For those of you who follow us on Twitter, you know that I recently spent some time in Omaha, Nebraska. Having never been there, I wasn’t sure what to expect (or what to pack – the forecast was for rain, snow and tornadoes). After staying there for a full week, I now know what the locals do: Omaha is a wonderful destination with great people, fun things to do and a fabulous and unique food culture.
My first few days in Omaha I spent wrapped up in vinNEBRASKA, a first-class, fun wine event that was founded to raise money for local charities and to share fine wines with the local community. This year, all proceeds benefitted the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Omaha, a wonderful cause. And boy, were people generous! It was fantastic to see such support from the community for such a noble purpose. Because I was representing the only Oregon winery among 22 California winegrowers, at first I felt out of place – but the warm welcome I received from the vinNEBRASKA committee and the genuine excitement from the Omaha community about trying Oregon Pinot Noir was very refreshing. Not only did I have a fabulous time, but our wines helped to raise a lot of money for the community. I’m definitely looking forward to attending again next year.
While in Omaha, I was floored at what a fun and unique food culture the community supports. I was expecting beef with a side of beef topped with a little more beef, and I couldn’t have been more wrong (although the beef dishes I enjoyed there really were top notch). I enjoyed a fun lunch at a local neighborhood hotspot Jimi D’s, where the atmosphere is welcoming and low-key and the food is handmade, filling and tasty. Another great spot for lunch was Stokes. This funky Southwestern-themed hangout has a well-thought out menu with creative, flavorful dishes (try the fish tacos!) and an excellent wine selection. They have several locations in Omaha; if you’re shopping in the popular Old Market area, they have a location on Howard and 12th.
And as long as you’re in Old Market, no trip to Omaha is complete without a visit to the charming, elegant and upscale (but still welcoming!) V. Mertz. Located in a lower passageway in Old Market (the space is actually a former fruit cellar), it would be easy to miss this fabulous restaurant - but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you did. Owned by mother-son team Eileen and Matt Stamp, this hidden gem has service that is outstanding and cuisine to die for. I enjoyed a six-course prix fixe menu that featured sustainable (and when possible, local) produce and meats, with each course paired with a perfectly complimenting wine. Matt Stamp, who has been a wonderful supporter of Sokol Blosser wines for a long time now, was an excellent host, leading me through the meal and sharing insights on the wine selections. I can quite honestly say that the meal I enjoyed (and savored, and still dream about) at V. Mertz was one of the better meals I’ve ever had.
Thank you to all of the great people who made my trip to Omaha such a special one. I’m looking forward to visiting again very soon!
