May: Local Food News

by Summer Miller

Living Loess Tour
Take a scenic route through the beautiful Loess Hills and stop to visit local farms and artists along the way. Self-guided tours are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month from May-October. Garden Grove Eatery, Gallaher Designs, Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek Creamery, Loess Hills Lavender and Sawmill Hollow Family Farm are some of the businesses along the tour. For more information visit: www.livingloess.com/tour

New Urban Garden in Elkhorn
Many west Omaha neighborhoods have covenants that prohibit growing a vegetable garden in homeowner yards. Those afflicted with such a situation now have cause to celebrate. The New Omaha Garden Park, a...

Chef Chats with Two of Omaha’s Brightest Openings

by Danielle Herzog

Chef: Jennifer Coco

Restaurant: J.Coco

Tell us about your culinary background? Where did you study? How did you start in this industry?

I started bussing tables at the age of 15 for The Baking Company. Someone got sick one day and they asked if I could help out in the kitchen. I learned some basic kitchen skills and when I was in college I kept cooking to pay for law school. I didn’t end up going to law school because I decided to stay cooking. I was taught by restaurants, not culinary schools.

What is unique about your cooking style?

I haven’t worked with too many others head chefs because I have ended up falling into head chef positions. I don’t have any classic skills and I...

Pana88 is New in Midtown Crossing, JonesBros. in rematch of Cupcake Wars

by Krista O'Malley

Pana88, New in Midtown Crossing

Pana88 is a new, quick and convenient eatery that will be opening soon in Midtown Crossing. Opened by the same group that started Hiro and Hiro88, Pana88 will be serving Pan Asian cuisine in an ultra hip space where customers can be in and out without a spending a lot of money. According to their facebook page, Pana88 will be having a soft opening on May 1 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and all food will be 50% off. Check it out. Their information is as follows: 3201 Farnam Street, 402.934.7262 and www. Pana88.com.

Jones Bros. Cupcakes in rematch of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network

The Food Network has staged a rematch of the Cupcake Wars inviting Omaha Baker...

Recent Restaurant Openings

by Danielle Herzog

It is a great time to be a foodie in Omaha. Whether you are looking for contemporary Americana cuisine or southern soul food - the newest restaurants here in Omaha have something for everyone. Oysters, pasta, sushi, fusion, wine pairings and soul food – Omaha is becoming the place to be for eclectic and diverse dining.

Opened in early February, Shuck’s Fish House and Oyster Bar’s newest location is in downtown Omaha. Located on 1911 Leavenworth Avenue, where the restaurant Dixie Quicks Magnolia Room was previously located, Shuck’s offers diners what it has become famous for – fresh seafood in a casual setting. Don’t worry, this location has a fresh oyster bar too so you won’t have to...

Vincenzo’s has a new West Omaha Location and Another Shout Out for 2nd Annual Omaha Beer Fest,

by Krista O'Malley

Vincenzo’s Ristorante is moving its West Omaha location
Vincenzo’s will be making a new home on the corner of 157th and Pacific by Hector’s West and Mama’s Pizza. Saturday April 21 will be Vincenzo’s last night on 144th and Blondo and will reopen in their new location Wednesday, April 25.  For more information go to www.vincenzos-ne.com or call 402.498.3889

Another Shout Out for the 2nd Annual Omaha Beer Fest
Put Friday May 18 and Saturday May 19 on your calendars for the 2nd Annual Omaha Beer Fest in Stinson Park at Aksarben Village. There will be 150 different beers along with beer seminars and music. Your attendance will help support Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. Go to...

Spring at James Arthur Vineyards

by Krista O'Malley

If you haven’t been to James Arthur Vineyards (JAV), you may want to take a 30-minute ride out of Omaha to taste the wine and enjoy the landscape. JAV have begun their spring hours, which now include Friday nights. A Spring Cabaret has been planned for Friday April 27 with music and stories by Judy Anderson and Friends. Then on Saturday April 28 from 6-9p.m., JAV have planned a fundraising event for Cancer, The Red, White and Pink Party. Enjoy live music, wine and food.  Ticket prices are $15.  Both events require reservations at 402.783.5255 or visit the JAV website at www.jamesarthurvineyards.com for more information on events and hours.  James Arthur Vineyards are located at 2001 West...