Image item
Inside this issue: This week's Events section includes a food deal at the Nebraska State Fair, End of the Summer Float Fest, and a couple tea parties. In the Classes section, see where you can learn about Tuscan wines and sparkling wines, and how to build the perfect charcuterie board. In the News section, find out what just opened. And finally, in the Coming Soon section, get the scoop on Festa Italiana, Michelada Festival, the Caffeine crawl, Pumpkin Prowl and so much more. ~ Kim

Reasons To Eat, Drink And Enjoy Life
(Events This Week)
  • Shrimpfest runs through Thursday at Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar locations. It's $5 a dozen with a variety of sauces.
  • End Of Summer Float Fest is Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Scriptown Brewing Co., 3922 Farnam St., using Coneflower Creamery ice cream. Root beer floats available for those 21 and under. Vegan option will also be available.
  • Knob Creek Bourbon Dinner is Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Jams Old Market, 1101 Harney St. The six-course pairing dinner is a one-time-only menu prepared by Chef Jose Acevedo. Cost is $120 per person. Must be 21+.
  • Pint 9 Brewery Backyard Beer Night is Thursday at 6 p.m. J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood, 1010 Capitol Ave. The five-course meal features Heirloom Tomato, Watermelon and Feta Salad, Potato Croquette, Gambas al Ajillo, Pork Schnitzel, and Funnel Cake Cupcake with course paired with a beer. Cost is $75. Call (531) 222-9218  for reservations. Must be 21+.
  • Terrible Gerald's and Kinaara Collaborative Pop-Up is at Kinaara, 120 Regency Parkway, on Thursday from 8 to 11 p.m. (first come, first serve; no reservations). Try classic dishes atop Terrible Gerald's signature dough.
  • The Nebraska State Fair starts Friday in Grand Island. A food deal to keep in mind: From Aug. 28-30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, buy a $12 admission ticket and receive a $12 food voucher (good at any food truck on fairgrounds). For the 21+ crowd, there's a Nebraska State Fair Craft Beer Passport. Pick it up at the Tom Dinsdale Automotive Barn Bar, Beach Bar or Pump and Pantry Party Pit.
  • PACE Interactive, a fundraiser for the arts programs provided by PACE, is Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and in addition to live performance, studio visits, and more, there will be savory and sweet food options created by Kitchen Council entrepreneurs. Event Chairs Dr. Bryan Hill & Pam Beall-Hill created the event's signature drink. Individual tickets are $100.
  • Ree & Jun Kaneko Artist Brunch Series featuring Watie White is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Jun's private studio at 2010 Leavenworth St. The brunch includes art, mimosas, New Orleans-inspired buffet by Chef Dan Benigno, and live jazz. Tickets are $75. All proceeds benefit KANEKO.
  • Upcoming tea parties at The Bubbly Tart, 3020 Leavenworth St., are Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Aug. 31 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $55.
  • Second Annual Tea Party Luncheon is Sunday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Fireside Banquet Room, 841 Tara Plaza, Papillion, Neb. Lunch includes chicken salad sammies, assorted desserts, Baklava bites, and two kinds of tea, plus purple butterfly pea lemonade (herbal, no caffeine). Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for kids.
  • A Cocktail Thing: Breakfast Club is Sunday from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at Anna's Place, 1802 Dodge St. It’s a four-course prix fixe cocktail tasting of the new menu, with a few extras included. Must be 21+.
  • Au Courant Regional Kitchen, 6064 Maple St., will pay homage to their former self, España, with a special menu Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. Reservations are highly encouraged (if they haven't already been filled).
Don't forget! Send your upcoming food and drink event details to kim@ohmyomaha.com.
 
