Review of Fireworks Restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska

Promises of a wood-fired grill and good seafood convinced us to try FireWorks Restaurant, which recently relocated from the center of the city to the more affluent south side of Lincoln. The parking lot was relatively full, which was a good sign, but still we didn't have to wait long after entering the doors of the restaurant on a Friday night.

It was my first visit to FireWorks, but I am certain it will not be my last. The wood-fired aroma that filled the air was almost reason enough to return. Our server was very obliging and pleasant, and our food was both excellent in taste and value. My husband enjoyed the Asagio crab dip for a starter, followed by the prime rib dinner. He gave both dishes the thumbs up, and he is quite exacting when it comes to meat and seafood. He also gave a positive though not glowing report on the local beer that he ordered, the Better World Belgian-Style Wheat. I finally decided on a half rack of the baby back pork ribs, choosing from among the classic sauces three types of barbeque sauce available. I savored the ribs just as much as those at my favorite wood-fired grill restaurant in Chicago, but unlike dining there, or even in downtown Lincoln, finding parking was not an issue at this south side location.

To be fair, the menu was so creative and contemporary that "plain Jane" options were a bit scarce. However, when we inquired about substituting items, our server was extremely eager to please. Thus if we are in the mood for more simple seasonings (wishing to forgo the Gorgonzola cheese for example) I would expect the staff to be more than willing to tailor our order. And when it was time for the check, we felt we had quite a good value for our money, enjoying a starter, two entrees and a pint of beer for about $50, which is typical for when the two of us go out sans kids.

On my next visit, I hope to sample the Korean Wraps, which incorporate seasoned prime rib, as well as ordering from the seafood menu, which was very tantalizing. I am hoping they will have grouper again for me to try. But this time, the fire-scented air persuaded me to go the barbeque route, a route that I may have to visit again when the rib urge strikes.

The people of Lincoln love to dine out, and on home game Saturdays, when the capital city of Nebraska swells with Husker football fans from near and far, there is an excellent chance that you will find us avoiding the downtown congestion and dining at this establishment instead. The restaurant is located at 5750 South 86th Drive in Lincoln. Their website is http://www.telesis-inc.com/fireworks/ and it lists the menu for patrons to browse before plunging in to all the restaurant has to offer.