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Inside this issue: This week's Events Section includes chances to taste foods from around the world like Spanish dishes at Au Courant, African cuisine at Afro Fest, and Italian eats at Festa Italiana. In the Classes section, find info on cookie decorating for Halloween and two different charcuterie classes. The News Section is loaded this week, so don't skip that! And looking ahead, get the details on all the Oktoberfest events to look forward to.

Reasons To Eat, Drink And Enjoy Life
(Events This Week)
  • Au Courant Regional Kitchen, 6064 Maple St., will pay homage to their former self, España, with a special menu Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are highly encouraged…I suspect they may already be fully booked.
  • Zander Ruden will teach a free class on making fermented sauces at the Dundee Community Garden, 650 N. 49th St., on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Learn about the necessary tools and techniques, and sample some sauces.
  • Producer Dinner Series featuring Giacomo Giusti, a fourth generation winemaker with I Giusti & Zanza from Pisa, Italy, is Thursday at Dante,16901 Wright Plaza. Seating available at different times starting at 5 p.m. The dinner features five locally-inspired courses paired with five I Giusti & Zanza wines.
  • An exclusive tasting with John Fahrer, the founder and brewer of Scriptown Brewing, is Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Catalyst inside The Farnam, 1299 Farnam St. Cost is $30; no reservations needed.
  • The first edition of the Passport Tasting Series featuring Unico Zelo is Thursday at 6 p.m. at Corkscrew Wine & Cheese - Blackstone, 3908 Farnam St. Five of their wines will be paired with cheese. Cost is $50.
  • Codigo Tequila Flight Night is Aug. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Spirit World, 6680 Center St. Flights of Codigo Blanco, Reposado, and Rosa tequilas will be $15.
  • The American Italian Heritage Society's Festa Italiana is Friday from 6 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sunday 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.
  • Smoked Ribs Class is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Family Room, 8333 Fort St. Sal Cruz with Grill 'Em All BBQ will teach the class. Cost is $25 and includes food, materials and instruction. Register in-person or via Venmo (@Sal-Cruz-6).
  • Hatch Chile Roasting Event is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., while supplies last, at Family Fare, 1221 S. 203rd St.
  • There's a Food Truck Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fremont Mall, 860 E. 23rd St., Fremont, Neb.
  • Wine Tasting Event at Vino Mas, 14450 Eagle Run Drive, is Saturday 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 Saturday 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. 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. Note: In addition to tickets to the event, General Admission tickets or a Season Pass must also be purchased to attend. Must be 21+.
  • Farnam Hill Summer Social is Sunday 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.
  • Enjoy food tasting, along with music, dance, traditional games, and origami making at Uncover Japan and China on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at KATABAMI Ju-Jitsu Dojo, 3035 Lincoln Blvd.
  • Lady Gaga Brunch is Sunday 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.
  • Try authentic African Cuisine at the African Market and Food Row during Afro Fest Omaha 2024 held at Heartland of America Park, 800 Douglas St., on Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. Lots of opportunities for dancing and learning, including the Google VIP Experience with Hood Sommelier whiskey tasting, House of Bah Food Group Food education and sampling; and premium seating with view the main stage to enjoy performances by local and international artists. Tickets are $15-$80.
  • Gin Botanical Experience is Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at Spirit World, 6680 Center St. Sample a "base gin" with typical gin botanicals, then walk through a series of styles of gin using different botanicals to learn how they change the gin. Tickets are $25, and must be purchased in advance.
Don't forget! Send your upcoming food and drink event details to kim@ohmyomaha.com.
 
 
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Let's Learn Stuff
(Cooking, Decorating & Boozy Classes)
  • Upcoming Happy Mango Bakery, 9635 Giles Road, La Vista, Neb., classes include Cake Fundamentals on Saturday at 11 a.m. ($70).
  • Upcoming classes at Mangelsen’s, 3457 S. 84th St. includes Fall Sports Cookie Decorating with Susie’s Sweet Shoppe is Saturday 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 CrĂ©mant 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).
 
