Cook's Cafe: The Only Way To Do Breakfast

My mom is a country-girl at heart. She grew up in the small town of Newman Grove, Nebraska. If you ask her what she misses about this small community, she will tell you all about the City Café. It is one of two local restaurants in town where you can’t seem to sit down without a handshake, hug or a head nod at the very least, from every single person there. When our family moved to Lincoln, it wasn’t just my mom that missed the City Café. Our whole family missed its friendly, unassuming atmosphere and most definitely its remarkable excellence in comfort food. When we stumbled upon Cook’s Café in our very own Lincoln, Nebraska– it was fate. Its small-town appeal and perfection of the breakfast basics takes us all back, time after time, to my mom’s small town, country girl youth.

It is the best greasy-spoon breakfast joint you will find anywhere around, and has become a Sunday morning tradition in the Peetz Family. Right after mass at St. Teresa’s Church, our family can’t wait to head to Cook’s Café for a warm, delicious, traditional breakfast. Cook’s Café is located in the Bethany district in an unassuming corner of a strip mall. The service is just as wonderful as their food. On Sunday mornings, the house is always packed but don’t you worry, they will get you seated in no time. They certainly take care of you and will refill your cup before you even know its empty.

They serve all the classics and caringly assemble each plate to your liking whether it be a tender chicken-fried steak, smothered in gravy or a pancake oozing with blueberries.

Lindsay went with the classic hot cakes and hash browns– always a winner.

Anne went with her usual waffle, neatly decorated with sliced bananas and a scrambled egg on the side. I went with the Western Omelet. Cook’s Cafe uniquely spices up this traditional breakfast omelet with jalapeno peppers!

It is my absolute favorite, but when I am craving a sweet dish, I can’t resist their Blueberry Pancakes and Peanut Butter French Toast. My mom usually orders the poached eggs, delicately served in a dish with a plate of toast and bacon. Mr. Peetz usually goes for a hearty plate of hash browns, over-easy eggs, toast and bacon. Whatever breakfast variation you are in the mood for, you can guarantee that Cook’s will masterfully craft the best breakfast basics.

If you enjoy a hearty and tasty breakfast as much as my family does, you must try Cook’s Café. It is a breakfast dive that will soon become a tradition of your own. You will most likely see us there among the many other regulars that frequent its quaint scene. Enjoy the friendly community and 1950s décor of charmingly decorated walls like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean photos. Locally owned and operated, they mean it when they say, “Breakfast is our Specialty.”

Cook's Café
1300 N. 66th St.
Lincoln, NE 68504
466-1771

There is Always an Occasion for The Cookie Company

If you know me, then you know that sweets are the best way to get to my heart. Not just any ordinary sweet will get you there. It usually takes a homemade treat, made with fresh and quality ingredients of course. The Cookie Company has never let me down. They have mastered the art of baking the most extraordinary cookies, muffins and scones in town! So when I came home after a long and stressful day and saw this…

I felt instant gratification. The mouthwatering smell of fresh baked cookies had me drooling the moment I walked in the door. My roommates and I are lucky enough to have an awesome friend to spoil us with treats from the Cookie Company.

She works at the Cookie Company’s downtown location and is so kind to treat us with their delicious treats. I knew these had to be from her.

I try to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle, and I do so through a balance of exercise, a healthy diet, laughter and yes– sweets. Sweets are a definite weakness of mine so I give myself two rules in order to enjoy them in moderation. The first is to only allow myself to indulge in the finest treats. Not just any sweet will do. No offense to Little Debbie or Betty Crocker, but I have set my standards very high. My other rule is that it must be for a special occasion. I am not too picky with this rule. In fact, when it comes to anything from the Cookie Company, I will surely find a reason to justify its occasion.

Baked goods are my absolute favorite so when I am craving a cookie, muffin or scone, it can only be from the Cookie Company. Their quality ingredients, supplies and baking expertise deliver satisfaction in several different flavors to please any and all likings. Everything is baked fresh each morning. In fact, they are responsible for that divine aroma wafting through the streets of downtown Lincoln.

