McFoster's

McFoster’s Natural Kind Café

www.mcfosters.com

302 S. 38^th St.

Omaha, NE  68131

(402) 345-7477

My return to blogging is with a farewell* to an Omaha gem.  McFoster’s is unique in Omaha from its décor to its food.  The exterior is sort of miniature Swiss Chalet while the interior is peppered with Jerry Garcia memorabilia.  The booths are cracked and the tables are worn, but you are always welcomed with open arms and made to feel right at home.  Every time I visited, I felt it was a place I could simply relax and enjoy a good meal.  That sounds simple, but oddly, an experience that isn’t often the case at many restaurants.  The clientele was diverse, encompassing college students, health conscious yuppies, new granolas, some original flower children, and everyone in between.  I could never be certain who my dining companions might be.  Sadly, on too many occasions, there would be only one or two tables in use.  Probably part of the reason they will be closing the end of this month.

This was not the case on my last visit.  Every table was full, perhaps of people looking to get one last meal at this joint.  The food of course is the draw.  McFoster’s puts its own spin on favorite dishes.  Everything had a little tweak.  Fries?  How about sweet potato fries.  You want ketchup with that?  How about Banana Ketchup?  The food is primarily vegetarian with a few free-range chicken and fresh seafood dishes.  The sautéed Brussels Sprouts are a top seller and one of my beau’s favorites.  Ordinarily I order a salad topped with items you don’t find at a typical salad bar, and much more delicious for it.  On this occasion however, I wanted all-American, McFoster’s style.  I had the “BLT” with Sour Cream and Chive Fries alongside a Date Shake.  The McFoster’s BLT is the exact way I want a BLT.  The tempeh bacon is smoky and crisp and there is plenty of it.  The tomato and lettuce are crisp and in perfect proportion.  The slightly sweet and nutty bread is generously spread with veganaise.  I could eat a dozen of these sandwiches.  My sour cream and chive fries were the best I’ve had at McFoster’s.  They were hot and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, just the way a fry should be.  My beverage was one of the best shakes I’ve ever had and it wasn’t even a shake.  Of course, I love dates so I couldn’t really go wrong with this.  Blended with frozen bananas and cocoa almond milk, it was a fantastic treat. 

I will very much miss McFosters but I am glad I was able to have such a delicious farewell meal there. 

*McFoster's is hosting a fundraiser dinner Sunday, Feb. 26th to try to stay in business.  I am hoping for the best.