January 2012
2 posts
Santiago, Chile
Maipo Canyon
Tiramisu
De Martino Winery
Ok one of each it is!
Salmon
Side of Palta (avocado)
cleaned my plate
Humitas
Buenos Aries, Argentina
Beef is the thing to eat in Argentina!
more beef
Ice Cream!
Barbaro
December 2011
1 post
November 2011
1 post
The Coral Room
Vacationing in Denver, Colorado brought us to The Coral Room. A delightful spot to enjoy brunch.
Our lovely hostess enjoyed one of the most popular items on the menu, the Tomato Avocado Poached Eggs Benedict. Served with english muffin, sauteed spinach, hollandaise, potatoes.
Omelets are served with potatoes, fruit, and toast. This Mac Daddy omelet had macaroni and cheese in it! Are you...
October 2011
1 post
Zombie Burger
So you’ve probably heard the hype for Zombie Burger and let me tell you… It is pretty awesome.
We didn’t mind the 30 min wait to be seated as there was plenty to take in. The fun menus and wall art, and the people watching was good too.
The menu wasn’t exactly like what I’m seeing online: http://zombieburgerdm.com/
One of the cooks overheard us talking about the...
September 2011
2 posts
#79 La Pizza House
Thought I forgot about checking out restaurants, right? Well I made my way to La Pizza House tonight on SE 14th. Everything was very reasonably priced, the pizza was good, and the service was great!
That, my friend, is a cheeseburger pizza. Tip from our waitress: Remove pickles before reheating.
Ham and Pineapple, with additions of pepperoni and mushrooms. Spice level? Mild. And still had a...
August 2011
2 posts
July 2011
2 posts
Red China Bistro
Tonight’s dinner brought me to Red China Bistro on Ingersol. It was a simply beautiful setting, with delicious food.
Appetizers plates are $8 and we choose a (almost too) spicy Beef Lettuce Wraps. Ground beef and herbs.
This hot weather was encouraging a glass of wine, so I went with the Red Blend (perfect!).
Erica got the Spicy Crab Sushi Roll. Cream cheese and spicy crab.
I went...
June 2011
1 post
Americana
Out for a pre-bachelorette party dinner at Americana. A fortunate reservation mistake led to a pretty interesting night. We agreed to sit near the kitchen instead of the dining room, especially since some complimentary items we involved. :)
Like Fried Cheese Ravioli:
A mouth watering array of drink choices, modeled my girl, A. Highlights of the table: Strawberry Bitch (ordered purely for...
May 2011
9 posts
Euro Food : Cinque Terre
Euro Food : Pisa, Italy
Euro Food : Florence & Rome
Best pizza ever. Italy!!
Iowa represent
Euro Food : Nice & Monaco
Nice, France
Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco
Euro Food : Switzerland
Swiss Cheese Fondue
Top of Jungfrau Mountain
Euro Food : Paris
Hot Chocolate after the ferry to France
“An orange with ham on top” haha
My awesome travel buddies. Love you!
Escargot
A walk in the park
Gelato!
Euro Food : London
Ice Cream!
Bangers & Mash
Fish & Chips
Westminster Abbey
#7 Sam & Gabe's
One of my favorite people came to visit Iowa this weekend! I lived with Sarah when we studied in Australia, five (!) years ago. I was saving a restaurant in the top ten for her visit from Ohio and decided on Sam & Gabe’s Italian Bistro. http://www.samandgabes.com
We especially enjoyed the salad dressings. Creamy Cucumber and Creamy Parmesan.
Sarah ordered the Chicken Romano. It...
#49 Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.
Bon journo! So where’s the first place you go when you get back from Italy? Out for Pizza of course at Great Plains Sauce and Dough Co in Ames!
Go up to the counter to place your order and say hi to the chefs. Hi!
The menu is posted there (and online at www.greatplainspizza.com).
We went with the Prairie Special on the Denver Style crust. Pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, onions,...
April 2011
2 posts
Hessen Haus
Summer is coming…. Patio season….
Bier: Franziskaner Hefeweizen
German food: Brat and sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
http://www.hessenhaus.com
#32 801 Chophouse
I heard 801 Chophouse was kind of a big deal. Many reviews about how people go for more than the food… The service? Our waitress was very knowledgeable. The atmosphere? High back booths, many paintings of cows (who might be judging you for eating so much meat. just saying). The location? Downtown Des Moines. Skywalk accessible.
They offer a variety of U.S.D.A meat. Not sure which one to...
March 2011
3 posts
#56 The Radish
Tonight’s food adventure led us to The Radish in Grimes. A quaint little eatery that accommodated our group of ten with friendly service and good food.
