OMAHA FOOD TRIP

If you are going for the best, I caution you to stay away from Guaca Maya Dive (wierd vib, odd place - very average food).

Out of all the places recommended, I'd 2d :

Upscale: M's Pub, The FlatIron, Jam's

For a variety of beers: The Upstream in the Old Mkt. or Bohemian Cafe (for Bohemian food: Boiled Beef with Dill Gravy - it's similar to german food - delicious, but not light - hearty would describe it. It's strickly a local place that has been in Omaha forever & very popular with locals - decor very old world Czech - very unique)

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

First-Timers, Staying 7 Av/47th

To kathryn: Wow! You have far exceeded any and all expectations that I had for a helpful reply! Thank you so much for all your insights , advice & links and esp. your food recs tailored to our sight-seeing and locations at the time! I have a feeling that this will be invaluable information to us during our short stay. Reservations in advance for pre-theatre dining sounds like a must and not something that I had planned to do - I am planning to do that now. And yes, I am prepared (I think, I hope!) for bustling lound crowds of people everywhere, including most cafes and restaurants! Since we don't know the city at all - I so appreciate your replies! Thanks again!

MaryJane in Manhattan

Fabulous Food in Milwaukee?

Many thanks "Bring Back the Stein" for some good suggestions. We have never tried Old Town Serbian or Polonez - have read good things about Old Town Serbian, especially. Sounds good! I think ethnic might be just the ticket! I like that idea.

By Sanford's, did you mean Sanford's Couquette Cafe? I remembered the name of that restaurant wrong in my first post & called it Colette's by mistake. I've been there twice (see, I even gave it a second chance) & somehow never found the food that memorable! Nice room, good drinks - good wait staff, but was not impressed with the food. Five O'Clock Supper Club - have not heard of it, will check it out.

What do you mean by "North Shore Country Clubby places"? Are we talking Whitefish Bay & farther north?

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

Fabulous Food in Milwaukee?

Opps! Correction to above post! I meant Sanford's Coquette Cafe NOT Colette's. Don't know where I came up with that name.

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

First-Timers, Staying 7 Av/47th

Kathryn, thanks so much for your fast reply! Here are more details of our trip:

1. Our 4-day visit takes place mid-Oct, over a weekend.
2. Two in our party - me and husband - active retirees.
3. Of course, willing to travel out of Times Square, but nearby it for options in a pinch and something easy.
4. Not crazy about lines, since we only have 4 days - but 45 min to 1 hr O.K..
5. Want to keep our schedules for sight-seeing, et. rather loose, so many reservations for dinner might not work with the time we have.
6. We usually splurge ($100/150) for one dinner out (for both of us) and keep it affordable for the rest of the time. (At least that's splurging for us!)
7. We like all types of food, with the exception of very hot & spicy.
8. On the whole, don't care for overly noisy crowded restaurants with close tables (but have enjoyed crowded fun places with great food occasionally) & we are not wine connoisseurs. Never eat from a cart or truck. Casual is fine with us - the food is the thing I guess, more than the place!
9. Friday eve play at Imperial Theatre. Sunday matinee at the Palace Theatre. We also plan to do Rockefeller Center tour to top, Statue of Liberty, perhaps Metro Museum of Art, walk Fifth Ave. No other plans as yet.
10. We are coming from the midwest - we have fantasic steak dinners all the time, so that would not be a special treat! Recently spent some time in Santa Fe & almost overdosed on southwest food! (Not really, we love southwest food - but had a lot of it! )

Thanks for the links. I will check those out & thanks again for all your info - I want to tell you again how much I appreciate it!

MaryJane in Manhattan

First-Timers, Staying 7 Av/47th

Coming the NY for the very first time ever! So excited! Staying in Times Square area at 7Av/47th and need lots of advice for food nearby not to be missed. Any help would be greatly appreciated. We like just about any kind of food - our stay is for 4 days.

Thanks so much - any advice appreciated!

MaryJane in Manhattan

Steakhouse Lincoln NE to Kearney NE

I second Misty's in Lincoln. Lincoln is the bigger city of the two you mentioned - chances are better that you would have a great steak there. Also consider "Chances R" in York - pretty old style decor & great food, but 5 miles or so into town. But, why not stop in Omaha just off I-80 for dinner & than continue on to Lincoln? Omaha is known for it's steaks. I travel a lot, but have never had a steak as good as in Omaha's Anthony's (just off I-80), also Gorat's (farther from I-80) & I've heard good things about The Drover (not far from I-80, but have not been there in a while).

