SoHo restaurant brings a spice of New York to Sioux City

Last December, she opened SoHo Kitchen & Bar at 1024 Historic Fourth St. in the former Sweet Fanny's restaurant. After 20 years in the banking business, she said she fulfilled her wish to own a restaurant.

She chose the SoHo name because she enjoys everything New York.

"SoHo is an area of Manhattan that's known for its wide variety of stores and eclectic restaurants," she explained. "It only makes sense that my restaurant, which pays homage to New York, should be in Sioux City's very own 'SoHo' district" - Historic Fourth Street.

The restaurant features artwork showcasing such New York landmarks as the State of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

This New York angle extends to SoHo's menu, which includes New York Diner Fries, a Brooklyn Reuben and a Hot in Harlem burger.

She describes herself as a self-taught chef.

"Through the years I've done some catering and cooked for private parties," she explained. "I taught the kitchen staff to cook what I wanted."

Her staff now can roll out many of Schoenherr's signature dishes. Such as her Italian-sliced sausages sauteéd with tri-colored peppers, garlic and marinara sauce, topped with hot pepper flakes.

"It has a kick," she warned.

Another favorite is her "deconstructed beef stroganoff" featuring a beef short rib, homemade noodles and sauce.

"One of the best sellers is that chicken pot pie with the flaky crust. I think it's so good because we roast all our own chickens, take the meat and skin off the bones and make our own stock.

Currently, SoHo is featuring a homemade New York Cheesecake Sampler - three smaller slices topped with caramel, chocolate and raspberry sauces.

SoHo"s location on Historic Fourth Street draws customers from nearby businesses on a daily basis.

She plans to spice up the patio for spring and summer outdoor dining. She recently hired a local body shop to clean the heavy duty wrought iron chairs and spray paint them a bright red. She will add outdoor lighting.

Looking ahead to St. Patrick's Day, Schoenherr will open SoHo's at 7 a.m. March 17, remaining open until 2 a.m. the next morning.

"We will be open for breakfast - corn beef with eggs, eggs and bagels and biscuits and gravy. We have a full bar so at 7 a.m. they can order green beer, if they wish."

Throughout the day, she will offer St. Paddy's drink specials and serve up Guinness Irish Stew and corn beef and cabbage for lunch and dinner. Plus, something of her own invention - Shamrock Pockets: pastries filled with cabbage, meat and cheese.

"We'd just like everybody to come in and give us a try," she said. "We can take phone ahead orders and also have a party room in the basement that can seat up to 50 people."