PLANK, Omaha, NE ~ October 2015

As a performer, it is always tricky to manage food intake and show timing. Eat too much too late, and you're bloated and sluggish. Eat too little too soon, and you're fighting a growling stomach and low blood sugar. A nice seafood meal is always a good option, and PLANK was a shining star in Omaha, deftly fulfilling our between-show needs.

Any concerns about the freshness of seafood in the middle of the country dissipated as soon as we walked in; the oyster bar was meticulously cared for, and the decor was modern with clean lines in the bright space, giving even the atmosphere a waft of "fresh."

I even returned on Sunday between shows, and allowed myself a single glass of Cava, which paired perfectly with my choices. (Do you know how hard it is for the WINE MINX to limit herself to one delicious glass of Cava?!?!? VERY.)

The first afternoon, I enjoyed the lobster salad over iceberg wedge. Yes, an "iceberg wedge" is hardly the stuff of gourmands' dreams, but it didn't overpower the lobster, and I just dressed it myself with a little blue cheese dressing for a kick. One friend loved her fish and chips — lightly battered, the fish was perfectly cooked and not at all greasy, and the fries were seasoned to a T. Someone else had the panko-crusted Walleye Puttanesca, delish.

On day two, I started with the shrimp cocktail — a classic — and enjoyed the salmon cobb salad. Once again, the flavors were fresh, the fish cooked perfectly, and the portions ample but not overbearing.

The service was also attentive, helpful, and accommodating. A special shout-out to Summer, who handled our group of 9 with aplomb. Plank offers a large menu with something for everyone, and a very solid wine list (I wish I'd been able to venture out with it further!) Plus, they make fresh homemade lemonade, which you can also get with a passion fruit, guava, or other additions. The straight-up version was perfection.

Omaha's foodie rep is further bolstered by Plank, and if you like seafood, is a must-visit next time you're in town.

Bon appétit!

KITCHEN TABLE, Omaha NE ~ October 2015

Who knew? OMAHA IS A FOODIE HAVEN! Great way to start this blog. I think I gained 15 pounds this week. Happily!

I must begin with KITCHEN TABLE, because I ate there I think four times in one little week. It was a block down and one over from the Stage Door of our theatre, so very convenient, and I think most of the cast and crew dined well and often at Kitchen Table. They locally source their ingredients — so much so, that when I once asked if they had a side of fruit, the lovely server kindly explained that ripe Nebraska fruit was pretty scarce in October. True. Their motto is "slow food fast," which is definitely appropriate, and I loved the simple rustic decor; I felt comforted and well-fed on each visit.

The star in the KT crown is "The Whole Bird," a sandwich that features grilled chicken, a chicken leg confit salad, an egg, and a bit of crispy chicken skin. You can order each of their sandwich offerings on bread, grits, or a salad. I had mine on grits. It was AWESOME.

Another top fave is the meatloaf, which I had over salad to try and make it a little healthier… it probably would have fared better over grits, not gonna lie.

Many plates are served with a side of spiced popcorn and a pickled garnish (see the watermelon rind above and the cauliflower here.) I love a pickled piece, though in my opinion, the pickling spices were a bit overpowering and masked the nature of what was being pickled. The popcorn was so tasty, one friend got a bag to go.

They also have little "bites" like pimiento cheese and deviled eggs. During Happy Hour, these are half off, so it's a fantastic value for some snackies!

My last morning in town, a few of us stopped by once more and I had eggs and bacon. Just perfect. Usually the slab-cut bacon is a mix of doneness levels, so I asked for it well-done. Splitting the diff would have been perfecto, but it was great. Char on the toast - supreme. No decaf (I've mostly cut it out, except for DIRE mornings and when they don't have any,) so went with the regular, and it was strong and flavorful with local cream to smooth it out.

For breakfast and lunch in downtown Omaha, you can't beat Kitchen Table. We theatre types lamented that it was closed on Saturdays, and they shut the doors on Sundays at 2pm (preventing us from visiting between 2-show days,) but it definitely Hit the Spot for us on many other occasions!

Kitchen Table, 1415 Farnam St., Omaha, NE ~ Twt: @EatKitchenTable

ON THE ROAD AGAINNNNN...

Hello fellow Foodies and Wineaux! I have recently been employed by the Tony-award-winning smash hit "Kinky Boots" and am traveling all around the country (and beyond?) for the next year or so. Since I spend my hard-earned dough on excellent meals (think of all the Louis Vuitton I could have accumulated by now, but it's worth it,) I thought I'd blog a bit on some of the fantastic foodie finds at each stop!

Stay tuned as I get my notes in order…

It's going to be a delicious ride!

Cheers.