Hope this helps!

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

Fabulous Food in Milwaukee?

Will be in Milwaukee for 5 days Mid-Sept./have car/staying Brookside & have been there many times before/pretty much know our way around the city. Yes, I've seen the huge current Milwaukee post with 33 replies, but would love personal recommendations for truly memorable great food - we have no problem driving & probably would not get lost more than 2 or 3 times! Just kidding ! -

We have been to Colette's several times & really want to like it more than we do! Somehow, it doesn't quite hit the mark. Also, Lake Park Bistro is a fav and never have been disappointed there. Koops, of course - love the burgers and frozen custard. Have been to Mader's and Karl Ratsch's - prefer Karl Ratsch's. So, we have eclectic tastes - we just like good food prepared well.

Anyplace that we really should not miss? We got some great tips here in the past - really appreciate any ideas. Thanks!

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

The Pantry of Chris's Cuisine In Ne. City

While on our annual fall apple quest in Nebraska City, Ne., my husband & I found a little gem! This is the best place we have found to have lunch in Nebraska City! We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and freshness of the soup, chicken-salad and baked goods that we were served, including the homemade pie. Prices are quite reasonable, service friendly and helpful, and the food was head-and-shoulders above any other place that we've tried in Nebraska City.

Keep in mind that they are only open for breakfast and lunch until 3 p.m. Evidently the owner has a catering business in the evenings. This is a small-town cafe and it is located on the main street (812 Central Ave.) We will definitely be back!

Tip: While in Nebraska City, be sure to check out the Wildwood Period House (small fee) and the adjoining historic log "Art Barn" which features the work of Nebraska artists and craftsman and is free and open to the public. Another good attraction is the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail Center & Visitor Center (donations welcome) & Arbor Lodge (fee).

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

Review: Humble Pie - Scottsdale, AZ (w/ photos!)

While on our month of March stay in the Phoenix area we dined at Humble Pie twice. The room itself has an upscale spare, but "polished elegant" look. We liked the comfortable outdoor patio. The first time there we sat next to a large table with several restless and run-about toddlers (have to say, I don't think I would bring children - this does not seem the place for them). The second time we were there, not a child in site & it was very pleasant with helpful and friendly wait-staff both times. We tried the burrata appetizer because of the chow-hound chatter about it and loved it! We liked it so much that I've made a similar version here at home several times since then. Very good! Having been to Pizzeria Bianco (fighting the traffic to downtown, getting there at 4:10 and still waiting until 6:15 to be seated and the pizza crust burned), this was just so much better an experience! We actually liked the sausage pizza here better than Bianco! Crust was perfect - everything tasted fresh & flavorful. Now, to the real reason to try Humble Pie - the "crustatas" dessert! Sort of an apple turnover, but so much better than any other I've ever had before! The pastry was unbelieveable - light and tasty! On our next visit, I would go there just to have this great dish! All-in-all, worth a trip to Scottsdale for Humble Pie anytime!

MaryJane in Phoenix

Phoenix,Sedona, Flagstaff-"Best Of"?

silverbear, I checked out the El Charro web site & that's got to be the place! This also triggered a memory that it was known back then as the "oldest" Mexican restaurant, which is how this restaurant is described on their site! The machaca description includes "sun-dried" beef! Thanks! I see they have three locations - any opinion as to which would be the place to go? I'm thinking the "original" one in the house would be the onewe would choose, unless the location, for some reason, has become one that an out-of-towner would only go to in the daytime?

MaryJane in Southwest

Phoenix,Sedona, Flagstaff-"Best Of"?

Thanks, johnesberg, Kam7185, hollyeve, silverbear & climberdoc & especially hohokam for all the great suggestions! Chowhounders are the best place to start for "inside info" on what restaurants are likely to offer good food & a good experience when on a trip. We plan on checking out Cowboy Ciao, Pizzaria Bianco, Vincent's. The Cottage Place in Flagstaff (barring snow & ice up there in March!), Oreganos, Zuppa's, Restaurant Mexico, Kai, and probably a lot of the others! I'll report back, I promise!

