Bagles and Joe

Bagel's and Joe
4701 Old Cheney Rd, Lincoln, NE 68516
1777 N 86th, Lincoln, NE 68505
Bagles and Joe Menu

My dad built our first house behind a catholic church & school, across from an apartment complex in 1992. The apartments were a favorite place for myself. brother, and the neighbor kids to ride their bikes around, primarily because there was a really steep hill that was really fun to speed down.

In 1993, I would be riding my bike down that apartment complex hill for an entirely different reason. Food of course, and no not the small grocery store in the little shopping complex off to the side of the apartments. A small local bagel shop opened called Bagels and Joe. In 1993, it was a small bagel shop, some might consider it a coffeehouse as well. They served an assortment of freshly made bagels, and their signature in house cream cheeses. During a time when Lincoln did not have a Starbucks or Scooter's, this was the place to come visit.

When they opened in 1993, they promised to provide:

• QUALITY – we use only the freshest high quality ingredients.
• FRIENDLY – you’ll find us friendly, helpful and eager to help you make selections.
• PASSION – we take our product, but not ourselves seriously. Our goal is to serve our
  patrons to the best of our ability. If we disappoint you in any way we hope you let us know;
  we’ll do everything we can to make things right.
• BUY LOCAL – locally owned and operated, we’re proud to be Lincoln’s
  first, and only, independent bagel house.

Since the last several years, on Friday evenings they typically have live music from a local band or group, who come in and play while you can sit, enjoy a meal, or a drink and each others company.

Now that I am older, I can appreciate different foods. When I was a kid, I would limit myself to what I know. For example, I doubt when I was 10, I would of ordered the Cranberry Turkey Sandwich, because I didn't like cranberry's at the time (I just recently I think for the first time, tried Cranberry Sauce on Thanksgiving in 2016---I was missing out). Though what a pick to make if you go to visit! Today, I can also see myself working on my laptop there for a few hours because of the quite atmosphere it provides.

My friend Don and I decided to meet for lunch there. We went around 11:45. I got there early, and around 11:25 it was slightly busy. Guests were scattered through the "old dining room" as I like to call it, because when I was younger, the original shop back in 1993, was not as big as it is in today 2016. While others were scattered into the "additional dining room" which was added on a few years ago.

I started out with a orange cranberry scone, and a large hot tea. I love their assortment of black teas (they also have an assortment of green/herbal teas to choose from). The Old Republic of Tea is the brand that they use and it is very good. I choose the Ginger Peach flavor, which is a black tea with peach and a hint of ginger in it. The scone was OK, I wish I would of had them heat it up a bit though, but no less it was a good pastry, even dry and cold.

Once Don arrived, we got lunch. Don got the Italian, which is made of, lean smoked ham, roma tomato, swiss, roasted red bell pepper strips, capicollo and house-made coul. I got the Cranberry Turkey Deli Sandwich, which is made of cranberry, turkey, walnuts, parsley & craisin. 

I also got an Irish Cream Italian Soda. Which is made from Irish Cream syrup, and club soda. If you wish you can add some cream to it, but not required. Which is like "soda" or "pop" but without the excess of calories (use sugar free syrup and its better than real soda in my opinion). It is also easy to make at home if you wanted to. I do. The syrups can be found in the coffee isle of your grocery store.

The sandwich I had is easily compared to a chicken salad sandwich, except freshly made on a cranberry orange bagel, with a choice of toasted or non toasted, (get it toasted--for chicken people--they also have chicken salad). It has a sweet crunch in each bite which is from the walnuts and cranberries. It is the bagel is what filled me up more than the salad itself, though that doesn't take anything away from it. It comes with lettuce on it, I got mine without.

Don thought it was very savory with a touch of heat to it, something that he was not expecting, but was pleasantly pleased with. He also had a bowl of the Broccoli and Cheddar soup. Which looked creamy, and of course cheesy. As you can tell he was enjoying it. The meal was not to big, nor to small, but yet fulfilling. To me, Don's sandwich looked like it was put into a wood fire grill, which made it more appealing in presentation. 

