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Dish Omaha

KVNO’s Dish Omaha

From the mocktail craze to historic food festivals, Dish Omaha explores how the food and restaurant scene in the metro brings us together as a community. Hosted by KVNO’s resident foodie Diane Watson, Dish Omaha airs Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. on Morning Classics with Jeff Koterba.

Meet Diane

KVNO’s resident foodie Diane Watson is an actor and culinary artist who hosts “The Leftover Chef” series on YouTube. Conceived as an extra time project during Covid, she continues to help everyone save money and the planet by creating easy and inventive ways to repurpose leftovers.

She studied cooking at the HomeChef school in San Francisco and acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena.

Diane regularly appears onstage and in film, and teaches improvisation.

She’s been a member of the Omaha arts scene since returning to Omaha from California. She’s worked at the Omaha Symphony and currently serves as board president for the Great Plains Theatre Commons. Diane is working on a Leftover Chef cookbook that will bring readers delicious recipes and secondary concoctions you can make from the leftovers.

November 20th

Does the thought of cooking a turkey ruffle your feathers? This week on Dish Omaha, Diane will share the spots that will be open for dinner next Thursday, and the places where you can pick up a whole holiday meal to go.

November 13th

When’s the last time you had a burger? If you’re like most Omahans, probably just a day or two ago! There’s a huge burger scene in the metro, and we’ve got the fixings!

November 6th

Hard to believe it’s been almost 15 years since the first restaurant opened at Midtown Crossing. This week Diane dishes about the food scene now, and some of the innovators making the area food-forward.

October 30th

It’s been more than 8 years since a devastating fire took out M’s Pub and the Market House restaurants. As the anniversary of M’s reopening approaches, Diane takes a look back to that frigid night and a community that rebuilt.

October 23rd

No More Empty Pots is a unique, grassroots organization in Omaha, addressing food insecurity and food self- sufficiency through a variety of intriguing programs. This week on Dish Omaha, you can learn more about the organization that has been supporting the community through education and collaboration.

October 16th

Who’s hungry? This week you can get the dish on some of the newest restaurants bringing you the latest culinary adventures here in the Omaha area.

October 9th

Nothing goes better with football than a nice slab of ribs! As KC’s cousin to the north, we have a vibrant BBQ scene of our own. (Do you think Jeff will say he’s hungry?)

 

October 2nd

With the take off of Eppley’s fresh design, Omahans and visitors alike will have lots of new food choices, most with a local flavor. We’ll preview the culinary itinerary, and plan your next vacation pre-flight bite.

September 25th

When making a meal or getting one is tough for a senior, Meals on Wheels America is there. This week, you learn more about the organization that has been bringing housebound Omahans hot, nutritious meals for 45 years.

September 18th

Sushi in the Midwest has come a long way. Once an eyebrow-raising food choice in land-locked Nebraska is now an award-winning, highly celebrated delicacy.

September 11th

It’s the foodie’s favorite time of fall – Omaha Restaurant Week! This week you can learn about the ten tastiest days of the year, and how you can devour a great deal, and maybe even free fare, thanks to KVNO.

September 4th

Did you know that a sought-after culinary education is available right here in Omaha? This week, Diane highlights Metropolitan Community College‘s Culinary Arts curriculum. They’ve been producing some amazing food professionals. And bonus, there’s a restaurant!

August 28th

It’s time for a summer fave, La Festa Italiana. This week Diane dishes about pasta, meatballs, and Omaha’s storied Italian heritage. Mangia bene!

August 21st

Where’s the beef? Here! And nowhere bigger than Nebraska. This week on Dish Omaha, it’s time for a rare look into the well-done steakhouse community that our town is known for.

August 14th

OPA! Tzatziki and gyros and ouzo, oh my! This week on Dish Omaha, Diane gives you a preview of the Omaha Greek Festival, and a slice of the local Greek food community.

August 7th

Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue tackles three important food topics at once, food insecurity, food waste, and the environment. This week on Dish Omaha, Diane explains how it all comes together.

July 31st

Get revved up – it’s Omaha’s food truck scene! This week on Dish Omaha, Diane will take you to the inside track of this fast and furiously growing movement.

July 24th

Hungry for a trip overseas? Grab your appetite and stay in town instead! This week, Diane shares how our city, considered an international and ethnic food destination, delivers with lots of familiar and unusual fare.

 

July 17th

There are dozens of places around the Metro where you can get your caffeine on. This week on Dish Omaha, Diane will take a look inside the city’s vibrant coffee culture, including some truly unusual concoctions.

July 10th

It’s summer – time for fresh produce! And you don’t have to go to the farm to get it. This week Diane chats about local urban farms producing beautiful crops here amidst the concrete.

July 3rd

This week, Diane will discuss how Omaha’s Food Bank for the Heartland has been an important meal partner to thousands. You’ll get an inside look at the operation and mission of this critical community fixture.

June 26th

One of Omaha’s iconic restaurants is celebrating 50 years in business! Diane Watson talks about what Spaghetti Works has meant to generations of Omaha families, and of course, that train car!

June 19th

This week, Diane joins Jeff to talk about the North Omaha food scene. This region, steeped in history, has an amazing food legacy. They’ll cover the area’s food backstory and its vibrant culinary offerings.

June 12th

This week, Diane tells the hearty story of Lasagna Love, an international community-based organization that provides a free lasagna to anyone who requests one, including many families and individuals right here in the Metro. Diane has made over 70 lasagnas for metro families since she joined in 2020.

June 5th

This week Diane previews three festivals happening in Omaha over June 7-9, and all the great food you can find at Polishfest, Midwest Fest, and the Summer Arts Festival.

May 29th

Memorial Day marks the beginning of outdoor festival season in the metro, and this week Diane Watson previews Taste of Omaha! Learn about the tasty food options at this favorite annual food festival, now in its 27th year, coming to Omaha’s waterfront this weekend.

May 22nd

Diane explores an innovative rotating restaurant featuring Omaha’s culinary talent right on a street corner in the Old Market, the Dandelion Pop-Up. She’ll take a look at who they are, how it started, and how you can experience this bourgeoning summer tradition.

May 15th

This week, Diane takes look inside Omaha’s James Beard Stars. What it takes to be nominated for a James Beard Award, and our local chefs putting Omaha on the map.

May 8th

This week, Diane explores the amazing development and vibrancy of the Benson neighborhood food scene, from pubs and coffee to high end cuisine, with its musical roots at the core.

May 1st

This week, Diane previewed the upcoming Farmer’s Market season. Where you can find them, what to expect, and how to make the most of this fantastic summer tradition.

April 24th

An Overview of the show and what you can expect to hear on Dish Omaha!