Star City Blog / Food

Book Review: Food Rules – An Eater’s Manual, by Michael Pollan

by Dennis Kornbluh

You might not think that the simple act of eating would require a manual.  If that’s so, then why are millions of Americans killing themselves with food?  By eating too much sugar, salt and fat, getting too little fiber and too few vitamins and minerals, Americans can proudly claim the highest incidence of obesity, diabetes and cancer in the world.  Not only are we killing ourselves, but our poor eating habits have an impact on those around us.  Consider, for example, how the unhealthy diets of so many of our citizens may impact the cost of healthcare across our nation.

But what is a healthy diet?  Nutritional advice can be very confusing, and most people don’t have time to make sense of it all.

Fortunately, Michael Pollan, the author of five previous books on food, including In Defense of Food and The Omnivore’s Dilemma, has written a very short (140 pages) manual for eaters that is as easy to digest as a ripe banana.  It consists of 64 “rules” that will help you understand, in very simple and precise language, what you should endeavor to eat.  To explain his approach from a high level, the author is able to boil it all down to the following seven words: “Eat Food. Mostly Plants. Not too much.”

Second Annual Lincoln Wine & Food Experience to Benefit the Lincoln Community Playhouse

With a goal of raising $40,000 for the Lincoln Community Playhouse, the Lincoln Wine & Food Experience is coming to the Embassy Suites for its second year on Friday, Feb. 26, from 4 to 8 p.m.  Proceeds will be raised through ticket sales and a silent auction during the event.
 
Reserve room tickets are available in limited quantities for $50.  Reserve room guests will be treated to a special selection of reserve wines and professionally catered food from Russ’s Market.  Reserve room ticket holders will also have access to the entire general admission area and the silent auction.

Featured Business: Wise Oven Bakery

By Cory Kibler

Although the Havelock neighborhood is now a part of Lincoln--it was once its own village until it was annexed by the city of Lincoln in 1930-- it is still very much its own community.  Havelock’s former downtown area is its current business district, and the home to a wide variety of fine local restaurants, art galleries, bars and shops that all have a certain small town charm.      

Started in early 2007 by the native Havelock husband and wife team Todd Rivers and Susan Ames Rivers, Wise Oven Bakery is surrounded by businesses that have already made their mark in Historic Havelock. Taking up residence at the back of the Against the Wall Art Gallery and below the already popular Pepe’s Bistro, Wise Oven Bakery is just as unique and charming as the neighborhood and businesses surrounding it.

Smart Giving Program Donates 7,550 Pounds of Smart Chicken

As part of the annual Smart Giving program, the Food Bank of Lincoln received 7,550 pounds of Nebraska-produced Smart Chicken. Lincoln residents made the donation possible through purchases of Smart Chicken products at Russ’s Market and Super Saver stores during the month of November 2009.

“Thanks to the generous support of the people of Lincoln, the Smart Giving program helps the Food Bank of Lincoln put wholesome, nutritious food on the tables of people in need here in our community,” said Pat Raybould, president of B&R Stores, Inc., parent company of Russ’s Market and Super Saver. “Especially with the cold winter we’re experiencing and the increasing need among families in the community, we’re committed to supporting both the Smart Giving program and the Food Bank of Lincoln.”

Mission to Marz Bar

by Dennis Kornbluh

On a recent evening, I emerged from the Lincoln Grand cinema with my wife, daughter and friends into a bitter cold wind that was blowing down “O” Street.  Somehow I had left my gloves and hat at home, even though I knew the mercury was hovering around the single digits.  A friend suggested that we pop into the Marz Bar near the corner of 12th and “O” Streets for a bite to eat.  She had apparently been there before and was eager to return.  I had never been, but at that moment I would have gladly entered any warm space.