A big fan of the bread, but the two dinner forks confused him. ;)
The House Specialty - Cannelloni: A blend of pork, veal, beef, chicken and romano cheese and Italian herbs and spices. Rolled in pasta and baked.
The cheese burger...
#89 Timothy's Steakhouse
Celebrating my favorite man’s birthday this morning with brunch at Timothy’s Steakhouse. Happy Birthday Dad!!
Who knew a steakhouse had so many tasty breakfast options?
Both my parents went with the Steak & Eggs, of course. The medium-rare steak was cooked “perfectly!” and served with hash browns, eggs and toast.
My mom was digging the toast.
The Vanilla...
#29 Gino's
Girl’s night started in West Glen at Gino’s. The atmosphere is great. This photo doesn’t do it justice, but the place is full of red lit booths. And amazing live acoustic music Thursday through Saturday. Anyone that can sing a rock ballad from the 90s, is a friend of mine.
We may have had a couple bottles of wine before dinner so we stuck with water at the restaurant.
...
February 2011
2 posts
#24 Bistro Montage
Had a lovely evening last night at Bistro Montage on Ingersoll.
Started with some wine. Obviously. There was no butter or oil for the bread, so I only ate one piece. Good move since I had some great food coming my way.
Crispy Local Organic Pecking Duck Breast for the coolest guy in the restaurant.
Pan-Seared Skate Wing. With fingerling potatoes, fresh vegetables, and basil-caper beurre...
#15 Christopher's
S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Hey!
Adventures this Saturday night started by checking out the Roller Derby.
The Derby Dames are fierce! This was my first time seeing the Derby Dames and while the men’s team (Your Mom) was kicking butt, I chatted with some of the roller derby girls. Smallsbury Steak and Autopsy Turvey were very informative and friendly! Check out the Dame’s website and get out...
January 2011
1 post
theshortstorystache asked: 1) Is this (http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/24/flavor-flav-opens-fried-chicken-restaurant-in-iowa/) anywhere near you?
2) Can we please go if it is?
2) Can we please go if it is?
December 2010
1 post
#28 Thai Flavors
The blog is back!! It was a busy past few weeks filled with amazing homecooking but no new restaurants until….TONIGHT at the much anticipated Thai Flavors!
Located near E 14th St and University. Small sign so you have to look closely to find it.
I started with some Jasmine Hot Tea. Because it is cold outside and look how cute it is!
Crab Rangoon appetizer? yes please!
Sweet and...
November 2010
3 posts
#23 Okoboji Grill
Nice dinner at Okoboji Grill. There are many locations, but we checked out the one in Ankeny.
Pasta dishes start with a side salad, with a choice from an extensive list of salad dressings. There was an even an avocado option! The boys that got a salad had only this to say: “It tastes like a normal salad.”
Alfredo Di Pollo. Creamy garlic sauce with chicken breast and garlic bread. A...
Living History Farms
Tonight I attended a Historical Dinner at Living History Farms in Urbandale.
I love a good decade themed party, but this my first 1900 event so I had no idea what to expect.
From the visitor center, we walked to the 1875 Tangen Home, where we sipped punch in the parlor. This was designed to generate small talk before dinner since most of us had never met.
What was the common link between our...
#91 Rube's Steakhouse
Celebrating two special birthdays at Rube’s Steakhouse in Waukee. Big groups (11 of us!) make me a little nervous, well only if I feel the need to capture what everyone is eating! But Rube’s turned out to be a great place to gather around the grill and eat some meat.
First, a trip to the salad bar for your basic lettuce, potato salad, and pasta salad.
Don’t forget to order a b.i.g. beer
...
October 2010
8 posts
#1 Centro
I love the atmosphere at Centro. It is romantic-hip. Classy-cool with bustling-candlelight.
Starting with some famous South Union Bread.
Happy Hour = $5 martinis. Pomegranate and Raspberry Lemoncello
Most meals come with a side: Caesar Salad.
Soup of the day: Bacon Cheeseburger Chowder. I dig it.
Handmade Cavatelli. That’s a spicy mozzarella and sausage!
Tuscan Chicken...
#70 Waveland Cafe
The Waveland Cafe serves breakfast all day and it is amazing.
Coffee
Cinnamon French Toast with Bacon and Eggs.
Biscuits and Gravy
side of hashbrowns
Vegetarian Omelet
Split a cinnamon roll, too busy eating the sugary goodness to take a pic before the last bite.
Seriously this place is great.
9 out 10.
