Restaurants in Lincoln

Lincoln is home to a diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate. Whether you're craving comfort food, international cuisine, or farm-to-table delicacies, you'll find it all here. Some of the must-try restaurants in Lincoln include:

• The Oven: Local favorite for mouthwatering Indian dishes.
• Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill: Known for craft brews and delicious pub fare.
• The Lodge at Wilderness Ridge: Immerse yourself in a unique dining experience featuring seasonal menus with locally-sourced ingredients.
• MoMo Pizzeria: Experience the perfect blend of flavors with artisanal wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastas.
• Dish: Delight your taste buds with ingredient driven, elevated cuisine at Dish in the heart of Lincoln.
• The Green Gateau: Indulge in farm-to-table delights in a sophisticated ambiance.

Activities & Fun Things to do in Lincoln

Explore a variety of activities in Lincoln that cater to diverse interests. You’re sure to find an activity that’s fun for everyone:

• Craft Axe Throwing: Experience the thrill of axe throwing with 13 targeted lanes and cold craft brews.
• Football at Memorial Stadium: If you're in town during football season, catch a game at the iconic Memorial Stadium—an absolute must for sports enthusiasts.
• Mana Games: For a night of strategic fun, don't forget to explore Mana Board Games, offering a range of tabletop games for an entertaining evening.
• Escape Lincoln: Embark on an exhilarating adventure where immersive scenarios and challenging puzzles await to test your wits and creativity in an exciting escape room experience.

Evening Entertainment in Lincoln

Dive into Lincoln's vibrant entertainment scene that guarantees a night filled with excitement:

• Lied Center for Performing Arts: Catch a live performance at the Lied Center, where the thrill of dance, music, and theater comes to life.
• The Bourbon Theater: Experience a more laid-back evening at this historic music venue, hosting concerts across genres from rock to country to indie.
• Pinnacle Bank Arena: For a grand experience, consider attending a concert or sporting event at the arena.

Nightlife in Lincoln

Explore Lincoln's nightlife, offering a blend of sophisticated lounge experiences, venues with live music and craft cocktails, speakeasy atmospheres, and dynamic spaces with classic arcade games and inventive cocktails, ensuring a vibrant and unforgettable evening in the heart of the city.

• The Starlite Lounge: Unwind with classic lounge tunes, top-shelf drinks, and a cozy, retro atmosphere.
• The Zoo Bar: Enjoy live music and craft cocktails in a beloved local venue.
• The Other Room: Step into a speakeasy atmosphere, offering expertly crafted cocktails and a unique experience.
• VS Arcade Bar: Nestled in Lincoln's historic Haymarket, this bar combines classic arcade games, pinball, and a dynamic bar menu featuring craft beer taps and inventive cocktails for a consistently exciting experience.

With its fantastic restaurants, diverse entertainment options, and buzzing nightlife, an evening in Lincoln, Nebraska, is one you won't forget. So why wait? Whether you’re a Lincoln resident or planning a visit, get ready to experience the best of what the city has to offer. Cheers to a night filled with scrumptious food, unforgettable experiences, and endless fun!

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For many of our residents, this holiday season will be one of firsts — first in a new apartment, first with a significant other, first as a new parent, first in a new city or state, and the list goes on.

And, perhaps you’re looking to develop some new holiday traditions of your own.

Here are six of our team members’ favorite holiday traditions and memories to help inspire new ideas for creating your own.

1. Watching the Grinch

Abbie, of The Preserve at Normandale Lake in Bloomington, MN, loves pouring a glass of wine, putting on the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and putting up her tree. Her grandma gives her a new ornament each year, so she lays them all out and reminisces about the memories made with each one. Then she gets to decorating!

“This solo tradition always gets me in the holiday spirit. It’s not much, but it’s something I look forward to!”

Did you know the Grinch wasn’t green in the original book by Dr. Seuss?

Here are five fun facts about the history of the Grinch.

2. Making a gift exchange a game

Shelly, of CIP’s home office, said her large family turns their adult gift exchange into an exciting game. After someone picks a prize, they have five minutes to roll five dice. If they roll a seven or eleven, they can switch gifts with someone else.

“When the five minutes is up, you keep the gift you have. It’s so much fun!”

The kids also get to play games for prizes, as well as receive a surprise visit from Santa. He delights them by calling out their names, and then they sit on his lap and receive their present.

“The kids’ expressions are priceless.”

Want to spice up your gift exchange? Here are some other great ideas for turning your gift exchange into a game.

3. Making hot wassail and looking at lights

Stafanie, of Ridge Pointe Villas at Pine Lake Heights in Lincoln, NE, serves up hot wassail while they decorate their Christmas tree. Then, they make some hot chocolate and drive around looking at Christmas lights.

“I love the time with the family and kids and how excited they get about it every year,” Stefanie said.

Interested in trying hot wassail? Here’s a great hot cider wassail recipe!

(Photo courtesy of Taste of Home)

4. Going to the ballet

Kylie, of The Villas at Mahoney Park in Lincoln, NE, grew up performing in The Nutcracker. Now, she and her family have continued the tradition and attended the ballet each year as audience members.

“One of my favorite parts of The Nutcracker is now being able to sit in the audience and not only support local dancers, but also see and hear how excited younger dancers are about hopefully being in the show in the future!”