 
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What Everyone's Talking About
(News and Stuff)
  • The liquor license was recently approved for the city's first all women's sports bar, Set. The Bar, at 6121 Maple St. on the second floor. Tentative open date is in December.
  • Mercury Lounge, 329 S. 16th St., has a limited-time cocktail menu, Mercury x Luminarium: Eye-Dentifyer, inspired by Kiewit Luminarium. Drinks include Colored Shadows, Watch Fog Form, and Watch Water Freeze.
  • Food & Wine published Yelp's list of its the 100 best pizza places in the Midwest, and Omaha restaurants made the cut! There's Tasty Pizza (No. 10), Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria (No. 21), Izzy’s Pizza Bus (No. 31), Mangia Italiana (No. 92), and Dolomiti Pizzeria & Enoteca (No. 94). The other Nebraska pizzeria to make the list is Pals Brewing in North Platte (No. 83).
  • Speaking of pizza, Virtuoso Pizzeria by David Losole now offers Virtuoso pizza kits to make pizza at home. Kits include everything you need to create a 16-inch pie: Virtuoso dough ball, grande premium shredded mozzarella, pepperoni (if you choose), Virtuoso marinara, plus garlic infused EVOO, oregano & Pecorino Romano cheese to top it off.
  • Kids Eat Free now at Chippy's Omaha, 2718 S. 123rd Court, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dine-in only.
  • Jams Old Market, 1101 Harney St., is launching their Fall Cocktail Menu on Sunday. On the list? Pumpkin Spiced Espresso Martini.
  • Report In Pub, 12100 West Center Road, Suite 204, has pumpkin beer flights for a limited time featuring Nebraska Brewing Co. Wick for Brains, Infusion Brewing Co. Vanilla Bean Pumpkin, Whole Hog Brewery Pumpkin Ale, and Dogfish Head Punkin Ale.
  • Expansions: The second Omaha location of Let It Fly Sports Bar will open on Friday at 1311 S. 203rd St. The second Omaha location of Good Lookin’ will open at 16920 Wright Plaza, Suite 118. The open date is TBA.
  • Closures: The Hoppy Taco, 5003 Underwood Ave., announced it will be closing for good on Sept. 1.
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 Events…
  • 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+.
  • Oktoberfest at Lucky Bucket Brewing Co., 11941 Centennial Road, La Vista, Neb., is Sept. 6 from 5 to 11 p.m. First 1,000 guests through at the door get a free commemorative stein. There will be festive food and live music from The Happy Players Band. Tickets are $15 for two people and $25 for four people (tickets are the door are $10 each). Must be 21+.
  • Femi's Heart Foundation Gramercy Gala is Sept. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge, 1006 Dodge St. Dinner features Afro-fusion delicacies served by Chef Jamil Bah-Traoe. Tickets are $60.
  • Bio & Beers Happy Hour is Sept. 12 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Kros Strain Brewing Co., 10411 Portal Road, Suite 102. Connect with professionals from across Nebraska’s bioscience industry. It's free for Bio Nebraska members, $25 for non-members. Must register by Sept. 9.
  • Lingua Franca Wine Dinner is Sept. 12 at Cattle Call Bar, 300 S. 16th St. Two services offered, 5 to 7 p.m. and 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. Includes wine pairing with each dish. Cost is $120 per person. 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.
  • Knock & Whisper, an NCHS Speakeasy, is Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Nebraska Children's Home Society, 4939 S. 118th St. Your ticket to the fundraiser includes hors d'oeuvres and full bar, as well as live jazz and dancing. Tickets are $125.
  • 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+.
  • Farm Fest: City Sprouts' Annual Fundraiser is Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Venue at Highlander Accelerator, 2120 N. 30th St. The event celebrates urban growers and people making an impact in the local food equity movement. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for kids; price goes up after Oct. 4.
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Omaha, NE 68124, USA