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Daughter of two professional chefs provides a young adult's perspective on food, restaurants, and eating!! follow us on facebook @Francis Xavier

Recent Posts

Notes from the Garden. From Process to Perception: The Color of What We Eat

Notes from the Garden. From Process to Perception: The Color of What We Eat

Tucked in the notes of Chef G, Ii came across a pearl. Weaving a bit of reference into a culinary narrative it is four deceptively simple steps that reveal the back bone of milling wheat. A closer look, and they unfold into a philosophy of […]

Blue Boy, Pink Lady and the unexpected. A rich and curious travel moment – mix of art, beauty, controversy and delight.

Blue Boy, Pink Lady and the unexpected. A rich and curious travel moment – mix of art, beauty, controversy and delight.

Summer has a way of collecting moments – art we chase, gardens we wander, meals we did not expect. On a recent trip, we went in search of color, controversy, and some how ended the day with the best burger that had a side of […]

Travelers’ Culinary  Adventure: Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse.

Travelers’ Culinary Adventure: Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse.

Some places are more than just a meal, they’re a slice of the region and the culture itself. The small town of Paxton Nebraska wears it’s heart on it’s sleeve in the shape of Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse. On the travel route lined with corn fields and plenty of cattle that stretches from Omaha to Denver (and back again), this one of a kind road-trip destination is recommended by a local Nebraskan and ever so insightful Mrs. Roldan.

You’ve heard the phrase, “if only the walls could talk”, well the walls in Ole’s do. They speak of the great stories of old friends, adventures, trials, and triumphs. They display proud big game trophies acquired from hunting trips on every continent in the world. The walls are lined with photos annotating tales and memories of expeditions in a time and place guests can only dream of. It is apparent that there is a rich history of boasts and toasts to hunters’ harvests accompanied with heartfelt friends and hearty meals.

A traveler may enter the restaurant fatigued and hungry, however they will leave curious, captivated, and entirely content.

Nothing breaks up a long drive like classic Midwest comfort food with bold, no-nonsense flavor. Steaks are the stars, seasoned and cooked just right. The sides that are Sunday supper staples: Mac & Cheese, crisp salads, baked potatoes, and more. Our meal consisted of creative prime rib tacos, a Reuben sandwich, a side of rich Mac & Cheese, and of course I had to top off this experience with a chocolate chip cookie sundae. Everything about our mid-roadtrip dinner was perfectly executed, and it was truly made special by the staff’s five-star customer service. The Character of Paxton Nebraska was displayed truthfully through our waitress’ pure Midwestern charm: friendly, attentive, and full of joyful conversation.

As part of the ongoing travelers’ culinary adventure, Ole’s stands out not just for what lies on the plate, but what surrounds it: the local lore, Paxton’s character, and a sense of home and history.

When your travel takes you in between Denver and Omaha, do yourself a favor: do not miss Ole’s. It’s the kind of detour that becomes a part of your own story and an integral part of the road trip map.

Back to the view: Breakfast at City Park Tavern

Back to the view: Breakfast at City Park Tavern

Some places just settle into rhythm with out asking. City park tavern is on of those for me. I’ve been before, and i’ll go again – because every time, it delivers what i expect: Good breakfast, great views, and kind service that make you feel […]

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Louisville, Nebraska; Casa del Sol Azteca

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Louisville, Nebraska; Casa del Sol Azteca

A thoughtful nod to tradition. Tucked in the heart of Louisville, casa Del Sol offers warm welcome and colorful plate. I stopped in and ordered the enchiladas – i dish i have come to judge with a cautious eye and hopeful palate. Flavor wise, they […]

Notes from the Garden: Lebanese Cucumber Salad

Notes from the Garden: Lebanese Cucumber Salad

Notes from Chef G

The name of Lebanese style cucumber salad – comes from thin skinned, crisp and sweet cucumbers. Profiles like lemon, garlic mint are across the cuisine.

Some recipes come with history. Others come with a name – and let you wonder. This one, no foot notes, No story. Just a title and a taste.

Lebaneses Cucumber Salad

No story, no foot notes. the kind of salad that
Travelers Adventure: Swim Across Distance and Time

Travelers Adventure: Swim Across Distance and Time

From Louisville to the Midwest, One Lap at a Time Leaving Louisville, Kentucky, and driving west, I carry more than just road miles—I carry the rhythm of the water. Each pool I’ve swum in has left its mark, each stroke part of a larger journey. […]

Travelers Culinary adventure : a Scotland Story

Travelers Culinary adventure : a Scotland Story

Scotland PreludeIt is a rainy day in Sioux City—a good day for reflection, with field coffee in hand. I stay somewhat dry as I stand in the rain, reminded that Scotland’s latitude is above Alaska’s. Long summer days, short winter nights. One does not go […]

Travel Culinary Adventure: Sioux City @ Rebos Grill

Travel Culinary Adventure: Sioux City @ Rebos Grill

Walking through the historic district of Sioux City expecting a quiet stroll to take in the architecture- I was surprised and delighted at the discovery of Rebo Grill off 4th Street. What followed left a big impression. I found tacos, really good tacos. The mid west hospitality is the start, however the Caribbean inspired carintas tacos were the star – and then the rhythm of conversation and music .

The carnitas? Absolutely perfect. Slow roasted until impossibly tender, then finished with bold Caribbean flavors, just the right amount of sweetness and a bit of char. No frills needed.

This is one spot that belongs on your list.

Notes from the Garden. Dressing, Sweet-Sour Curry

Notes from the Garden. Dressing, Sweet-Sour Curry

Notes from Chef G The accompany that pulls together – what makes the Tropical Fruit Salad more than a fruit bowl – is the sweet-sour curry dressing. Turmeric and just the right amount of warmth. A tang of lemon juice, a hint of sweet and […]