elegant luncheon sandwiches – some longtime favorites such as the Custer and the herb roast beef; marvelous salads, all kinds of sophisticated touches in soups, burgers, sides, desserts. Chef Justen Beller does a fusion Euro-American dinner menu at bargain prices. Great Sunday brunch, too. This restful, tasteful little place would be right at home in the Fine Dining section of this publication.

MCKENNA’S BLUES, BOOZE AND BBQ. 7425 Pacific Street.

393-7427. Seven days. Opened almost twenty years ago with a Texas/Louisiana road house look and menu, McKenna’s has popular BBQ offerings that are less sweet and drippy than most (brisket, pulled chicken and pork, ribs), plus New Orleans gumbo, and great side dishes, including baked beans, a creamy red potato salad, Louisiana red beans and rice, melt-in-your-mouth cornbread and more. Good desserts, too.

M’S PUB. 422 S. 11th St. in the Old Market. 342-2550.

Seven days. With La Buvette, M’s is one of the Old Market’s top neighborhood restaurants and pubs – and one of the city’s better dining spots. The bar has been hugely popular since the place was opened in 1972 (it is now run by Ron Samuelson of Vivace, with Anne Mellen). Pub fair shares the menu with exciting dinner specials. The Iowa grilled pork sandwich is famous as is the Omaha grilled beef sandwich. The salad, appetizer and sandwich lists go on forever and the sophisticated evening fare includes ribeye, halibut, pastas, salmon, halibut, and duck breast, but the burger/sandwich/salads are available all day, too.

This is a great place with wonderful ambience and tends to be jammed at lunch and dinner.

MILLARD ROADHOUSE. 13325 Millard Ave. 891-9292.

Seven days (brunch on Sunday, too, plus lunch buffet other days). Karen Menard’s family-style restaurant favors downhome cooking (broasted chicken, chicken-fried steaks, French dip and other hot sandwiches, roast beef Phillies, grilled cheese, liver and onions, prime rib, pork chops). Great for kids and reasonable on the pocket book.

MIMI’S CAFE. 301 N. 175th Plaza, 289-9610. A wide array of appetizers, homemade soups, unique salads and seasonal features are waiting just for you at Mimi’s.

Signature sandwiches and burgers include an excellent Meatloaf Ciabatta sandwich and a succulent patty melt. A fish market, great steaks and chops as

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well. Don’t forget the espresso bar and wine menu.

NEWMAN’S PASTA CAFE. 2559 S. 171st St., near West Center Road (Lakeside Plaza). 884-2420. Open seven days. Another “oodles of noodles” spot in the fastservice mode. In addition to lots of noodle dishes, you can get Thai lettuce wraps, fresh mozzarella drizzled with olive oil, Thai curry beef, chicken Florentine, spicy Thai peanut noodles and cranberry spinach salad with almonds. Pastas are Asian, Southwest, stroganoff, Japanese. Desserts include key lime pie, cotton candy and pastry tubes.

NICOLA’S in the Market. 13th and Jackson streets in the Old Market. 345-8466. Lunch Monday-Friday; dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Italian meets Mediterranean at Nicola Nick’s Old Market trattoria where you can browse through a menu sporting authentic country Italian favorites: eggplant, cheeses, Italian sausage and ham ingredients, a wonderful lasagna Mediterranean, grilled chicken, stuffed pastas. But the star of the menu is ravioli in many tempting, delicious combinations. Sauces here are important and the long pasta menu will intrigue. Excellent little spot with bargain prices considering the care taken in preparation NOODLES & COMPANY. 203 S. 72nd St. 393-0586 and 16920 Wright Plaza, 330-1012. Open seven days. Like Newman’s, it’s an “oodles of noodles” spot in fast-service mode (no servers). There are at least a dozen noodle dishes, plus chicken/vegetable pot stickers in a mostly Asian style but with Wisconsin macaroni and cheese, too, and some Italian pastas. Flat Tire beer is available, but few desserts.

OZONE. 7220 F St. 331-7575. Ozone offers hand-cut steaks, slow-cooked prime rib, baby back ribs, classic salads, Southwest-inspired appetizers, steak and pork tenderloin sandwiches, rosemary chicken, plus live entertainment.

PETROW’S. 5914 Center St. 551-0552. Closed Sunday.

