Chef 2

I love supporting local shops and especially enjoy places that sell spices, oils and vinegars. I had no idea Midtown Crossing existed but then again, I never really drive between Dundee and downtown when I am in Omaha. My cousin and I were walking around exploring and saw this store. We were greeted by Molly who was very friendly and knowledgeable about the products. We sampled oils and vinegars and then she let us sniff and sample the flavored sugars and salts. I ended up getting matcha salt and white truffle salt — holy moly is that decadent! I actually own black truffle salt so I have to mix it up a little!
My cousin got sweet onion sugar (one of my favorite things to cook with at home) and also the white truffle salt. The store ships outside of Nebraska and offers cooking classes for $ 20. I would definitely recommend supporting this quaint gourmet spot!

From their webpage: «Owned by two local chefs, Jim Trebbien and Mike Combs, Chef2 carries a wide selection of products including over three-​dozen varieties of olive oil and vinegar, sea salts and health and beauty products.»
They opened June 2013. I’ve been in several times. The first time, the young woman there could not have been less interested in me. The store is nice looking and has two rows of jugs with olive oil on one side and vinegar on the other. You can try samples by just drinking or with small pieces of bread that they provide.
The concept was not something that I had seen before so I was asking her some questions. She was just not going to provide me with any information so I just walked my happy little a** out of there. Whatever, lady!
I went back with a friend yesterday. There were two people working, a man and a woman, both of whom could not have been more helpful and super nice. They explained the entire concept and made several suggestions.
In addition to the oils and vinegars, they offer many different salts and sugars, locally handmade vegan soaps, and gift ideas. One thing that really interested me was the molecular gastronomy kits (one for cooking and one for cocktails). I think it would be really fun but at $ 59.95 decided it might be a good gift for later.
They said they have/​will have some classes that range from basic (how to make a salad dressing) to more foodie like (cooking ideas) that might help those who are a bit intimidated in the kitchen. As someone who always makes their own salad dressing, a store like this is great. I am looking forward to trying some of the unusual oils and vinegar for salad dressing in the near future. They do have a truffle salt too – super delicious!