 Food in the Field gives a sneak peek into what CNN's team is eating, and the food culture they encounter as they travel the globe. Today's contributor is CNN photojournalist Ken Tuohey. I was just 10 years old when my dad was accepted to the University of Nebraska to complete his Masters degree. I didn’t want to leave the sunny beaches of Southern California, but as a kid, moving halfway across the country sounded exciting. I know better now. I vividly remember driving through the seemingly endless cornfields, wading thru the city streets with snow up to my waist as we walked to an evening matinee and the fanatical “Big Red” fans who made the town of Lincoln look as if the apocalypse had whenever a football game was in town. And there was one other thing: the runza. It’s a delicious hot pastry, filled with ground beef, onions, and cabbage, and was brought by German-Russian immigrants to the United States. It’s a close cousin to the Kansas favorite, the bierock, and it’s m-m-mmm good. My childhood memories of this savory predecessor to the Hot Pocket were fond ones indeed, though at the time I really wasn’t even sure of what was in it. That never stopped me from wolfing them down, three at a time. All I knew was that I loved them, and every time I got the chance to select the restaurant, I picked the Runza. The two years in Lincoln flew and the days of the runzafests were over. My dad graduated and was offered a position as a college professor in California. I hadn’t had a runza since - until recently. Now as an adult, I work for CNN as a photojournalist. I get to travel all over the country covering a variety of news stories, yet somehow none of them in Nebraska… until now. I was recently assigned to cover Vice President Biden campaigning in Council Bluffs, Iowa which is just a stone’s throw from Omaha, Nebraska. I’d gone 40 years without a Runza and this was an opportunity I wasn’t going to miss. The first thing I had to do was see if they were still in business, and if so, how close would it be to where I was staying. I punched it into GPS and one came up just a few short miles from the airport. I saved the destination. After a few of days of shooting, I headed back to Omaha for my flight home and the long-awaited runza reunion. As I pulled up to the restaurant, I started to wonder if runzas could really taste as good as I remembered. Sometimes things change as we grow up, especially our tastes. I used to hate fish, now I love it. The same goes for vegetables. Was I in for a disappointment? There was only one way to find out. I stepped out of my car and the scent emanating from inside made my stomach growl with anticipation. I hoped the taste would live up to it. I stepped up to the window and ordered a plain runza; there are now many varieties to choose from. Moments later they called my number and I unwrapped the piping hot, meat-stuffed pastry and took a bite. The moment of truth was here. Was the runza all I had built it up to be? I’m happy to report that it was even better than I remembered. It was fresh, hot, and delicious and I could easily imagine getting hooked again. I closed my eyes and took another bite. It was just like stepping back into 1973. I have plenty of fond memories from my childhood, some of which I’ll probably never get to relive again - playing with lawn darts or rapidly banging click-clacks together - but that’s okay with me. If I ever feel like I need a blast from the past, I know where to find a runza. If Nebraska is not your travel plans, make one at home. And while you're at it, please feel free to wax rhapsodic about your favorite local delicacy in the comments below. Previously in regional sandwiches: cheesesteaks, loose meat, po' boys, snoot sandwiches, beef on weck, Jersey Shore subs and muffulettas |
  Recent Posts
 |
 |
|
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertise with us | About us | Help | Advertising Practices
We grew up on Runzas in Omaha in the 70's. Our dad did most of the cooking and being from a German family, he made the best home-made runzas. I didn't eat at a Runza Hut until my late teen years. Honestly, the home-made ones are better. We now live in the Kansas City area and my kids love runzas too! We make them from scratch – freeze a bunch and eat them all winter. Our Halloween tradition is to scarf down a runza and then go trick-or-treating! Can't wait for Wednesday.
I am too young to remember the original restaurant but I do remmeber the commercials from the 70's and 80's, they were for Runza Hut and Runza Drive-Ins.
I've been away from Nebraska for 8 years now and the last several times back I've been dissapointed in the quality of the sandwich. Didn't seem to have as much filling and it was definately smaller, still good but not great. The thick cut onion rings with the dipping sauce are still tops.
Runza is nasty. I live in Overland Park, KS and no one goes there. I can't believe they haven't closed it yet.