 
Image item
Let's Learn Stuff
(Cooking, Decorating & Boozy Classes)
  • Expert sommelier Mark McDonald will lead the Tuscany Wine Class at Dante, 16901 Wright Plaza, Suite 173, on Saturday at 2 p.m. Learn about Tuscan wines including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Cost is $40.
  • Upcoming Happy Mango Bakery, 9635 Giles Road, La Vista, Neb., classes include Focaccia Decorating Class on Saturday at 3 p.m. ($75) and Cake Fundamentals on Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. ($70).
  • Upcoming classes at Mangelsen’s, 3457 S. 84th St. includes Intro To Cake Decorating with Corner House Treats on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. ($70) and Fall Sports Cookie Decorating with Susie’s Sweet Shoppe is Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($65).
  • Wise and Wild: Mushrooms - Tasty, Unique Or Deadly is held on Sept. 10 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Mahoney State Park. Wise and Wild is a program is designed for seniors (55 and up). The class is free and meets at the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center. A park entry permit is required.
  • The Botanical Bar: Sparkling Wines is Sept. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Deanna Albertson of Vino Mas will explain how sparkling wines are made, and you can taste the difference between Champagne method and Crémant styles and sweet vs dry styles. Cost is $30 for garden members and $40 for the public. Must be 21+.
  • Wenday's Bakery & Boutique will have an Upscale Appetizers & Charcuterie Class on Sept. 12 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 434 Glen Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa. Class is $39.
  • Mix and Sip: A Hands-On Mixology Experience With KnockOut Mixology is Sept. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Time on My Hands, 7020 Maple St. Expert mixologist Melanie Henderson will guide the class as each person creates two delicious and unique cocktails. All necessary tools and ingredients will be provided. Class is $50. Must be 21+.
  • Upcoming Kids in the Hy-Vee Kitchen for ages 4-8 at Hy-Vee, 11650 S. 73rd St., Papillion, Neb., are Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to noon and Sept. 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. Menu includes Cheddar Herb-and-Veggie Muffins, Easy Snack Pizza, Husker Red Smoothie, and Fruit & Granola Parfait. $12 per child; bring one parent per family.
  • Upcoming classes at The Bubbly Tart, 3020 Leavenworth St., include Fall Cookie Class on Sept. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.; Cake Decorating Class ($85) are on Sept. 20 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; Cake Decorating Class ($85) on Oct. 4 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; Macaron Classes ($175) on Oct. 18 from 5 to 7/7:30 p.m.; Halloween Themed Cookie Class ($65) on Oct. 26; Macaron Classes ($175) Nov. 9 from 3 to 5/5:30 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 10:30 to 12:30/1 p.m; Pie Classes ($75) on Nov. 23 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Nov. 24 for 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Cake Decorating Class ($85) on Dec. 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Charcuterie Class at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. Led by Sandy Vacanti of Artisan Boards of Omaha, you'll learn how to create and design a board to take home (one board per two-person registration). A custom board will be provided to sample from during the event. Cost is $100 for non-members, $85 for garden members (two people per registration).
 
 
Image item
What Everyone's Talking About
(News and Stuff)
  • There's a new bar in town: The Dandy Lion opened Aug. 5 at 15475 Ruggles St., Suite 108.
  • Clara's Closet, 2822 N. Main St. in Olde Towne Elkhorn, is known for their dress-up parties, but I just learned they now have a sweet shop with eight ice cream flavors, penny candy, popcorn, and 15 flavors of cotton candy.
  • Council Bluffs is getting a new Italian restaurant. On Aug. 13, The 712 Initiative announced the Napoli's will open at 157 W. Broadway, located in the Historic 100 Block in the building formerly home to Lincoln's Pub.
  • Snowy Sundaes, a cafe with boba tea and Korean shaved ice, opened in early August at 6015 Maple St. in Benson.
Send us your news! Send details for grand openings, relocations, closings, etc. to the Omaha Dining Digest. Email your contributions to kim@ohmyomaha.com.
 
