Omaha Dining Digest: Fall Flavors 🍁

Inside this issue: This week, you've got Omaha Restaurant Week with $30-$50 multi-course meals, Croctoberfest, and the Caffeine Crawl, not to mention a bevy of classes for adults (and a couple for kids). Lots of news items this week, including a few exciting openings and one sad closing.

Reasons To Eat, Drink And Enjoy Life

(Events This Week)

Lingua Franca Wine Dinner is Thursday 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+.
Sail The Bourbon Trail, a four-course bourbon cocktail pairing dinner, is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Bonefish Grill, 120 Regency Parkway. Cost is $65.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Orchard has Sunset Orchard Cider Tastings on Friday and Saturday, as well Sept. 20, 21, 27, and 28. Tickets are $45 (or $21 for DD). Vala’s Orchard Farm-To-Table Dinner: Live Fire Hog Roast is this Sunday, as well as every Sunday through Sept. 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+.
Late Nights At The Zoo: Croctoberfest is Thursday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Enjoy the best of Oktoberfest, including the Beer Hall and interactive experiences and talks to learn about crocodiles and alligators. Guests can choose between general admission or upgrade to the Prost! With the Most ticket that includes early event access, two complimentary drink tickets, two complimentary snacks, a souvenir beer stein, reserved seating in the Beer Hall and an exclusive opportunity to meet with a Crocodilian Engagement Specialist in Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night. Must be 21+. The next Croctoberfest is Sept. 26.
Willa Cather Prairie Supper is Friday and Saturday 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, starts Friday and runs through Sept. 22. Enjoy three-course dinners priced at $30, $40 or $50 per person at some of the Omaha area’s best restaurants. A portion of Omaha Restaurant Week proceeds benefits Food Bank for the Heartland.
Draftoberfest ‘24 is Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. at Kros Strain Draft Works, 1200 N. 12th St., featuring festbiers and oktoberfest style beers, food, and live music. It’s free and family-friendly.
Noche Mexicana is Saturday 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 Saturday, featuring five route options. Each route includes five stops. Cost is $39.50 plus the option of a bonus stop.
Lunch & Learn with Nicola Biscardo is Sunday at noon at Dante, 16901 Wright Plaza. Includes trying five wines. Cost is $70.

Don't forget! Send your upcoming food and drink event details to kim@ohmyomaha.com.

Let's Learn Stuff

(Cooking, Decorating & Boozy Classes)

Wise and Wild: Mushrooms - Tasty, Unique Or Deadly is today 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 today 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 Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 434 Glen Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa. Class is $39.
Bio & Beers Happy Hour is Thursday 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.
The Bubbly Tart, 3020 Leavenworth St., has a Fall Cookie Class on Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. Cost is $65, and includes water, coffee, sandwiches, and desserts to snack on during drying times. Each person will get to decorate and take home six sugar cookies.
Mix and Sip: A Hands-On Mixology Experience With KnockOut Mixology is Saturday 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 Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon and Monday 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.
Gin Cocktail Class with Andi Jo is Sept. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. (three 45-minute sessions offered) at Spirit World, 6680 Center St. Learn about classic gin cocktails, the French 75, Gin Fizz, and Classic Gin Martini. Cost is $30. Explorer Series Wine Class featuring Pinotage is Sept. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Spirit World. Cost is $35 and includes instruction and wine samples. You may add a meat and cheese plate and/or veggie and hummus plate for $9 each.
Upcoming classes at The Bubbly Tart, 3020 Leavenworth St., 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).

What Everyone's Talking About

(News and Stuff)

Hola Seoul opened on Sept. 6 at Kamp Blackstone, 3618 Farnam St. The menu is Korean-Mexican fusion.
Columbia Para Todos has reopened at its new location inside the food court at Oak View Mall, 3001 S. 144th St. The grand opening was Sept. 8.
Six businesses have joined SAFE Bar Network: Nite Owl, The Pine Room, The Tenant, Fizzy's Fountain & Liquors, PROOF - Whiskey Bar & Craft Cocktails, and Proof 192 Whiskey Bar & Craft Cocktails. The network is a community of bars, restaurants and nightclubs dedicated to preventing sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Sgt. Peffer's Cafe Italian was featured on “America’s Best Restaurants." The episode was shared on Sept. 4.
Lavender and Vine Coffee food truck released its fall menu, and in addition to pumpkin spice flavors, there's Maple Sea Salt Cold Brew and Caramel Apple Refresher.
Report In Pub, 12100 West Center Road, Suite 204, announced its Fall Brunch Menu, which includes pumpkin waffle, pumpkin egg roll, and pumpkin spice Irish coffee.
Izzy's Pizza, 522 ½ S. 24th St., Special of the Month is Bulgogi On Parade featuring a cheese blend, bulgogi beef, roasted mushrooms, red onions, gochujang aoili, scallions, and pickled carrots.
The September Pizza of the month at Timber Creek Pizza Pub & Grill, 6718 S. 178th St., is Oktoberfest Pizza with a house-made beer cheese base, topped with bratwurst, sauerkraut, mozzarella, gouda, pretzel crumbles and a mustard drizzle.
Pho Viet, 7923 Blondo St., announced it has started offering a free salad bar with every meal purchased.
Hydes Slydes was featured on “Carnival Eats” on The Cooking Channel on Sept. 8. They're loaded Bahn Mi fries were mentioned.
Shandy’s Bakery, 13811 T Plaza, announced that the storefront will close Jan. 31, 2025, the the bakery will still sell goods at farmers markets, pop-ups, and craft fairs, as well as taking cake orders.
OPENING SOON: BobaFi's soft opening begins Sept. 19 at 3838 N. 168th St. The Grand Opening Weekend is Sept. 21 & 22. Uptown Java announced it would open sometime in October at 2627 N. 205th St., Elkhorn, Neb. OTB Flavored Turkey Legs is getting a storefront. Sign has gone up at 6026 Maple St. Open date TBA. Early Bird will open its newest location at 17330 West Center Road in mid-October. They’re doing weekly giveaways on their Facebook page leading up to the opening date. Ital Vital Living announced they will open a second location sometime this fall. Burning Bridges Food Truck announced in late August that they will be opening a storefront soon. The location and opening dates are TBA.
CLOSURES: The owners of Wohlner's Neighborhood Grocery and Deli, 3253 Dodge St., announced their retirement on Sept. 4 and imminent closing of the store. No official closing date was announced, and in the meantime, they’re offering 15% off total orders.

