The Best Bets in Omaha for Berkshire Hathaway 2012: Part Five (48 Hour Itinerary)

When 30,000+ people descend on Omaha, you'd think that every business would benefit big time. Yeah, the general consensus is that the restaurants LOVE this annual meeting, but unfortunately the small-business owned retailers just don't get so much of the love.

We get it. It's definitely all about patronage of all the Berkshire Hathaway owned companies. They want to keep the stock up! And yes, you should absolutely get your red-hot deals on diamonds to dish washers but once you've had your fill of Borsheim's (though, does any one tire of looking at fancy canary diamonds and Cartier Roadster watches at a discount?) and Nebraska Furniture Mart (one more 58 inch television?), you should scrape together a few more bucks to check out some of these other fine stores. Because it's always good to support local business. Even those that aren't owned by Warren Buffett.

We've put together a 48 hour itinerary that includes some stops into some of our favorite places in town:

FRIDAY DAY:

A great place to start your afternoon is by having a light lunch at Taste in Rockbrook Village. It's the perfect stopping point pre-Borsheim's cocktail party. I recommend any of the paratha wraps or the orzo salad. Then check out two of Omaha's nicest small businesses, both located within Rockbrook Village:

Rossi Clothiers -- A men's clothing and accessories store. I love the owner, Charlie Rossi, because he is a gentleman who knows his business. He works painstakingly and lovingly to provide men in Omaha with grown-up clothes; from made-to-order suits to a fine collection of ties by Robert Talbott, this is not a store with Cosby sweaters, cargo shorts and Hawaiian shirts.

Category One, a terrific place for the gourmet or starting chef. They have a wonderful selection of the finest kitchen tools and gadgets, including Wellness Mats, a truly indispensable item for someone who needs the extra support under their feet while prepping dishes and meals (I bought mine from Category One and don't know what I'd do without it!).

FRIDAY EVENING:

If you arrive later to Omaha and want to skip out on the Borsheim's cocktail party, then head over to Midtown Crossing and make a night of it there. You might even find some new art for your home.

The Afternoon in Midtown Crossing -- A specialty home and gift store. This place has everything! It's a real mishmash of unique items ranging from cards and books to objects for the office or your garden.

If you're not hungry yet, it's definitely worth it to check out the following two art gallery events taking place in suites next door to each other.

Material Matters, an exhibit on fiber, clay and wood in art -- Opening Reception from 6-9pm at Peerless Gallery, 3157 Farnam, Suite 7108

Yes, Yes You Are Magic, the inaugural show of brand new gallery Tugboat Presents. Works from Claudia Alvarez among others. 3157 Farnam, Suite 7111

There are a variety of options to dine at Midtown Crossing, including "the greenest restaurant in America" The Grey Plume. That would be your fanciest option. Otherwise, there are so many places to choose from at Midtown Crossing; you can even do "Cine-Dine" and have a meal while watching a new release at Marcus Midtown Cinemas.

SATURDAY:

We know the big reason you all came to town was to hear Warren and Charlie speak (ok, and watch the world-famous video). So we won't suggest anything alternate to do besides check out our list of close-by pit stops when you need a break from the Q&A session.

After the meeting ends, we do recommend you head over to the Old Market to enjoy both the retail and restaurant offerings.

Go to Howard Street and walk from 10th Street west until you head to 13th Street. Of course, we'd love for you to stop by our shop Trocadero, next to Wheatfield's.

For dinner, there is everything from Hiro 88 and Blue Sushi for your Asian fix to Stokes for Southwestern cuisine and Nicola's for delicious Italian. Try to get a table at La Buvette (any of their specials are amazing) or M's Pub (love their chicken satay with rice) and you won't be disappointed. A Noma-trained chef is heading up the kitchen at V. Mertz while The Boiler Room still gets my vote as the best restaurant in Omaha, under the direction of chef Paul Kulik.

SUNDAY:

If you didn't get your Borsheim's or Warren Buffett fix on Friday, then by all means head back there for all the day's festivities.

But we definitely think it's worth a trip to the 5 brunch places we mentioned if you're not in the mood to stand in the buffet line.

And if you're in the mood for a steak, please don't go to Gorat's or Piccolo Pete's with the rest of the masses; take our earlier suggestion and head here. You really won't get a better steak in town.

Thanks for reading the Troc's 5-Part-Series on What to do in Omaha during the Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Meeting. We hope our suggestions were helpful and please do let us know in the comments section whether you tried a place and what you thought. And come and say hi to us at the Troc!

What To Do In Omaha: Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Best Bets Part Four

Look, we've been to the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder's meeting before. And we know many of you want to stay in the Century Link Center for the whole duration and eat your $1 DQ Dilly bars, buy Ginsu knives, count how many Cherry Cokes Warren Buffett drinks, stock up on See's Candies, hug the Geico lizard and hear the Q&As. 

