Cafe L, Omaha

Chef and owner of Café L Luis Palacio is fussy about food, much to the delight of his diners. Before he adds any new dish to the café menu, it must pass the test with his family and friends―any dish found lacking is tweaked until the flavors are perfect. This fussiness extends to his choice of ingredients as well. His smoked pork chops originate from free-range pigs fed a diet free of steroids, antibiotics, and grape soda. Then, local barbecue-master Ray Green smokes the meat to a state of succulent goodness. Luis puts similar care into his specialty sandwiches, 12-inch pizzas, and dinner entrees, which change each month.