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…

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+.
Cunningham’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Oktoberfest is Sept. 21 starting at 11 a.m. Enjoy corned beef & cabbage, pretzels & beer cheese, as well as Oktoberfest & Irish beers. Event is family-friendly, and costumes are encouraged. No cover.
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.
Elvis Dinner Theatre is on Sept. 21 at night with Elvis at Carl's at Mahoney, located at the lodge at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Neb. Show times are 4:30, 6, and 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 and includes a Memphis BBQ buffet, salad bar, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Tickets are available in person at the restaurant.
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 from 3 to 6 p.m. 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.
Relax and “Whine” with Alpacas is Sept. 21 and 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Alpacas of the Heartland, 7016 County Road 39, Fort Calhoun, Neb. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and relax in the pasture with 30 alpaca. Reservations required, send a text to Sheri at (402) 669-6979 and include include name for reservation, name and date of event you are signing up for, number of people and number of cars in your group, and an email to receive directions and necessary for the event. Donation for event is $10 per person via cash or venmo upon arrival.
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.
Nebraska Medicine will host Brake for Breakfast on Sept. 27 from 6:30 to 8 a.m. in the parking lot behind the Hy-Vee Gas Station at Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7751 Towne Center Parkway, Papillon, Neb. In addition to a free drive-thru breakfast, receive important cancer screening information, and a complimentary giveaway.
Oktoberfest at Huber Haus, 3578 Farnam St., 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.
The Annual Omaha Bakery Tour is Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. departing from Pause Coffee Shop, 7515 Main St., Ralston, Neb. Stops include Crum Cakes Bakery, Dave’s Cakes of Omaha, Grand Patisserie, Happy Mango Bakery, Reis' Bakery, Sugar Coma Custom Treats, and The Bubbly Tart. Cost is $25 and includes a seat on the bus, a tote bag, beverages, $5 gift card for Pause Coffee Shop, and a sweet surprise. Children 2 and under are free but must ride on an adult's lap.
Oktoberfest at La Vista City Centre, 8219 City Center Drive, La Vista, Neb., is Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a football watch party, live music, games and activities, food trucks and a beer garden. Families/all ages are welcome.
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+.
JAWtoberfest is Sept. 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Jukes Ale Works, 2808 Main St., Elkhorn, Neb., celebrating their fifth anniversary. Event includes two special beer tappings, a specialty cocktail will be a riff on their house Old Fashioned with Baren Jaeger Honey Liqueur, German beer brats, live music, and more. Tickets are $35; anyone under 21 is admitted free.
Zenia Omaha Oktoberfest is Sept. 28 from 5 to 11 p.m. at 450 S. 193rd St. There will be traditional German food, live music, and beer. Admission is $15; $25 to add a beer stein.
Midwestern Gothic: a cocktail thing is Sept. 29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at Anna's Place, 1802 Dodge St. Exploring Midwestern Gothic stories and expressing them as cocktails. Tickets are $65 and include snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Each seating will last about an hour and a half.
Food Truck World Tour, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Immigrant Legal Center + Refugee Empowerment Center, is Sept. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 32nd and Sorenson Parkway. Food trucks and vendors include Maria Bonita, Chaima's African Cuisine, Pim's Thai, Zaytuna, El Arepon, Lucy's Ethiopian Coffee, Shahen, and Tipico Helado. Tickets are $85 for adults and includes four entrées, two cultural drinks, one dessert and one bar drink; tickets for kids are $25 and include three entrées, one cultural drink and one dessert.
Sideshow Spirits & Kinkaider Brewing launches the Snow Beast Cinnamon Vanilla Whiskey on Oct. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the brewery’s Omaha location at 2279 S. 67th St.
Upcoming tea parties at The Bubbly Tart, 3020 Leavenworth St., include Halloween Themed Tea Parties on Oct. 5 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Oct. 5 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Oct. 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Oct. 19 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wizard Weekend Tea Parties are Nov. 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Nov. 16 from noon to 1:30 p.m., and Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Candyland Themed Tea Parties are Dec. 7 from noon to 1:30 p.m. & 3:30 to 5 p.m., Dec. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. & 3:30 to 5 p.m., Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dec. 21 from noon to 1:30 p.m. & 3:30 to 5 p.m., and Dec. 28 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tea Parties are $60.
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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