IE Display Bugsposted by snekse

I apologize to all of our Internet Explorer (IE) users on versions prior to 7.x. We made a design change to our site several months back that severely gimped some of our most popular content. When I made the changes, I only checked Firefox 2.x and IE 7.x . Considering IE 6.x users make up about 30% of our reading audience, that was a big "no no". I think I've fixed the majority of the major issues, and pages like our lists for Omaha Restaurants and Omaha Restaurant Reviews. Until now, IE 6 users thought we didn't know any restaurants in Omaha that started with a letter past 'D' (the bug was chopping off the rest of the list).

So have fun rediscovering our site. I would, however, recommend upgrading your browser if you have the ability to do so. It generally provides a better and more secure browsing experience. And if you haven't yet done so, I also recommend downloading Firefox, which is our browser of choice (along with 22% of our readers).

In some other display and design news, we're also in the process of updating our design a little. The new looks and feel will feature 3 columns instead of our current 2 column design. This will allow us to feature more tools and popular content along the sides as well as give us more flexibility in displaying multimedia in our main content section, such as including pictures directly in our posts instead of require readers to click through to Flickr.

ViewSonic 20"
Widescreen LCD Monitor

Now the bad news, this will require us to take up more horizontal screen space. For the majority of users this will not be an issue, but for the 6% of our users who browse our site at 800x600 and below, it may be time to invest in a new monitor. To see if you're one of those people, check out our preview of the redesign.

Tags || FIREFOX | INTERNET EXPLORER | IE BUGS | MICROSOFT | FOOD | GFC |

2007 Health Ratings - Omaha, NEposted by snekse

Time for an update to the ever popular Douglas County Food Facility Sanitation Ratings .

I can't say there are too many surprising things about the 2007 list. That's unfortunate. Most of the places that scored an EXCELLENT rating, did so last year as well, demonstrating a commitment to quality and their customers. Sadly, many of the places scoring a GOOD-FAIR rating were also in that same spot this time last year.

The trends in the bottom seem to be Ethnic restaurants, cheap eats and bar that just happen to also serve food. I also saw a lot of bakeries, including JAMES SKINNER BAKING CO which sells product in local grocery stores. Will any store managers have the guts to make a stand and pull their product if they don't get their ratings up? Speaking of grocery stores, I was a little surprised to see WOHLNERS GROCERY still on the bottom. And a little disgusted to see MATSU SUSHI on the bottom. No sushi place should ever be on the bottom of a list like this. Yuck.

Have a happy and healthy 2008!

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THE EXCELLENT LIST

CLANCY'S PUB	7120 PACIFIC ST	EXCELLENT
GENJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE	14529 W CENTER RD	EXCELLENT
HUHOT MONGOLIAN GRILL	17660 WRIGHT ST # 14	EXCELLENT
JOE TESS PLACE	5424 SO 24 ST	EXCELLENT
KING MANN	3720 FLORENCE BLVD	EXCELLENT
KOBE STEAK HOUSE OF JAPAN	120 REGENCY PKWY	EXCELLENT
OLD COUNTRY BUFFET	14525 W CENTER RD	EXCELLENT
STOKE'S GRILL & BAR	646 NO 114 ST	EXCELLENT
TEA TROVE (THE)	12100 W CENTER RD	EXCELLENT
UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY WEST	17070 WRIGHT PLZ	EXCELLENT
V MERTZ RESTAURANT	1022 HOWARD ST	EXCELLENT

