Omaha Dining Digest: Mocktail Or Michelada 🍹

Inside this issue: Events are a mixed of sweets, Micheladas, a picnic with alpacas, and the Intertribal Powwow. For classes coming up, sign up to learn about classic gin cocktails, tea mocktails, or how to make a spooky charcuterie. And restaurant news is fun this week: A new cinnamon roll shop and ice cream shop, plus a fun Halloween pop-up coming soon to a bar near you (if you live in the Blackstone District).

Reasons To Eat, Drink And Enjoy Life

(Events This Week)

The 15th Annual Pinot, Pigs & Pours is Thursday 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+.
3 Bakers In 1 Pop-Up is Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at The Fireside Banquet Room, 841 Tara Plaza, Papillion, Neb. Shop Sugar Mamas, Sweet Earth Delights - homemade breads, and Sweet Cravings. Northwoods Cheese Haus will also be there, as well as a tea and coffee bar.
The Omaha Bakery will have free cinnamon rolls and coffee on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. encouraging customers to meet the new owner, Mohammed Ghaforzai, who served as an interpreter for U.S. Special Forces as in Afghanistan for many years. Ghaforzai will be at the Elkhorn location, 725 N. 210th St., Elkhorn, Neb.
Cunningham’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Oktoberfest is Saturday 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 Saturday 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.
Rhythms of India, hosted by India Association of Nebraska, is Saturday at 3 p.m. at Ralston High School, 8969 Park Drive, Ralston, Neb. Enjoy Indian food and cultural programs. General admission is $10, seniors are $5, and kids under 5 are free.
Try food from various tribes across Nebraska at the Intertribal Powwow on Saturday 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 Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at participating Midtown Crossing restaurants. It’s a pay-as-you-go tasting tour for all things pumpkin.
Elvis Dinner Theatre is Saturday 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.
German-American Society’s German Day and Oktoberfest is Saturday and Sunday 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 Saturday 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. The next event will be Sept. 28.
High Tea Omaha and Spirit World will have a Mediterranean Wine Dinner on Sunday 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+.
Omaha Restaurant Week continues through Sunday. 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.

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

Let's Learn Stuff

(Cooking, Decorating & Boozy Classes)

Gin Cocktail Class with Andi Jo is Wednesday 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 Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 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) is Friday 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.
Upcoming classes at Mangelsen's, 3457 S. 84th St.: Intro to Cake Decorating ($70) with Nancy Lee of Corner House Treats is Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Halloween Cake Tin Decorating ($60) is Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Oct. 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. Advanced Cookie Decorating - Beetlejuice ($125) on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Upcoming classes at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.: Charcuterie Class on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. Cost is $100 for non-members, $85 for garden members (two people per registration). Tea History 101 on Oct. 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Tea Mocktails on Nov. 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
Spooky Charcuterie Class is Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Highland House, 20466 Ohio St. Each guest will receive a 17-inch palm leaf coffin cheese board, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pairing suggestions, snacks and alcohol-free beverages (you are able to BYOB). Cost is $75.

What Everyone's Talking About

(News and Stuff)

The grand opening of Cinnaholic Gretna, 11922 Standing Stone Drive, Suite 700, Gretna, Neb., is Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They'll have $2 cinnamon rolls during that time.
Betty Rae's Ice Cream officially opened last week at 6307 Center St.
QS Grill Steak, a Nicaraguan and Salvadoran restaurant at 16808 Audrey St., now has a food truck. Find it at Truck Plaza at 24th and I streets.
Barrett's Barleycorn Pub and Grill, 4322 Leavenworth St., is extending their kitchen hours. Food is now served until 11 p.m.
The Black Lagoon Pop-Up is Oct. 8-31 at Nite Owl, 3902 Farnam St., featuring special decor, cocktails and events.
Want to try a pumpkin spiced old fashioned? Head to Pa Más Taqueria and Grill, 220 S. 31st Ave., Suite 3107. It has their private barrel anejo tequila, Grand Marnier citrus liqueur, Hella Orange Bitters with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg syrup in it.
Hardy Coffee Co. announced it's bringing back the fan favorite S’mores Cafe Au Lait for its new Fall Seasonal menu.
A new bar, The Lion’s Den will open in the Blackstone District in September.
Crescent Moon Ale House is starting a monthly dinner special, beginning this month with a Jagerschnitzel dinner. The special is offered on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m.

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…

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+.
Dante's Producer Dinner Series will feature Umberto Cantamessa, owner of Ribevi Imports, on Sept. 25, with reservations available from 6 to 8 p.m. at 16901 Wright Plaza. It'll focus on Masseria Frattasi, a winery in Campania founded in 1779, and include a five-course, five-pour menu. Cost is $125.
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.
Spirit World's 101 Intro Series features Brandy, Cognac and Armagnac on Sept. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 6680 Center St. You do not need to have attended other classes in the series to attend this. Cost is $40.
Chef Seth Jonas will have a restaurant pop-up on Sept. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. during Hoff Fourth Friday at Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St., Council Bluffs, Iowa.
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.
Watch Party for “Carnival Eats” will be Sept. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at 16859 Q St. The episode features two Omaha food trucks, Haven Express and their Fiery Frank Roll, and Hydes Slydes and their The Snoop Wrap. Try samples of the food and watch the show, which starts at 8 p.m.
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.
Tacotopia, a taco festival, is Oct. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Nebraska Furniture Mart, 7311 Jones St.
Tarot & Tequila is Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at Burrito Envy, 6116 Maple St. There will be a sign up sheet at the bar for readings. Tarot By Stef will offer readings for $15 each. Food and drink specials will be available.
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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