Bagel's and Joe is a must visit. For Breakfast or Lunch, they will have something that you will surely enjoy. It's price is very reasonable, it is a local shop, so every dollar you spend supports the business and the Lincoln Small Business Community, which is something Lincoln, NE is known for.

Hope you enjoyed the review of Bagel's and Joe. I do see myself continuing to frequent there again over hopefully the next 20 years! It's tradition and values are one's that can not be beat.

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Greenfield Cafe: December 20, 2016

Greenfield's Cafe Review: December 19th, 2016

87th and Hwy 2 across from Walmart.

Hours of Operation:
7am to 9pm Daily
7am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday
Extended hours on weekends in the summer

Greenfields Menu Selection

 

Photo Provided By: Greenfield's

Greenfields Cafe is one of my favored places to visit in Lincoln for breakfast. Once upon a time it was IHOP, before it was transformed into Greenfield's Cafe. I have many reasons this is a favorite place of mine, and I will revisit this review later on in the year, trying different dishes they offer. The service has always been exceptional; no matter what waitress is assigned to your table.

So what should we know about Greenfield's Cafe? Greenfield's serves fresh casual style breakfasts and delicious lunches and dinners. Where breakfast is served anytime at Greenfield’s. Enjoy Greenfield’s specialty omelets, waffles, pancakes, eggs, delicious bacon and much more! For lunch or dinner, try their comfort food, they make a mean meatloaf and chicken fried steak dinners (a favorite of my brother's when he visits) and also soup, and sandwich combos. 

The owner made it a point to introduce himself and also lets me pick my seat anywhere in the dining room. The restaurant is owned by a Christian pastor and his family, who took a leave of absence from being a pastor to go into the restaurant business. The family also owns Davinchi's Restaurant which is a popular Italian local bistro in town. They stand on Christian morals and beliefs, where there is a special joy we have in serving their gusts and they want their customers to feel welcome and invite you to be a part of their extended family. 

Photo Provided By: Greenfield's

They have a large main dining room on the left, and on the right is a smaller dining room, which is not used more until the evening hours. It has a nice ambience about the restaurant. It is not loud, but quite. The lighting is not to bright or too dim. The place has always been clean when I come in to visit. The kitchen is well kept up, as well as it's restrooms. If it is nice outside and you would rather eat outside, be sure to ask for one of their covered patio seats, where you can eat great food, while taking in fresh air. 

On my recent visit, I made sure to take notice of time, quality, speed, service, plating, and cleanliness. All important things one might notice when eating out, which can either make or break the experience.

I arrived at 8:40am. I was greeted by Dawn who was my server that day. She had me seated within 18 seconds of walking in the door and had my drink order ready within seconds as well. Which was a cup of earl grey tea, and a pot of extra water for refills. In addition to cream and sweetener, she had it down! Within 2 minutes of my arrival my order was taken, the classic French toast. I didn't have to utter a word but hello and how is your morning going!? They knew that order too.  My drink was refilled four times over my visit, which was frequent and more than enough for my caffeine fill for the morning.

Within 9 minutes my food was served. I ordered the classic French toast with blueberry compote and whipped cream, topped with blueberry syrup.

Quite the sweet dish. I mixed ingredients from the Belgium Waffle (compote and whipped cream) and use it on the French toast instead of butter and powdered sugar. In addition, I got 1 classic egg over medium, and a side of hash browns with hot sauce. I make myself a "haystack" mix with the eggs and hash browns topped with a little bit of spice for a kick. While the French toast was prepared wrong, they took it back and made a fresh plate within 7 minutes and it was delicious. While swift on turnaround time, the quality is fantastic, and taking pleasure in every last bite. 

