The Nebraska Restaurant That’s One Of The Most Unique In America
By Delana Lefevers|Published December 21, 2017
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, The Grey Plume has permanently closed.
If you live in or around Omaha – or if you follow the Nebraska gourmet dining scene at all – you’ve probably heard of The Grey Plume. This place makes some of the swankiest, most delicious food you’ll ever taste, and it also happens to have a unique designation.
The Grey Plume is located in Midtown Crossing and has become a local favorite since it opened in 2010.
The restaurant received a four-star rating from Green Restaurants of America (GRA), a non-profit organization that works with restaurants in the U.S. and Canada to make the industry more environmentally friendly.
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The four-star designation is bestowed on restaurants that strive for environmental sustainability in all of their operations.
The Grey Plume has been named "America's Greenest Restaurant" several times over. This honor is thanks to its innovative use of recycled building materials, energy-efficient lights and appliances, and even menus printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper. The furniture was made of reclaimed barn wood, the disposable items are all recycled, biodegradable, or compostable, and their pre-consumer food waste is composted whenever possible. (For a complete list of the restaurant's green initiatives, click here.)
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Of course, we couldn't talk about one of Omaha's greatest restaurants without mentioning the food.
The menu changes seasonally and focuses on locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Because the chef relies on fresh, in-season ingredients, the menu changes frequently based on what is available at the moment.
The restaurant owners and staff maintain relationships with farmers and other food providers in Nebraska to ensure their ingredients are always fresh and of the highest quality.
The sustainable farm-to-table approach to high-class cuisine means that farms, ranches, and small businesses all across the state contribute to the menu.
At any time, the menu may contain Wagyu beef from Morgan Ranch in Burwell, farm fresh chicken from Plum Creek Farms in Burchard, fish from Blue Valley Aquaculture in Sutton, cheese from Branched Oak Farm in Raymond, vegetables from Shadowbrook Farm in Lincoln, and a long list of fresh food from other producers in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Knowing where your food comes from somehow makes it taste even better.
The Grey Plume is well known for their duck fat donuts, which have been named on many lists of the best foods in Omaha and in Nebraska.
The decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treats are fried in duck fat, which gives them a crispy exterior and an incredible savory quality beneath the sugar. Be sure to try the duck fat fries as well - it's the same crispy deliciousness but in potato form and without the sugar. The Grey Plume's selection of wine, beer, and cocktails round out the luxurious dining experience.
Recently, The Grey Plume opened a retail shop called Provisions near the restaurant.
This intimate space serves as a store selling gourmet foods and kitchen goods, and as a small private dining space for very special occasions. It's also where you can attend cooking classes taught by some of Omaha's elite chefs. You can learn to make a variety of foods from sushi to donuts to fresh sausage. Some classes also teach basic kitchen skills like using cast iron cookware or using kitchen knives like a professional.
The Grey Plume sets itself apart with its designation as one of the greenest restaurants in the U.S., then follows up that reputation with some of the most incredible food you’ll ever enjoy. Eating here (or shopping at Provisions) is a splurge for sure, but it’s one you won’t regret. Save up for it and make it a special night out!
You can find The Grey Plume at 220 S 31st Ave #3101 in Omaha. Provisions is located at 3157 Farnam St #7106. Learn more about The Grey Plume or Provisions on their website.
Did you know there’s another impressively unique restaurant in Omaha? It’s the only one of its kind in the entire state – read more about it here.
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