---

THE NOT-SO-EXCELLENT LIST

ABSOLUTELY FRESH SEAFOOD CO	1218 SO 119TH ST	GOOD-FAIR
BAGEL BIN INC	1215-19 SO 119 ST	GOOD-FAIR
BILL'S BAR-B-QUE	4414 NO 24 ST	GOOD-FAIR
BILLY K'S CAFE	12025 BLONDO ST	GOOD-FAIR
BLIMPIE SUBS & SALADS	14510 W CENTER RD	GOOD-FAIR
BLIMPIE SUBS/GOODRICH	577 N 155 PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
BREAD OVEN (THE)	1202 SO 119 ST	GOOD-FAIR
BRUEGGER'S BAGEL BAKERY	228 NO 114 ST	GOOD-FAIR
BUTSY LE DOUX'S	1014 HOWARD ST	GOOD-FAIR
CAPPY'S	5059 SO 108 ST	GOOD-FAIR
CARIBBEAN DELIGHTS	2304 NO 72 ST	GOOD-FAIR
CECIL'S CAFE	4971 DODGE ST	GOOD-FAIR
CHINA GATE	7923 BLONDO ST	GOOD-FAIR
CHINA KITCHEN	17676 WELCH PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
CHINA ONE RESTAURANT	10803 JOHN GALT BLVD	GOOD-FAIR
CHINA PALACE RESTAURANT	661 NO 46 ST	GOOD-FAIR
CHINA TOWN	3720 LEAVENWORTH ST	GOOD-FAIR
CHOICE MEATS	6225 SO 90 ST	GOOD-FAIR
CICI'S PIZZA	3205 OAKVIEW DR	GOOD-FAIR
CICI'S PIZZA	346 NO SADDLE CREEK	GOOD-FAIR
CLANCY'S PUB	777 NO 114 ST	GOOD-FAIR
D J 'S DUGOUT	636 NO 114 ST	GOOD-FAIR
DAIRY QUEEN	1922 NO 72 ST	GOOD-FAIR
DONUT STOP	1256 SO 13 ST	GOOD-FAIR
DOWN UNDER BAR	3804 LEAVENWORTH ST	GOOD-FAIR
DRAFT HOUSE	1203 SO 180	GOOD-FAIR
EL BUEN PAN BAKERY	1344 PARK AVE	GOOD-FAIR
EL RANCHITO	4318 SO 24 ST	GOOD-FAIR
FERD'S BAKE SHOP	8927 J ST	GOOD-FAIR
FIESTA BREAD COMPANY	4209 SO 87 ST	GOOD-FAIR
FORGOT STORE (THE)	11909 CALHOUN RD	GOOD-FAIR
FRANKIE'S DRIVE-IN	1208 SO 24 ST	GOOD-FAIR
FUDDRUCKERS	16920 WRIGHT PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
GERDAS BAKERY INC	5180 LEAVENWORTH ST	GOOD-FAIR
GLOBAL FOODS GROCERY	1533 NO SADDLE CREEK	GOOD-FAIR
GODFATHER'S PIZZA	3141 NO 108 ST	GOOD-FAIR
GOLDEN PALACE	4040 NO 132 ST	GOOD-FAIR
GOOFY FOOT LODGE	1012 SO 10 ST	GOOD-FAIR
GOYI STORE	1024 SO 74 PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
GRAND FORTUNE CHINESE REST	17330 W CENTER RD	GOOD-FAIR
HAPPY FAMILY RESTAURANT	2316 NO 72 ST	GOOD-FAIR
HILLSIDE BAR	3906 L ST	GOOD-FAIR
HOMESTYLE CAFE	8807 MAPLE ST	GOOD-FAIR
HONG HING	5411 NO 90 ST	GOOD-FAIR
HONG KONG CAFE	664 NO 114 ST	GOOD-FAIR
HOUSE OF HUNAN	2405 SO 132 ST	GOOD-FAIR
HOUSE OF LEE	5446 NO 90	GOOD-FAIR
HOUSE OF POULTRY	4111 NO 30 ST	GOOD-FAIR
HUNAN GARDEN	5916 CENTER ST	GOOD-FAIR
IHOP #5338	4707 NO 72 ST	GOOD-FAIR
INDIA GARDEN	2819 SO 125 ST	GOOD-FAIR
JAMES SKINNER BAKING CO	4538 SO 90 ST	GOOD-FAIR
JJ'S BAR & GRILL	3201 SO 24 ST	GOOD-FAIR
KELLY O'S PUB	2514 LEAVENWORTH	GOOD-FAIR
KING KONG RESTAURANT	3362 SO 13 ST	GOOD-FAIR
LA FLOR DE MEXICO	4808 SO 24 ST	GOOD-FAIR
LA GUERA	4233 SO 24 ST	GOOD-FAIR
LA HACIENDA RESTAURANT	7211 FARNAM ST	GOOD-FAIR
LA MICHOACANA	4002 1/2 SO 24 ST	GOOD-FAIR
LA TIA HOT TAMALES CAFE	3572 LEAVENWORTH ST	GOOD-FAIR
LIGHTHOUSE BAR & GRILL	15676 W MAPLE RD	GOOD-FAIR
MANCHU WOK	3001 SO 144 ST	GOOD-FAIR
MANDARIN FUSION	4412 SO 42 ST	GOOD-FAIR
MATSU SUSHI	1009 FARNAM ST	GOOD-FAIR
MCKENNA'S	7425 PACIFIC ST	GOOD-FAIR
MICKEY FINNS SPORTS CAFE	12107 EMMET	GOOD-FAIR
NAUGHTY LOUNGE	10730 PACIFIC	GOOD-FAIR
NEIGHBORS (THE)	4689 LEAVENWORTH ST	GOOD-FAIR
NEST LOUNGE (THE)	2638 SO 158 PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
NEW ASIAN SUPERMARKET	4615 SO 26 ST	GOOD-FAIR
NEW YORK CHICKEN & GYROS	5832 SO 144 ST	GOOD-FAIR
NICK'S GRILL	3229 HARNEY ST	GOOD-FAIR
NICO	11201 DAVENPORT	GOOD-FAIR
NORTH STAR	8509 NO 30 ST	GOOD-FAIR
O'BRIEN'S LOUNGE INC	1014 SO 74 PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
OMAHA TROPICAL MARKET	2312 NO 72 ST	GOOD-FAIR
PATTY'S COCINA	4109 L ST	GOOD-FAIR
PAULI'S	4016 LEAVENWORTH ST	GOOD-FAIR
PITSTOP PIZZA	14513 W MAPLE RD #102	GOOD-FAIR
PIZZA SHOPPE	6056 MAPLE	GOOD-FAIR
QUIZNO'S CLASSIC SUBS	302 SO 16 ST	GOOD-FAIR
RALSTON OLD MKT SPAG WKS	8531 PARK DR	GOOD-FAIR
RICHIE'S CHICKEN & RIBS	3528 CENTER ST	GOOD-FAIR
RIVER CITY SALOON	1802 VINTON ST	GOOD-FAIR
ROSY'S TAQUERIA	4623 SO 33 ST	GOOD-FAIR
RUSTY NAIL INN	14111 PIERCE PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
SEASON BUFFET	7415 DODGE PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
SENOR MATIAS	2505 SO 90 ST	GOOD-FAIR
SIZZLER STEAK HOUSE #0485	14323 ARBOR ST	GOOD-FAIR
SONS OF ITALY	1238 SO 10 ST	GOOD-FAIR
STADIUM CLUB (THE)	414 SO 10 ST	GOOD-FAIR
SUBWAY	2717 NO 90 ST	GOOD-FAIR
SUBWAY/GOODRICH	15761 W DODGE RD	GOOD-FAIR
T BONES GRILLHOUSE	17857 PIERCE PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
TA CHAN BUFFET	601 SO 72 ST	GOOD-FAIR
TACO JOHN'S	8303 MAPLE ST	GOOD-FAIR
TACOS TOO	210 SO 16 ST	GOOD-FAIR
TANDURI FUSION INDIAN RESTAURANT	2537 SO 174 PLZ	GOOD-FAIR
TAQUERIA EL PALENQUE	840 SO 24 ST	GOOD-FAIR
TASTE EXPRESS	697 NO 132 ST	GOOD-FAIR
TASTE OF INDIA	3001 SO 144 ST	GOOD-FAIR
TOKYO KITCHEN	14132 ARBOR ST	GOOD-FAIR
TRACKSIDE LOUNGE	1506 SO 60 ST	GOOD-FAIR
TRINI'S	1020 HOWARD ST	GOOD-FAIR
VILLAGE INN #787	7837 DODGE ST	GOOD-FAIR
VINCENZO'S RISTORANTE	1818-22 NO 144 ST	GOOD-FAIR
WHEATFIELD'S EATERY-BAKERY	1224 SO 103 ST	GOOD-FAIR
WOHLNERS GROCERY	5205 LEAVENWORTH ST	GOOD-FAIR