The Runza's are great, but they also have the best burgers in fast food. One of many great Nebraska traditions....Runzas, Valentinos pizza, chili and cinnamon rolls (yes, together).
As a Lincoln native, I disliked runzas because of the onions and cabbage. The new varieties are helpful; I haven't been back home for a couple years though. I think the burgers and fries at Runza are the best! Now, in San Diego, our Husker bar started making home-made runzas for us, a beef-cabbage or a chicken bacon, for football game days. Delicious!
Interesting to note that you were in Council Bluffs, where right on the main road- Broadway- there is a Runza.
Runza'a are named correctly, you pay for it after you eat them. It is something you have to grow up with. I was born in Omaha and a lifelong Husker fan but no more Runza's for me, enjoy them all you want!
Can't believe a story on Runza's!! As a Nebraska native, I worked at Runza Drive-ins while attending UNL back in the early 80's. My Mom has been making Runza's since I was a kid – and everytime I go home I beg Mom to make her Runza's. After living in Texas for 25 years, I sooo miss Runza's and Valentino's Pizza. It's surprising to me that they haven't expanded into other states – especially down here in Texas, think they'd be a big hit. The burgers and frings at Runza's restaurants are also excellent. Go Big Red!
Oh how we miss them! My mouth is watering just remembering the smell of Runzas in the stands as the Huskers savaged their opponents. They stayed warm long enough to bring them with, and Runza Hut is the first place we went upon arriving in Omaha. We have friends there, and in Beatrice, and always find time for a runza when visiting. I was introduced to them as Bieroks, the German version. In Russion they are Pirogys, and the Russian version is the most like Bieroks (in German the "B" is pronouced like a "P" as in "Bretzyl (Pretzel)." Wow! What memories!
I think everyone is missing the best part of this article, "fanatical “Big Red” fans who made the town of Lincoln look as if the apocalypse had whenever a football game was in town.". I LOVE THIS QUOTE. I've been living in Omaha for a year now and I absolutly love it. However the fanaticism that is the huskers has been a little overwhelming for me and I'm not sure I will ever wrap my head around it.
Join us or be destroyed.
I like sandwich b l o g s.
they look yummy
I feel sorry for all those people who have never had the experience of eating at a Runza restaurant. And we complain because we have to drive all the way across town.....
Okay you all just made me officially homesick for my hometown of Lincoln. Got a 10 pound cabbage from the CSA this week here in Colorado, and runzas are now officially on the menu for this weekend!
Sounds similar to pasties that we had in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
They are similar to a Pastie but without the additional vegetables and the crust isn't a pastry crust. Its a a slightly sweet bread dough. Both Pasties and Runzas are wonderful!
I am from Council Bluffs, IA, and I moved to Eastern Iowa 3 yrs ago. I just moved back to the Omaha area this past April and the first restaurant I went to was a Runza. I hadn't had one until probably 10 yrs ago and now I am hooked. I can't believe they haven't expanded more rapidly in surrounding states. Everytime I mention Runza I always hear great things. Sometimes people that have moved away say that is one of the things they miss the most. That same held true for me, but now I am glad to have them close by again.
Way back in 1958, my sister Shirley, who was 16 at the time, worked at the very first Runza Hut located in a blue block building on the western outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska. Shirley celebrated her 70th birthday in 2012 and now resides in Arkansas. Shirley continues to ensure she has plenty of Runzas in her freezer when company stops by. Of course Shirley's Runzas are still made using the original recipe she worked with way back in the 50's. In 1972 I met my dream girl in Omaha. At the time she was a recent transplant from Spokane, WA. Following a brief courtship, we were married on 7-1-72 and relocated to Washington State shortly thereafter. Over the past 40 years, on our frequent trips to Nebraska, we head for a Runza Restaurant to grab our favorite family comfort food – a Runza (or two or three) of course!
enuff already!!!!
Way back in 1958 when my sister Shirley was 16, she worked at the very first Runza Hut in Lincoln, Nebraska. Shirley turned 70 in September and now resides in Arkansas, but she always keeps plenty of homemade Runzas in her freezer to pull out when company arrives. Of course, Shirley's Runzas are always made in accordance with the original reciepe she worked with way back in the 50's. In 1972 I met the girl of my dreams in Omaha. At the time she was a recent transplant from Spokane, WA. We had a short courtship and were married in Omaha on 7-1-72. Shortly thereafter, we relocated to Washington State where we have resided for the past 38 years. Everytime we have returned to Nebrasks, we head for a Runza Restaurant to get our family comfort food – a Runza (or two of three) of course!