Dawn made sure many different times that my cup and tea kettle were refilled, and going a step further spent time to chat with me and over the past month or two, has gotten to know me some. I am one of their frequent flyers so were getting on a first name basis now. All of the girls who work there are awesome and so kind. They keep checking in on you and make sure you have all that you need. She mentioned she was worried that I didn't come in to eat this week yet and wanted to make sure all was ok, which was very nice. I didn't know I was missed. 

I can see myself going to Greenfields for years to come, it is a peaceful place to go and eat in the morning, and from time to time you will see the occasional business person working on their laptop, or having company meetings. Once I myself had a business meeting there with the university. She suggested Greenfields because it would be quite and we could get more accomplished. If I too would need to have an early business meeting involving food (which is always a plus) I would choose Greenfields as a top pick to do so. Plus, you can’t go wrong with its food or service. When I go with my family. My brother usually orders the homemade country fried steak, while my mother will usually go with the sweat potato hash dish. My dad will usually choose something different each time we visit as a family, which is around 5-7 times a year.

I obviously go much more. My only complaint is very small and might not matter at all to others. 

The tea kettle for hot water leaks a little too much. Often when pouring, even though the lid is completely shut and sealed, the pot leaks out about half of its water volume. So either you pour slow and let it get cold flowing down into your cup, or it ends up on the table. The one napkin provided for your food is then soaked. Which usually results in asking the server to comeback with more napkins or a rag. I also think the silver pot could be replaced with something a little classier for their establishment. Like a small black tea kettle, which would add a little more class to the restaurant when sitting on the table. Like I said that is a very small complaint and one that is often overlooked by myself as well.

I highly suggest you visit Greenfields for a meal. You will want to return one day, or that is my thought at least. Their deserts are also very good and fresh. Gordon Ramsey might have a hard time criticizing their kitchen because it is spotless, and open on both sides of the dining rooms. 

Final Review

• Service: 5/5 Frequently checked in on, refills often on drinks, they give you more than two seconds to eat before asking you how your food is, the staff is very nice all around which provides a better customer service experience.
  
• Food: 5/5 Many different selections from breakfast to dinner, and desert. All look and come out homemade
  
  
• Quality: 5/5 Food is prepared like it a home cooked meal and delivers the same satisfaction
  
  
• Cleanness: 5/5 Kitchen and dining room are always clean or spotless--anytime of day

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Restaurants that opened in 2016

Many different eating establishments opened in Lincoln in 2016. Most of I have never heard of. Meaning I have an adventure to complete in 2017. Tackle every single one of them. It will be fun to do. So what are some of the new restaurants that came to Lincoln in 2016, and what will come in 2017! 

Restaurants that opened in 2016:

1. HopCat
2. Blessing Thai Restaurant
3. Yowie's
4. Blue Blood Brewing Company
5. Culinary Underground
6. Ichiban Sichuan
7. GroundUp Kitchen 
8. The Hub Cafe
9. Rabit Hole Bakery
10. Perfect Diner
11. Which Which
12. High Vibe Cafe
13. Hurts Donut
14. Chef Karim Mediterranean Grill
15. Teriyaki Madness
16. Copper Kettle
17. Krispy Kream
18. Shivers
19. Inglenook
20. Valentino's (On 27th and Pine Lake Rd. @ Southpoint Pavilions)
21. Freedy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
22. Tanner's Bar and Grill
23. Zoup!
24. Five Guy's Burgers and Fries

 Well I say that is quite the list of establishments! I will have a busy 2017 writing about these experiences. Keep tuned for one review after the other. If you have a suggestion let me know!

We also now have a twitter account where I will post our updates! Follow us on twitter https://twitter.com/ajabofoodblog

Thanks for reading! 