Plan Ahead For These…
  • Producer Dinner Series featuring Giacomo Giusti, a fourth generation winemaker with I Giusti & Zanza from Pisa, Italy, is Aug. 29 (seating available at different times starting at 5 p.m.). The dinner features five locally-inspired courses paired with five I Giusti & Zanza wines.
  • The American Italian Heritage Society's Festa Italiana is Aug. 30 from 6 to 11 p.m., Aug. 31 from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sept. 1 from noon to 11 p.m. at Il Palazzo, 5110 N. 132nd St. Tickets are $7.50 at the gate, but you can get discount tickets for $6 for all Hy-Vee stores and Rockbrook Camera.
  • Hatch Chile Roasting Event is Aug. 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., while supplies last, at Family Fare, 1221 S. 203rd St.
  • Wine Tasting Event at Vino Mas, 14450 Eagle Run Drive, is Aug. 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. Enjoy tasting five wines and three beers for $20; 100% of all proceeds benefit Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ Inc. Meet adoptable dogs, too. Kids and dogs welcome.
  • Sex and the City Night is Aug. 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Sips on 10th, 1022 S. 10th St. Sip on a signature Cosmopolitans, enjoy themed appetizers, entertainment and relive the iconic moments of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. Cost is $25. Must be 21+.
  • Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Orchard are offering two new, adults-only events: Sunset Orchard Cider Tastings and Vala’s Orchard Farm-To-Table Dinner: Live Fire Hog Roast. Note: In addition to tickets to the event, General Admission tickets or a Season Pass must also be purchased to attend. Cider Tastings are Aug. 31, Sept. 7, Sept. 13, Sept. 14, Sept. 20, Sept. 21, Sept. 27, and Sept. 28. Tickets are $45 (or $21 for DD). Farm-To-Table Dinners are Sundays, Sept. 1-29. Tickets are $99. Must be 21+.
  • Farnam Hill Summer Social is Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zen Coffee Co. at 25th and Farnam streets. Shop and enjoy food and drinks from Willie Dogs, Sorcerer's Cone, Flourish Bakery & Co., Sips with Tate & Rey, and VooDoo Taco, Site 1 Brewing, Zen, and The Grove Juicery.
  • Lady Gaga Brunch is Sept. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maloney's Live, 162 West Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Brunch show starts at 1 p.m. Little monster attire is encouraged. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door and include one complimentary mimosa. Voodoo Taco will be catering.
  • Late Nights At The Zoo: Croctoberfest is Thursday, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Enjoy the best of Oktoberfest, including the Beer Hall located at The Harper Event Center, with interactive experiences and talks to learn about crocodiles and alligators. Must be 21+.
  • The 18th annual Brew Haha, a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, is Sept. 6 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at BMO Parking Lot, 13505 California St. It features 70+ restaurants and breweries, and unlimited samples of beer, cider and seltzers. Must be 21+.
  • Willa Cather Prairie Supper is Sept. 13 & 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Fort Omaha MCC Campus, Building 022. Diner is inspired by the fictional prairie kitchens and foodways of Willa Cather. Cost is $99.
  • During Omaha Restaurant Week, Omaha’s 10 Tastiest Days from Sept. 13-22, enjoy three-course dinners priced at $30, $40 or $50 per person at some of the Omaha area’s best restaurants. Plus, your dining for a cause – a portion of Omaha Restaurant Week proceeds benefits Food Bank for the Heartland.
  • Noche Mexicana is Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at Copal Mexican Kitchen, 3623 N. 129th St. The event celebrates Mexico's Independence and includes tequila tasting sessions (1 Cocktail, 6 Premium Tequilas, and 1 desert drink), tapas & Mexican cuisine (6 Premium Tapas Course), and music. Cost is $50. Reservations required; call (531) 466-7824 or (531) 466-7839 or reserve online. Must be 21+.
  • The 10th Annual Caffeine Crawl in Omaha is Sept. 14, featuring five route options. Each route includes five stops. Cost is $39.50 plus the option of a bonus stop.
  • The 15th Annual Pinot, Pigs & Pours is Sept. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Champions Run Omaha, 13800 Eagle Run Drive, to benefit Completely KIDS. The night is a culinary journey, sampling bites from top local chefs, complemented by tastings of wines and whiskeys. Individual reservation is $150 and Patron reservation is $250. Must be 21+.
  • Omaha’s first-ever Michelada Festival Sept. 21 from noon to 10 p.m. at Riverfront Plaza at the Lewis and Clark Landing, 345 Riverfront Drive. Organized by Toximiche, there will be Michelada tasting and competition, food, live music, and local merchants. Early bird tickets are $7.
  • Try food from various tribes across Nebraska at the Intertribal Powwow on Sept. 21 from 1 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC Fort Omaha Campus, 5300 N. 30th St. The powwow is free; food is available for purchase.
  • The Pumpkin Prowl is Sept. 21 at participating Midtown Crossing restaurants. It’s a pay-as-you-go tasting tour for all things pumpkin.
  • German-American Society’s German Day and Oktoberfest is Sept. 21 & 22 at 3717 S. 120th St. It’s the 140th annual German Day in Omaha, and will feature German cuisine, German beers, and entertainment.
  • High Tea Omaha and Spirit World will have a Mediterranean Wine Dinner is Sept. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 6680 Center St., featuring food by Certified Executive Chef Cedric Fichepain with wine pairings chosen by Spirit World wine manager Alzuri. Cost is $125 per person and includes a five-course meal and wine pairings plus gratuity. Reservations are required. Must be 21+.
  • Steak & Bourbon presented by Brickway and Omaha Steaks is Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at Brickway Brewery & Distillery, 1116 Jackson St. The meal includes four cuts of steak and four bourbons, plus sides and snacks. Cost is $150 and includes choice of bottle of bourbon. Must be 21+.
  • Wenday's Bakery & Boutique's An Autumn Evening Tea Party is Sept. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 434 Glen Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa. Cost is $39.
  • Oktoberfest at Huber Haus is Sept. 27 & 28. Bier garden opens at 4 p.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday. Families welcome. Entrance fee is $5/day, cash only. Those 21 and under are free (with parent). German food and beer will be available for purchase. Live music both days.
  • Omaha Whiskey Fest is Sept. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St. General admission tickets include access to 400 samples from over 65 brands and a boxed lunch of choice. There is also a VIP ticket. Cost is $25-$125. Must be 21+.
Curated for you by:
 
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Omaha
Omaha, NE 68124, USA