Please leave us your comments and suggestions!

We always enjoy trying new establishments, especially those little-known gems. We are generally up for anything, so please let us know what you like.

Whatcha Lookin' For?

Monday, May 7, 2012

Pizza Wars 2012

We are going having a pizza tournament this summer. We are looking for the "Sweet 16" of pizzas in Lincoln. Here's the suggestions so far.
Please leave suggestions.
 Please no Pizza Hut, Dominos, etc.

Spikes - Buffalo Chicken
Cappy's - Cheese steak
Isle's - Leaning Tower
Grisanti's - Top 10
Davinci's - Chicken Cordon Blue
Blue Mountain - Barbeque Chicken
Piezano's - Potato
Patty's Pub - Fat Pat's Favorite
Valentino's - Special
Yia Yia's - The Mediterranean
Pie's and Pints - Clucking Good

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Just the Beginning

One of our favorite things to do is to go to an establishment and order several appetizers instead of a meal.  This gives us the opportunity to try several different flavors at once without spending a lot of time or money.

Top 5 Nebraska Appetizers:

Autumn's List:
  1. Onion Rings, The Cellar, Kearney - I love these onion rings!  They are homemade deliciousness at its finest.
  2. Spinach Artichoke Wontons, Jasper's Bar and Grill, Lincoln (Eagle) - When I saw these wontons on the menu, I had to order them.  What an interesting mix of flavors, unlike anything else around.
  3. Chili Cheese Fries, The Bar, Unadilla (Friday's only) - I look forward to Friday nights when I can get these fries.  The blend of chili and cheese is perfect on top of the crinkle-cut fries.
  4. Buffalo Chips, Chicken Coop, Grand Island - I love these spicy fried chips with ranch.  I also love that you can order them with anything at the Chicken Coop.
  5. Southwest Egg Rolls, Lazlo's, Lincoln - I have tried several versions of southwest egg rolls and those at Lazlo's are by far the best.  It is even better if you are there on the right day and can order them with a bowl of beer-cheese soup.

Dustin's List:  Note - Dustin refused to follow the Top 5 Nebraska rules.  He has included two restaurants that are not based in Nebraska, though they do have locations in Lincoln.  Please feel free to leave him comments about following his own rules.  I've been arguing with him about this for a year now, and have obviously not succeeded. (Autumn)
  1. Chicken Cheese Nachos, Bison Witches, Lincoln - I don't care that they have other locations in other states they are awesome!!!!
  2. Irish Nachos, Patty's Pub, Lincoln - Waffle fries are so good
  3. Chicken Nachos, Lazlo's, Lincoln - always a good bet
  4. Chicken Nachos, Brewsky's, Lincoln - order it with extra salsa.
  5. Armadillo Eggs, Buzzard Billys, Lincoln - Again, I don't care about the other locations - they are out of this world.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Monday, April 11, 2011

jtk

A few weeks ago we had the chance to sneak away for a date night.  This doesn't happen often anymore so we try to make the most of our "time off."  We had received a gift certificate to jtk for Christmas and finally found the time to use it. 
There is just one thing to say about this Lincoln Haymarket restaurant; WOW!  The service, atmosphere and food make this a must-try in Lincoln.  We made early reservations because it was Friday night, but the restaurant never seemed crowded.  jtk is located in the old Haymarket train station, which makes for a beautiful dining experience. 
We ordered from the "Date Night" menu, which is the best deal for the money.  It includes one appetizer, two entrees, a dessert and a bottle of wine for $50.  Every part of our meal was delicious.  We started with a bottle of Coastal Vines Pino Noir and the crab gratin, which was a rich blend of flavors and textures.  Dustin ordered the shoulder tenderloin with horseradish portabella pan sauce and I had the Parmesan crusted chicken.  Both dishes were served with perfectly cooked vegetables.  Dustin finished off his steak, but I had to get a box as I was only able to eat about half of my dish because the portions are generous.  For dessert we ordered bananas foster, and it too, was amazing. 
For the price and quality, you really won't find many restaurants like jtk in Nebraska.  This is a great place for a celebratory meal, a date night, or simply a place to have some appetizers and cocktails.

jtk made it in the Lincoln Journal Star in Jeff's Final Five as the number 3 restaurant in Lincoln.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine's Day

Though we don't get out much for Valentine's Day anymore, here's 5 of our favorite romantic spots.

