Needless to say, this was not the best time to repeat our Terrell, TX experience where we almost ran out of gas with little relief in sight. Needless to say, the options in Nebraska were even fewer. We ended up pulling off into Lodgepole,NE where the road signs for gas led us to a tiny unmanned station with two old-school (non-digital) pumps. A traffic jam of sorts was created when a friendly local showed up to fill his tank as well.
Eventually we found "civilization" in North Platte, Nebraska. It appeared that the town had built itself up into a tourist attraction, largely upon the reputation of "Buffalo Bill" Cody. Apparently we managed to arrive at the height of tourist season, as most every hotel was sold out, save the not particularly comfortable Comfort Inn we settled for.
The next morning we headed out to Omaha where we would really looking forward to some soul food.
Yes, you read that right. Soul food. In Omaha. Nebraska.
A couple weeks before our trip, we happened to see an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network which featured a lady from Omaha that had gained a reputation for some of the best soul food anywhere. We decided right then that we had to see it to believe it. However, would you believe we almost didn't see it?
Traveling at a productive if not hurried pace, we decided it would be good to call the restaurant and confirm their location and such. Along with that information, they kindly let us know that they were closing at 2:00. Of course, our GPS estimated an arrival of about 2:30.
Now, I would not encourage anyone to disobey any highway safety laws, but let's just say that we were happy that the Nebraska State Police were apparently busy attending to other matters. (Directing traffic back in North Platte, perhaps?)
As we made our way through Omaha, we became a bit confused when we left the retail corridors and entered a largely residential area. Eventually we saw what appeared to be a school or YMCA. Figuring Big Mama was in there - or someone could at least point us in the right direction - we entered...and just in the nick of time!
Even though it was maybe 1:50pm, they were happy to serve us albeit with a few less items still available on the menu. Cathy tried the famous Afro Burger that was hot enough to make Guy Fieri turn red. Being not so brave, I opted for the somewhat milder Big Redd Burger. Big Mama herself was kind enough to come out to meet us and share her story.
The building we were used to house the Nebraska School for the Deaf. When the school closed several years ago, a church bought it with the intention of turning it into a community center. Meanwhile, "Big Mama" a utility employee who had opened up a side business catering food to friends and small groups, had been looking for an affordable property to open up a restaurant. Eventually she caught the attention of some parishioners who put her in touch with some senior church staff. And the rest, as they say, was history.
My only minor regret during my visit to Omaha was not seeking the modest home of famous billionaire Warren Buffett. Or maybe we could have just popped in his office at Berkshire Hathaway and invited him out for lunch. I think he would have appreciated an Afro Burger.
After passing through a sliver of Iowa...
...we entered Missouri, calling the small city of Saint Joseph our home for the evening.
States visited:17.
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