Let's talk about the universally beloved food item: pizza! Dan (Backlot Taphouse; Backlot Pizza & Kitchen), Adam (Terrible Gerald's), and Joel (Noli's Pizzeria) talk about how they fell in love with pizza, the intricacies of the craft, how delicate and finicky dough can be, the upcoming trends in the pizza industry, and more! This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode w...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Dan gets the microphone turned on him in this one-of-a-kind live episode. Paul brings the heat, asking Dan the questions so many people ask: does he ever have a bad restaurant experience? Why is he so thin? How did he go from a lame food blogger to a podcast host? We cover all that and much, much more! 🔗 Episode Reference: Block 16 – https://www.block16omaha.com This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Matt blew my mind in this episode. Behind the craft of creating cocktails, making drinks based off of guests' moods and memories, and the insane in-the-moment balance of making and taking orders at a bar, this conversation gave me an entirely new respect for anyone in the bar industry. But what I'll remember most is how Matt emphasizes that it's not about what's in the cup; it's how the bar (and the person serving you) make you feel. This is one of my favorite episodes of the podcast in a long t...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Chef Djamil doesn't just want to serve great food; he wants to change the way Omaha's food community interacts. In our deep, wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how Djamil and his foundation, which empowers and educates immigrants and refugees in the kitchen, is trying to change the conversation around food in Omaha in a way a restaurant couldn't do. We also remark on how, while there are different cuisines and cultures, all food is more similar than we often make it out to be. 🌍 Learn more a...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min
John Rea had limited experience with pizza and pasta when he took over the Via Farina kitchen nearly a decade ago. The move was a game changer for both parties: Via reignited John's passion for cooking, and John's leadership and desire for knowledge (especially about pizza) have taken Via Farina to another level with a second location. We discuss that transition for both he and the restaurant, the art of pizza making and how the 2022 Pizza Expo in Las Veags changed his life, and more! 🔗 Check o...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Frios pops combine the creamy consistency of ice cream with the convenience of a popsicle... but could the concept succeed in Omaha, where it's cold nearly half the year? That's the bet that local couple Chris & Liz, along with their 3 kids made, and after 1 year they're happy they did. We discuss social media strategies, the rise of mobile options in the food industry, the wild story that got this family into the food truck game, and more! 💡 Try Frios: https://friospops.com This episode wa...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In less than 2 years, Semo Pasta + Wine has established itself as a restaurant Omahans are more than happy to drive to Fremont for. The chefs and owners describe how the restaurant came to be, the concept of serving "European-inspired Nebraska cuisine", hosting Guy Fieri and the wild experience that was, and so much more. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was sponsored...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 12 min
How has HomeGrown, a restaurant group with 14 locations (including one that opened in Omaha in Feb. 2025) maintained its strong culture and its love for local products as it has expanded? Omaha General Manager Paul Dullard explains how HomeGrown's team looks to highlight local products (like Archetype Coffee and FatHead Honey) and how it identifies ideal partners in each city. We also chat about the reality on pricing for restaurants, epic coffee cake, what Omaha restaurants Paul has come to lov...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min
If you're a wine aficionado, this is the episode for you! As the General Manager at one of Omaha's classic steakhouses, Andrew has a great depth of knowledge about wine, and he shares about sommelier tests, how to pair wine and food, and more. Plus, we talk about what it's like to work for a chain restaurant and how he was involved in the design process of Omaha's new Mahogany location. 🔗 More About Mahogany Prime:https://www.mahoganyprime.com This episode was sponsored by Sully's Gastroburger...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Why did a successful business woman leave a stable job to start a cake baking business in her home in 2019? She was tired of people saying no to her, so she said yes to her dream... and Omaha quickly developed a ravenous appetite for her cakes. We discuss Stacey's journey as a baker and entrepreneur, how she creates cakes from the base up, and why she's never looked back since starting this unique journey. Taste the sensation for yourself by visiting Buttered Marshmallow today! This episode was ...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Omaha has never had a greater collection of coffee knowledge in one place. Autumn Pruitt (Hardy Coffee Co.), Isaiah Sheese (Archetype Coffee), and Abby McLeay (Zen Coffee Co.) dish on all things coffee, from how and where they source their beans to the coffee trends they can't stand, the link between coffee and community, and what it's like to move from being a coffee lover to owning their own shop. Sip for Yourself! Archetype Coffee: https://www.archetypecoffee.com Zen Coffee Company: https://w...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Afghan food has a rich history and a unique blend of spices that make it particularly delicious, but there aren't many places in Omaha that offer it. Thankfully we have Shaheen's Afghan Cuisine to showcase this wonderful spectrum of food. Omed and Waheed, the sons of chef/owner Shahen Shah, joined me to discuss what makes Afghan food special and how their family brought it to Omaha. Taste the flavors of this sensational restaurant for yourself, then comment on the episode and answer Dan's questi...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min
When sisters Zarina Boardman and Debora Aguilar moved to Nebraska, they were disappointed they couldn't find any Chilean food... so they decided to make it themselves! This pair hustled like crazy to get into events, pop-ups, and other opportunities to showcase their brilliant homemade empanadas, and now they have a beautiful cafe where they get to showcase their food and culture. Hear their story and why this food is so meaningful to them on this podcast episode! This episode was sponsored by S...