---

Rating List Information
RATINGS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS ARE BASED ON SANITATION PRACTICES AND FOOD HANDLING PROCEDURES OBSERVED ON THE DATE OF INSPECTION.  THIS LIST CONTAINS THE RATING OF THE MOST RECENT ROUTINE INSPECTION COMPLETED.

AN ESTABLISHMENT MAY NOT BE LISTED FOR SEVERAL REASONS, SUCH AS AN ESTABLISHMENT WHICH HAS BEEN RECENTLY OPENED, AN ESTABLISHMENT TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR REPAIR, ETC., OR THE ESTABLISHMENT’S FAILURE TO MEET MINIMUM SANITATION REQUIREMENTS.

ALL NEW ESTABLISHMENTS ARE GIVEN AN INITIAL RATING NO HIGHER THAN "GOOD" AND MAY MOVE TO A HIGHER SANITATION RATING ON SUBSEQUENT INSPECTIONS.

UNANNOUNCED INSPECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED ON A ROUTINE BASIS.  SANITATION RATINGS ARE BASED UPON A STANDARDIZED STATEWIDE INSPECTION SYSTEM.  ITEMS OF GREATEST IMPORTANCE INCLUDE SAFE FOOD SOURCE AND STORAGE, PROPER FOOD TEMPERATURE CONTROL, EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND PERSONAL HYGIENE PRACTICES, CLEANING AND SANITATION PRACTICES, FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.  OTHER ITEMS INCLUDE FLY AND VERMIN CONTROL, LIGHTING, VENTILATION, WATER SUPPLY, HANDLING/STORAGE OF UTENSILS, AND  WASTE DISPOSAL.