I personally love the M&M Cookie, but the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie is another solid pick. You really can’t go wrong with any of them! They are all soft, chewy, and full of flavor. They won’t crumble in your hand either. Each cookie maintains the perfect thickness to hold each ingredient together in a delightful way.

The Cookie Company also makes amazing muffins and scones! Be careful, they are addicting and they go by extremely fast! If you want one, make sure you get there early enough because they are very popular! My favorite muffin I have tried is their Blueberry Muffin. My favorite scone is the Pumpkin Scone, soft and fluffy, and lightly drizzled with a frosting that is to-die-for. The Cookie Company even makes custom cookies, custom cookie cakes and cookie bouquets! There is no better way to express your love than through a Cookie Company Cookie.

Come visit our friend Kate (the cute girl with the red curls) at the Cookie Company and you will see and taste the goodness for yourself. They are located on 138th N 12th St. in downtown Lincoln. They have another location in the lower level of Westfield Mall.

Bread&Cup: Simply the best in every single, simple way.

It is true. Simple is better. Bread & Cup’s atmosphere, menu and values all emanate from simplicity. Don't be fooled by the detailed, exuberant and beautiful presentation of their dishes because they simply demonstrate the genius and creative culinary mind of Executive Chef Kevin Shinn and his staff. Bread&Cup’s employees maintain this sophisticated simplicity by using local vendors and producers whenever possible. They prepare all of their menu items right there in their own kitchen and bakery. Besides their incredible food, I can give you a long list of reasons why they are one of my favorite restaurants– ever! But I will start with their food.

Bread&Cup's breakfast and lunch menus generally stay the same, but the evening menu changes four times a week. My favorite lunch menu item is the Pork sandwich- Fork tender shoulder roast, provolone cheese & sweet apple cream or savory garlic cause on ciabatta bread. I am sure the savory garlic sauce is great but I can’t bring myself to try it because the sweet apple cream is that amazing. All of their delicious sandwiches are prepared on the house made bread. They also have salads and soups that are a great accompaniment to any sandwich.

My fiance, Matt, and I visited Bread&Cup this Monday evening for a special date to relax, catch-up and enjoy a fantastic meal. Their menu made it very difficult for us to choose just one thing. As usual, the best I could do was narrow it down to a few things. We started with the Ploughman. This is under the “Conversation” selection on the menu. The Ploughman comes with bread, cheese, salami and fruit. We chose the Gorgonzola cheese and apple for the fruit. It was a perfect appetizer and fun to share with our conversation.

Another favorite “Conversation” of mine offers two compliments, bread, and cheese. For my favorite compliments, I am nearly addicted to the Apple Butter and Roasted Tomato Pesto (also offered as a Fresh basil Pesto).

Being the soup junkie that I am, I ordered the Tomato & Peanut Curry Soup. It was blended to a thick and creamy consistency with chunks of tomato and peanuts. It was perfectly spiced and delicious to soak my pieces of bread in.

Finally, we both ordered our main courses. Matt tried the Smoked Kielbasa with spaetzle, local spinach & smoked almonds. Kielbasa is a polish sausage and a spaetzle is a pasta-like dumpling. The Kielbasa was rich and flavorful and the spaetzle, spinach and almonds were a beautiful and pleasant complement to the meat. In fact, it was nearly gone in three minutes!

I had to try the Warm Wheat and Spinach Salad, with spinach, wheat (barley), carrots and goat cheese. It was incredible. It was lightly warmed and drizzled with some sort of sweet dressing.

I could taste a hint of maple syrup. It subtly brought out the flavors of the carrots, barely, spinach and almonds, each in a unique and magnificent way. I was especially pleased at how each ingredient was masterfully cooked to just the right consistency. It gave this salad a nice balance of flavor and texture– not too soggy or too crunchy. My favorite part was the goat cheese, wrapped in herbs and spices. It was delightfully cool and creamy, a humble match-up for this dish.

At that point, I was satisfied beyond belief with the three-course meal I had treated myself to. It was a rare occasion, but I didn’t have room for the dessert menu. I have many good memories with the Banana Bread Pudding…made with their day old cinnamon rolls. I don’t even need to further describe this dessert, but it deserves an outstanding recommendation.