Apr 17, 2025•59 min
The Miranda family is passionate about bringing Salvadoran food and their culture to Omaha, but they had no idea how quickly it would all come together! Erick and Jeni discuss what makes the cuisine so meaningful to them, why they're passionate about sharing it with Omaha, and how, in a matter of months, their family went from thinking about starting a restaurant to it being opening day. Is your mouth salivating after this episode? Check out Miranda's now for some amazing pupusas! https://mirand...
Apr 10, 2025•44 min•Ep. 291
Few, if any restaurants, are as synonymous with Nebraska food than Runza. Donald (President) and Becky (Director of Marketing) take me down memory lane to the very beginning when Donald's grandmother opened the first Runza in 1949. 75 years later, the restaurant has grown to 91 locations, introduced chili & cinnamon rolls to the menu, had limited runs of breakfast Runzas, received celebrity taste tests, catered weddings, partnered with Nebraska athletics... and so much more! We talk about it...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 290
Francisca may not be a trained chef (she was a doctor in Nicaragua), but she has a deep passion for cooking and helping others experience Nicaraguan food and culture. That's why she opened QS Grill Steak in 2021, and Omaha's food scene is better for it. Francisca and her daughter explain why it was important for them to showcase Nicaraguan food to Omahans and how the restaurant (and food in general) have connected and impacted their family in incredible ways. Oh, and Rosa could basically run the...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 289
In just a few years, these buddies went from line cooks at another restaurant to owning their other concept in one of Omaha's most historic buildings. How did they create the Dirty Birds empire so quickly? What about their fried chicken resonates so strongly with people? And what was it like to meet Guy Fieri and be featured on the Food Network?! Dan and Whalen answer all those questions and more in this fascinating, illuminating episode. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta ...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 288
The stories that formed one of Omaha's most beloved breweries are priceless. The rage recipe that created NBC's flagship Cardinal Pale Ale. The lunch where Paul, then just a home brewer, quit his job to pursue brewing full time. The award ceremony where NBC won a competition over their idols. Paul & Kim share those stories and the dream that turned a home brewing passion into a full-scale brewery that has fully embraced the local community. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade ...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 287
John and Lisa Anderson had no experience in the restaurant business… so how did they create a beloved diner that’s thrilled guests for over a decade? John discusses their journey and how he got AJ’s off the ground, as well as the importance of making guests feel loved and creating a homey atmosphere. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese...
Mar 06, 2025•54 min•Ep. 286
As diners, there are just some things we don't know about what it's like to own, operate, and work in a restaurant, but if we understood the realities, we might have a more understanding view and a better relationship with the places we eat at. Three veterans of Omaha's restaurant industry unpack some of the difficulties and joys of restaurant life, offering a peak into the realities that serving great food entails. I truly believe with better understanding and communication, we can improve the ...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 285
Baking gave Sadie’s life purpose during a dark period, and now she’s using her skills to bless Omaha with elite breads and desserts. Sadie talks about her journey from bread novice at a stage in Chicago to becoming the lead baker/pastry chef at Via Farina. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This episode was also sponsored by Certified Piedmontese. Taste the difference quality beef products ...