Diner style restaurant in older Omaha neighborhood, Petrow’s is a legend. They offer soda fountain goodies (old-fashioned malts and sundaes), hot sandwiches: pork tenderloin, French dip; their own chili, liver and onions, chopped beef steak, onion rings, waffle fries, footlong hot dogs, reuben, smoked turkey melt, chicken fried steak, classic Nebraska burger; homemade pies, floats and freezes and lots more. Forget about calories here and dream your way back to the ‘60s, when it opened.

PIZZA KING. 1101 N. Broadway, Council Bluffs, (712) 323-9228; Longtime family-run spot has T-bones, a filet mignon, a NY strip and a Rib Eye, plus Alaskan King Crab – and, of course, plenty of pizzas. Big place, reasonable prices.

PIZZA SHOPPE. 6056 Maple St. 556-9090. The mission of the Pizza Shoppe Collective is to provide a unified vehicle of expression to artists and a positive atmosphere of performance within the community. The Collective will host a combination of local/national concerts, gallery shows, theater performances, dance, poetry, comedy, and ethnic cuisine in an effort to support the restoration of spirit within all art forms, so that we may encourage all to support each individual perspective of the human condition. And their pizza is pretty darn good, too!

QUAKER STEAK & LUBE. 3320 Mid-America Drive, Council Bluffs. 322-0101. Quaker Steak & Lube markets itself as “America’s No. 1 motor sports family restaurant.” Buckets of chicken wings with nearly 20 different sauces – some tongue-tingling hot.

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dining nibbles RICK’S CAFÈ BOATYARD. 345 Riverfront Drive (6th Street).

345-4545. Open seven days. They keep changing the name – is it Rick’s Café Boatyard or Rick’s Boatyard Café? Either way, the huge place offers a view of the Missouri River and seats as many outside as inside.

This is a place for drinks, the view and lots and lots of seafood: fresh, fried, every which way. Huge menu with something for everyone.

RUBY TUESDAY. 10387 Pacific St. (One Pacific Place).

Open seven days. 391-3702. Ruby’s is a chain survivor because of its ever-changing menus, attention to detail, good service, and an always good salad bar.

The interior has been spiffed up a bit recently, but the menu remains eclectic and family-oriented. This is one of the city’s best chain restaurants.

SAM & LOUIE’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA 6920 N 102nd Circle.

445-4244; 2416 Cuming St. 884-7773; 2062 N 117th Ave. 496-7900; 7641 Cass St. 390-2911; 1125 Jackson St. 884-5757; 541 N 155th Plaza 965-3858; 2062 N 17th Ave. 496-7900. 5352 S 72nd St., Ralston 505-9200; 14208 S St. 895-0811; 607 Pinnacle Dr, Papillion. 6140077. Open seven days. New York style pizza with hand-tossed crusts, plus a load of other items – salads, Stromboli, calzones, hoagies, burgers, sandwiches, lasagna and other pastas.

SGT. PEFFERS. 1501 N. Saddle Creek Road. 558-7717.

13760 Millard Ave. 932-6211. Authentic, old world ingredients and techniques provide delicious traditional specialties and the unique. Sgt. Peffers offers call ahead take out service for the gourmet on the go, as well as home delivery and catering. Recipes are designed to

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offer low sodium, low cholesterol and low sugar while providing complex carbohydrates and protein.

SHUCKS FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR. 1218 S. 119th St (402827-4376), and also in the Shops of Legacy, SW corner of 168th & Center (402-763-1860, just north of Lifetime Fitness). Open 7 days a week. Have you ever been to a fish shack on the coast? You’ll like Shucks!

Open 7 days a week. Shrimp or Oyster Po’ Boys, Fried Clam Strips, Shrimp, Walleye, Calamari and Oysters (all VERY lightly breaded). Plus Crab Cakes, Clam Chowder, Gumbo, Salads and Daily Fresh Fish Specials. Featuring a large variety of Oysters on the Half Shell, shucked right in front of you. Significant Happy Hour 2-6, every day.

SPIRIT WORLD. 7517 Pacific St. 391-8680. Closed Sunday. By far the best deli in Omaha, Spirit World is a wonderful place to wander around in, loaded as it is with imported wine, cheeses and other food items.

Much of the business is take-out but there is sit-down for the terrific deli salads, sliced meats, gourmet sandwiches, soups, hot specials, cheese plates, desserts and other goodies. A bit expensive (lots of the deli salads are $12/pound), it is worth it.