As you know, the only thing I appreciate more than great food is great support of our community. I am blown away by the Bread & Cup and Execute Chef Kevin Shinn’s quiet support of local vendors and producers that speaks volumes. I encourage you to check out his blog! I enjoy learning his techniques and understanding his culinary inspirations. In one of his recent blogs, titled Making Local a Habit, he gives his thoughts on purchasing locally sourced products. He presents a wonderful understanding of the importance of purchasing local. Kevin writes, “It brings me more satisfaction as a chef to do business with a grower that I know and feel like a contributor to his economy… The kind of Pleasure, which I speak, does not derive from ease. Instead it stems from satisfaction in a job well done. It’s drawn from a well of deep amusement in how the world works and fits together. It flows from a river of appreciation for beauty in any form. Sadly, it’s a sensation from which our culture is growing increasingly distant. This is why I buy local and take the effort required to do so, even though it’s much easier to pick up the phone, call a food vendor and it shows up on your doorstep the next morning. ”

His blog is wonderful and this particular article is an eye opener. It gives a personal perspective of our local economy and community, and we could all use a little reminder on the importance of eating local for our community’s economy and health!

Green Bagels- my new St. Patrick's Day tradition!

Okay, so I didn't manage to find a pot of gold this St. Patrick's Day, but I did find a festive holiday treat at Bruegger's Bagels! It is too soon to tell, but I think they used some Luck O' The Irish in their ingredients.

I am a sucker for holidays, celebrations and any occasion to shake up the monotony of my daily life. Who doesn't love a reason to meet up with friends, dress up, and of course eat? I think that comes with having three sisters and living in a sorority. My sisters and I have a closet devoted to costumes for all occasions.

This morning I hopped in my green car, wearing my green shirt, green shoes and green purse. Just when I thought I couldn't get anymore festive walking into Bruegger's Bagels to devour a delicious Herby Turkey sandwich (with roasted turkey, light herb garlic cream cheese, sundried tomato spread, lettuce, & red onion), I spotted their green bagels for St. Patty's Day! I am borderline addicted to the Herby Turkey on a sun-dried tomato bagel, but I couldn't resist a taste of Bruegger's St. Patty's Day treat. It was fresh, chewy and delicious! I always appreciate restaurants and people finding fun and creative ways to celebrate. Enjoy your holiday!

Join me Friday for this delicious, free and inspirational event!

Slow Food Nebraska is hosting a delicious, free and inspirational event this Friday! Local author Steven McFadden is releasing his 2nd edition of The Call of the Land. The acclaimed 1st edition of The Call of the Land was named one of the Best Books of 2009 by Food Systems Network NYC. The 2nd edition, far more comprehensive, is making a deeper, wider, and even more positive impression. Steven will talk about the positive responses to the upward spiral in food cost and the downward spiral in food quality. There will be a community conversation on creating a just, sustainable food system, and last but certainly not least– free food! Local farmers, restaurant owners and chefs will be generously donating delicious samples of local foods!

Who: local author Steven McFadden, Slow Food Nebraska, and all the great people in our community interested in learning and working to create a clean, secure, sustainable food system as a healthy foundation for the dynamic, high-tech culture that is emerging.
What: Slow Food Nebraska’s free and inspiring event– the release of The Call of the Land, 2nd edition!
- All are invited to join in a community conversation on creating a just, sustainable food system.
- Local farmers and restaurant owners will be generously donating delicious local foods to sample!
- The book launch is co-sponsored by Nebraska Food Coop, Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society, and Buy Fresh Buy Local. Maggie Pleskac, owner of fabulous Maggie’s Vegetarian Cafe, will introduce Steven.
Where: Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln
When: Friday, March 18, 7-9pm
Why: There is nothing more satisfying that supporting our community– and enjoying tasty local foods while we are at it! Our community will come together, learning and working for this "good food movement" to ensure equity, sustainability and pleasure in the food we eat.

(above: Matt Weber and Spencer Richards enjoying a slow food meal at the Peetz house)

- If you can't make the book launch, come hear Steven's 3pm presentation at the Nebraska Bioneers Creating Community Day, Saturday, March 19, at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Visit www.nebraskabioneers.org
Slow Food: www.facebook.com/SlowFoodNebraska
Author’s blog: www.thecalloftheland.com

- Learn more about the Slow Food Movement: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/slow_food/

Open Harvest of Lincoln- proving nutritious to be delicious!

