Hello dudesndivorce.com readers!
Bill and I got together this past weekend in the Omaha, Nebraska area and shared some good times, good food, laughs, and even a road trip!
We thought we’d share with you some of our thoughts on some of the culinary delights we experienced!
First off, Friday’s dinner entailed a stop at a little restaurant called The Korean Grill in Bellevue, Ne. Located at 1408 Harlan Drive in Bellevue, it is relatively easy to find. As a matter of fact two gentleman arrived shortly after we sat down with a map in hand exclaiming, “We found the place!” They had driven down from northern Iowa just to eat at The Korean Grill. Needless to say, I don’t think they were disappointed, we were not.
I had steamed rice with BBQ pork ribs (Korean style, naturally), chop jae (an almost translucent noodle dish made from sweet potato), cucumber kim chee, and a summer salad type dish (I am sorry, the name escapes me at the moment).
The ribs, you get 3, were excellent. Aside from good old American BBQ ribs, the cultures of Korea and China are next best at this food! The sauce was tangy with a hint of heat and the meat was tender. The chop jae also has chunks of meat and vegetable in it and has an incredibly mild yet satisfying taste to it. While I also enjoy the usual kim chee with its more “lavish” spices, I also enjoy the flavor of the cucumber kim chee. It is a much “cooler” dish, so goes well in contrast to a warm summer afternoon or evening. Has also did the summer salad type dish I had.
As always when I have visited The Korean Grill, the service is excellent. Both warm and friendly. Henim Stemson, who is co-owner and Head Chef (with her husband, Scott) also often serves her customers. She personally enjoys cooking for others and seeing people enjoy her food. You can almost taste it in the food and feel it in the atmosphere of this little restaurant. If your ever in the Bellevue, Ne. area I heartily recommend stopping in to The Korean Grill!
Sunday we chose to eat the The Texas Roadhouse. Since we were celebrating both Bill’s birthday and the recent improvements to dudesndivorce.com we splurged and each of us had the 16 oz. Rib-eye with a baked potato. I also chose green beans and washed it all down with a frozen Margarita.
After we chose our steaks from the display case, we were seated and were brought a basket of fresh baked rolls with a butter concoction that included cinnamon and a small bucket of peanuts in the shell. Customers are encouraged to toss the shells on the floor, giving the place that old fashioned roadhouse feel. But let us get to the real “meat” of the matter, the steaks. I have often been disappointed in restaurant steaks, even at so-called steak houses, but let me say that disappointment was dissipated at The Texas RoadHouse! My steak was cooked to perfection, medium rare, and was accompanied by one of the best baked potatoes I have ever had. Perfectly complimenting the meat. The steak needed no enhancements (steak sauce) whatsoever, it was perfect the way it was! The potato had been rubbed in spices that made the skin very tasty, and I like to eat the skin too.
Here also the service was great, attentive and friendly without being overwhelming. Our server, a pleasant young man, engaged in casual challenge with me regarding my ability to eat all of the enormous steak and potato. He, like many other challengers, found themselves on the losing end of that proposition!
More later. I know Bill would like to share his expertise regarding our stop at another local ethnic restaurant, Jim and Jennie’s Greek Village 3026 N. 90th St Omaha, Ne. so I will leave him room to do so.
Russ