Feb 20, 2025•57 min•Ep. 284
In 2020, this couple decided to not only start a farm, but one that would do things others didn't. They'd grow unique produce like rainbow beets and turmeric. They'd host Battle of the Chefs, a unique bracket style tournament for some of Omaha's best chefs. And they'd supply Omaha's restaurants with incredible produce. Hear the story and motivations behind these incredible people. This Episode was Sponsored by: Dave's Cakes Certified Piedmontese Get your tickets to see The Waitress at the Omaha ...
Feb 13, 2025•58 min•Ep. 283
Vidlak's Cafe has stood the test of time, providing Omaha diners a great atmosphere and wide array of breakfast dishes for nearly 3 decades. Co-owner Eric Vidlak shares what's allowed them to have such sustained success, how intertwined his extended family is with the restaurant, and the story behind one of west Omaha's most beloved diners. This Episode was Sponsored by: Dave's Cakes Certified Piedmontese Get your tickets to see The Waitress at the Omaha Community Playhouse! This is another Hurr...
Feb 06, 2025•53 min•Ep. 282
Cooking meat over a flame is a primal feeling, but few possess the patience, talent, and potential to level up from backyard BBQ warriors to restaurant owners. My guests on this episode—the owners of J's Smokehouse, Lazy Buffalo BBQ, and Pulled BBQ—discuss the joys and challenges of transforming their hobby into their profession, the logistics of opening a BBQ restaurant, how they come up with innovativ specials, and so much more! Looking for a night of the "Meat Sweats?" Check out the featured ...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 281
Nite Hawkes Cafe has been around since 1942, thriving through four generations of the Hawkes family. But it's not just food that has made this cafe an institution; it's the way they treat and empower people, both on the staff and in the restaurant. Tracy and her son, Dan, tell stories, talk about the famous biscuits and gravy, and explain what's made Nite Hawkes Cafe such a beloved spot. Stop by Nite Hawkes for a delicious breakfast! This Episode was Sponsored by: Dave's Cakes Certified Piedmont...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 280
This duo is committed to bringing vegan, gluten free, and nut free food to Omaha without sacrificing flavor. We discussed the benefits of a vegan diet, helping people with food sensitivities get to enjoy their favorite dishes again, and what makes the struggle of owning a restaurant worth it. Check out Veg.Edible for some Delicious & Healthy Meals! This Episode was Sponsored by: Dave's Cakes Certified Piedmontese This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network an...
Jan 16, 2025•59 min•Ep. 279
Harold's Koffee House has been a beloved Omaha institution since the 1960s, and three generations of the restaurant joined the podcast to help tell its story. They share stories from the first days of the diner up until the current days... and there are A LOT of stories from this restaurant! From fires to failed burglaries to the "best hash browns in America", there's so much to love about Harold's, and this podcast is the place to hear all about it! This Episode was Sponsored by: Dave's Cakes C...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 278
Ross had no interest originally in getting into the restaurant industry, but the DiPrima family is very present in Omaha. And after 8 years of working at his brother's restaurant, he decided it was time to own his own place. Hear the story about how he decided to purchase Jackson Street Tavern, how he prioritized people during the transition to his ownership, and what keeps him passionate while working in such a demanding industry. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from lo...
Jan 02, 2025•59 min•Ep. 277
Pasta is one of the world's most beloved foods, but it's far more technical and involved than most understand. Three of Omaha's pasta experts dish some serious pasta knowledge and unearth some truths about this wonderful cuisine. This episode was sponsored by Semo Pasta. Homemade pasta from local ingredients and an unforgettable dining experience awaits. Buon appetito! This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 276
The path that led to the opening of this delightful cafe in 2024 was 20+ years in the making and includes so many twists and turns that you simply have to hear it! From meeting at Red Robin to marrying and opening a restaurant 6 months later to multiple food trucks and establishing a reputation as serving the best breakfast burritos around, For the Love of Food Cafe's tale is a story of love, persistence, and a pull back to food that this couple just can't resist. This episode was sponsored by S...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 249