I was 11 years old when my oldest sister began working at the very first Runza Hut in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1958. She was 16 at the time. It was a very small blue block building on the western outskirts of the city, about 1/4 mile from our house. The Runza has always been a family favorite. My sister now lives in Arkansas and just turned 70 in September. She has always kept plenty of home-made Runzas in her freezer, still made in accordance with the original receipt. My wife, from Spokane, WA and I resided in Omaha for two years following our marriage in 1974. Every time we travel to Nebraska, we stop at a Runza Restaurant, as we did earlier this year when we spent 10 days in Omaha.
A friend of the family introduced me to these–but she made them from scratch. They were delish. I used to make them all the time. I was so excited when I got to try Runzas from the restaurant. They were awful & made me so so so sick. Ugh.
I have never had a runza–have been advised against it, as it can have some unpleasant aftereffects that force you to spend time in the bathroom. i do, however, think that their cheeseburgers are the absolutely best ones i have ever had. And their fries are the best, too. But after twelve years in Kansas, I have to ask, What is a bierock? Never heard of it.
I grew up in NE and now live in the great Southwest. Whenever I go home, the first and last meals of the trip contain a cheese Runza! Homemade ones are great, too!
If you need a Runza fix, you can find them elsewhere now too. In Kansas for example, you can get your fix in Lawrence and Overland Park. I think there is also Runza in Colorado somewhere. I have to say, being from Lincoln I miss home, but most of what I miss about it is the food. Runza and Valentinos. Now that I have read about my tasty favorites, perhaps I need to make a trip to KC to get some, because my mouth is watering!
Oh... did you say Valentinos???? I absolutely love Vals... I remember when it was just the east campus of UNL... oh did we ever love those pies. After graduating, we even flew them in for football games... I want one sooooo bad.
Runza and Valentinos... My childhood foods!! It's a wonder I didn't end up at 300 lbs. my folks used to grt Val's after I had gone to bed but the smell would invariably wake me up and i'd have a piece. Mom would order it half baked and unsliced and finish cooking it in our oven.
Runzas are definitely missed here in Albuquerque. My mom had a great recipe though and would make a bunch and freeze them ahead of football season so we couldd eat them while we watched the Huskers on TV.
Don't forget the frings. Best. Idea. Ever. I love the cheeseburger runza that they have now too.
I'm the same way as the article author, but my memory id a Maid Rite sandwich. The yuppie types a few years back latched on to the "loose meat" sandwich as a brief fad for them. I tried them all but none of them came up to the level of sandwiches from the Maid Rite on 12th Street in Quincy, IL, my parent's home town.
I fell in love with them as a kid, and, as an adult, my parents would bring me back a cooler full of them when I couldn't go with them to visit relatives.
I haven't had one since my Father passed in 2004 and I haven't been back since. I really miss the Maid Rite.
Rob, not sure where you live now but I did forget to mention the Maid Rites and was glad to find that they were opening new stores since closing most of them.....if you are in the Iowa/Nebraska area and can't find a Maid rite you may want to stop in to any bar and grill and see if they don't have "Taverns" on the menu....pretty much the same thing with perhaps less or more seasoning....and there is apparently a growing arguement in the two state area about who has the best pork tender.....ahhh tradition....GO BIG RED
I had bierocks in school (Kansas K-5th) also one of my fav cafeteria day. I moved to Nebraska for 6th – 12th grade. The nearest Runza was about a 1/2 hour away so I didn't get it very often, but sure enoyed it when I did. I've lived in OK for over 20 years now and still almost every time I go home to see the family I have to get a Runza, the trip is just not complete without it. I have made them myself, but since I go back once or twice a year I can usually get my fill. Thanks for the reminder I'm heading home for Turkey Day, can't wait for my Runza.
What a delightful story on Runzas. I live on both the west cost and part-time in Nebraska as an artist (I for one found my home state the great horizontal plain and find it beautiful and satisfying – less is more people) and have to say Runzas are still a part of my life and still hold a fondness in my heart. I am all there with that article. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face. A close friend growing up became a producer in NYC for NBC and had to have Runza parties for Nebraskans on Manhattan every year. You would be surprised how many people began showing up for that event.Go Big Red and go Runzas.