But for those of you who feel like you need some quick breaks, here is an emergency quick hit list that are all within a 20 minute walking radius. Note that those that are * are located in the Old Market and might make more sense to do during longer breaks or in the afternoon when the meeting is finished.

You need a:

• Cappuccino -- Blue Line, located at 14th and Cuming -- in addition to your coffee fix, they have all sorts of beverage treats including Italian sodas as well as light bites such as salads and sandwiches.

• Light Snack -- Red Mango, located at 13th and Cuming -- this local outpost of a national chain of frozen yogurt deliciousness in a cup. Add fruit to make it even more healthy. Or add candy.

• Stiff Drink -- The Liberty Tavern, located in the Hilton Hotel -- you can't get closer to an alcoholic beverage than within the hotel that is adjacent to the convention center.

• Pedicure -- The Nail Shop, located at 9th between Dodge and Douglas -- we've raved before and we'll rave again as this is the place to get your nails and toes done. Relaxing...ahhhhhh....

• Charcuterie Plate -- La Buvette*, located at 11th between Howard and Jackson -- because sometimes you just need a big honking plate of cured meats. Atkins-friendly.


• A First Edition -- Jackson Street Booksellers*, located at Jackson between 11th and 12th -- there's nothing like discovering a treasure in the form of a rare book, or even just a gently used one.

• Something Sweet -- Bliss Bakery*, located at 11th and Jones -- because challenging times are always easier when you have a cupcake or cookie standing by.

• Glass of Wine -- Nosh, located at 10th and Dodge -- 100+ wines are offered at this newish lounge located within minutes of the Century Link Center. Need we say more?

• Bowl of Pho -- Saigon Surface*, located at 14th and Farnam -- who doesn't crave this cure-all soup that will wake your senses especially if you put some sriracha in it.

• New Pair of Shoes -- Trocadero*, located at Howard between 12th and 13th -- everyone always needs and wants pretty things to put on their feet.

48 Hours Dining in Omaha (The Best Bets: Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Part Three)

I've lived in Omaha for almost 5 years and often times I'll hear lifelong Omahans comment that they've never heard of a restaurant I mention. And it can be either a new place, an old one, a moderately priced restaurant or a dive.

When I moved here from New York City, I made it my mission to know Omaha inside and out. But like many who came from bigger cities, I really kept my knowledge to midtown and east. God forbid I go anyplace "out west" in the 'burbs.

But now that I live in "uncool" West Omaha, I've really found that there are great little places to go for a bite to eat that aren't necessarily chains (contrary to what midtowners and downtowners want to believe).

I've compiled a list of some great eats in Omaha -- most which are located in....yup, you guessed it, "uncool" West Omaha.

Yes, there are your tried and true places in the Old Market that everyone knows to go to -- and believe me, they get plenty of business while the BRK folks are in town. This list includes some places that aren't included in the usual guide to Omaha, provided by the Berkshire Hathaway PR team.

If I had 48 hours to eat in Omaha, this is what I'd do:

Friday, May 4th

Ok, we know everyone LOVES the Borsheim's cocktail party. It's like a Husker tailgate -- everyone is there to be seen and to drink. Last year, I did something REALLY smart. I got there about an hour before the official party started. Got a great parking space and my husband and I wheeled our 3 month old baby daughter through Borsheim's and got a great deal on a watch at the Baume & Mercier counter. We skipped the lines for the free food and drinks and instead went on home to put our baby to sleep and make dinner.

I don't suggest you do all of the above; but I do recommend getting there early to look at the deals on watches and jewelry. Plus, you'll get a good salesperson or better yet, a visiting company person, to start working with you. Get your goods and then get the heck outta there.

Sure, everyone loves a free drink and food but with those lines, I'd definitely skip the cut cheese cubes and egg rolls (that's what they served in 2008, the last and only time I endured the long lines).

Instead, make a reservation at one of the following places for a great meal depending on your mood:

French: Le Voltaire -- My husband is taken to this restaurant every year on his birthday. The last time we were there, we looked at each other and thought, "Why do we come here only on special occasions?" The prices are reasonable enough -- depending on what you order -- and you'll definitely be treated to one the best meals you can get in Omaha for any night of the week. Their specials are wonderful, although definitely more pricey.

Italian: Pasta Amore -- I have yet to find a true Northern Italian restaurant in Omaha. But if you want dependable Italian cuisine with a Southern bent, I recommend this place located in Rockbrook Village around 108th Street.

Japanese: Sushi Japan -- Try to get a sushi bar seat and enjoy their omakase menu. I really like the sushi chefs there and they do sashimi and sushi very well. If you sit in the dining room, look at their specials and get something truly fresh and delicious. This is located out west too around 141st Street.

