Wilson and Washburn Happy Hour Review (Omaha)

 Located in Downtown Omaha on 1407 Harney Street just a block away from the Orpheum Theater, Wilson and Washburn gives you low-key comfortable vibe. W&W resides in a 19th Century building that adds the charm that compliments the Old Market. What is remarkable about W&W, is the name its after, after the most successful female brothel owner Anna Wilson. Not only was Anna Wilson the real Supreme (aka Queen of the Underworld) in her day, but also a philanthropist who did a lot of charity work and giving. Kudos to W&W! 

W&W Happy Hour is Monday thru Friday 2pm to 6pm and all day Sunday. I live for an all day Sunday Happy Hour! W&W offers $1 off draft beers, $5.5 premium wells, $5.5 House Wine, and Select Apps at a discounted rate

Normally when I do a review I stay away from beer, take it that I'm a blogger and I need to try new things I decided to give it a try. W&W is proud to have 24 craft and import beers on tap. I tried the Vanilla Bean Blond. This beer is actually brewed in Nebraska by the Infusion Brewing Company. Yes, for the locals! When it comes to beer...I don't know much but what I know about this beer is that its all good in my book and I can drink it every day. It has a slight but noticeable vanilla note right at the end as soon as you swallow and goes down smooth.

 

When I saw Poutine Croquette on the menu I was sooo excited. I've been WAITING for ages to try the famous Canadian dish of French fries, gravy and cheese curds my mouth was savoring. I think I was a little too excited cause I didn't pay attention to the word "Croquette", when they brought the dish to me I was a little hurt. Only for a 30 seconds though. W&W Poutine Croquette ( mashed potato, Jisa Farmstead curds, and Newcastle Gravy) was absolutely delicious. The coating of the croquette was just right and not soggy. I could taste the cheese curds inside and the mash had the perfect consistency. I loved how they imported beer into the gravy and it wasn't overpowering. Could use just a little bit more salt for my liking.   Normally when you order this dish you get 5 pieces, I just wanted a sample. 

 Next on the list was the Fish and Chips( cod. Warsteriner beer batter, coleslaw, tartar sauce, fries). When it comes to coleslaw, I only could trust my mama's. Now I can trust W&W. Their way of making coleslaw to me changes the game. As I was devouring this small dish I kept asking myself what spice did they add to make it taste so good and smoky that I need to tell my mom? CUMIN! Yes, people cumin. I promise you it goes soo well together you have to try it yourself.

This fish it self was hot and fresh with big pieces. The batter was perfect and not soggy. Overall a good dish worth $7.50.

 

 

 

 

As I writing my notes down for this review, I had the opportunity to meet Executive Chef Travis. I told him about Happy Hour Happy Girl and how I'm a big foodie. I told Chef Travis how I loved the coleslaw and next thing you know he brings me something to sample (I felt all special and famous ) What he presented to me was the Smoked Pulled Pork Eggroll. Inside was the 18hour smoked pork and coleslaw. Hot, crispy, and straight out the press good! It was like Mexican, Asian, and American all in one. Tons of flavors but you get the smokey-ness and tender from the pork, the cumin from the slaw, and the Asian flavor from the dipping sauce. Overall A1.

 

W&W has amazing customer service. I love the imprinted newspaper-paper for the dishes that bring out the  charm of W&W.  To me if makes the food exciting and gives you an experience. I wish W&W had more food items to choose from but overall I have them 4 Smils.

Vega (Lincoln, NE)

Located on the second level of Lincoln's Railyard District, Vega (350 Canopy Street, Suite 220) is a gem among Nebraska’s live music venues. With ample space for local, national and international talent as well as a full service bar and restaurant focusing on high quality locally sourced food and drink Vega is also recognized as one of the best spaces for showcases and private events/fundraisers. Multiple screens let you watch sports on game days and an expansive stage and open layout makes it great for live music (I’ve even taken an early morning yoga class here). They have a daily Happy Hour from 5p - 8p as well as Reverse Happy Hour following every show. The special is a standard $1 off every drink. Vega also has daily specials on their menu items Monday - Thursday and other drink specials all day Friday and Saturday.

I visited Vega on a Monday before MNF had a chance to kick off so it was just me and the staff for a while. They were pretty attentive from the start even after two other patrons arrived about 45 mins into my stay. As there were no shows that night they even had “A Year Without Santa Claus” on the big screen on stage (I love Christmas movies). I decided to take advantage of their Monday special while I was there (½ off their gourmet burgers with a side) and ordered The Fleetwood Mac ($5: mac’ n’ cheese, parmesan, smokey bacon & fresh basil) with a side of fries. I was very excited as Vega uses organic grass fed local beef and other locally sourced ingredients. The burger and fries were presented very well. The fries were hot and crispy, but I do wish they would have had a bit more sea salt. The burger was a bit dry which I attribute to it being well done (I rarely order burgers anything but medium well but wasn’t asked or given that option) and the actual beef didn’t seem to be seasoned. I was disappointed that the mac and cheese wasn’t “gourmet” but more Kraft boxed. I could barely taste the bacon which was another let down. As basil isn’t the strongest flavor in the pantry it didn’t do much to save The Fleetwood either.

I also ordered a Jamie & Ginger ($4.59: Jameson whiskey & ginger ale) which is nearly impossible to mess up. I did appreciate that Vega had actual ginger ale and that it was a tall. I also appreciated that the HH special includes everything, not just rails or beers.

Overall I give Vega 2 smiles. I would definitely come back to catch a live show or for a private event. The drink specials would probably peak my interest again but I’m not sure how many other menu items I would be apt to try after my burger experience. I did thoroughly enjoy the venue however.