‘Like to get bold, strong flavors’: Block 16 chefs prepare for Celebrity Chef 2026 in Omaha
Co-chefs Paul and Jessica Urban of Block 16 in downtown Omaha are preparing to compete in the Food Bank for the Heartland’s Celebrity Chef 2026.
OMAHA, Neb. —
Co-chefs Paul and Jessica Urban of Block 16 in downtown Omaha are preparing to compete in the Food Bank for the Heartland’s Celebrity Chef 2026, bringing their bold and unique flavors to the event.
“We always go hard when we’re cooking, and we talk a lot about food when we’re eating dinner, and we’re talking about the next special,” Paul Urban said. “We really like to get bold, strong flavors and just come unique and be original.”
The Urbans have built Block 16 together alongside their growing family.
“We built Block 16 together, got married and got a couple of kids. We’re just cooking away,” Paul Urban said.
Over the years, Block 16 has continued to thrive.
“So, we’re 15 years later, and almost 16,” Paul Urban said.
One of their standout dishes, the Croque Garcon burger, has gained global recognition.
“I think our Croque Garcon burger is just something that Jess and I came up with together over a decade ago,” Paul Urban said. “Alton Brown came in here one time and said it was one of the top five burgers on the planet, and we just, we, we have a lot of pride in it.”
As they prepare for the Celebrity Chef 2026 event, Paul Urban says he is excited for the challenge.
“I mean, we’re going to give it all our all, that’s for sure. We love cooking together. So we’ll come up with something fun,” he said.
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