Okay, I will admit it that I am a little bit of a health nut. It has been an unintentional transformation (most noticeably in my eating preferences) through my own athletic experiences and the help of my sister’s influence. My health nut habits have led me to discover the power of super foods such as nuts, whole grains and berries. It is true, these super foods are the super heroes behind my athletic performance and healthy lifestyle. Throughout my soccer career, I have acquired a great deal of nutritional information from various nutritionists, working hard to provide myself and other athletes with adequate fuel and knowledge to preform at the highest level. I can personally attest to the reaping benefits of a balanced diet for higher energy levels, resistance to sickness, muscle building and repair and an overall better mood, among many other things. My body now craves fresh and delicious grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats. While I don't maintain the same rigorous schedule I did while playing soccer, I do try to stay active and my diet allows me to do so. When I am in a rush, I know I can’t get a quality meal that is delicious and healthy just anywhere. I can always guarantee an excellent meal from the deli at Lincoln’s Open Harvest Natural Foods Cooperative Grocery. Since 1975, they have been providing Nebraska with high quality natural foods in their groceries, produce, bakery, deli, supplements, gifts and many others– with a mission to provide good health through good nutrition.
This Friday was the first Friday of the Lent season. Over my lunch break, I was starving and in the mood for something satisfying, tasty, fresh and meatless. I do love meat, but I chose to take this opportunity to be a disciplined Catholic, and to discover a unique alternative. It didn’t take long for me to find myself nearly drooling behind the deli counter of Open Harvest, located on 1618 South Street. Their deli prepares all items on site, using no preservatives or artificial flavors. They also incorporate organic produce in their menu items whenever possible.

I keep coming back for their changing daily specials on soups and entrees. Besides their yummy vegetarian and vegan options, they offer an assortment of meat and seafood dishes, salads, soups, tofu dishes, made-to-order sandwiches, burgers and burritos. The best part is that you can bring a deli case home to the family or grab an individual order on the run! As you can see, I had a hard time deciding between the assortment of colorful, fun and tasty salads.

So, I narrowed it down to three and that was the best I could do. The first was the Alpha-Omega Salad. The Alpha-Omega Salad is made with carrots, red onions, red and green peppers, parsley, chives, peas, cranberries, sunflower seeds, red wine vinegar, leon juice, olive, canola and flax seed oil and garlic. It had the loveliest array of bright vegetables to give it a fresh and savory crunch.

The next salad I tried was the Santa Fe Barley Salad. This salad was made with barley, corn roasted peppers, pumpkin seeds, green onions, jalapenos, cilantro, canola and olive oil, lime juice, cumin and taco seasoning. It had a softer texture and a slightly spicier taste.

The last salad I tried was the Moroccan Couscous. This one was my favorite! It was made with couscous, garbanzo beans, red onions, red bell peppers, cashews, green onions, cilantro, currants, olive oil, honey, white wine vinegar, curry powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. I loved the texture of the tiny grains in my mouth, seasoned with Indian spices and a hint of sweetness.

It was also difficult to decide between the seafood and vegetarian sandwich and burger options, but I finally went with the spinach burger. It was an excellent choice. The patty had a unique and flavorful texture. It didn’t need to be dressed in additional sauces and spices because the patty itself was so flavorsome. As a meat-burger alternative, it is the best I have had.

It is a far better option than your everyday veggie burger. I regret not having more time to visit the bakery section, but I know I will be back soon. My visits to the Open Harvest deli always deliver a wholesome, filling meal that give my mind and body nourishment. Most importantly, it is always a pleasure for my taste buds. I usually grab my order to go, but they do have a few tables to sit and enjoy my meal there.

Check out their website for exciting news and events at the Open Harvest!! http://www.openharvest.com/. And to learn more about super foods, check out one of my favorite sources here, http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp/superfoods.