STOKES. 646 N 114th St. and 12th and Howard streets, in the Old Market, 498-0804. A Southwestern restaurant known for imaginative mixing of styles, sauces, foods – always in an eclectic direction. Don’t expect pure mom and pop Mexican or predictable Tex-Mex. This place has a mind of its own – the enchiladas slathered with white and poblano sauces and the steak tacos are renowned. It is regularly recognized

Shoutomaha.com • feb 19-26, 2014

by Wine Spectator Magazine for wine offerings and service. Lots of exotic drinks and drink specials. Nice patio at the Old Market location. The original is in Miracle Hills.

do raspberry-glazed chicken breast, shrimp linguini, bacon-wrapped shrimp, braised lamb shank, and smoked gouda beer soup. A fun place for lunch, dinner or some food at the long bar.

SUMMER KITCHEN CAFÈ. 1203 Cornhusker Road, Bellevue, 291-4544. Three Omaha locations. Another Omaha restaurant-cum-bakery place for downhome family fare and lots of pies, cakes and pastries. Big on breakfast and lunch (many specials at lunchtime) and for dinner – again lots of specials (pot roast, hot turkey dinner, hot beef sandwiches, chicken specials, etc.). Great cakes, pies and breakfasts (all day).

WHEATFIELDS. One Pacific Place (1224 S. 103rd). 9551485. Open seven days. Ron Popp started with the Garden Café operation years ago and has continued the restaurant-cum bakery concept with his very popular Wheatfields, an attractive and popular spot in One Pacific Place. The garden room is cool and nestled in greenery and the main dining room is packed most of the time. There is a huge bakery off to one side. Breakfasts are big here with all the usual egg dishes, plus casseroles, waffles, French toast, pancakes, fruit dishes, quiche and lots more; lunches offer Midwestern sandwich favorites, plus entrees with a Mitteleuropa touch (a Swiss hotel salad, fondues, Swiss baked steak, spaetzle, Alsatian baked beef), plus a cornucopia of other dishes beyond counting (honey-baked chicken, eggplant Romero, a $10 fruit bowl, untold salads with 15 homemade dressings).

Dinner has a Euro touch, too, with Dusseldorf and Black Forest casseroles, halibut Lyonnaise, Swiss steak, beef and noodles, but also steaks, seafood and BBQ ribs! How they do it all, I don’t know, but their basic stuff is very good, as are the cobbler desserts, pies and cakes. On top of all this, they have nightly specials.

TANNER’S BAR AND GRILL. 156th and West Maple Road.

884-5100. Open seven days. Big sports bar with burgers and pub food, it is famous for its “Blair wings,” a hotter version of the restaurant’s regular chicken wings. At Tanner’s they mix up five gallons of fresh salsa each day. Lots of happy hour and other drink specials TGI FRIDAY’S (3 locations). 3636 N. 156th St. 965-8443.

17535 Gold Plaza 330-8443. 10000 California St. 3902600. Eclectic chain restaurant that does good lunch business. Menu is all over the map: Mexican, Asian, American, Italian – potstickers to surf ‘n turf; fajitas to burgers; buffalo wings to BBQ ribs; Cobb salad to shrimp scampi; sirloin to honey mustard chicken sandwich; nachos to Cajun shrimp pasta. How can they do it all? Well, they try. Bar, reasonable prices.

UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY. 11th and Jackson streets in the Old Market (344-0200) and 171st and West Center. 778-1161. Open seven days. Big, friendly restaurants for family dining – the original in the Old Market is a gem, with perhaps the best bar in town.

Locals own and run Upstream with meticulous attention to detail. The menus are fairly imaginative despite all the comfort foods: pot roast, meatloaf, halfpound burger, pork schnitzel, pizza. But they can also

ZIO’S PIZZERIA. 1213 Howard St. 344-2222. 7834 West Dodge Road 391-1881. 12997 West Center Road 3301444. Usha and Daniel Sherman founded the Zio’z chain in 1985 – an instant success. The thin-crust New York style pizzas, with hand-stretched, homemade dough, have a huge range of toppings, are transfat free and use natural chicken. Pastas are fresh, some vegetarian, and offer a vast range of sauces. Hot wings, calzones and hoagies are also available. Desserts are few but rich and tasty. These are exceptionally well run restaurants, eager to please.

bar briefs

Hey, bar owners, do you want your bar included here? Send a note to editor@shoutomaha.com The Lauter Tun Fine Ales and Spirits, 3309 Oak View Drive #102, 402-934-6999. thelautertun.com – You’ll find a large selection of craft and import beers on tap and in bottle, as well as craft spirits from around the country. Rather have a cocktail? The Lauter Tun’s cocktail list uses only fresh ingredients and well crafted spirits. Choose from one of their signature drinks, or go old-school with a classic. Check out the Lauter Tun’s weekly cocktail and beer specials. And there’s live jazz and acoustic music.

