Pepe’s Bistro & Omaha Vegan Drinks: May

It’s hard to believe June is already here, but let’s look back at Vegan Omaha’s activity-filled May!  First off, we visited Pepe’s Bistro at the new location on South 13th Street in Lincoln. This is our third Meetup at Pepe’s and it won’t be our last!

The menus included delectable items such as the Sweet Potato Quesadilla and the Chili Relleno. And of course Pepe’s signature guacamole!

I personally love the new location and judging by the large crowd, you do too! Thank you, Pepe, for making such wonderful food.

After a month off, Omaha Vegan Drinks at House of Loom reemerged in May with another fun social outing. And most importantly, the Vegan Grasshopper returned!

Jocelyn makes it look easy, but there’s a little work involved in making your Vegan Grasshopper.

Block 16 once again provided nommy sandwiches to go with our exquisite drinks. The sandwich this month was the Vegan BLT. Two kinds of seitan? We’re in.

Another great turnout with a mixture of regulars and newbies made Omaha Vegan Drinks: May a night to remember!

         
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Spring Events!

Spring is here! Well, I’m just going to gloss over the snow we just had, but technically it’s Spring. In the next two months, there are some cool events you should check out!

Omaha Vegan Drinks (March 28th)

Your favorite bartenders are back for the newest edition of Omaha Vegan Drinks at House of Loom! Last month was amazing with a Horchata that was to die for. What wondrous thing will Benjamin think of next? Come see! Also, don’t forget to reserve your Block 16 Vegan Italian Sausage, sooo good. No Omaha Vegan Drinks in April (vacation!), so get your fix now.

Crystal Jade Spring Buffet (April 7th)

Everyone’s favorite buffet is back! Yes, the Crystal Jade Spring Buffet is sure to start your Spring off right. All of your favorites will be there (in my case, the Lucky 7.)  Can’t wait!

Pepe’s (May 12th)

After Mother Nature decided to cancel our Pepe’s Meetup earlier this month, Pepe and I have come up with the snow-friendly and farmers market-friendly date of May 12. If you haven’t been to Pepe’s new location, now’s the time. And there’s that Vegan Avocado Cheesecake that you know you want to devour :) See ya soon!

         
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Omaha Vegan Drinks: January

Already three events deep into our partnership with House of Loom, it really feels like it was meant to be. The drinks, the staff and the atmosphere has been perfect. For Omaha Vegan Drinks January, our trusty bartender Benjamin promised a Vegan Grasshopper and he absolutely delivered. Isn’t it pretty? Seriously, one of my favorite drinks so far.

And even if a Vegan Grasshopper isn’t your style, there was more than enough awesomeness on the menu. Tomato Basil Gimlit, Meyer Lemon Press and Sailor’s Julip, hello! Creative and delicious.

After a month long break, the ladies from Brie it On were back! They brought some of their delectable Vegan cheeses. Everyone loves them, so don’t forget they can cater your next party!

Once again, Block 16 provided the sandwiches for the night. I probably say this every time, but the Tofu Fishwich is their best sandwich yet! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Oh and the pretzel is still to die for.

And finally, at the last Vegan Drinks I started a tradition of making cookies. As some of you know, I’m one of the Laziest Vegans out there, but I thought it would be a lot of fun and god knows I like cookies. Also, Isa has been out of town, so if nothing else, her spirit is there in the form of baked goods. If you enjoyed them here’s the recipe.

Thanks to everyone who came out on Thursday and I hope to see you all next month at Omaha Vegan Drinks: February!

 

         
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Crystal Jade & Omaha Vegan Drinks: December

Talk about a great end of the year for Vegan Omaha! On December 16th, Crystal Jade hosted another amazing buffet and made our holiday wishes come true.

Crystal Jade seems to be one of the more popular Meetups and it’s easy to see why. All-you-can-eat Vegan food, a great selection, super-friendly service and a price that can not be beat. You know I’ll be planning the next Crystal Jade Meetup soon!

And on December 27th we had our second Omaha Vegan Drinks at House of Loom. I can’t even tell you how pleased I am with the House of Loom staff. They have turned this little thing I’ve always wanted to do into a reality. Just look at this cocktail list…

Completely different offerings for the new month! Benjamin has done some crazy research so us Vegans can drink in style. You can see Benjamin and Jocelyn putting together the amazing Vegan Nog. It was hella good! To prove it, I consumed four.

So, in addition to the fact you are getting the best Vegan cocktails in Omaha (and probably the country), Block 16 is delivering superb gourmet Vegan sandwiches to House of Loom. This month the choices were a Seared Cambodian Curry Tofu Sandwich with Roasted Veggies or the Homemade Soft Pretzel. As you can see below, this is atypical bar food for an atypical bar.

Thank you to House of Loom, Block 16 and especially all of the attendees. You are proving that there is a market for Vegan things in Omaha. I’m really excited to see where the city will be in a year. Now, let’s start working on those Vegan donuts!

 

         
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Omaha Vegan Drinks!

Earlier this year I attended the March edition of ATX Vegan Drinks. It was a blast! They served Vegan White Russians (with a cherry no less) and a few food trucks were stationed outside so you could stuff your face with whatever you were craving. It was a great time and everyone was having fun and being social. In the back of my mind, I’ve always wanted to have an Omaha Vegan Drinks, ever since the original Vegan Drinks in NYC has been so influential.

Well, this Halloween I was invited to go to Goth dancing at House of Loom and after having a couple drinks there, I knew it was the right spot for Omaha Vegan Drinks. Great drinks, wonderful decor, mellow lighting and a commitment to local organizations. Everything fell into place!

Awesome artwork by Amanda Chronister! http://www.amandachronister.com/

We set the first Vegan Drinks for November 29th, 2012. I expected a decent turnout but it exceeded my expectations. About 40 people showed up! Sure, we had our regular Meetupers, but we also attracted the veg curious and fans of House of Loom. Block 16 took 24 pre-orders on their amazing BBQ Seitan and Smoked Tofu Sandwiches and were kind enough to drop them off for us.

Great mood and atmosphere

House of Loom already had some Vegan mixed drinks, but they created a couple more just for us. My beloved Vegan White Russian is now a “Coconut Almond Caucasian” and our Straight Edge friends have the amazing “Ginger Beet” to swig down.

Pick Your Elixer

Coconut Almond Caucasian and Ginger Beet Virgin

Another thing that excited me was the amazing staff who did some research on Vegan alcoholic drinks and seem excited about learning new things. The owners, Brent Crampton and Ethan Bondelid, were very enthusiastic about the prospect of hosting Omaha Vegan Drinks.  So much so that they’ve reserved the last Thursday of every month for Omaha Vegan Drinks!

The first of many Coconut Almond Caucasians!

And if the faboulous staff, owners, location, food and patrons weren’t enough, regular Vegan Omahans Julianna Klepfer, Kelly Klepfer and Lindsey Cayer made the most amazing Vegan “cheeze.” Their recipes were from the cookbook Artisan Vegan Cheese by Miyoko Schinner. The cheeses were all so unique and delicious!

Thank you ladies!

So thank you to everyone who organized and attended, I can’t wait for the next Omaha Vegan Drinks. Hope to see you there!  Follow us at Omaha Vegan Drinks Facebook and Twitter.

 

         
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