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"Secret Hot Spots" profiles some of the BEST "Mom & Pop" shops and restaurants in the Omaha area.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Soup Revolution

Street food, anyone?
Whether it's hot dogs, tacos, or ice cream - you have to admit, everyone loves a little "food on wheels" every now and then.

For the first time... Omaha has a street food vendor selling SOUP!
How amazing is this?
Sara Cerasoli (the owner and chef) went to culinary school in NYC before coming to Omaha.
Her soups are all homemade - made with the best ingredients... and let me tell you... the soup is SUPER yummy.
She also offers salads and desserts.

Make sure to follow her on Facebook or Twitter to find out each day where her "Soup Revolution" van will be!

- Jenny

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - The Cordial Cherry

Remember those boxes of chocolate covered cherries we all got as kids from our grandparents?

Well... let me tell you... these cordial cherries from (where else) but the "Cordial Cherry" near 108th and Center in Rockbrook Village are FABULOUS!!!
They come in more than 50 flavors, and are molded into whimsical shapes.
The pineapple, raspberry, and apricot were my personal favorites... amazing!
They are all made by scratch from a secret family recipe.

If you love chocolate, and you love cherries, you will LOVE this spot!

Plus, you get a free sample when you walk in the door :)

- Jenny

Monday, August 23, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Pudgy's Pizza

Tomorrow (August 24th) marks my mom's birthday, and her ONLY request for a place to eat... is Pudgy's Pizza!
Located near 168th and Harrison, this is THE BEST Chicago-style pizza you will eat in Omaha.
Their deep-dish pizza with lots of veggies and meats is my favorite.
But, Pudgy's thin-crust is fabulous as well.

This video is from a year ago, but the pizza... is still JUST AS GOOD - maybe better!
Run, don't walk - to go check them out!
- Jenny

Friday, August 20, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Twisted Cork Bistro

Looking for a great spot for a date night or delicious lunch?
"Twisted Cork Bistro," near 107th and Pacific is fabulous.
They were named the BEST BURGER by Food Network magazine, and their slogan "from farm to fork" is truly noticeable.
Great seafood too! (They would know, since they're originally from Seattle.)
You have to try it.
- Jenny

Thursday, August 19, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - 7 spots

This was our VERY FIRST "Secret Hot Spot" shoot... in March of 2009.
We decided on 7 different hot spots around town, and combined them into one 5-minute story.

1.) 13th Street Coffee
2.) Old Market Tea House
3.) Drastic Plastic
4.) Scout
5.) Pulp
6.) Ryan's Bistro
7.) Cupcake Island

Enjoy this "oldie" but still, very "goodie."
- Jenny

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Chocolate Peacock

Alright, so FALL is almost here... and for all the ladies out there who are looking for some new sweaters, jackets, blazers, leggings - the "Chocolate Peacock" is the place to be!
Located near 108th and Center (in the Hilltop Plaza) this boutique is SO MUCH FUN - colorful, bright, airy - and DIFFERENT!
Even I couldn't resist picking up a new blazer for myself :)
The prices are really great...
What are you waiting for?!
Go check it out!

- Jenny

Friday, August 13, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Bliss Bakery

I woke up this morning with a craving for cupcakes... which made me think of "BLISS BAKERY."
Located in the Old Market near 10th and Jones, this little bakery has some very unique cupcakes (the chai cupcake was one of my favorites.)
Their frosting is very sweet and rich.
Check them out!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Green Belly

I know summer is almost over, but if you haven't been to the "Green Belly" for a salad - you are missing out!
It's hidden near 123rd and West Center Road.
I had the coconut chicken salad... yum... but the buffalo chicken salad looked amazing too!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Leo's Diner

Breakfast, anyone?
If you are looking for a classic, home cooked breakfast... don't look any further than "Leo's Diner."
Located in the heart of Benson at 60th and Maple.
It really does feel like a "small town" diner.
They have pancakes, bacon, eggs, etc.
Their "Fantasy Island" is the most popular dish... watch the video to see what it is!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Malara's

Alright, so this was the FINAL year for the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium.
The stadium sits in South Omaha - a great part of town where Italian mom and pop restaurants reign supreme!
So, in honor of the final season at Rosenblatt, we decided to profile Malara's Italian Restaurant.
Located at 2123 Pierce Street, I highly recommend the fried raviolis and MOZZARELLA STICKS!!!
Yum.

If you have room for dessert, you will be in heaven.

"Secret Hot Spots" - Runway Boutique

In early 2010, we brought you Runway Boutique as a "Secret Hot Spot."
Located near 132nd and West Center Road (behind the Bucky's gas station) this place is super adorable... with lots of fun dresses, jeans, jewelry and purses.
The owner knows fashion, and loves putting together outfits for her customers.

Check them out!

Friday, August 6, 2010

"Secret Hot Spots" - Stella's Bar & Grill

Want to eat the BEST burger in town?
It's in Bellevue... at Stella's Bar and Grill.
Located near 106 S. Galvin Road.
We're talking juicy, meaty... and quite the bargain too!
But, the neatest thing - is how they serve the burgers.
Watch to find out!

"Secret Hot Spots" - Fluff Your Stuff

If you need a room makeover, look NO FURTHER than this group of women!
Not only do their "know their stuff" when it comes to decorating and design, but they are SO MUCH FUN... you immediately want to become BFF with them.
They are infamous for their "Fast Fluff" - for $200, 2 designers, in 2 hours they will transform a room in your home using stuff you ALREADY have!!!

I highly recommend you give them a call!
(402) 490-1884

"Secret Hot Spots" - Daily Grub

The Daily Grub is one of the most unique places in Omaha.
It used to be an old "dive bar" - before the Grub's owners spruced up the place.
If you're looking for meat or dairy here... you WILL NOT find it.
Instead, you'll find some awesome juices, smoothies, sopes, and raw tacos.
Their menu changes every week - and their hours/days of operation change too.
So make sure to check out their blog.

"Secret Hot Spots" - Finicky Frank's

When we stopped by Finicky Frank's to shoot their SHS, we were so surprised to see Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle eating a reuben sandwich inside!
All the food here is fabulous... the onion rings reel people in.
I highly recommend their crab cake salad.

"Secret Hot Spots" - Lucky Bucket Brewing Co.

This SHS is from December of 2009.
It features the Omaha metro's VERY OWN brewing company!
Great beer at great prices.
You can find the beer at most grocery stores around town.

For a tour of the brewery, stop by:
11941 Centennial Rd in La Vista, NE.


"Secret Hot Spots" - Jones Bros. Cupcakes

Who doesn't love cupcakes!?
This new shop in Aksarben Village (2121 S. 67th Street) is your "one stop shop" for breakfast, lunch, dinner and DESSERT :)
I highly recommend the lemon cupcakes, and the FROZEN YOGURT.
Yum.....

"Secret Hot Spots" - Valley, NE shops

This past May, we featured 3 shops in Valley, Nebraska run by 2 creative sisters.
From art, to breakfast, to fun little trinkets, these 3 shops have everything you need.
I highly recommend making a Saturday or Sunday morning out of it.
Located off North Spruce Street in Valley, NE.