EXCELLENT RATINGS MEAN THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT UNDERSTANDS AND ROUTINELY CORRECTS SANITATION DEFICIENCIES ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS AND DOES NOT WAIT FOR A HEALTH INSPECTION BEFORE DOING SO. IN ADDITION, AT LEAST 75 PERCENT OF THE EMPLOYEES AND MANAGEMENT OF AN EXCELLENT FOOD ESTABLISHMENT MUST HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING COURSE GIVEN BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

EXCELLENT-GOOD RATINGS MEAN THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT ROUTINELY CORRECTS MOST SANITATION DEFICIENCIES AND IMMEDIATELY CORRECTS THE MINOR VIOLATIONS FOUND AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION.

GOOD RATINGS MEAN THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT GENERALLY CORRECTS MOST SANlTATION DEFICIENCIES ON A ROUTINE BASIS AND CORRECTS VIOLATIONS FOUND AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION IN THE TIME ALLOWED BY THE INSPECTING HEALTH OFFICER.

GOOD-FAIR RATINGS MEAN THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT JUST MEETS MINIMUM STANDARDS REQUIRED BY STATE AND LOCAL FOOD SAFETY CODES. SERIOUS AND MINOR SANITATION DEFICIENCIES ARE FOUND ON EACH INSPECTION. SANITATION DEFICIENCIES ARE NOT CORRECTED ON A ROUTINE BASIS AND REPEAT INSPECTIONS ARE OFTEN A NECESSARY PART OF REGULATING THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO HELP ASSURE MINIMUM FOOD SAFETY CONDITIONS.

RELATED LINKS:
2006 Health Ratings - Omaha, NE
Douglas County Food Facility Sanitation Ratings

Tags || HEALTH | RATINGS | 2007 | OMAHA | DOUGLAS COUNTY | FOOD | more... | GFC |

Foodies of Omaha Meeting: Brunch @ Sage Bistroposted by snekse

We'll be meeting for brunch at Sage Bistro on Sunday, January 27th 2008 at 11:00 AM. If you're not a Foodies of Omaha member and you'd like to join us for brunch, just call the number below and ask to be added to the Foodies of Omaha reservation. See you there!

Sage Bistro Prime Rib Brunch Buffet
* Adults - $15
* Kids 12 and under - $7
* Kids 2 and under - free

Sage Bistro
N 30th St & Fort St. (MAP)
Metro's Fort Omaha campus - Building #10
Omaha, NE 68111
(402) 457-2328

Add it to your calendar:
Foodies of Omaha: January 2008 Meeting - Brunch @ Sage Bistro

Tags || FOODIES OF OMAHA | OMAHA | BRUNCH | SAGE BISTRO | FOOD | GFC |

And the winners are...posted by snekse

Congratulations to all of the Menu for Hope prize winners. Thank you to all who donated, with an extra special thanks to those who bid on our faboulous Morgan Ranch wagyu prize packages which raised $400 for the World Food Programme!

And now what you've all been waiting for. The email please. And the winners are...

Rochelle McCune - Winner of UC02. The Morgan Ranch Wagyu Sirloin Sizzler Pack

Christopher W Towe - Winner of UC03. The Morgan Ranch Wagyu Carving Roast

Congratulations to both of you. If you haven't already, you should be receiving an email shortly with instructions on how to claim your prize. If you're not one of the people listed above and you bid on other items, check out the full list of winners to see if you won. Any loyal readers win anything? If so, post a comment below. We'd love to hear about it.

Tags || MENU FOR HOPE | WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME | CHEZ PIM | MORGAN RANCH | WAGYU | BEEF | more... | FOOD | GFC |

Foodie v2.0posted by snekse

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, but I have a good excuse. We welcomed the arrival of our little Foodie v2.0 recently. She's isn't quite eating sushi or foie gras yet, but we'll get her there and be blogging about it along the way. So consider this the formal introduction Gizmo, our newest GFC contributor.

Tags || FOOD | KIDS | GIZMO | GFC |

GFC Turns 100!posted by snekse

And it seems like we just turned two...

A slightly different number we're celebrating today. This is our 100th post! We're not quite on pace to catch Becks & Posh , but that's setting the bar a little high anyway.

I just wanted to send a couple of thank yous.

First, thanks to our readers, with an extra special thanks those who leave comments or send us emails, anonymous or otherwise. I encourage more comments and emails. I think they improve the overall usefulness of the site. Everyone has an opinion. Don't be afraid to share it here.