Anchor Inn, 5413 S. 72nd St. 402-341-1313. anchorinnbar.com – One word: Watermelon! It’s the famous watermelon cocktail, at the Anchor Inn, still the best party in town. You’ll find all kinds of drink specials at the Anchor Inn to go along with a ton of food specials, including the all-you-can-eat fish fry (5-10 p.m.), which comes with fried and coleslaw ($8).

Door 19, 1901 Leavenworth St., 402-933-3033 – Thursdays is “Singles Night” featuring drink specials. On Fridays, it’s karaoke.

Firewater Grille, 7007 Grover St., 402-452-3473. firewatergrille.com – Located inside the Comfort Inn & Suites, the Firewater Grille has specials every night of the week – including “Monday Monday Madness,” with $2 off burgers and $7 domestic pitchers and 25-cent wings. Wednesday is “Ladies Night,” and Friday is “Luau Night.”

Bluffs. thelube.com – Mondays are kids eat free nights, with prizes and fun for the kids; Tuesdays are all you eat wings for $11.99; Wednesdays are bike night, with live music, a beer garden and any burger for $5.99; and Thursdays are classic car nights, with a DJ and her garden.

La Mesa, 156th and Q streets; 110th Street and West Maple Road; Ft. Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue; Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs. la-mesa.com – Today, La Mesa serves over 10 locations in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. In addition. expansion plans for more locations are in the works. The ingredients of success for La Mesa include a stable, strong employment team which recognizes performance through management advancement. In fact, many of La Mesa’s employees have over 10 years of service. It’s this consistency that is reflected in every meal La Mesa serves. La Mesa’s “authentic” taste is created from family recipes made with only the freshest quality ingredients. Each location is decorated to promote a fun, colorful atmosphere and create a unique customer experience. Finally, La Mesa’s prices make it an affordable value for the entire family to enjoy. La Mesa is committed to striving for excellence and is annually recognized as the “Best Mexican Restaurant” in many of its markets.

Holiday Lounge, 7846 West Dodge Road, 402-391-4442.

– Where tradition meets today, the Holiday Lounge is right in the middle of Omaha, and offers DirectTV, big screens and a fun atmosphere.

Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club, 2449 N. 13th St., Carter Lake, Completely renovated, the world-renowned Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club is now open. Look for a special deal on their ad in this week’s issue of Shout!

The Pipeline, 1300 S. 72nd St. – Hawaii’s own Pipeline beach is brought to the Omaha crowd with legendary college night and a fun bar atmosphere. The drinks are always cold and the scenery is sure to please the eyes, with burgers and Phillies cooked to order.

Monday is half-priced wings! Specials every night of the week!

Quaker Steak & Lube, 3220 Mid America Drive, Council

Argus 109, Carlisle Hotel, 10909 M. St. – Wednesdays offer

Happy Hour all night, no cover and $1.50 wells and $1 draws.

Thursdays is Ladies Night (ladies are free, fellas, $5). There’s also a “Hot Bikini Contest” on Thursdays! On Fridays everyone free until 11 p.m., $5 after. And Saturdays are “Club Night”!

Maloney’s, 1830 N 72nd Street, Omaha, Ne Largest Irish Whiskey selection in Omaha, 35 to choose from! 10 beers on tap and large selection of import bottles and liquor. The place to be! Great Prices, Trivia on Tuesday’s, Awesome place to watch a game or just hang out.

Glo Lounge, 3201 Farnam St., glomidtown.com - It’s dinner and a movie with accommodating style. Glo Lounge is new and it’s located right inside Midtown Crossing’s Cinedine Theatre. The perfect end to a first date, Glo “breaks the ice” for you with smooth drinks and a relaxing bar staff ready to meet your every need.

Check them out online for additional drink and daily specials.

Marylebone, 3710 Leavenworth St. – One of Omaha’s longtime popular bars is now serving lunch again, with daily specials worth checking out. The bar also has a great patio area for those who want to take their drinks outside. And for baseball fans, the Marylebone has your favorite team TV with their MLB package.

Rock Bottom, 1101 Harney St., rockbottom.com – With an ideal Old Market patio that is always hopping, the Rock Bottom offers award-winning beers from across the country - all in one spot. The best part? You’ll never have to say, “I’ll take another please,” because you can pour it yourself. That’s right. Their party booths are equipped with a tap just for you and your friends.