The Oven: an authentic Indian experience with sentimental value and superior quality

I was delighted to spend a night of quality “bonding” with my dad this past Wednesday. Being the popular guy that he is, this was quite a rare occasion. It did occur to me that the rest of my family was out of town for the week, but I chose not to dwell on this fact. Instead, I chose to capitalize on it–Dinner date!

We had 7:00 pm tickets to hear Laurie Garrett speak at the Lied Center for the E.N. Thompson Series on Globalization. When my dad asked if I wanted to go, my response was something along the lines of, “I would love to. I’ll meet you at The Oven at 6:00 pm!” The Oven specializes in Northern Indian Cuisine in a clay oven called the Tandoor. Their authentic Indian dishes are distinctively created from a collection of different spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, cloves, cardamom, cayenne pepper, garlic and ginger and many more.

Knowing my dad would be arriving a few minutes late, I cozied myself into a corner booth and ordered a Darjeeling tea. It didn’t take long for me to warm up and settle down as I enjoyed a few moments alone, just listening to the music’s soothing, quiet beats and inhaling the aroma of Indian spices. I absolutely love their décor of Indian murals and artwork, and of course the high ceilings and brick walls that reflect the historic Haymarket’ style. Their dim lighting and candle-lit tables create a romantic and quiet ambiance that instantly allows me to relax.

By the time my dad had arrived, we were a little pressed for time. We wanted something warm and satisfying, but nothing too heavy– I had the perfect order in mind for us. I started us off with the Spinach Bread.

I usually get either the Paneer Kulcha- a naan stuffed with fresh cheese, onion and coriander, and served with mint chutney, or the Paneer Kulcha- a naan stuffed with cashews and raisins. Their different Indian Breads are each delicious and unique. I love trying a different one each time so I asked the waitress for a recommendation of her favorite. I’m glad I did, the Spinach Bread was wonderful! This naan was a generous in size and flavor, stuffed with spinach, paneer, cream cheese and Indian seasoning. Fresh out of the oven, it was soft, light, buttery and full of flavor. Next, I ordered us the Mulligatawny Soup. It is made from curried lentils and vegetables, garnished with rice and cilantro. It has just the right touch of each ingredient to create a smooth texture, leaving you with a tangy, lemony bite in every spoonful.

While just the soup and naan make a spectacular meal that is light and reasonably priced, I almost never make a visit to The Oven without indulging in one of their delicious entrees. Their menu features a wide variety of tandoori meats, vegetarian entrees, rice specialties, curries, Indian breads and naans. Their meats are slow-simmered and tender. I highly recommend trying their lamb! If you don’t think you like lamb, they will surprise you. Yes, even all of you Nebraska-beef lovers. And for all of you vegetarians, the Vegetable Korma is fantastic. But for anyone and everyone, the Mulligatawny soup is a MUST. The flavors of their dishes are each distinct and exquisite. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. A few of my favorites are the Chicken Madera, in a coconut-based sauce, the Chicken Tikka Makhani, in a tomato/butter based sauce and the Chicken Bhuna, with green peppers and jalapenos in a Curry Sauce! Finally, the Oven’s extensive wine list is always a highlight for anyone with a sophisticated taste for wine. The Oven has been recognized by the Wine Spectator Magazine's Wine Spectator Best of Excellence Award.

My family’s relationship with The Oven goes way back. Ever since I can remember, my Grandpa Bud has been spoiling my sisters, cousins and I with what I consider to be the “ultimate Husker experience.” It begins in the morning, just outside of Memorial Stadium, where we listen to the UNL marching band’s performance and eventually follow them into the football game. At half time, we take a visit to the Nebraska Bookstore. The real treat for me is always after the game, when we follow the rowdy mass of Husker fans (eager to celebrate a win) to the downtown Haymarket district. The perfect way to end a jam-packed day of excitement is to enjoy the Oven’s relaxing atmosphere and exquisite authentic Indian cuisine. I will certainly take any and every opportunity to eat there, especially with my family. We often order a variety of dishes and pass them around family-style, that way we get to taste their many different flavors!

Thai Garden of Lincoln, authentic Thai you must try!