When I opened the door, I was rewarded with a rush of warm air and was immediately struck by the other-worldly appearance of the interior.  A self-supported set of doors stood before me.  I walked through them and took in a large, softly lit room with brick walls and a high ceiling that was decorated with sparkling, multi-colored globes.  A long, elegant bar extended along the right, backlit bottle racks and flat-screen televisions hovering on the walls.  A series of half-moon shaped booths resided along the left wall.  At the north end, a balcony decorated with a large mural overlooked the interior.  It was an unexpectedly dramatic setting, and I was intrigued.

Judy a la Carte: Easy and Elegant Holiday Food to Share with Friends

By Judy Gilliard, "Judy a la carte"

Holidays are about spending quality time with friends and family and we should take the time to spread some holiday cheer! A perfect way to do so would be a planned dinner out or having friends stop by for a cocktail and appetizers. With a little bit of preparation, you and your friends can enjoy yourselves with some good food, drink and holiday cheer.

Gift Ideas for Foodies: Local Gifts

By Alexis Abel

Every holiday season, my favorite gifts to give, or receive, are culinary in nature. The year following a trip to New York City and dinner at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, I received the Mesa Grill cookbook under my Christmas tree. Though I’m no Iron Chef, cooking with that book has resulted in many memorable, spicy nights.  

Another year, I received a drool-worthy bright red Kitchen Aid mixer that has since taken up permanent residence on my kitchen counter. That lovely mixer has beat, mixed and whipped its way into my heart and made me its willing culinary slave.

Culinary gifts create memories that last far beyond the glitter of the Christmas lights. To help you create a special culinary Christmas for your favorite foodie or wannabe chef, here’s my list of fabulous food gifts from some of my favorite local businesses.

How to Make Duck Confit

By Alexis Abel

As Thanksgiving draws near, you’ve probably only had one fabulous fowl on your mind. But this year, consider a bird of a different feather for your holiday celebrations: duck.

Duck has become a popular protein in recent years due to its flavorful lean meat. Often compared to a chicken or turkey, duck has a richer, darker flavor. Duck is also a popular item on the menus of many local restaurants, including Bread and Cup, Dish, Carmela’s and Green Gateau in a variety of guises, both sweet and savory.

Ducks consumed in the United States are usually of Pekin or Muscovy breeds and weigh between 8 to 11 pounds. In Lincoln, duck is widely available at most supermarkets. Though bone-in, skin-on duck breasts can be purchased, a whole duck is the most economical, priced at $2.00-$2.50 per pound. Duck can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasted, to yield medium-rare meat with crispy skin, or my favorite way—confited.

Enter Judy a la Carte's Recipe Contest for a Chance to Win an Alaskan Cruise

KFOR’s Judy a la carte will set sail on Holland America Line for a 7-day Alaskan cruise September 5, 2010 from Pegasus Travel. This fun filled, breathtaking scenic adventure with fine dining is also a recipe contest.

1st place winner will receive this wonderful Alaskan cruise for two.

2nd place winner will receive Anolon Chef Clad 10-piece cookware set.

3rd place winner will receive a set of Wusthof Knives.4.

4th place winner will receive a set of the Fast and Fabulous Cookbooks by Judy.

PLUS from Nov. 2009 – March, 2010 a “Recipe of the Month” will be chosen. Each winner will receive $100 in cash and a set of Bandiola Spices. Monthly winners are also eligible for the grand prizes.

Vegetarian Series Review: Maggie's Vegetarian Café

By Cory Kibler and Dennis Kornbluh

Maggie’s Vegetarian Café is a small, locally owned restaurant situated in the Haymarket at 311 N. 8th Street near the northwest corner of "Q" Street.  It's a cozy space, but the menu is extensive, offering multiple vegetarian and vegan wraps, soups, and salads.  You can order at the counter and sit comfortably at one of the five small tables in the store, or have your order wrapped to-go.

Previously, I’ve enjoyed breakfast and soup at Maggie’s, but until my most recent visit I hadn't sampled their signature dish: the wrap. After studying the menu for several minutes, I found myself torn between the three-cheese and the avocado wrap. I ended up deciding on the latter, which, I had been told, is one of the most popular items on the menu.