The Sydney, 5918 Maple St., thesydneybenson.com – One of Benson’s most popular bars, the Sydney offers great drink specials and the best in local live music. On Mondays, the Sydney offers $1 PBRs from open to close! And on Sundays, there’s free pool from open to close! Get outside and enjoy one of those on the patio!

Rehab Lounge, 2615 S. 120th St., rehabomaha.com – A new lounge on the scene, Rehab offers themed nights, signature drinks,

comfortable seating, and exceptional customer service.

North Shore Tavern, 102nd Maple St., northshoreomaha. com – Bike Night at the North Shore Tavern is back on Mondays, so bring your hog! With 16 beers on tap, foosball, darts, pool, it is a great hangout place. Especially if your are a fan of Major League Baseball. Catch all the action of MLB at North Shore.

Gator O’Malley’s, 12143 W Center Road, gatoromalleys.com – Want a taste of the Down Under? Gator O’ Malley’s is the place for you. There’s a wide host of drink specials. They are open daily with late night kitchen specials and nightly entertainment options.

Monday’s are “Micro Madness” with $1 off all micro beers; Thursday’s offers live blues music; and Fridays and Saturdays it’s the hottest bands live.

La Buvette, 511 S. 11th St., labuvetteomaha.com – Another popular outdoor drinking spot for our Facebook friends, who recommended this Old Market staple. La Buvette is a retail wine shop, wine bar and deli with an emphasis on French wines.

Club O/O Dining, 1015 Farnam St., odining.com – O Dining offers food on the downstairs and the upper area of the restaurant is reserved for lounging, that’s where Club O comes in. Every Friday and Saturday, get table service, celebrate birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties! Get an amazing view of the Gene Leahy Mall, too!

Rose & Crown, 515 S. 20th St. – Our Facebook friends highly recommended the outdoor patio at Rose & Crown. We agree – it’s a classic, complete with a seaside vibe courtesy of fish nets and other coastal garb.

Eat the Worm, 1213 Howard St. – Feel like getting crazy? Eat the Worm is the place for you! With a tequila list extending past 75 varieties, your group is bound to get a little naughty. Divided among three styles: blanco, reposado, and añejo, the wide range of flavors are sure to meet anyone’s palate. So whether you are tasting from the bottom of the shot glass or the naval of someone intriguing, Eat

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bar briefs the Worm is sure to facilitate bad behavior!

ENERGY SYSTEMS OVATIONS, 1200 Douglas St. - Ovations is a laid-back destination for wine, drinks and appetizers located on the first floor of the Holland Performing Arts Center. The bar is a casual gathering place before and after performances, including Omaha Performing Arts’ and Omaha Symphony events.

The Old Mattress Factory, 501 N. 13th St., themattomaha. com – Enjoy the new Happy Hour Specials at the Matt, which has an amazing outdoor drinking area! Every M-F from 3-6 PM and Sun-Thurs from 10PM-1AM...Happy Hour @ The Matt will make you happy! $4 Martinis, Well Cocktails and House Wine, $1 off all Tap Beers and $.75 off all Domestic Bottles.

Phoenix Food & Spirits, 12015 Blondo St., phoenixfoodandspiritsomaha.com – Another popular choice for outdoor drinking from our Facebook friends. Live music, KENO, Golden Tee, Buck Hunter, Bowling, pool tables, dart boards, jukebox and the list keeps going! Food and drinks are plentiful as well! Sandwiches and burgers are served daily until 10 p.m. with endless daily drink specials to swallow it all down.

Shuck’s Fish House Oyster Bar, 16901 Wright Plaza, 1218 S. 119th St., 19th and Leavenworth, absolutelyfresh.com – Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Shuck’s is an ideal place to throw back and beer along with an oyster on the half shell from their broad selection.

Louis Grill & Bar, 5702 N.W. Radial Highway, louisbar.com – Live goldfish races, washer tournaments and plenty of drink specials. Yes you heard right! Real entertainment comes in a new form at Louis’ Grill & Bar. With authentic Chicago dogs, the food here gives you a great taste of what you’ve been missing everywhere else. A Benson staple since 1934, Louis brings new experiences to the average bar goer.

Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill, 4322 Leavenworth St., barrettsomaha.com – Watch the big game (or any game!) and enjoy their great selection of cocktails and beers. While you’re at it, they’ve also got a fantastic food menu, so you can make a night of it! Enjoy the great outdoors on their wonderful patio, or get right into the action on our great sand volleyball court.