I also spent the early 70's in Nebraska and fell in love with the Runza as well as all the other great eastern European food available in south Omaha. As someone who grew up eating southern cooking, I easily and happily adapted to Runza's, dumplings with brown gravy, rye bread and roast duck. What great comfort food!
Another culinary delight from those days: The Cheese Frenchee. These deepfried treats absolutely can't be good for you.
The cheese and tuna frenchees at Kings on 72 nd street along with the butgers and onion rings were the best ever furing my prep years 60-64....never found anything quite as good as they made them...I try to get back to a game 1 or 2 a year and have the Runza, the Bronco pork tenderloin, and the new to me last year nebraska philly sandwich outside memorial stadium....all three standout Nebraska food....also go Big Red...take down Michigan tomorrow night..from a former Godfathers pizza owner that moved to KY to open them....
sorry about the multiple posts!
Runzas sound like piroshkis or piroshkis. You can find them in Russian neighborhoods. I eat them frequently in San Francisco (on Geary). You really should try them when you are jonesing for a runza-yummy!
Runzas seem very much like a piroshkis or piroshki. You can find them in Russian neighborhoods. I eat them frequently in San Francisco (on Geary). If you are jonesing for a runza you really should try a piroshkis-yumm!
These look like a pirozhki or piroshki. You can find them in Russian neighborhoods. I eat them frequently in San Fransisco. The author should try them, as should anyone jonesing for a runza.
What is better than a Runza and Nebraska football? Two of them!!
Fond memories with my grandfather of cold Saturdays in Lincoln and warming my hands on a hot runza as we watched the kick off.
My son had half a Runza for supper last night, and the other half for breakfast. I generally eat their burgers but the runza is always great. Squeeze some spicy mustard into one end and enjoy. The best quality of "fast food" around.
even a Runza in Sidney.... almost the western limit of contiguous Husker country... go Huskers, beat them Wolverines.
I grew up in Kansas and my grandma lived near the Kansas-Nebraska border (on the Kansas side). When we'd visit her, which was often, we would go to McCook or North Platte, Neb. and get a Runza. My mom often made bierrocks (the Kansas equivalent) but they were never the same.
I live in Colorado now and there are a few Runzas in the region, but none close by. It's been five years now since my last Runza and this article made my mouth water. I will have to make a special trip to get one soon.
Great article! I recently got married in Lincoln a couple of weeks ago, and we had a Runza across the street from the hotel where guests were staying. I had talked it up so much that some of them went & LOVED IT! Runza's are a great meal and I'm proud that they're based in Nebraska.
Before Runza restuarants there was the big green truck/van that sat out front of memorial stadium for every home game in the late 60's early 70's. They were absolutely fantastic and local lore said they sold 100,000 runzas every home game and I could easily believe that to be true. You missed the opportunity to have a pork tenderloin at Bronco's in Omaha another great 60's tradition still as good as then. Lastly, came back for a game and found a little truck out front selling Nebraska style Philly sandwiches...perhaps it was the Nebraska beef but it was the best philly steak I've ever had.
I was born and raised in Lincoln Nebraska and loved the Runza restaurants. Now I live in Colorado Springs, there is a couple restaurants up north of here but every time I go back home or travel through Nebraska I still have to stop at a Runza restaurant.
I just recently had an opportunity to experience a Runza during a brief business trip to Omaha and to be real honest I wasn't all that impressed. As the article states, it kind of reminded me of a homemade Hot Pocket. Oh well, every locale across this great nation of ours has an ethnic culinary favorite such as the crab cake in Baltimore and the various PoBoy's in New Orleans and the BBQ in Texas. I would seriously advise anyone having the opportunity to sample a dish named Waasel (sp) in Minnesota/Wisconsin to heartily decline. It's a Scandinavian dish that consists mainly of some kind of raw or pickled fish. I almost barfed when I got it close enough to my face to catch a whiff. But Nebraska has the Runza and that seems to be good enough for them. Bon Appettit!!