And most importantly, I wanted to thank my family, immediate and extended, for putting up with "wait, don't eat that yet, I need to get a picture" and all my other obsessions that allow me to keep this site running. Though I may not always say it, it means a lot to me.

And with that...

Because we've picked up a number of new subscribers recently, we decided to provide links back to some of our most popular posts of the past 100 to catch everyone up to speed. They're listed in chronological order so you can stop reading when they start to look really familiar. Oddly, about half of them are from 2007.

RECIPE: Fun with Frushi AKA Fruit "Sushi"

RECIPE: Salt Steak with newspaper and masking tape

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Alinea - Chicago, IL

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Charlie Trotter's - Chicago, IL

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Orange - Chicago, IL

RESTAURANT REVIEW: TRU - Chicago, IL

ANNOUNCEMENT: Foodies of Omaha

EDITORIAL: 10 Simple Rules for Eating with my Daughter

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Liberty Tavern - Omaha, NE

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Omakase @ Sushi Japan - Omaha, NE

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Darwin Bistro - Omaha, NE

RESOURCE: List of Omaha Restaurants Websites

RESOURCE: Omaha Foodie's Coupon Guide

RESOURCE: 2006 Douglas County Food Facility Sanitation Ratings

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Dario's Brasserie - Omaha, NE

RECIPE: Wonton Soup

RESOURCE: List of Omaha Brunch Locations

RECIPE: Joong AKA sticky rice

RESOURCE: 2007 World's 50 Best Restaurants

ANNOUNCEMENT: 2007 James Beard Award Winners

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob - Omaha, NE

ANNOUNCEMENT: Session #4 - Local Brews Event

BEER REVIEW: Upstream Brewing Co. - Omaha, NE

RESOURCE: Local Brews Field Guide

RESOURCE: Omaha Food Events Calendar

Thanks again to everyone.

P.S. If you've tried one of the restaurants above, please feel free to leave a comment of your thoughts on said page.

Tags || GFC | FOOD |

Foodie Shoppingposted by snekse

We've added a new feature to Gastronomic Fight Club: GFC Weapons Supply. An online store where we will feature gourmet foods, gifts, tools, cameras, books and whoknowswhatelse that we feel every food obsessed gastronome needs or at least highly covets.

Tags || GFC | FOOD | OMAHA | FOODIES | SHOPPING | GIFTS |

Summer Food Events - Omahaposted by snekse

Just a quick post to let everyone know we've updated the Omaha Food Events Calendar with several summer events, so start your planning!

Tags || GFC | FOOD | EVENTS | CALENDAR | OMAHA | NEBRASKA | more... | LINCOLN | IOWA |

Back from the booniesposted by snekse

I'm back. And I've got pictures. Some stories, but mostly just pictures. Here's a sneak peak of what I've been up to.



Tags || GFC | FOOD | MORELS | MUSHROOMS | NEBRASKA |

Local Brews Eventposted by snekse

Hops. Malt. Water. Yeast.

So simple, yet so complex.

As I mentioned in March, beer is coming to Gastronomic Fight Club. And in June it will be here in a big way. I'll be hosting Session #4: Local Brews.

Since I have this bizarre need to be different, I decided this month's Session theme would not focus on a particular style, region or time of year. Instead, I'd like to create a guide book of tasting notes to drinking local.

The idea here is to be as helpful as possible for visitors to your area. What is the beer/brewery/brewpub that you feel is quintessential to your city? What do the locals drink? What could a tourist drink that would make them feel like they've found something special; something that they're going to miss when they go home?

Here are the rules:

• You can pick anything commercially made within 150 miles of your house, but try to pick the brewery or brewpub closest to your house (NOTE: the average American lives within 10 miles of a craft brewery).
• You can select any beer or even a sampler if you want.
• If you select a single beer, let us know why you choose this beer (e.g. favorite,seasonal,limited edition, best seller).
• Preferably you'll shy away from beers with wide distribution outside your immediate area.

So if you'd like to join us, post your tasting notes on Friday, June 1st, 2007. After your post is up, shoot me an with the words "Session #4" in the subject line. Include your name, the name of your blog, the URL to your post, the name of the brewery or brew pub that made the beer(s) you drank, where the place is located, the name and style of the beer(s) you drank and lastly, a general description of the availability of the beer(s). If you don't have a blog, email me your notes and I'll include them in the round up.

To help find ideas close to you, try Google Maps. Here are the breweries and brew pubs in Omaha. Just change the zip code and you might be surprised at what comes up. Or let someone else do the work for you:
Beertown.org
Beer Mapping Project

Cheers!