O’Connor’s Irish Pub, 1217 Howard St., oconnorspub.com – Established in 2003, O’Connor’s is a locally owned and operated authentic Irish pub that has been the headquarters of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and hundreds of other local events. They take pride in serving you the best Hibernian sustenance in downtown Omaha. Go on down pull up a chair and have a Guinness with Katie and the gang.

Mister Toad, 10th and Howard streets, mrtoadspub.com – Since 1970, Mr. Toad has been one of the most popular Old Market bars, with arguably the most popular outdoor patio, which our Facebook friends pointed out to us in droves.

Shamrock’s Pub & Grill, 5338 N. 103rd (Fort), shamrockspubandgrillomaha.com – Enjoy live music at Shamrock’s while taking in sweet drink deals during their Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. from noon to 7 p.m. There are also food specials like the “Bucket O’ Beer” and “Basket O’ Wings” for just $20 on Sundays and Mondays! Get lucky at Shamrock’s for your next night out!

Papa Chris’ Chicago Originals, 7024 Maple St., papachris. com – Check out Gimme Mondays for free swag and prizes. Enter to win t-shirts, free food & drink, posters, & more. And there’s open mic Tuesdays, as well as Wednesday Game Night – FREE Wi-Fi, board games, galore, darts, beer pong, poker, and more! And Turnsday’s at Papa Chris’ – YOU get to be the DJ every Thursday night with Turnsday’s presented by Papa Chris’. Play your favorite tunes, dance to the music, vote for your favorites. Visit turntable.fm for more information.

Big Red Restaurant & Sports Bar, bigredrestaurantandsportsbar.com – Don’t just watch your team win ... experience the thrill of victory at Big Red Restaurant & Sports Bar. With fresh food that is made to order, including humongous fresh, never-frozen half-

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pound burgers, Big Red is taking the love of sports here in the heartland to new levels, giving you dozens of high-def TVs, daily drink and food specials and the thrill of live ball draw keno. Plus, at many locations you will find: Sand volleyball courts and leagues, outdoor, year-round eating areas, and 14-foot super screens.

Sullivan’s Bar, 3926 Farnam St., sullivansbar.tripod.com – An Omaha icon since 1954, the neighborhood bar is famous for dollar pints on Mondays. Entertainment includes open mic night on Tuesdays, Karaoke every Thursday, DJ every Saturday, and frequently scheduled live bands. Tucked away in the heart of midtown, Sullivan’s atmosphere makes you feel right at home while enjoying a cold one.

Zin Room, 316 S. 15th St., zinomaha.com - Located in the main level of the Hotel Deco, The Zin Room offers decadent food and sophisticated customer service. Eye capturing scenery from the wait staff to the decorative elements, Zin Room is the perfect place for an after work cocktail. Two stories, the vibrant new restaurant fits the needs of both the business man to the Indie sole searching for the newest hot spot in town! It’s comfort meets style and its now right here in the heart of downtown.

Amerisports Bar, 2200 River Rd., Council Bluffs, ameristar. com – Contemplating where to catch the big game? Amerisports Casino & Bar is your place! Filled with 34 flat screen monitors, and one mammoth 167’ mega-screen, you are sure to catch every second of the action. Throughout the week, live entertainment pulls in a vibrant rock and roll crowd and with Amerisports extensive menu options, you’ve practically got a full night packed. In addition to everything to offer inside, Amerisports also provides free parking in the multi-story parking garage with a valet option available.

The Penthouse Lounge, 84th & K St., 402-331-9851, penthouseloungeomaha.com – This cozy bar offers a variety of options to young professionals such as yourself. The Penthouse Lounge brings comfort and style to the Omaha metro region with new horizons and a variety of entertainment options. With Saturdays now housing Karaoke, Penthouse is a fun and relaxing venue to enjoy great drinks and good company!

Burke’s Pub, 6117 Maple St. – One of Benson’s popular collection of bars, Burke’s offers spirits with an Irish flare. You’ll find a large selection of beer on tap, as well as a nice variety of micro brews.

Feel like a game? Try Burke’s Golden Tee or Silver Strike Bowling or Keno while you’re throwing one back. In addition to all these options, Burke’s brings your “Happiest Hour” seven days a week!

