Crescent Moon Coffee: Cozy in With a Tasty Crepe!

It is already that time of the year again. You know, when bike paths are exploding with joggers, sorority girls are tanning in their front lawns, the freshmen in the dorms are creeping out of hibernation and spilling into the basketball and tennis courts... Life is good. I hate to be the downer on Spring Fever but when that sun goes down, the party is over. We all know we will be trading our bikes for books in the quietest corner we can find, desperately cramming for finals and binging on caffeine.

Downtown Lincoln offers some great coffee shops where you can enjoy an excellent cup of Joe and maybe a delicious pastry, but when you need a quiet place to study or relax, your options become quite limited (especially during finals). I would be selfish not to share with you my most recent and favorite study spot. The Crescent Moon is a hidden gem in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket district.

It quietly sits caddy-corner to The Mill and Scooter’s Coffee Shops, tucked away in the lower level of the Apothecary. The Crescent Moon Coffee has moved to this new location (just across the street from its old spot), offering the same selection of coffees, juices, teas, gifts and food. This new and central location has given them more room to exhibit their live musical and reading performances, catering to their loyal clientele.

It is quaint, rustic and most awesomely quiet.

I love their vintage brick walls, decorated with local artwork and shelves, full of books. They have some of the friendliest baristas in Lincoln, but the best thing about The Crescent Moon is that they offer my absolute favorite breakfast item that is almost nowhere else to be found in Lincoln. Crepes! Both savory and sweet!

Let me tell you, their made-to-order crepe is very tasty. I like mine stuffed with eggs, peppers, onions and cheese, and spiced with oregano and basil. The thin pancake-like layers are delicate and soft. The crepe is a generous size, light and fresh to fill you up but not hold you down.

It is perhaps the coziest coffee shop to study at. I could spend the entire day studying there with only my books, computer and a mug full of coffee. Sadly, they won’t let me.

My only complaint is of their unusual hours. The Crescent Moon opens at 8:00am Monday – Friday until 1pm, and then again at 6pm-11pm. This isn’t very favorable for the early bird or the night owl. Unfortunately many people are well on their way to class or work at 8:00am. For the average procrastinator like myself, 11pm is a little bit early. Even one extra hour before opening and another hour after closing would suit my schedule well. Their weekday closing time at 1pm especially bothers me. Every once in a while, I like to enjoy an afternoon reading or doing schoolwork in a coffee shop. The Crescent Moon would be a perfect candidate; however, they close at 1pm so I rarely consider unpacking my bag of books and making myself comfortable. There is nothing worse than disrupting a critical study session or Skype-date!

Although, it might be better to get a little bit more shut-eye before final exams. If you are looking for a coffee-fueled homework setup, you must try the Crescent Moon. It is the perfect place to focus on your work. If you need a study break, swing by the book shelves, snack on a delicious crepe, or even gather around the entertainment of their Music Series and Reading Series! Cheers to you and your studies!

The Parthenon Greek Grill and Taverna

I am now at that point in my life when Spring Break just doesn’t have the same appeal as it once did. It has been buzz-killed by the fact that all of my friends are now finishing school, beginning more school, working at a job, or trying to find a job. As it turns out, I didn’t get to travel anywhere exotic for my big Spring Break this year. However, for a short time I did come close as I sipped wine, and chowed down on Hummus, Pita Bread, Gyros and Greek pastries at Lincoln’s very own– Parthenon.

This past weekend, four of my college roommates and I were reunited on our Spring Break in Lincoln, Nebraska and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Somehow, we convinced our friend Brittney, who is now in Dallas, to spend her vacation time back in our old stomping grounds. We had spent the majority of our weekend in the downtown area, so when Sunday night rolled around, we were ready to venture out. We had one last meal together before going our separate ways. As usual, we each had our own and different opinion about where to eat and what to do; and as usual, we took our time to argue, research and take recommendations so that we could make the most of our last meal. It was well worth it.

First and foremost we wanted great food, but we also wanted a fun atmosphere where we could chat, reminisce, laugh-out-loud and be entertained. Don’t get me wrong; we are a very sophisticated bunch. However, when we get together, we sometimes all talk at once or laugh so hard the table shakes. We wanted to be comfortable enjoying ourselves and the Parthenon was absolutely the perfect place to do so. We owe a big thanks to Alexa Cardona’s parents for their recommendation. They know all the best spots in Lincoln, and are way more fun than we are. We trusted their approval right away.

The Parthenon was featuring live music this past Sunday night when we came in. The talented artist, Mike Goode, played all of our favorites from Jason Mraz to John Mayer. It was the perfect entertainment for a Sunday night dinner scene– fun and upbeat to keep us smiling and even singing along at times, but also quiet enough for us to hear our own conversations.

This special occasion gave us a good excuse to try everything, starting with the wine-tasting specials. For a great price, we were given four glasses of wine. It was an excellent way to taste and compare different flavors. If you aren’t into wine, I am sure they have something for you behind their large and fully stocked bar. We also started off with the roasted red pepper hummus and pita bread. The warm pita bread was soft and delicious. The hummus was delicately spiced with fresh herbs and vegetables and blended to a smooth, nutty texture- the perfect accompaniment for the pita bread. I could have taken my spoon right to the hummus if we didn’t clean the plate with the pita bread!

I had to order the traditional Gyro Plate for my entree. The tender and spicy meat was dressed with a fresh tzatziki sauce and neatly placed on a bed of lettuce, tomatoes and onions. The slices of pita bread were tucked on its side to complete its polished presentation.

For my two sides, I chose the delicious house Agolemono soup and a vegetable medley. The soup was similar to a chicken and wild rice soup with a creamy base. The flavor was mild, but had a unique lemon flavor that added a tasty surprise to each spoonful. It was a nice complement to the many different Mediterranean flavors of our meal.

The vegetable medley side was their featured special– a cold, pickled mix of vegetables in a light, vinegar-based sauce. We all ended up ordering either the Chicken or the Signature Gyro Platters and were very pleased. Anna tried the other side special of the night– halved pears soaked in a cabernet wine, slightly savory and slightly sweet.

They were delicious, but we couldn’t consider them dessert…especially after we saw not one, but two glass displays filled with countless Greek desserts. I will warn you now. It is heavenly. We ended up trying a chocolate, coffee-flavored cake of some sort and an apple turnover.

The owners, and brothers, Mike and George Kazas, create and make the recipes that you will find on the Parthenon’s menu. Throughout the summer and whenever they can, they use local produce. If you have made a visit to the Parthenon, it is more than likely that one of the brothers has come out of the kitchen to ask about your meal and visit. They have a genuine and friendly disposition that is reflected in each and every employee. The Parthenon is a great place for a date, a family meal, or any group gathering. They are open for lunch and dinner and offer a very extensive menu:

All salads are served with a homemade Greek dressing and fresh pita bread. They also have Greek Pizzas, Specialty Pasta Dishes, Souvlaki Entrees, Vegan Entrees, Wraps and Specialty Meat Dishes for steak, lamb, chicken, vegetables and different combinations of each. You certainly won’t be disappointed with your experience at the Parthenon! Take my advice and head there on your next break. They are located on South 56th and Highway 2.

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/