Eating Omaha...

I've made reference in earlier posts to Omaha's kick-butt food scene. But this weekend with Mr. P's folks in town we were able to discover even more local haunts that made us cry "lord have mercy!"

Among them French Cafe, a gorgeous brasserie-style restaurant in the heart of Omaha's Old Market district. First and foremost I plan on stealing the electric pink tree in the back corner - it's pink, it shimmers, and it walks a fine line between super cool and just plain tacky. MUST HAVE IT.



I ordered the steak frites because I'm a sucker for red meat and who doesn't love a good pile o' frites? Oui oui.



For dessert the world's largest profiterole or as I like to call it, "that giant flaky ice cream thingy."

And as if that weren't enough, we walked down the street to the Old Market Candy Store where we picked up a dozen mud balls, a cross between a truffle, an Oreo and a cheesecake ball. If that's wrong I don't wanna be right.

Next up on the Road to High Cholesterol was Dixie Quicks.

Doesn't look like much, does it? It's surprisingly less "divey" on the inside and reservations are a must. The restaurant was featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" a show that I believe is funded by the American Butter Churners Union. And Dixie Quicks is a solid addition to the program. The french toast was the size of a bowling ball, the pancakes were fluffy and delicious, and my dish - the Dixie Scramble - made me want to stand up and salute.

Oh sure, sure...we did make time for some good home cooking. My mother-in-law is an amazing cook and we grilled chicken and vegetables one night. But then we hopped right back on the Lipitor Express with a visit to Louis M's Burger Lust:

No, really. That's what it's called. And the burgers are positively TO DIE FOR. I had guacamole, bacon and cheddar cheese on mine. And no, I have no regrets. I'm building up a solid layer of fat to keep me warm this winter.

And to celebrate the in-laws' visit we ended with dinner at a great spot near our house followed by ice cream at the most fantastic ice cream shop you could ever imagine: e-Creamery. How many places do you know that will let you customize your ice cream, gelato or sorbet right down to the label? You can have it shipped to just about anywhere in the US or, if you're lucky enough to live 15 blocks away, you can just go pick it up. This week they were celebrating the College World Series by offering special flavors representing each team.

Just FYI, I opted for the Virginia Victory Mix but the Tar Heel Meal was winning. (what do you expect? it has sweet cream ice cream with Reeses's Peanut Butter Cups and hot fudge.)

To work off our delicious desserts we did what all newcomers to Omaha do...we stalked Warren Buffet's house. And for all of you who are curious to know:

Not as massive as you would think, huh? And obviously it's no Ranch. But hey Warren, if you're reading this, I'm happy to come by and help jazz things up. I'm now a mulching magician, an uber-upholsterer, and a weeding wizard. Just let me know when I should swing by!