Nebraska

We made our way to Nebraska and took a time out to relax.  We were mid way between Omaha and Lincoln so had a couple of different exploration trips on tap.

It's no secret that Omaha is known around the country as one of the best sources for steak.  This is mostly due to the fact that beef is Nebraska's single largest industry, and Omaha has been the country's meatpacking center since the 1950s.  So we decided that we should take advantage of it and go out for a good steak.  We did a google search for the best steak restaurant in Omaha and when we found Warren Buffet's favorite steak house on the list, we decided that was good enough for us.

An unassuming place

Gorat's has been an Omaha tradition for more than 70 years.  Founded in 1944 by Louis and Nettie Gorat, and subsequently operated by their son, Louis, Jr. - affectionately known as "Pal" - and his family.  Gorat's has catered to generations of Omaha families and visitors, proudly serving quality steaks, Italian specialties and other local favorites.

We had skipped lunch so we arrived early - don't all seniors eat early? - and the Oracle of Omaha was there to greet us.

There were a few other diners but for the most part, we had the place to ourselves.

We ordered an appetizer - prawns in garlic butter topped with melted havarti.  We were so hungry we dug right in.

The presentation was much nicer than this

And then it was time for the main course - it was so nice of Warren Buffet to join us for a moment at our table.  After Ron provided him with a couple of stock tips, he left us to enjoy our meal. :-)

I only eat steak occasionally but I'll say that if I could eat here daily, I'd have this meal every day.  Without a doubt the filet was the best - BEST - I've ever had.

Those are sauteed onions in the bowl - YUM!

We've eliminated carbs from our diet - for some reason they were able to leave the potato off of my plate but forgot when they plated Ron's.

Blue cheese sauce on the filet

Ron likes to frame menus from special restaurants we've visited so as we left, he asked the hostess if they had a menu for this purpose.  She was excited to say that she had just cleaned out a closet and had quite an assortment that she'd be happy to share.  Here's an example:

Notice it is from the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Dinner in 2014

Warren Buffet on the left, Charlie Munger (partner) on the right

The next day we took a drive into Lincoln to visit the University.  Of course, the book (and apparel) store was our primary destination.

Red, red, and more red.

And, of course, HATS!

Yes, he got one

We didn't spend too long on the campus but long enough to see this.  This going to school thing makes the students so tired.  See them in their hammocks?

We also spent two nights in North Platte.  As my grandmother would have said "I couldn't give it much".