Omaha

I just finished watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations. He's a New Yorker, and this episode he sought out the delicacies of his surrounding neighborhoods. Which got me thinking, how well do I know my hometown? How about the outlying suburbs? I've lived in south O (otherwise known as "God's country') for 19 years now. South O I'm pretty familiar with. I grew up in northwest Omaha and the Benson area. I know my way around fairly well. I've worked construction since graduating from high school, so I'm in west O quite a bit. I'm one of those people who familiarizes areas with landmarks - usually food related. I try to seek out the little mom n pop places, greasy spoons, hole in the wall, non chain restaurants. Iknow which neighborhoods are safe and which ones to keep on driving. I'm somewhat self educated on Omaha history. I feel I have a well rounded knowledge of my hometown. My current stomping grounds are chock full of decent restaurants. Some even know me by name. Of course, I have my favorites. If you're on 20th & U St., there's Sam's Mexican Deli, 18th & Vinton, my personal favorite, Louie M's Burger Lust, 33rd St between L and Q is Guaca Maya. At 38th & Center is Greek Islands. Then there is the Old Market area. Jazz for cajun, Upstream Brewery (self explanatory), haven't eaten at Vivace's in awhile, but I had good meals there. A couple of midtown favorites are the Dundee Dell for fish n chips, and Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob, both at 50th & Underwood. Sortino's Pizza is my choice for pizza, Big Fred's is a close second. I live extremely close to Lo Sole Mio's. Espana in downtown Benson is an experience worth going for. Bianca's on 132nd & Maple was amazing! I'm a little disillusioned with west O, because it has been overrun with sparkling new chain restaurants. A couple of the chains are OK, but I prefer the smaller, more intimate setting. One area of town that could use a decent non chain diner, is Irvington. My shop is located there, and pickings are slim. I even have a couple of spots in Lincoln. M&N Sandwich Shop and Yia Yia's Pizza are worth honorable mention. There's many others I haven't mentioned, but all you have to do is talk to folks, and they'll be happy to brag about a restaurant they're proud of and consider their own. Then you've found a new destination and a fresh menu to satisfy your appetite for Omaha.