Taste of Lincoln

I’m a huge supporter of local restaurants. I’m a local business owner and I appreciate when people come to me when they could go elsewhere. The problem I have with supporting local, is when that is a platform for gaining momentum for an inferior product.

I’m sure I’m in the minority here, but I just don’t think OSO is as good as Chipotle. I’ve tried it several times and I think it’s good, don’t get me wrong. But after looking at my $8 lunch tab, I have to go with what my heart tells me is better.

I’m a huge fan of the burrito bowl at Chipotle so I put it head to head with the rice plate at OSO. To me there was no comparison. OSO just has an inferior product in a flooded fast-mex market here in Lincoln. I don’t want to bash them, because they must be doing something right. But in my opinion, the national chain wins out.

When Kuhl’s closed downtown I was completely crushed. Not only did we lose a downtown institution, but Lincoln does not have a great selection of breakfast places. I was reading another blog on this (would give credit if I could remember) and everyone talked about Tina’s. I’ve never been and after a failed attempt after they closed one morning, we finally made it.

All I can say is WOW!!! This is what America is losing. I had a small order of biscuits and gravy that was exactly what I needed that morning. The service was even better than the food. I believe it was Tina herself brought out toys for my kids and shot us down when we tried to order them the 3 pancakes. Two of the “tire sized” was enough…and she was right.

The hours make it a little tough for me to get to before work (Kuhl’s was right downtown here), but this is a new favorite for me.

I consider myself generally open minded when it comes to restaurants. I don’t judge a book by its cover and I don’t believe spending more means anything. This would be a good time for me to explain some rules I live by when selecting a “hole in the wall”.

1. Ethnic Representation – If it’s an “authentic xyz” restaurant, there should be people from nation xyz enjoying the food.
2. Construction Workers – If you are even in an unfamiliar city and need a place to eat, just look for the work trucks. No one knows where to get great food quick better.
3. Bikers – Bikers are some of the most resourceful people I know. Growing up the son of a biker, I quickly learned that some of the best food is served at places most people won’t walk by, let alone eat at. Bottom line, if there is a row of bikes out front, it’s good.

Lina’s had none of the above. Subway was packed with construction workers over the lunch rush but Lina’s was pretty dead. I had an asada burrito that was good, but nothing that I would run back to. Clean restaurant and friendly staff, but this market is saturated with smaller home style Mexican places.

Had lunch at The Cup at 25th and Randolph. Thought it was just going to be a coffee house, but it was so much more. All organic ingredients, no soda, recycled materials–all the things that the inner treehugger in me rejoices about. I had a roasted turkey sandwich, of course featuring turkey with I think provolone cheese, tomato, lettuce and some sort of aioli instead of mayo. Served on white ciabatta bread and sort of toasted, the sandwich came with a small side salad with organic greens, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and a vinegarette dressing. Very happy with the food. Was told the soup is wonderful, but on a day that is hot and humid, soup is the last thing I am wanting to eat. I was taunted by the small chocolate cheesecakes and cinnamon rolls at the front counter. Thankfully for me, the cheesecakes were sold out by the time I had talked myself into actually ordering one. Definately going back for breakfast items (scones, breads, danish) and will have to have that chocolate cheesecake. Pricing was what I expected for a small shop with an earthy, organic theme. Might be more than you would want to spend, but it was so very worth it.