Scooters Coffehouse

When I go on business travel, I know I will miss one thing dearly when I am away, and will have to settle for something that is not comparable. Scooters Coffeehouse! Scooter's is like another Starbucks, or is how it would be described by the average coffee drinker. To others it is so much more. Scooter's mission as a company back in 1998 when it started as a drive thru coffeehouse in Bellevue, Nebraska. Co-founders Don and Linda Eckles wanted to provide a quality experience through their mission as a company to:

"Find a great location and stay committed to high-quality drinks, speed of service, and a BIG smile. Scooter’s is fortunate to have nearly two decades of success due to its commitment to the original business principles and company core values. Amazing People, Serving Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast."

That is quite the mission to live up to I would say!  Do they meet their own expectations?

Yes they do in my opinion. Which is just an opinion. Though Scooters has won me over as a frequent flyer customer due to their customer service, speed, and quality of taste in both their beverage selections and their different bakery, and hot food items. Though it doesn't mean all is perfect either, even a loyal customer can find a flaw or two, no matter how biased he may be. It is a very clean establishment for the most part, but every time I go in the store I notice a plate here and there on a table leftover, or a spill somewhere. They clean it up, it is just a busy coffeehouse. Sometimes I wounder if people go to work at some points in the day that is how crowded it can be at times.

Another thing is for me anyways, I feel I get more out of my money at Scooters compared to Starbucks. More selections, better service, and quick BUT efficient in getting out your order.

When I arrive to Scooters for the first time in the day I am always greeted by name by the barista who is at the counter. They have always in my eyes maintained a professional but also friendly attitude. They are always happy to see a customer walk in the door, and if you frequent enough they will start to get to know you in return.  Usually I stick to my normal large earl grey tea, with raspberry flavoring in it, but sometimes I will change it up to the drink they are most known for:  



THE CARAMELICIOUS. It is a nice warm beverage in the winter using Scooter’s World-Class Espresso which is fused with rich, velvety caramel sauce, homemade caramel and hot, texturized milk. This delicious masterpiece is then topped with whip cream and drizzled with caramel sauce., and is a popular pick among many consumers who visit the establishment. The only time I ever feel rushed to place my order is when someone is standing behind me, otherwise i never feel rushed, I usually have a small conversation with the barista!

Every morning they put out fresh bakery items, one of my favorites is the Orange and Cranberry Scone, but be sure to have it warmed up, tastes better that way personally to me. They also have a good selection of muffins, cookies, and scones. In addition they also offer other "small" food items such as their yogurt parfait (but only at select locations I have come to discover).

Although my all time favorite food item they offer is their Spicy Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Cabita roll breakfast sandwich. They also offer turkey sausage, and bacon. I have tried all three. The bacon is not a favorite of mine, and I do love bacon like any other person, just not on this sandwhich, to me it just doesn't compare than the other two options. Turkey sausage is good, but a little to lean for my liking, but the spicy sausage always hits the spot, and goes well with a nice warm cup of tea or their in house brew coffee's. Some locations also serve a spicy sausage, egg, and cheese burrito, but its size is very small, and is more of a snack item to pick up in the morning if your not wanting a big breakfast. So for a coffeehouse they do offer quite a bit of a food selection, even though its more pastries and bakery items. A little sugar to top off the caffeine never hurts right!

If you decide to go into the coffeehouse itself, instead of driving thru, you will find they are all very well kept up and clean. Even the restrooms are nice and spotless. The men's room is almost like walking into a restroom in a Marriott hotel lobby. That says something alone in my opinion. The atmosphere is nice and quite. It is a good place to go take your laptop and go work for a couple of hours.


The one complaint I had over the years I have been going to Scooters is that they did not have a rewards program, such as buy 10 drinks, get one free type deal. Well I cant complain about that no more because on Dec. 13th, 2016 Scooters released an App for iPhone and android users. You buy a gift-card and load it on your phone. Once it is loaded you can either ditch or keep the card to use still if you want. I keep mine as a backup but now pay by my phone to get the stickers you earn after spending $5.00. To get a free beverage you need to spend around $60.00 total. It was a very nice addition to their company.

I highly suggest you stop by Scooters sometime this week if you have never been. Before you know it, you will be saying "remember the time we went to Starbucks..."