Top 5 Nebraska Valentine's Day destinations:

  1. The Alley Rose - Kearney:  We went here while we were still dating.  The mood was beautiful and the food was decent.  The good people at the Alley Rose try hard to make your dining experience as elegant as you can get in the middle of Nebraska.
  2. Slattery Vintage Estates and Tasting Room - Nehawka:  This was were we spent our Valentine's Day outing this year.  We experienced a nice sparkling and dessert wine tasting complete with chocolate covered strawberries.  They had romantic, vineyard inspired movies playing in the tasting room that was decorated with heart candles and roses for the holiday.
  3. Corkscrew Wine and Cheese - Omaha:  This is one of our favorite places to go in Omaha.  It is somewhere between a bar and the best wine store ever.  You can do a wine tasting or pick out your favorite bottle to enjoy.  They also have a wide variety of cheeses to complement any type of wine you choose.
  4. Vincenzo's Ristorante - Lincoln:  Dim lighting, candles, amazing food.  This is why we enjoy Vincenzo's for a romantic dinner. 
  5. Tuscan Villa - Pierce:  One of our favorite bed and breakfasts makes this list because of the beautiful rooms, serene view and short distance to the Cuthills winery.  Although we have not been here in the middle of winter, I imagine the view is still beautiful covered in snow.  This is one romantic destination we highly recommend.

On the side:
The Lincoln 10 - website dedicated to top 10 lists of Lincoln businesses.

    Friday, December 10, 2010

    The Press Box

    It's been quite a while since I've had the opportunity to sit down and punch out a blog.  We have tried several excellent wineries in the last few months, but I will get to those another day.  Last week we tried a brand new sports bar I couldn't wait to write about.
    The Press Box
    56th and Hwy 2 - Lincoln, NE
    We used to love going to this place back when it was Bleachers, but lost interest once it changed to The Element.  It just recently opened again as a sports bar; you can still smell the fresh paint.  We were disappointed that they did not have any happy hour specials, but they were running a $2 domestic draw special all day, so we quickly got over it.  We ordered the most unique thing on the menu: Wing Fries.  This is an amazing creation that I am sad I didn't think of.  They take french fries and cover them with cheese and boneless wings with the sauce of your choice.  We ordered ours with the sweet chili sauce, which gave it a wonderful oriental flavor.  I highly recommend stopping in just for the wing fries.  We didn't have time to order supper, but will be back to The Press Box soon.


    Read the review from The Lincoln Journal Star

    Wednesday, October 13, 2010

    North Platte

    I had a conference in North Platte a couple of weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised with the dining establishments my colleagues and I encountered.  I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was not disappointed. 

    The Depot
    We were told we had to go to the Depot by a couple of friends who lived in North Platte years ago.  When we pulled up, I was excited to see so many motorcycles in the parking lot.  (My dad rides a Harley and I have found those who travel this way always eat good food).  The bar was pretty busy for a Thursday night, but we found a seat right away.
    The menu for the Depot was outstanding.  They had everything from traditional bar food to treats like crab cakes.  I decided on the Trainstopper burger, which had caramelized onions, cheese, and bbq sauce.  My colleagues ordered the french dip and an avocado burger.  We all ordered sweet potato fries.  The food was everything I wanted it to be.  I can see why we were told we HAD to try the Depot.

    Roger's Fine Foods
    On Friday we decided to wander down the main drag to find a spot for lunch.  We happened upon Roger's and decided to stop because it looked like a local diner.  All I have to say is, it's a good thing I don't live in North Platte, or I would be at Roger's every day.  This is the perfect example of what a diner should be, great specials and an excellent menu.  I had the hot beef sandwich special, which was good, though it needed a little salt and my friend had the BLT.
    Roger's was so good, that we stopped there the next day for lunch on our way out of town.  I asked the waitress what she would order and she suggested the bacon breakfast quesadilla, so that's what I ordered.  It was perfect!  I almost wanted to stay in North Platte another day so I could experience another lunch at Roger's.

    Feather River Winery
    Although it was a long, winding trip to Feather River, it was worth it.  The wines tended to be on the dry side, which was fine with me.  They also all had this beautiful berry essence to them.  We had a wonderful time talking with the woman working in the tasting room and even got a chance to meet the vintner.  I purchased a bottle of the Marquette for a friend and a bottle of Frontenac for myself.  However I did not try the Frontenac before I left the winery and was a little disappointed in it when I got home.  It was not quite what I was expecting and I kind of wish I had just picked up two bottles of the Marquette.

    Margie's
    The ladies at the winery told us we had to try Margie's at the old country club.  We got excellent directions and found it easily, though it was a little out of the way.  The menu was beautiful; with amazing dishes I have  not seen at some nicer places in Lincoln. My colleague and I shared the baked brie, which was made with a raspberry sauce and served with garlic toast.  I had the almond-crusted walleye with vegetables and my friend had the shrimp risotto. The fish was good, but the vegetables were fabulous. 

    I think I often forget about the wonderful places to eat in the western part of our state.  My trip to North Platte left a delicious taste on my palate and I am anxious to go back for seconds.
    -Autumn