RELATED LINKS:
Session #4: Local Brews Round-up (A Field Guide)
BEER REVIEW: Upstream Brewing Company (Omaha, NE)
BYOB: Dubbels
American Craft Beer Week (May 14-20, 2007)

Tags || GFC | FOOD | THE SESSION | BEER | LOCAL | BREW PUBS | more... | BREWERIES |

RESULTS: 2007 Ron Sailors Culinary Invitationalposted by snekse

Although I was unable to attend, I have the results from the 2007 Ron Sailors High School Team Culinary Arts Invitational

And the winners are...

Hospitality Knowledge Bowl

1st Place - The Doughboys, Papillion LaVista
2nd Place - Paul's Peeps, OPS Career Center

Culinary Skills Competition

Silver Medals

The Doughboys, Papillion LaVista (1st Place)
    Team Coach: Carol Fairfax
Gloria's Finest, OPS Career Center (2nd Place)
    Team Coach: Maybell Galusha
Dakotah and the Angels, Plattsmouth
    Team Coach: Lisa Micek-Johnson
Three Chefs and a Baker, Bellevue East
    Team Coach: Cathy Hansen
The Steel Chefs, Papillion LaVista
    Team Coach: Carol Fairfax
Team RAMRODS, Papillion LaVista South
    Team Coach: Louise Dornbusch

Bronze Medals

Carmel Pleasures, Roncalli
    Team Coach: Cathy Leak
Team JAM's, Papillion LaVista South
    Team Coach: Louise Dornbusch
Paul's Peeps, OPS Career Center
    Team Coach: Paul Urban, Jessica O'Kief & Maybell Galusha
Viking Chefs, OPS North
    Team Coach: Mary Becker
Chef's with Soul, Bellevue East
    Team Coach: Cathy Hansen
Team Fremont, Fremont
    Team Coach: Marcia Fouraker
Tomato Ole Culinary Team, Gross Catholic
    Team Coach: Liz & John Schow
Benson Team #1, Benson
    Team Coach: Ronda Towey
Lady Beast, Bellevue East
    Team Coach: Cathy Hansen
I Can't Believe It, Papillion LaVista South
    Team Coach: Lousie Dornbusch
Team Bryan, OPS Bryan
    Team Coach: Susan Waldron

Reinhart "Team Spirit Award"

The Steel Chefs, Papillion LaVista

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Congratulations to the "Doughboys" team who swept both the Knowledge Quiz Bowl and the Culinary Arts Competition.

Team Doughboys Roster
Brent Gray (Papillion LaVista)
Evan Gross (Papillion LaVista South)
Jonathan Hodge (Papillion LaVista)
Jake Newton (Papillion LaVista South)

Something to note is that "the students are competing against a standard, and accumulate points for the competition". This year two teams that were only one point away from gold. It's good to know this isn't just some fluff event that hands out fuzzy awards just for participating. Everything is earned through hard work. I think that's important to prepare the students for what they will face in the highly competitive food industry.

RELATED LINKS:
They're cookin' up a storm: Culinary arts students broast competitors (Papillion Times)
2007 Ron Sailors High School Team Culinary Arts Invitational

Tags || GFC | FOOD | RON SAILORS | CULINARY ARTS | INVITATIONAL | PAPILLION LAVISTA | more... | METRO | MMC | METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE |

Nichole Aksamitposted by snekse

The Omaha World-Herald has a new food writer.

Longtime World-Herald restaurant reviewer John Keenan has taken a new role as a business reporter. Keenan's successor is Nichole Aksamit. She has been with the paper for more than six years, reporting on health, nutrition and fitness for the last four. Starting this week, she'll be reviewing local restaurants and reporting on restaurant news. She'll also write about cooking, grocery and nutrition trends - or, as she describes it, "food in all its glory."

Congratulations to Ms. Aksamit on her new position. Her first published review is for Dario's Brasserie in Dundee. It's still a bit too early to tell, but I think I like her writing and opinions a bit more than Keenan's. You can read her Dario's review on the Omaha World-Herald's website.

Dario's adding panache to casual, comfort foods
The Omaha World-Herald

Tags || GFC | FOOD | OMAHA WORLD-HERALD | NICHOLE AKSAMIT | JOHN KEENAN |

2007 Taste of the Nation - Omahaposted by snekse

Tickets are now on sale for the 2007 Taste of the Nation charity fund raiser. General Admission tickets are $75, VIP Admission is $150. The event will be held the evening of April 22, 2007 at Regency Court.

2007 Taste of the Nation - Omaha

Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation®, presented by American Express is the nation's preeminent culinary benefit supporting anti-hunger and anti-poverty efforts. Every spring, thousands of community leaders — from chefs and restaurateurs to public relations professionals and accountants — donate their product, time, and talents at more than 60 events throughout the United States and Canada. The events, which include food and wine tastings, seated dinners, brunches, and barbecues, raise both awareness and funds for anti-hunger, anti-poverty efforts. Each year, Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation attracts more than 40,000 guests.