I might possibly be the biggest fan of downtown Lincoln’s Blue Orchid Restaurant. I have tried every dish on the menu at least three times, but can’t seem to get enough of the Panang Curry with salmon! I figure this qualifies me as a big fan of Thai cuisine. However, knowing their version of Thai cuisine has significant American influence, I sent myself on a mission to find Lincoln’s most authentic Thai food to test my true loyalty.

My first experience of Lincoln’s authentic Thai cuisine begins at Thai Garden, located on 13th Street, between P and Q streets. It has an unpretentious ambiance, reflecting its quiet location just off the beaten path of “O” Street. On my Thursday night visit with my friend and sister, it definitely proved to be a good sign that the place was full.

We had all heard nothing but great things about their Pad Thai dish, but we wanted to try something different. We started with the Fresh Roll, Spring Roll, and Crab Ragoon appetizers. The Crab Ragoon and Spring Roll were both lightly fried and served with a sweet and sour sauce. They were both delicious, but I especially loved the Fresh Roll, filled with crabmeat, rice noodles and a side of peanut dipping sauce.

Then we moved to the extensive list of entrees. The menu is organized by the different types of meat, which made it was easier to narrow down our decision. We decided on the Spicy Tom Gai soup and also the Vegetables and Chicken dish. My friend Sarah ordered the Ginger Chicken. Our meals all came with a large bowl of white rice, which I especially appreciated because I usually have to ask for more. The presentation of the soup might have been my favorite part of the meal! It was served in a large donut-shaped metal bowl with a flame sprouting through the center like a fountain. Its coconut milk base was loaded with veggies, chicken, rice and a spicy flavor that managed to awaken every single taste bud in my mouth. I loved it! The spicy kick and consistency of the soup were just right. The flavor wasn’t too overwhelming or heavy. I would absolutely order it again.

The Vegetables and Chicken dish had a light and mild sauce that complemented the tender vegetables and chicken. The Ginger Chicken also came in a light sauce with a slightly spicier kick. I enjoyed each dish very much and appreciated the generous portions for such an affordable price. I walked away feeling healthy and satisfied. I am without a doubt a true fan of Thai cuisine. Stay tuned for my next Thai adventure in Lincoln, Nebraska!

The Table: soup to warm the soul, charity to warm the community

Lincoln's The Cup has become one of my most recent and favorite discoveries. It sits on a quiet street just off 25th and Randolph, offering “simple food, fair trade coffee & tea, and organic baking.” Their menu includes a scrumptious Patisserie selection of cakes and pastries that changes daily and can be made to order. The Cup also offers an extensive menu of coffee and tea beverages, as well as an assortment of homemade paninis, soups and salads, all crafted from fresh, healthy and wholesome ingredients.

They have rightfully earned a decorated resume of honors for culinary excellence, but nothing is more delicious and respectable than their genuine support for Lincoln's community, which is the main ingredient in everything they do.

The Cup is a chief supporter of the fair trade movement, committed to the delicate ecosystems of third world countries, social change through the world’s second largest traded commodity-coffee, and to their customers’ health. They uphold these values in many different ways, but most locally and perhaps directly with the creation of a community based soup kitchen.

On weekdays, their mouthwatering soups are served at downtown Lincoln’s Café Indigo (another one of my favorite spots – soon to be featured in my blog ☺). Café Indigo, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Bread & Cup and The Cup have teamed up to create this community based soup kitchen called The Table. The Table serves The Cup’s soup and Bread & Cup’s bread at Café Indigo’s downtown location.

This is quite possibly the best creation imaginable with three of Lincoln’s best places to eat and drink ALL IN ONE, and just when you think it can’t get any better it does.

The genuinely friendly volunteers serve this tasty meal of soup and bread at no price but your own. They encourage and appreciate a donation that pays for the cost of the food. As they welcome any form of donation, they most importantly value the gift of community. That is the philosophy of The Table: Unlimited Soup. Unlimited Bread. Unlimited Philosophy.

You haven’t truly discovered Lincoln until you have discovered The Table. It is these humble and heroic efforts of Bread & Cup, The Cup, Indigo Coffee, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, and every single person, donation, smile and conversation flourishing at The Table, that make our community so rich and delicious. Not to mention, you can’t get a meal this good anywhere else.