Another busy week in the restaurant news game.
Before I get to openings and closings, a couple events to note.
→ If you find it challenging to get to Omaha’s “fancy restaurants” on a regular basis, two very nice spots (that I know of) open for a limited run of holiday lunches. V. Mertz will serve its annual holiday lunches Dec. 17 through Dec. 28, though they’re closed on Christmas Day. The lunches run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
→ One of the city’s newer steakhouses, J. Gilbert’s, is also opening for a special holiday lunch run. They’re serving lunch now through December 23 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday – Friday. Treat yourself.
→ Papa Reno’s Pizza announced it plans to move, and is closed during the process. The new location will be at 3604 Twin Creek Dr. It’s former location was at 2861 Capehart Rd.; both locations are in Bellevue.
→ The Surreal Cereal Bar, which is basically just what it sounds like, a bar that serves cereal, is open at 1207 Harney St. It comes to the city from the creator of the Hive and the forthcoming Gatsby.
→ Austin’s Steakhouse, which had several locations in Omaha in the early 2000s and closed in 2008, is back. It’s new location is in the former location of Steak and Grapes, at 16920 Wright Plaza in the Shops at Legacy.
→ The second Infusion Brewery, the Infusion Little Bohemia Beer Hall, is opening this weekend. The bar, in part of the former Bohemian Cafe location, is at 1406 S. 13th St. and opens Dec. 12.
→ We’ve all heard by now that Petrow’s, a Center Street staple, announced it’s closing. It’s another nostalgia moment for a lot of Omaha diners; I can’t say I had that particular spot of nostalgia myself, after several not-so-great experiences. It’ll be open until Dec. 14.
→ And finally, Indian Bowl, in the Blackstone District, is closing. I think this much is clear: Blackstone isn’t a fast casual restaurant neighborhood. Dec. 14 is also its last day in business at 3901 Farnam St.
→ Okinawa Sushi, which is near 120th and L Streets, is moving and changing its name. The new Ahi Sushi and Asian Cuisine will be at 12411 W. Center Rd. The new location should be open within two months.