More information can be found through their website .

Tags || GFC | FOOD | TASTE OF THE NATION | OMAHA | CHARITY |

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: GFC turns Twoposted by snekse

by scoundreldaze

It's been 2 years since I made my first post to Gastronomic Fight Club.

I can't say that it's developed into how I first envisioned it, but we may still get there some day.

It will be interesting to see what the next two years in food holds for us. For the first time in several years, we have no major travel plans because we're expecting our first baby in late July! I'm going to try to avoid duplicating the long break I took last summer and see if I can keep up the once or twice a week frequency I've been outputting for the past several months; I have lots of ideas for articles, resources, tweaks and overhauls, but with a newborn and life in general - we'll see how well I do.

Some things to look forward to are:

• At least a dozen posts from my last two trips to California
• News of the Week summary posts
• Speed Reviews for smaller casual places
• Beer (more details later)
• Coverage of one of the country's largest Testicle Festivals

And if we're lucky, possibly more frequent Foodies of Omaha events.

I'll also be updating the information and resource areas of the blog such as adding new Gastronomic Warriors, categorizing the List of Omaha Restaurants and possibly making it more searchable, adding more cities for similar lists (with your help), and things I can't yet disclose :-)

One of the biggest changes I want to make involves a (slightly) new layout. I'll be adding a column to the left side for better navigation and to make finding the really useful information much easier. The new layout will be designed for 1024x768, but I'll try to ensure the left column and the main content fit within a 800x600 screen and keep less important information in the right column. Since only about 10% of my readers are currently at this resolution, most users will be unaffected.

So I just wanted to say thanks to all of my readers. Also, since this was originally supposed to be more of a community site, I encourage everyone to leave comments, story ideas, or even submit your own articles that you'd like to see published here.

To close things up, I'll leave you with a list of some of our most popular articles over the past 2 years. Enjoy.

• RESTAURANT REVIEW: Alinea Restaurant in Chicago, IL
• RESTAURANT REVIEW: Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, IL
• RESTAURANT REVIEW: Dario's Brasserie in Omaha, NE
• RESTAURANT REVIEW: Darwin Bistro & Catering in Omaha, NE
• RESTAURANT REVIEW: Orange Restaurant in Chicago, IL
• RESTAURANT REVIEW: TRU Restaurant in Chicago, IL
• Omakase @ Sushi Japan - Omaha, NE
• List of Restaurants: Omaha, NE
• 2006 Health Ratings - Omaha, NE
• Michelin Red Guide 2007 France: Hotels & Restaurants

And not surprisingly, our most popular category to post under was "OMAHA".

P.S. Feel free to Vote for GFC as a kick ass blog

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P.P.S. For those of you interested in stats, our numbers for the past month were:

• 3,900 page views
• 1,700 visitors
• 20% are returning visitors

Tags || GFC | FOOD |

Trader Joe's comes to Omahaposted by snekse

(With your help...)

I found a form today for a location request. Why more companies don't do this is beyond me. If you've been to Trader Joe's, you've probably already clicked on the link below. If you've never been in one, they're kind of like a Whole Foods or Wild Oats, but cheaper and a little less upscale. Personally I like Whole Foods better, but it's nice to have options.

Trader Joe's Location Request Form

It's long been rumored they may open a location in Dundee. Let them know you're interested and willing to support them.

Tags || GFC | FOOD | TRADER JOE'S | PETITION | OMAHA | DUNDEE |

Michelin 2007 - Franceposted by snekse

For those of you who care, the rumors are already starting to fly about the 2007 Michelin Guide . I'll admit my ignorance in this area and instead point you to Pim for the tids and bits. Or if you can read French, get it straight from the source.

*** UPDATE ***
It's official. You can read about the highlights along with the 65 page press release at Chez Pim

Tags || GFC | FOOD | PIM | 2007 | MICHELIN GUIDE | FRANCE | more... | RESTAURANTS |

Omaha's Best Dining Experiences (2006)posted by snekse

A theme appears to be developing here.

John Keenan, dining critic for the Omaha World Herald, recently published his best dining experiences for 2006. An interesting read. Nothing really shocking on there, but I was a little surprised that Liberty Tavern was nowhere on the list. The list was heavily represented by V. Mertz, Paxton Chop House and Jack Binion's Steakhouse. I've only been to V. Mertz, but if the other two are comparable, then I'd be hard to find fault in the list. I would have also liked to have seen Sage get a special mention, at least for the experience aspect.