Oh, and one last thing - many, many years ago we ate in a small converted house in Tuscon - it still had separate rooms & altho unlikely as I think back on it, it was explained to us that the beef served was hung to age somewhere upstairs (on the roof, perhaps!?) Anybody out there remember that place? I think it was mexican food & very good.

MaryJane in Southwest

Phoenix,Sedona, Flagstaff-"Best Of"?

Wow! Me Too! I'm amazed at your fantastic reply! This was way beyond what I expected to find in recommendations! Thanks so much! Addresses included even! This will really come in handy. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this.....O.K. I'll go ahead and try....you have been very generous in providing such easy to navigate info - this is going to save us so much research and I really appreciate your detailed response! I'll report back after we return home - I promise!

MaryJane in Southwest

Phoenix,Sedona, Flagstaff-"Best Of"?

Hi! My husband & I will be spending the month of March in Arizona! So, we will have lots of time to explore the general greater Phoenix area (we will be based in Mesa) & will have a car so we can travel and don't mind driving. We also plan to go to Sedona & Flagstaff & probably Tucson. I'm looking for "don't miss" suggestions for:

Mexican (not too hot)
Pizza
Soup & Sandwich Places (love great soup!)
American Meat & Potatoes
French
Local Food (that I can't get elsewhere & long for when I get home!)
Good Food in Historic Settings

Well, as you can see we pretty much are open for any great food suggestions, either fine dining or local good food "hole-in-the-wall" in a safe neighborhood where we will still have our car when we are finished dining!

Some suggestions so far: The Landmark
Organ Stop Pizza
Pizzaria Bianco
Input on those, anybody?

Thanks so much ahead of time for any and all suggestions on good chow! -

MaryJane in Southwest

Roadtrip/Santa Fe/Taos/Durango

My experience at the Cliffhouse was just the opposite as yours, iwannaeat! When did you go? Don't you find that the waitstaff can really make or break a dining experience? - but altho we did not stay there, I did get the impression that it was pricey lodging. Could it have been a way-off night?

We started with a coral colored goat cheese pimento spread on wonderful lavosh crackers, followed by a complimentary pastry tart consisting of chopped beef tenderloin & spiced apples (very good). Soup: lobster bisque (wonderful). I had salmon oscar & hubby had veal stuffed w/lobster complimented by madeira sauce & chocolate souffle with a godiva sauce that was fabulous! The waiters were great & friendly and the evening perfect. We enjoyed Manitou Springs - we were there on open-gallery art walk evenings with great complimentary snacks & drinks & some interesting art - bought some great pottery in Old Town Colorado Springs - did the Pikes' Peak Cog Train, Royal Gorge - had a great time!

Thanks for the tips on El Paragua, SantaCafe, The Compound, Maria's & Mariscos la Playa. Sometimes those simple restaurants with great food are the most memorable - we do both elegant & simple - guess it depends on your mood!

MaryJane in Southwest

Nebraska, SD, ND, Iowa Trip

You have got to be kidding, tartuffe! AVOID steaks in Omaha? Not only have I "spent some time 8-10 years ago" in Omaha, I've lived here all of my life & sampled many of the best restaurants. I actually avoid steaks anywhere else when we travel as they never come up to the quality of Ne./Iowa beef. I thought that AGH was seeking "authentic" dining experiences of memorable high quality chow - which brings us to Gorats.........no it's NOT trendy, with overpriced food in a stuffy, snobby restaurant - it's great steak presented by a friendly efficient waitress who actually does look as if she has been there since the restaurant's beginning, and true, the decor does come straight out of the 70's - but you go there for an authentic Omaha steakhouse with great steaks! (If you want the same steak for twice the price in a new up-scale place - go to Flemmings in Regency - the food is great, but honestly, this steakhouse is part of a chain & could be the same experience that could be duplicated all over the U.S.) But - I beg of you, do NOT avoid the steaks in Omaha - you won't be sorry.
I've never been to Le Cafe de Paris, from those who have, I do know that you better bring your hefty wallet along for the oversized bill you will receive. Probably the most expensive place in town. The french place in the old market is one that I've been to a few times for lunch and the food was very good, in small portions, & expensive again in an interesting dark room that can have a stuffy snobby feel to it at times.

