Tally’s Silver Spoon in Rapid City is a modern spin on the classic American diner, run by chef Benjamin Klinkel, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and worked in Michelin-starred kitchens before returning home to South Dakota. They serve modern cuisine in an upscale contemporary setting. The space itself balances casual and upscale, with sleek wood accents, big windows letting in natural light, and an open, welcoming layout that feels just as comfortable for a quick breakfast as it does for a celebratory dinner. The menu leans into both diner staples and inventive twists, featuring hearty breakfasts like steak Benedict and biscuits with gravy, alongside refined dinner plates such as bison marsala, carbonara, and seasonal chef’s specials. One of the most unique features at Tally’s Silver Spoon is the Indecision Menu, which is perfect if you’d rather leave the choices up to the chef. Guests can select how many courses they’d like—anywhere from three to seven—and the kitchen crafts a surprise tasting menu built around fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a playful way to experience the full range of the restaurant’s creativity, with dishes that might never appear on the regular menu, and it gives diners a chance to taste flavors and pairings they may not have thought to order themselves. Which is exactly why I ordered it. My three-course dinner consisted of: Their Miso Sea Bass, a beautifully seared fillet that’s buttery and delicate, paired with asparagus, a touch of tomato relish, and a light miso-based sauce. It’s a dish that highlights clean, umami-rich flavors with a refined presentation. Then there's a salad centered around a warm chunk of Brie cheese served with fresh greens, shaved vegetables, watermelon radish, and a crumble for crunch. A balsamic sauce adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance the richness of the cheese.

Duck Confit is one of the restaurant’s signature preparations. The duck leg is slow-cooked until tender, then crisped for a rich, savory bite. It’s served over a medley of vegetables—here you can see cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and greens—finished with a bright herb purée and topped with a generous snowfall of grated cheese. The result balances richness with freshness. Grade: A

The future of Sergio's is a bit up in the air with the recent sale so I wanted to share my thoughts while I still can.



The Italian restaurant has a sister restaurant already established in Hurricane and is connected to the Guadalajara restaurant family. The one thing that differs here from the sister restaurant is that there's a focus on pizzas, as opposed to steaks.



Sergio's is located in Elk City - with some historical charm and minimal decor. Tall tin ceilings and a combo of booths and tables line the dining room.



Soft, warm breadsticks sprinkled with parm set the tone for the meal. These were gloriously simple.



I had to try their house pepperoni roll, which was a long, flat roll filled with lots of cheese and pepperoni and scored in the center. It was somewhere between a calzone and a classic pepperoni roll—soft, hearty, and satisfying, though it didn’t quite stand out as remarkable.



My main entree was a hearty seafood pasta dish featuring jumbo lobster-stuffed ravioli paired with succulent jumbo sautéed shrimp, all enveloped in their rich, house-made Alfredo sauce. The ravioli are generously filled, providing a substantial bite. The Alfredo sauce delivers a creamy and flavorful coating. Rich, and right up my alley.



Grade: A

Huey Magoo’s in Morgantown is part of a growing fast-casual chain known for branding itself as “The Filet Mignon of Chicken.” The restaurant specializes in chicken tenders made from premium cuts, served grilled or hand-breaded. The interior is what you might expect from a modern fast casual restaurant. Clean, straightforward seating and bright lights with wood accents. The three hand-breaded tenders at Huey Magoo’s arrive golden and crisp, with a thick breading that could be a bit heavy. A dusting of Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish that pairs well with the chicken’s juicy interior. The tenders are served alongside thick slices of buttery Texas toast and a pile of crinkle-cut fries that could be crispier. The meal is rounded out by Huey Magoo’s signature dip, a creamy, tangy sauce that balances the richness of the chicken and toast. Altogether, it’s a straightforward meal that ranks above other average fast food chicken restaurants for me. Grade: B

Block 16 is a downtown Omaha restaurant known for its farm-to-table street food and rotating daily specials.



Owned by Paul and Jessica Urban, the restaurant opened in 2012 and quickly gained attention for its creative approach to casual dining.



The dining area is small, with simple wooden tables and chairs spread across two connected rooms. The walls are decorated with framed press clippings, awards, and photos. There’s a chalkboard displaying the day’s specials, and the ordering counter is the focal point up front.



The Croque Garçon burger, made with a beef patty, ham, fried egg, and truffle mayo, was famously praised by chef Alton Brown as the best burger he had ever eaten. I ordered the Frenchie - smash patty, braised short rib, gruyere, caramelized onion, sauce, pickle. The cheese adds a nutty, creamy richness while the onions bring a subtle sweetness that balances the savory meat.



I also had OMAHA FRIES - Topped with wagyu sloppy joe, griddled cheese curds, house ranch, Dorothy Lynch, scallion, and Doritos. Dorothy Lynch is a sweet and tangy salad dressing that originated in Nebraska and has become a regional favorite across the Midwest. It’s often described as similar to French dressing, but creamier and with a distinct flavor that combines tomato base, sugar, vinegar, and a blend of spices. This trash-tastic dish is everything I've ever dreamed of.



Grade: A

Archetype Coffee is a local favorite in Omaha known for its dedication to high-quality, small-batch roasting and community-driven vibe.



The shops feature a clean, minimalist industrial design with exposed brick, wood accents, and plenty of natural light, creating a cozy yet modern atmosphere perfect for both working and relaxing.



Their menu focuses on expertly crafted coffee drinks such as pour-overs, cappuccinos, and lattes, while also offering matcha, chai, pastries, and hearty brunch options.



While their coffee is exceptional, the hot chocolate is a standout -- rich, creamy, and well-balanced, it’s often praised as one of the best in the city.



Their Sweet Corn Coffee Cake balances natural corn’s gentle sweetness with a moist crumb - offering a creamy, subtly grainy texture, without leaning overly sweet.



Their coffee philosophy highlights small-batch roasting, meticulous flavor profiles, and craftsmanship -- led in part by notable baristas like Isaiah Sheese, a U.S. Barista Champion and world finalist. Their space is clean yet vibrant. And it all led to one tasty cuppa.



Grade: A