This post was sponsored by Midtown Crossing. I was compensated for my time, but all opinions are my own.
I love a good tap- a tapped keg, that is. When I hear that something is on tap, I usually associate that with an ice cold, foamy brew. Well guess what. It turns out that beer is not the only flavorful and comforting thing on tap. Here in Omaha, we put things like olive oil and vinegar on tap.
So cool, right?
This past Thursday night, I met up with several Omaha Bloggers and others from around the area at Chef^2 for “Hot Off the Pan,” a 30-minute guided educational tasting as a part of Midtown Crossing’s monthly Primetime night. Chef^2 provides a true shopping experience where you can discover fine olive oils, vinegars, specialty salts and sugars, and gourmet foods.
On this particular night, it was not just about tasting fresh olive oil and vinegar from the taps- which, by the way, is a super cool experience. Thanks to Midtown Crossing’s Primetime event, we were part of a true tasting and social experience. Throughout the 30 minute session, we learned about the products available at Chef^2 and about the benefits of cooking and eating a diet that includes olive oils and vinegars. We ate a four-course mini meal cooked up by Jim Trebbien, chef and part-owner, while his lovely (and hilarious) wife, who is a registered dietitian, explained the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet.
We ate some seriously delicious food. And I was impressed that everything was vegetarian-friendly.
The courses were as follows:
- French baguette with Italian herb olive oil and lemon salt.
- Mixed greens with a blueberry balsamic and blood orange vinaigrette.
- Seven grain orzo pasta with sun dried tomato pesto and smoked serrano salt.
- Ice cream with a chocolate balsamic reduction.
To choose one that was my favorite would be impossible. They were all equally delicious. I must say, though, that the chocolate balsamic reduction surprised and impressed me the most because it literally tasted like a fancy chocolate sauce- but was much healthier. I was a pretty big fan of the salts, too. I cannot wait to try out some of the different flavors and already have plans to buy some to put on my freshly air-popped popcorn.
I had a fantastic time with my friends and loved having the opportunity to meet others attending the event. I don’t know about you, but I always thought that when I became an adult and entered the “real world” that my fun times- especially those on week nights- would all but disappear. It turns out, that is far from true. Growing up is actually quite fun, and thanks to events like the Primetime night, I can have fun and feel like a grown up. I am lucky to live in such a fabulous city!
I had to throw this picture in here for fun since it is completely ironic and made me laugh. Don’t worry. There were other super cute shirts that I would wear! 😉