American: J. Coco -- I'm a big fan already of this new spot in Omaha. It has an edited menu with special dishes to cater to many appetites. Everything from bouillabaisse to osso bucco to wagyu steak. It's a jewel box of a restaurant, so you'll want to make reservations for sure. Or sit at the bar and wait for your table with a craft cocktail from Chris Engles, their bartender extraordinaire.

Korean: Maru -- At the very least, you can tell everyone you went to Omaha and had Korean food. People will raise their eyebrows thinking, HUH? For Korean novices, get a seafood pancake and pan fried dumplings to start. Kalbi is a must and the dolsot bibimpop is to-die-for good. Be sure to scrape all the crunchy bits of rice and savor all the yumminess. Maru is located south around 108th Street.

Saturday, May 5th

You'll have to grab breakfast at your hotel in order to get to the Century Link Center to listen to the Oracle of Omaha and Charlie Munger. Once you've had your fill of the loads of people at the Century Link Center, you should spend the rest of your afternoon strolling around the Old Market (and come visit yours truly at Trocadero)...and then...

It's Cinco de Mayo, everyone's favorite excuse to imbibe several margaritas. If you want the best ones in town, well, there will be differing opinions. But if you want the tastiest Mexican food in town (and quite honestly better than anything I've had in NYC including Rosa Mexicano and the like), I say head to Rivera's. Their Sparky's nachos are unlike anything I've ever had and are so incredibly flavorful and spicy! And you cannot go wrong with their chicken mole enchiladas. Seriously good stuff. Rivera's is located around 120th Street and Blondo. You'll want to get there early as they get busy on non-Cinco de Mayo nights. Perhaps a late afternoon bite?

For dinner, please refer to the list above, in addition to these standouts:

Asian Fusion: Hiro -- We had our rehearsal/out-of-towners dinner here and there isn't anything on the menu that does not please and delight. Start with the Asian short ribs, gyoza and avocado spring rolls and choose either the salmon plank, miso cod, peanut butter chicken or Mongolian beef for your entrée. And don't miss their crazy delicious gooey chocolate cake!

Indian: Tanduri Fusion -- My love of Indian food goes way back to when I first moved to New York City in the early '90s. Tanduri Fusion hits the spot like no other place in Omaha for Indian food. It's another restaurant located way out in West Omaha and people just don't know about it enough. There may be better looking places or more "hole in the wall" joints, but this place can't be beat in my opinion. I love some of their special lamb dishes like safed maas and their chicken makhani or korma are some of my favorite dishes.

Sunday, May 6th

If a crowded buffet line is your thing, then you'll want to head over to Borsheim's again and fight for your breakfast/brunch. Otherwise, I say venture to any of these five places for some really great brunch meals before you head out of Omaha.

Heartland Café -- It's located way, way out west, technically in Elkhorn. But it has a seriously amazing buffet brunch that is hard to beat. We had our out-of-towners' brunch here for our wedding and guests from California to Maryland to New York were delighted with the chicken fried steak, perfect pancakes, crispy bacon, made-to-order omelettes and mini cinnamon buns among other offerings.

Dario's -- In my opinion, they have the best brunch menu in Omaha. I love the variety of items including sweet and savory crêpes, quiches, salads and Belgian specials like mussels and frites. A delicious cocktail menu includes one of my favorites, "the Cocktail Aux Lillet, a classic spritzer turned head over heels in love with classic Elderflower Liquor."

Dixie Quick's -- There is absolutely nothing to NOT love about this Southern meets Cajun-Tex-Mex cuisine. Now in its new location in Council Bluffs, Iowa (just across the river from Omaha), Dixie Quick's has a bright, airy, light-filled urban vibe that still churns out tasty bites noon and night. The Dixie Scramble is always a good bet as is the outstanding salmon entrée.

Lot 2 -- This newest addition to the Omaha foodscape scene is a well-needed and modern one. We love the look of the place and the food is great to boot. The brunch menu offers everything from croque madames and eggs benedict to ramen. Bloody Marys and a High Life are served post-noon for those who are looking to nurse their hangovers.

New Gold Mountain -- If you want to have dim sum, this is the place to go. There aren't the traditional carts of food going around the room but it's a Chinese-owned joint that has mostly Asian clientele. My usual order includes Singapore noodles, shrimp dumplings, roasted pork, BBQ pork buns, lotus leaf wrapped rice, turnip cake, 1/2 order Peking Duck. And if you want Vietnamese, they serve a mean pho.

The BEST Bets in Omaha During Berkshire Hathaway Meeting 2012: Part Two

Hands down, the best steak in Omaha.

I came across this article about "What To Do In Omaha When You Need A Break From Next Week's Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting" in the Business Insider and as a former editor, I can't help but say I'm a tad disappointed with their picks.

Gorat's? Again? Really?