Correction to my last post. Don't want to make any false statements. The name of the dish in the MN/WI area is Ludafisk, not Waasel. Waasel is a drink that they make in that part of the country. Evidently, I must have had too much of the drink when attempting to sample the fish. Or maybe not enough drink. Either way I wanted to correct my statement.
I had a fish boil in norhtern Wisconsin and can agree with you on that...but...In northern Michigan and Wisconsin try the white fish..generaly breaded and fried and it was some of the best I have ever had. I went 4 days straight having white fish 3 meals a day in northern Mich...only other food was their Pasty....much like a Runza but without the cabbage and they like to put gravy on it...but still great.....been to all 50 states and nearly 50 different countries and find that each has great food and also not so great food...with the exception of Paris where I think you would be hard pressed to find a bad dinning experience and where you can pick up at the grocery a 2 euro bottle of great wine and buy 1 euro each of chesse and bread and have one hellva meal. for two at a lovely Parisian park
The runza isn't even close to a local favorite, they're just one of many.
The reuben holds as the real local favorite in Omaha, at least.
Runzas aren't anything like Hot Pockets. They're more like calzones for Germans.
I have been doing some research into the fact that if you did not grow up in Nebraska you most likely do not care for them. Interesting that everyone I find that loves them also invariably will share the memory from childhood that makes them love the darn thing. We find this all over the world where there is a local favorite and when almost always there is a special childhood memory to go with it usually associated with another local tradition such as football in Nebraska.
I live in Lincoln, Quote! RUNZA PLEASE GO AWAY ! My father is a German decent and his Parents came from Kautz Russia . My father makes the best runzas ever . The so called RUNZA , Which by the way , they did not invent , are not even close to the real deal .
Nebraska: Where Celery and Salt are replaced with celery salt, and most recipes start with a can of mushroom soup. Barf.
Ummmm....what? You are an idiot!!! Thanks for letting the world know how stupid you are! Here in Omaha there's almost every nationality you can think of – we have Little Italy downtown, a great German, Russian, Jewish presence along with many others and they all bring their food/recipes here – many excellent culinary experiences here! Now go back to the rock you slithered out from!
I always bring home a frozen dozen after visiting my sister. Barb–thanks for the recipe - I didn't know about the refrigeration of the meat for 24 hours before baking so my homemade ones never turned out.
Dave, of course the ones you can make at home are better. All food is better when you make it at home. But if you're out and about, it's a solid alternative to the garbage from the national chains. Runza's jr cheeseburger and jr. swiss mushroom burger is my staple when I go most times--–the buns are better than the regular sized buns, and you get the best of both worlds without putting yourself in a coma. But the runzas are good too. Almost time for Italian runzas to be back in season.
Runzas are the bomb. Just had a swiss mushroom one today. Perfect for a chilly day. You can't miss at Runza. Their fries are always cooked perfect, and their burgers are awesome-never frozen meat, seasoned to deliciousness. I'm a Nebraskan as you've already figured out. If you ever happen to visit, give it a shot. You'll forget about most of the other fast food places real quick. Their whole menu is solid.
This looks like a Cornish pasty. Those are sooo stodgy. You could probably eat one in the middle of the morning, and be full for the rest of the day.
I remember eating at Runza years ago and became pretty sick. It gave me the runzas afterwards.....
Kindergarten called...they said grow up
As a Nebraska native living in Chicago, the first stop I make when driving back is always Blair (thisclose to the Missouri River between Iowa and Nebraska) and the Runza restaurant. Had my first one when I was going to school and working in Omaha about the same time as the author. If I'm going to a Cornhusker football game, I'll have another, thank you. Nebraska just played Northwestern here... what did the tailgate hosts bring? RUNZAS!!
perfer a pork tenderloin sandwich with mustand and pickles–is there any other way?–there is a place on Broadway in Council Bluffs that has the best–don't remember their name
As a avid cornhusker fan, and a ralston nebraska resident, i can tell you that they serve these along with valentinos pizza in the stands at husker games. I will be eating one this weekend when we whoop up on michigan. GO BIG RED!
Uh....actually they are called bierocks (sp?) and the Runza recipe is pretty pathetic compared to our family recipe. Whatever. It's fast food and the only way this chain could stay open was when they added hamburgers to their menu.
If that were true, why do they sell tens of thousands on game days alone? Btw...bierocks and runzas are slightly different recipes.