My final rating:

• Staff and Customer Service: 5/5
• Cleanliness: 4/5
• Atmosphere: 5/5
• Drink Quality: 5/5
• Food Quality: 4/5
• Speed: 4/5

My overall rating can be described in one word...Excellent!

My Favorite Spots

The city of Lincoln has much to offer when it comes to food. We have it all from the small coffee shops, to places where wearing jeans is almost a crime (OK that is stretching it). Every person has a favorite place or two to visit on a regular basis, so in this blurb, I am going to list my Top 10 places in Lincoln that I love to eat at!! Your next question is going to be, "Andy, why is this a favorite of yours", well read my next post on my first review of Scooters Coffeehouse!

1. Scooters Coffeehouse
2. Greenfield's Cafe
3. Lazlo Brewery and Grill
4. Tico's Food of Mexico & Cocktails 
5. Dino's East Side Grill
6. White or Wheat
7. Bagels and Joe
8. Lee's Chicken 
9. Parker's Smokehouse
10. Mellow Mushroom Pizza

From time to time, I may review a chain restaurant that I eat at, but more often than not, I will write on a place I have not been in awhile, and more local places.  Want me to go taste test before you go eat...let me know and ill go and give it a try!

Why I Love Food and Dining Out

Food is something that I love very much. Not because of cooking new dishes or going out to eat per say., I do enjoy the variety of selections given on a menu, and dining and the different venues which serve them.

I love food for the purpose of being ABLE to eat FOOD. Something I should of never of been able to do according to all the medical experts. Though I proved the experts and doctors wrong! 

This is just ONE of the reasons I love trying new restaurants and dishes. It’s not only a social experience for me personally, but also a way for me to try new things that I know I could never whip up on my own cooking at home.  Though, there is something to be said for sticking to the basics. Such as a well prepared french toast dish and scrambled eggs to top it off. 

Lincoln's Historic Haymarket Area: Downtown

Lincoln, NE has grown in the past few years into a Food Hub in my opinion. We have all different types of cuisines to choose from to bagel shops to a nice sit-down meal at one of our many bistros in town, and no one restaurant or dish is the same (unless it is a chain restaurant). Go downtown into the Haymarket and the possibilities are endless to choose from!

The fact was that I was never supposed to eat a single bite, or drink a single sip by mouth due to a very serious digestive disease called Short Bowel Syndrome (www.shortbowelfoundation.org) where I was born missing all but 10.2cm of my small intestine. That important piece of piping in your body that helps break down and digest food! My meals should start and stop with a bag of intravenous nutrition hanging on an IV pole or in a backpack I used to carry on me. The condition comes with a stick set of dietary needs and restrictions. I personally do not have any stick dietary limits. Though I still keep a careful eye out for things that might not settle well, mostly sugar.

Before I took up the hobby of going out to eat, then judging restaurants and their dishes (in my head), I am a non-profit executive who runs the very foundation which serves the patients of Short Bowel Syndrome and their families. Food and nutrition is a topic of everyday discussion in our community.

In 2016 I found myself eating out quite a bit. Why it was hard on the wallet at times, it is something that I enjoy doing. It is a social interaction for one, in addition to trying things you typically would not think of whipping up at home. It is a personal win-win.

So... What are some of my favorite hot spots around Lincoln? My next post will detail that! Keep in mind this is just "the list", which in 2017 I will begin to blog and review on. If you live in Lincoln, NE. Love Food and Dining, and input on where to eat.... this is the blog to follow! Why I am no professional food critic (yet anyways). I do have a specific palate for taste. 

In addition to learning about some of my favorite local hot-spots, when I travel for my work, eating out is how I get by that week for food. New Restaurants and New Experiences that I will be sure to blog about. Who knows, you might end up at the same place one day.... you never know!

Highway 77 December Sunset

Follow Andy and his experinces on Twitter: @AjaboDiningExp