Bushwackers, 7401 Main St. jmmbushwackers.com – From live music to dance lessons to great food and drinks, Bushwacker’s is the place to be when you want to kick up your heels and throw a few back. There’s live music every weekend, free couples dance lessons on Wednesdays and Friday night line dancing! With the feel of the South in your very own town, Bushwacker’s is a creative change of pace for everyone!

Caddy Shack, 2076 N. 117th Ave. caddyshackinc.com – It’s bar is about as legendary as the classic “Caddy Shack” the movie. But no worries, you don’t have to have a good golf swing to be warmly welcomed here. Caddy Shack offers a large open area for games and socializing. Their drink specials are sure to blow you out of the water too! Monday’s is “Bomb” night with the chance for you to order your favorite bomb shots at a measly $3!

California Bar, 510 N. 33rd St., calibaromaha.com – Established in 1937, this little gem, hides behind its simple exterior. Targeted towards the college crowd, California Bar makes going out affordable on the student crowd. For everyone else, California Bar hosts Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 4-6 pm and Mondays are FREE Pool day!

Candlelight, 5031 Grover St., thecandlelightlounge.com – The Candlelight Lounge is the self-described “official home of the 68 oz. Fishbowls and $1 Busch Lights.” Known for their School Daze Thursdays, the Candlelight has been serving up the specials for 19 years. With a huge dance floor, pool tables, darts and keno, the Candlelight has something for everyone.

Shoutomaha.com • feb 19-26, 2014

bar briefs

Crescent Moon, 3578 Farnam St., Omaha, beercornerusa. com – Ever searched for the “odds” of Omaha? “Das Boot”, Hurricanes on tap, Belgian and German beers and a late bite to eat? Yes, Crescent Moon has it all! The three-in-one bar has one of the easiest bar crawls in the Midwest; housing the Huber House, Crescent Moon, and Max & Joe’s. Tucked away in midtown, this hidden secret is a great gathering place for friends and definitely worth exploring!

Harrah’s Stir Live & Loud, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. , harrahscouncilbluffs.com – In addition to being a token of Harrah’s Casino, Stir Live & Loud hosts a wide range of local and regional talent weekend nights . From Indie to Alternative Folk Rock, Stir is one of the area’s best live music venues during the summer. Take the short drive across the border and get ready for great drinks and good music.

Homy Inn, 1510 N. Saddle Creek Rd. - Feel like being fancy?

Homy Inn is infamous for their champagne on tap! This “small feel” bar offers big taste with their variety in bottled beer and eclectic crowd. In the heart of North Omaha, the Homy reaches out to its patrons with a wide range of fun activities to partake in while enjoying a cold one. Board games, peanuts, and fun music are the common threads that make this hidden secret something worth talking about.

Hooters, 12405 W. Center Rd. & 2910 23rd Ave., Council Bluffs – You may only think of Hooters as a place for great wings, but it turns out this dining hall has the full package. With a combination of choices for sauces, Hooters is sure to please you in more ways than one! Drinks and a friendly wait staff are more than enough reason to stick around after a long day’s work. If it’s breaded or naked, the Omaha and Council Bluffs Hooter’s Staff are sure to strip you down and meet all of your dining and drinking needs!

I Don’t Care, 3346 N. 108th St. 402-763-2800 – The first thought after a rough day at the office is usually where is the best place to forget your worries and enjoy a stiff one. Upon walking in, the warm hospitality of bar staff actually does care as they invite you to leave your baggage at the door. Awesome drink specials and a variety of gaming units such as Golden Tee, Pool and Darts let you stick it to the boss man and say, “I Don’t Care”. Come let loose and blow off some steam in this nice little getaway.

BOGIE’S BAR & GRILL 3305 Old Maple Rd, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 493-8000 Dance the night away on the weekends, Great food and if you need to crash there is a hotel right next door! $1 Pints on Thursday’s.

STOLI’S LOUNGE 715 N 120th St, Omaha, NE 68154 (402) 614-2662 Newly remodled, under new ownership, check out their awesome gameroom.

CHOO -CHOO BAR & GRILL 14240 U St, Omaha, NE 68137 (402) 895-6617 Hours: Mon - Thu11AM - 10:30 PM Fri - Sat11AM - 11PM Sun12:00 PM - 10:00 PM New Owner, Great lunch specials, Stop in and see Vicki during the day! Omaha’s Best Hot Wings, Cold Beer and Warm Friends!

TWIN PEAKS 17330 W Center Rd., Omaha, Nebraska 68130 (402) 333-8001 Hours Mon-Sun 11AM-12AM Hot Girls, Man food, Ice cold beer and all the sports you can handle, in a hearty lodge atmosphere.