That aside, as a former Nebraskan living in Chicago, the second I cross the border into NE Runza is the first place I look for. I have a decent recipe I make at home on occasion, but it tends to be a day long committment to make...so I don't make them often! My husband is from Scotland, and loves them...it reminds him of home, with the British love of meat filled bread/pastry pockets.
Glad you enjoyed your runza! Living in Council Bluffs, IA we end up getting runza's a lot. They are best in the winter with a cup of their Chili! Next time try a Cheese Runza or a Swiss and Mushroom Runza. Delish!
I am a New York boy who married into a Cornhusker/Nebraska family.
I was introduced to Mrs. Gyier's Runza's, which I learned to relish (even after the Runza chain sued the small bakery which preceeded them and Mrs. Gyier's had to change the name – but not the real runza). I still like them, but wish for the fresher, less salty runza I first met. Also, the original was made with potato dough, which gave it depth and a far better taste.
RECIPE: the link is good, but for me the secret is Celery salt ... and lots of pepper ... traditional runzas use sauerkraut but I buy a bag of cole slaw mix ... fry up your hamburger, season, drain the fat, add in the cabbage and let simmer ... put in refrigerator a minimum of 24 hours before baking ... and I don't make dough from scratch any more because frozen dinner rolls are delicious and work just as well ... I also like adding pepper jack cheese to some of the runzas for a extra "kick" ... love runzas!
German card has been revoked. Traditional runzas fillings (bierocks) use green cabbage, beef and onions.. Saurkraut, cheese and carrets are the variants.
Yore spelleen kard haz bean revoked. "carrets" indeed.
I bet these are even better if you add some OH-RAY-GAH-NO....
I have lived in Nebraska my entire life ... our motto is true – Nebrask IS THE GOOD LIFE ... and Runza restaurant is a long time favorite of mine as well – however – I must say – being a full blooded "German" ... my own homemade runzas are out of this world and when I make then I generally make 48-60 at a time because my oldest son, and my youngest son and his friends, can easily eat 4-6 at a sitting ... GO RUNZAS and GO BIG RED!
I thought Nebraska's motto was: "Come for the mountains – and you're an idiot".
Huh? Must be some kind of joke there I'm not getting....or not...
Anyway, Barb, can you please post your recipe?
Interesting comments. I too use frozen dough saves a little work. Started making these with my mother-in-law who was introduced to them after she was first married and her husband was in college in Wichita. My husband still loves them, but we've ventured into ham and cheese Runzas/Bieroks. There are many variations you could make. Fun stuff.
I grew up in Western Nebraska and although Runza does a fine job, I was fortunate enough to get to eat them and learn how to make them from my mom. Hers are still the best-extra pepper and onion. There are two things that make my mouth water when I think of home...a cabbage burger, as we called them and a deep friend soft shelled taco from Taco Town....I make them both for friends here in South Carolina and there are always requests to make them again.
Yes, homemade cabbage burgers made by authentic german russian moms/grandmas are the best. And Taco Town in SB, NE was the best, bright orange cheese enchiladas, tacos with peas in them. the best
If you check out their website they have some deal arranged with a local shipper in Lincoln where they will pick up your runza and ship it to you...look under menu for the link on shipping them.
Every time I eat at that restaurant I get the runz-a. I think its the cabbage because it makes me squeak.
diarrhea
I live on the east coast now; but everytime I go home, even if just for the weekend, there is at least one Runza meal even if it is just on the way back to the airport.
We arrived in Lincoln before Bob Devaney was hired from Wyoming. My husband was teaching at the University and Runzas were sold from push carts! We didn't have a runza restaurant. I have a recipe and made them for my daughters German class party many years later. Each year thereafter Frau requested that I make them for their the annual event. My daughters biggest complaint was that she never got to eat one because the other students ate them before she had a chance. They are delicious. Thanks for the memory.
I live in Omaha, and Runza's have always been a treat! Glad they lived up to your memories! Prosit!
A Runza is related to a bierock? I had bierocks in school (Kansas) as a kid. While most of my classmates couldn't stand them, that was my favorite day in the cafeteria. I'll have to try the recipe you linked to – and to look up the nearest Runza restaurant on my trips through the Midwest!