It's not entirely clear, but I think he also named a best of list that is linked in the upper right-hand corner. Whatever it is, I've posted it here.

• The French Cafe ~ A five-star experience
• Jack Binion's Steakhouse ~ No gamble with these dishes
• O Casual Dining ~ Inventive chef equals exciting menu
• Paxton Chop House ~ New presence in downtown fine dining
• The Tasting Room ~ Come for the wine, stay for the cuisine
• V. Mertz ~ Seemingly effortless elegance

Though their food is good, I doubt we'll see The Tasting Room on that list next year. There are just too many places in Omaha that are stepping up their game to let your menu become as stagnate as there's has become. Hopefully we'll see Darwin on there for 2007 and see Liberty Tavern get back some limelight.

Tags || GFC | FOOD | JOHN KEENAN | OMAHA WORLD HERALD | RESTAURANTS | RESTAURANT REVIEW | more... | DARWIN | PAXTON CHOP HOUSE | THE FRENCH CAFE | V MERTZ | JACK BINION'S STEAKHOUSE | THE TASTING ROOM | O CASUAL DINING | 2006 | OMAHA |

Rock the Vote: 2007 James Beard Nominationsposted by snekse

For all of you hardcore megalomaniac foodies out there, here's your chance to weld your powers. The James Beard Foundation has digitized their nomination process. So now you can influence others by nominating your favorite gastronomic idols for free at home in the comfort of your own pajamas/underwear/birthday suit, or who knows, maybe even someone else's underwear.

Oh, and for those in my neck of the woods, take heed to the little factoid that the ulterior epicure pointed out.

One notable change in this year's categories: they've bifurcated the "Midwest" states (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI) and the "Great Lakes" states (IL, IN, MI, OH) categories. No offense, Illinois, but you know, you all were hogging the awards for the middle of the country. The way Chicago's been performing, lately, I wouldn't be surprised if you all got your own category next year! Now, maybe some local Kansas City chefs can close in on an award!

So get out America and Rock the Vote this election Tuesday!

***UPDATE***
The nominees have been announced.
As have the Winners of the 2007 James Beard Awards.

Tags || GFC | FOOD | JAMES BEARD |

It's Official!posted by snekse

For simplicity sake, among other reasons, I have finally registered a proper domain name for this site. Please update your bookmarks to point to the shiny new www.gastronomicfightclub.com

BLOGROLL: Gastronomic Warriorsposted by snekse

BLOGROLL: 2007

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the ulterior epicure
    "i live and travel to eat"

(the) ulterior epicure is someone who I've kept tabs on since before he was famous . I remember back in the day reading his posts on eGullet wonder who is this guy with the weird avatar and why do I keep bumping into him on almost every thread I read. Then I found his blog. Then I found his Flickr account . I was pretty much hooked after that.

The amount of things we have in common is pretty uncanny, but the differences are what earn him a spot on my blogroll. Differences being that he's far more articulate than myself and has a better trained palate - a lot better. In fact, he has one of the most knowledgeable and discerning palates I've come across in someone who is not a chef. And his photography. Maybe I need to get myself a dSLR , but I still don't think that would land me an interview in Popular Photography .

Oh, and the fact that he's now just "right down the road" in Kansas City is pretty cool too.

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Chuck Eats
    "Chuck Eats (and Drives)"

There's always that moment when you see or read something on a blog that is just so cool that you immediately add the site to your feed reader - sometimes with blinding speed.

When I happened to stumble upon Chuck's blog, I actually hesitated because I was a bit stunned and wasn't sure I was comprehending what I was reading. Maybe I missed something. Did he really just say "47 Michelin Stars in 24 days"? Is such a thing even physically possible? Can one's body endure such blissful gluttony? Is this guy even for real or is this a staff writer for The Onion making fun of us serious gourmands?

So I dug around on the site a bit. I found reviews covering many of the best restaurants around the country along with heavy linking to Gastroville and Opinionated About Dining - this guy is beyond serious. No brainer. Add.

And Chuck doesn't just provide serious descriptions and critiques of each restaurant he visits; He also provides those same serious descriptions and critiques of each of the dishes he eats - and rates them. A small, but very cool detail.

And the thing that earned him a featured spot on my blogroll? He was one of the few bloggers who made it to Keyah Grande before Chefs Aki Kamozawa and H. Alexander Talbot moved on . Chuck is definitely someone who is passionate about food and knows more than just the names listed in glossy magazine. Kudos.

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La Tartine Gourmande

La Tartine Gourmande is like Playboy. You might actually read it for the articles, but that's only after you've thought dirty thoughts about the pictures.

Béatrice Peltre's photos can be defined in 1