And including Berkshire Hathaway-owned Borsheim's really doesn't actually "give you a break" from the shareholder meeting when you're basically doing BRK stuff.

The Business Insider's Things to Do and See list isn't terrible but here are Trocadero's ideas when it comes to eating, recreational play and shopping. You'll see their options in red, and we've gone ahead and listed our counterpoints in blue.

So without further adieu, here are our counter-suggestions of what to do in Omaha when you need a break from this week's Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting:

1. Don't eat a steak at Warren Buffett's supposedly favorite steakhouse Gorat's. Instead, get an amazingly delicious Omaha-legendary "Whiskey marinaded" steak at the Drover (pictured above). You won't be disappointed.

Kara by Kara Ross drusy chandelier earrings at Trocadero

2. Don't buy a pair of earrings at Borsheim's, the jewelry store owned by BRK. Instead, get a pair of drusy earrings from Kara by Kara Ross at Trocadero, a boutique owned by the former Accessories Director of In Style.

3. Don't hit the links at Indian Creek Golf Course. Instead, hit the links at Elmwood Park, an easy 18 hole course that is a stone's throw (ok, more than a real stone's throw) away from Warren Buffett's house.


4. Don't check into the Hilton Omaha downtown where the conference is. Instead, check out and check into the Westin Group's Element Hotel, an-eco-friendly and modern option. 

The Boiler Room in Omaha

5. Don't eat beef stuffed pasta at the greenest restaurant in America, The Grey Plume. Instead, dine at one of the best restaurants in Omaha, The Boiler Room, or the newest, J. Coco. 


6. Don't pay homage to the oracle of Omaha's longtime home (that's creepy!). Instead, drive by the Omaha Community Playhouse, the theater home of Omaha natives Henry Fonda and Marlon Brando, and coincidentally see the current production of A Streetcar Named Desire.


7. Don't sample local microbrews at Upstream Brewing Company. Instead enjoy craft cocktails, bloody marys  and an amazing list of draught beers at Krug Park.


8. Don't visit the General Crook House Museum, a truly historical bizarre monument. Instead, well, actually I think this sounds pretty awesome! Never heard of it and love that it's something different. Go for it!

What's more Americana than Omaha and a baseball game?

9. Don't catch a baseball game at Werner Park and receive your own Warren Buffett bobblehead. Instead, I cannot really complain about this one either. Go get tickets to this Triple-A league because Omaha, baseball and Warren Buffett is as all American as you can get -- a true triple threat!









10. Don't play a hand of Buffett's favorite game at the Omaha Bridge Studio. Instead, head across state lines to Council Bluffs, Iowa and go play some Texas Hold 'Em at the Horseshoe. (I can't resist, as I'm an ex-poker player myself.)


11. Don't see the fastest jet-powered aircraft in the world and other awesome planes at the Strategic Air & Space Museum. Instead, see some of the fastest moving fish at the newly renovated and reopened aquarium at the Henry Doorly Zoo.






source: The Drover

source: The Boiler Room

source: Omaha Storm Chasers logo

The BEST Bets at the Berkshire Hathaway 2012 Meeting in Omaha

Welcome Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders to Nebraska!

Our very popular dish towels (we have everything from Nebraska to Boston to Paris!)

It's that time of year again! The annual Woodstock of Capitalism, also known as the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting.

The estimates are always around 30,000 folks attending this convention held at the Qwest Center in Omaha, now known as the CenturyLink Center (I know, kinda confusing!).

Trocadero always love to share our best bets when it comes to dining in Omaha during the BRK Meeting, but this year we're going to mix it up a bit. For the next 5 days, we'll be posting daily about what our BEST BETS are during Berkshire Hathaway week. To kick off this 5 day TrocTalk series, we decided to begin with a peek at all the fabulous new items available at Trocadero this season...

Jewelry, handbags and shoes in Spring's cheeriest hues!

Hi! This is Alice Kim. My specialty when I was the Accessories Director at In Style were handbags and shoes. But I also know my way around the luxury and costume jewelry market as well. So I cannot help but stock Trocadero with some of my favorite brands such as MZ Wallace, Kara Ross, Botkier, Seychelles and Dolce Vita. The best thing about these brands is that they offer stylish, seasonal items that don't cost a fortune and aren't so trendy you cannot wear them ever again after this season.

I love to buy items that are wardrobe staples but have something about them that are au courant. In addition to all our wonderful accessories, please enjoy our unique gifts for the home and baby.

Come by and say hi! Trocadero is located at 1208 1/2 Howard Street in the heart of the Old Market. Right next to Wheatfields!

Beautiful lightweight summer scarf that has the colors of the season!

The perfect black sandal that isn't overly trendy. Comfortable to boot!

A power red leather tote with a tribal print scarf

You can't miss our window!

Oh, and an adorable little rattle for that baby!