THE GOOD LIFE SPORTS BAR 1203 South 180th Street |Omaha, NE 68130 Hours 11AM - 2AM (402)933-2947 formerly known as the Drafthouse, under new ownership, featuring over 20 brand new flat screen TVs with the NFL, NHL and MLB ticket package good food, good times, good life!

THE HIVE ROCK CLUB & GALLERY 1207 Harney Street, Omaha, Ne., 68102 Open Everyday 3:11PM-2AM Dance Party Weekends, Live Music, Craft drinks & Loccal Art 9TH STREET TAVERN & GRILL 902 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 315-4301 Look no further than 9th Street Tavern and Grill with 27 TV’s for you to stay up to date on all of your sporting events. An upscale sports bar that delivers the finest service and excellent atmosphere. Drink inside or outside on the patio featuring a welcoming fire pit. Home of the Bierock!

SAINTS PUB MIDTOWN CROSSING 120 S 31st Ave, Omaha, NE 68131 (402) 932-1911 An upscale sports bar located in the Midtown Crossing mixed-use development next to the Mutual of Omaha campus. Established in 2012, Saints Pub Midtown Crossing offers a full menu, over twenty flat screen televisions and a large outdoor patio. Saints Pub Midtown Crossing is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.

JERRY’S BAR 6303 Military Ave, Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 5533343 Open daily noon to midnight. Jerry’s is a neighborhood bar with a retro vibe and friendly faces behind the counter. Great prices, unique beer selection and killer cocktails! Mom alway’s said “Nothng good happen’s after midnight!”

OFFICE WEST LOUNGE 1266 S 119th Ct, Omaha, NE 68144 (402) 330-1122 A great place to meet up with coworkers after work or have a business meeting in our Jack Daniels room!

COHEN & KELLY’S LOUNGE 13075 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE Stop in for a friendly visit and enjoy our drink specials and Happy Hour.

CHROME LOUNGE 8552 Park Dr, Omaha, NE 68127 (402) 339-8660 Your place for refreshing beer, strong liquor, and great live music!

LAVISTA KENO 7101 S 84th St, La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 5379090 LaVista Keno has been in business over 20 years providing Keno at the best rates in the state. With a great prices and great food and drinks from our in-house diner and bar, we provide a great atmosphere for any keno fan. We also accommodate smokers with our in-door ventilated smoking room.

PERRY’S PLACE 9652 Mockingbird Dr, Omaha, NE 68127 (402) 592-3230 Hours Food is great, service is amazing and it has such a friendly appeal. Heated smoking area, patio, pool tables & more.

FOX AND HOUND 506 N. 120th Street (402)964-9074 Omaha’s best spot to watch Pay Per View events! Good food and a frienly atmosphere. 36 Beers on tap, ping pong, darts and more!

BREWSKY’S Several locations in Omaha, www.brewskys.com You’ll find great outdoor patios, and an extensive line up of sorts programming.

ARENA SPORTS BAR & GRILL 3809 N 90th St, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 571-2310 Hours Mon-Sat 11:00AM-2:00AM Sun 11:30 AM-2:00AM Omaha’s best live music EVERY Friday & Saturday night with NO COVER CHARGE! Enjoy the Arena’s full bar selection and huge menu while playing KENO, pickle cards, pool, darts, shuffleboard, Golden Tee, Silver Strike Bowling, Buck Hunter, and Bartop Games.

WHISKEY TANGO 311 S. 15th Street, Omaha, Ne., 68102 (402)813-6944 Yee-haw! Get your two-step on in this upstairs country night club! Featuring LIVE country music, and dance parties on the weekends.

WILSON & WASHBURN 1407 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 991-6950 Featuring 24 craft & import beers on tap, a robust list of wines, scotch, and cordials, and a made from scratch kitchen, Wilson & Washburn lives up to its billing as a serious comfort station.

VARSITY SPORTS CAFE 9735 Q St, (402)339-7003, 14529 F St, (402)715-4333, 4900 Dodge St,(402)934-4989, NE Corner of 36th St & Hwy 370, (402)932-0303, Serving up the best pizza, coldest brews & sporting events at four locations near you. Hey, bar owners, do you want your bar included here? Send a note to editor@shoutomaha.com

Shoutomaha.com • Feb 19-26, 2014

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90th & Fort, Omaha 40

Shoutomaha.com • feb 19-26, 2014

Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall, Gretna