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

Roadtrip/Santa Fe/Taos/Durango

Thanks to everybody for the great tips! I can't wait to try some of these places! I'm sure this will add so much to our trip experience & memories. Thanks to mardy and jasonaz for the lastest two posts. The Compound seems to be universally liked and I am so grateful for the tip about seating at the Geronimo - and the Durango places sound so good from jasonaz - Francisco's is a definite on our list & we will try the beef sopapillas! Love really good bakeries/restaurants & my husband & I seek out historic homes & buildings that have been converted into dining establishments - we went to two of those in Manitou Springs Co. last fall & will never forget them! (The Cliffhouse Inn & Briarhurst Manor) I will difinitely report back with reviews when we return.

MaryJane in Southwest

Nebraska, SD, ND, Iowa Trip

Redwood in Atlantic has great steaks & be sure to order the onion rings (best I've ever had). Omaha - Gorat's & Bohemian are both good choices - at the Bohemian order the boiled beef in dill gravy with the liver dumpling soup, also sweet & sour cabbage & apple dumpling (I know it sounds wierd, but trust me it's great! Also the neighborhood looks time-worn, but don't be put-off by that as I go there a lot at night & always feel absolutely safe).

Second The Dutch Bakery and Woudstra Meat Market in Orange City - love those Dutch letters!

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

Roadtrip/Santa Fe/Taos/Durango

Thanks for the rec for Durango chow to GroovinGourmet. We'll give it a try & report back. And a BIG thanks to IslayMan for your nifty list for all three places! Can't wait to try some of these.........any that stand out as "do not miss?"

MaryJane in Southwest

Roadtrip/Santa Fe/Taos/Durango

Help! Need advice on good food in Santa Fe, Taos, Durango or any towns nearby for a roadtrip the middle of May. We will be spending most of our time in NM, with a short trip to Durango for the train trip & Mesa Verde - So Santa Fe & nearby will be where we will be spending the most time. We like mexican food, but not too hot, otherwise just like great food (any kind) & not too stuffy an atmosphere - relaxed & casual - with an occasional upscale dining experience that's worth the price!

I've received great recs in the past from Chowhounders on other boards - so any advice would be very welcome! Thanks so much!

MaryJane in Southwest

thanksgiving in Ann Arbor

Thanks for the input - I have noticed that the service is not what it used to be - actually pretty slow the last time we were there - but the food was still as good as ever, we thought. Wow! For something as important as a Groom's dinner - you would think that would have gotten their attention - what a bad experience - not very professional of them, was it?

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

Meet-the-Parents in Omaha

So glad you had a great time at Gorat's - it sounds like the evening was quite a success! Thanks for the update on how the evening went. Terrific that the suggestions helped!

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

Ann Arbor so far

Amer's Mediterranean Deli on State - Try an iced mocha coffee (I dream of these). I also like the huge sandwiches, the Georgia Reuben was fantastic! Desserts look amazing, but I've always been too stuffed from the deli-hugewiches! Not as big-bucks as Zingerman's.

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

thanksgiving in Ann Arbor

I'm curious. My question is to "gromit" who commented on the "Gandy Dancer" as being "just not worth it anymore". What's just not worth it anymore? Element of personal grudge? What happened? My husband and I dine at the Gandy Dancer each year in July and have enjoyed the "early dinner" special with the works, appetizer to dessert - great food at a good price. True, the service has not been as friendly or personal as it was 5 years or so ago - but that's the only difference I can think of. I'd be interested to know more.........
As for Zingerman's Roadhouse, we tried it once - thought it was high-priced for the quality of food (not memorable) and would not go back. The original Zingerman's is much better - but I actually like Amer's Deli best. Can't help with the Thanksgiving thing, though, sorry!

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive

Meet-the-Parents in Omaha

First of all, the object of the trip is for the folks to meet the fiancee - not the meal. So that being said, you want the folks to be relaxed and feeling comfortable. I wouldn't take them to a trendy Sushi Bar or a trendy & noisy mexican restaurant like Roja, for Asian/Fusion or even a Bar/Pub. Sounds like the folks are not the adventurous types so.......La Casa would work (older family-style place with good food & low-key). How about Gorats for steaks, or Johhny's Cafe in South Omaha? Carraba's has good Italian (might be a chain) or Lo Solo Mio (locally owned & great Italian) the folks would be in their comfort-zone in either place also. Be sure to post after you get back to let us know how it all turned out!

MaryJane in General Midwest Archive