Taste of Lincoln

Let me say upfront that I know I write alot about Venue. This post, however, is not going to be about how much I love their blackened tilapia or how my mouth waters at the thought of Hot Damn Shrimp. Instead, I’m going to address their social marketing.
I signed up to receive Venue’s text messages when they launched this program back in December. With the promise of receiving special discounts via text message, I thought I would find myself there a lot more. Of the ten or more texts I’ve received since early December, I have yet to take advantage of any offer I’ve received. To illustrate my point, last night I received a text offer at 7:45pm to come in despite the winter weather and receive $15 off my order, plus I could enjoy live jazz in the lounge from 7-10pm.
So you know, Venue, 7:45 is too late for most people in Lincoln to make last minute dinner plans on a Thursday night. And here lies the problem–they seem to have no sense for timing these special offers. It’s great to make the offer, but to keep people engaged, you’ve got to give them something they can use because if you don’t, they’ll stop responding to your offers and you lose them.
I’m hoping their endeavors on Facebook are better managed. And in relation to this, I became of fan of Roja Mexican Grill in Omaha last weekend because pre-Christmas they offered free guac to their fans. It’s paid off because I was able to secure reservations for two next Friday night. Normally they only take reservations for 4 or more on Friday and Saturday, but they posted their Valentine’s menu and instructions to make reservations now. Good use of social marketing!

In addition to Buffmeat’s post on Omaha restaurants, I was included in a discussion on restaurants in Omaha that use local produce and meat. The Boiler Room was mentioned as was the Twisted Cork. Both were given excellent recommendations if any of our readers are looking for restaurants that meet that criteria. Also mentioned was McFosters Natural Kind Cafe, which I have eaten at several times when the husband thought he was a vegetarian and Blue Earth (which did not receive very favorable feedback from the group.)

Still don’t have any information on the exact location downtown, but I was at Panera today and there was a woman with a Five Guys shirt interviewing someone.  They must be getting close if they are starting to hire…I don’t have any experience with this chain, but a burger is a welcome addition to the coffee shop / sandwich overload around my office.

Check out their site

I was in the mood for a good French Dip the other day and I happen to work around the Misty’s downtown.  My logic was, if they supposedly have the best prime rib in Lincoln, wouldn’t the left overs make for a great French Dip the next day?

Unfortunately, that was not the case for my particular sandwich.  I love my prime rib rare, and I was hoping the next day it would at least have a little pink left to it.  Every slice was just well done beyond recognition on my sandwich.  The meat was tough and it made it hard to bite off one solid chunk without bringing everything with it.

Needless to say, it didn’t satisfy my craving, but that wasn’t the worst part.  My bill was over $13 for a lunch!  Now, like the best golfer in the world I’m willing to pay for a good piece of meat, but this wasn’t even close.  It really makes me question the legacy that is Misty’s anymore.  Has anyone had a positive experience at the downtown location?  Is Havelock any better?

Sorry Misty, you may have been pretty the night before, but you were a wreck the next morning…