Did you know The Nutcracker premiered in 1892? Here are some other fun facts about the history of The Nutcracker.

5. Opening gifts on Christmas Eve

Jenny, of CIP’s home office, loved kicking off Christmas with some homemade Runzas and some gifting excitement on Christmas Eve.

“When my kids were little, we used to have them open their gifts from us on Christmas Eve, which consisted of a board game, movie and PJs. They would sleep in their new PJs and wake up to Santa gifts on Christmas morning.”

Want a great homemade Runza recipe? Click here! 

(Photo courtesy of Taste of Home)

Not sure what a Runza is? It’s a Nebraska tradition you’re sure to love. Check out this entire story about Runzas.

6. Collecting ornaments while traveling

Nancy, of CIP’s home office, said her family collects ornaments from their travels throughout the year and marks the date on them.

“We have ornaments from across the globe, and it makes for an easy item to transport while traveling and reminds us of our great memories while we’re decorating the tree.”

7. Visiting Santa

Dawn, of CIP’s home office, loved her hometown’s tradition of airing a 30-minute segment called “Santa’s Workshop” from Thanksgiving through Christmas. On the show, Santa would read letters, count down to Christmas, and do silly antics with his sidekick.

“If you were extra good/lucky, you would go to David’s Department Store and stand in line to see him in person and tell him what you want for Christmas.”

We hope you enjoyed learning about some of our team members’ favorite holiday pastimes, and hope they help inspire you to create some of your own new traditions!

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The post 10 best weeknight recipes appeared first on News & Blog.

This simple green smoothie recipe from our friends at The Basics – A Lifestyle Blog is simply amazing. 

Press play below and check out this refreshing and easy green smoothie recipe.

Simple Green Smoothie Recipe

Green Smoothie Ingredients

• Strawberries
• 1 Banana
• 1 Bag of spinach
• 1 Cup of Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter

How to Make a Green Smoothie

1. Start by adding 4-5 strawberries and a cup of yogurt into a blender.
2. Quick blend to make room for the other ingredients.
3. Next, add a handful of spinach and quick blend until the spinach is mixed.
4. Add a spoonful of peanut butter and half of a banana.
5. Blend for a few more seconds and you're done.
6. OPTIONAL: Add ice and blend until mixed.

The post Simple Green Smoothie Recipe appeared first on News & Blog.

Cinco de Mayo falling on a Friday is the perfect excuse to stay in and host a casual get-together at home. If you’re looking for something fast, fresh, and always a crowd favorite, this Aztec salsa recipe is an easy choice.

This dip pulls together classic Mexican-inspired flavors with avocados, tomatoes, black beans, and corn. It’s simple, colorful, and great for sharing. There’s even a zesty twist that sets it apart from the usual salsa.

Special thanks to The Basics – A Lifestyle Blog for collaborating with us to share this wonderful recipe!

What Makes Aztec Salsa Unique?

Aztec salsa (sometimes called Aztec dip or Mexican bean and corn salsa) stands out because it blends creamy avocado with hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a secret ingredient: a zesty Italian dressing packet. The combination creates a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that works well as a dip or as a topping for tacos, burrito bowls, and grilled chicken.

If you’re searching for a quick appetizer that doesn’t require cooking, this is a great go-to.

Recipe for Aztec Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz.) can of black beans
• 1 (15 oz.) can of mexicorn(kernel corn with red and green bell peppers)
• 2-3 Avocados (depending on their size)
• 2-3 Tomatoes (depending on their size)
• 1 Onion
• 1 Packet of Zesty Italian salad dressing
• A drizzle of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prep the vegetables by chopping the tomatoes, onion, and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, and avocado with the black beans and mexicorn.
3. Sprinkle in the packet of zesty Italian salad dressing mix and stir until everything is combined.
4. Add a drizzle of olive oil and combine one last time.
5. Serve with tortilla chips or spoon over your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Tips for the Best Aztec Salsa

• Use slightly firm avocados so they hold their shape.
• Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
• Add cilantro or lime if you want a fresher, brighter taste.
• Make it ahead by prepping everything except the avocado, then add it right before serving.

Watch How to Make Aztec Salsa

By the way, this video was lovingly made at Ridge Pointe Villas. Take a peek at their spacious kitchens by clicking here.

The post Aztec Salsa Recipe appeared first on News & Blog.

The game is the perfect occasion for entertaining friends and family in your apartment home.

If you're looking for something quick and easy to serve up, we have the perfect dish for you — Taco Soup.

It combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, hearty dish. And, it's super easy to prepare. You can't beat that!

Thanks to our friends at The Basics, a lifestyle blog, for sharing this great recipe with us — made fresh at Ridge Pointe Villas in Lincoln.

Check it out!

TACO SOUP RECIPE:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 C. onion
• 1 jalapeno
• 2 14.5-oz cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz. can of corn
• 1 15-oz. can of black beans
• 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning mix

Brown ground beef over medium-high heat until done.

Then add onion and jalapeno and cook until tender.

Then add all remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Put lid on, and simmer on medium heat for 20-25 minutes.

(Optional) Then top with shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado or even your favorite chips. Then enjoy!

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