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#38 Cafe di Scala
Looking for somewhere special for my actual birthday dinner, I came across Cafe di Scala’s website, “The Cafe is noted as one of the most romantic restaurant experiences in the Des Moines metro area. The cuisine evolves seasonally, while our award winning wine list is chosen carefully to compliment each ingredient. Combining the philosophy of “fresh and local” along with desserts and...
On the Border
You know what I love about birthday/week/month? Free Dessert! and singing!
Started the week at On the Border: I choose the bold items from the Pick 3. It is a lot of decent food at a cheap price (like $9!).
Choose from: Chicken Tortilla Soup, House Salad, Soft or Crispy Tacos (Beef or Chicken), Tostadas (avocado), Enchiladas (Beef, Chicken or Cheese & Onion) Empanadas (Beef or Chicken),...
#17 Baratta's
Utilized another sweet Travelzoo coupon last night at Baratta’s. $20 for $40 worth of food/drink.
So to get to that $40 price range we went with a bottle of wine.
Our entrees came with a soup or salad. So my friend got the Pepper Cheese Soup
and I got the salad. Lesson: Always go with the soup, so much more comforting than salad. :)
Lasagna: Italian sausage gave it a little kick,...
World Food Fest
Des Moines is treating this food lover well this weekend!
Friday night: World Food Fest
So it’s a GORGEOUS night out and the east village is packed full of people looking to expand their taste buds and listen to some sweet music (Decoy AND Cashes Rivers = greatness).
All the vendors have long lines, so after walking through the first block we spot a place that will help us not mind...
Mandarin Grill & Sushi Bar
You know how sometimes you just crave sushi?
Mandarin Grill in West Des Moines (recently moved from Beaverdale) is the perfect place for a Sunday sushi date.
Drinks? I started with a light Tiger beer. (pictured next to a Blue Moon)
but really I only had eyes for the sushi menu.
I love how sushi is presented. So colorful and fun.
Unicorn Roll on the left: shrimp tempura, avocado,...
September 2010
5 posts
#6 Hickory Park
Headed to Ames for Hickory Park. An extensive menu revolving around meats. Let me show you our dining adventure. This is more of a photo blog today. Enjoy!
Started off with some Sarsaparilla. Delicious root beer.
Cheers!
My fave thing about Hickory Park is the prices. Tons of food for under $10.
Check out the full menu: www.hickoryparkames.com
and many side options.
Hand Breaded...
#27 Sbrocco
Tonight’s meal brings me downtown to Sbrocco, located on Court Ave.
We couldn’t decide on just one glass off the extensive wine list so we went with wine flights.
A fun way to go.
I was desiring a meal of soup and salad (which I’ve heard is great here), but I decided to try something a little more adventurous for the blog.
Alaskan Skate Wing: polenta with blue crab and...
#58 Mojos on 86th
I had a great time at Mojos on 86th last night! They obtain many ingredients from local farmers and support the Eat Local movement. So cool.
The menu rotates so this is some of what we had to choose from last night.
Check out this week’s menu at www.mojoson86th.com
Started with some drinks. Both of those glasses of wine might be mine.
Extra sugar in the butter made for a sweet tasting...
kennieandkylie asked: Have you been to Simply Cheesecakes in Ankeny yet? I am told it is the best cheesecake around!
submitted to the blog from Mike Prince
Hi! I will pass on my Grilled Hacienda recipe. If you like cheese, you will love this sandwich.
The Grilled Hacienda
Served on Sheephearders bread
Ingredients
Two slices Sheepherder bread Butter American (Choice) Cheese slices 2 Sliced jalapeño peppers Thin sliced red onion Cottage cheese Chillie powder
Butter one side of sheepherders bread slices. On dry side of bread, stack sliced cheese...
August 2010
7 posts
Czech Days!
It’s that time of year again, when summer is coming to an end, school is starting up, and I am on my way to Protivin, IA for a weekend of Czech Days! Whatever you call it: Czechmas, Vitamin P Days, Pro-town Days….it’s always a nice weekend of family, friends, softball, bags, volleyball, bingo, polka, annnnnd food!
Here were this years highlights.
The Community Center offers...
Iowa State Fair
So you knew this was coming…
My family came to Des Moines for their first ever State Fair! Get ready to see some great food models. :)
Starting off with a Turkey Leg.
Refreshing Lemonade
Margaritas - probably not worth $7, but did taste good on a warm day.
Pork Fritter was a hit!
Can’t go wrong with Chicken on a Stick, includes onions and peppers in that deep fried...
#14 Trostel's Greenbriar
Had a very nice time at Trostel’s Greenbriar last night. We were greeted by this sign:
Most wines on the menu were $20, so come on Wednesday if you’d rather pay $10.
It was Tuesday, so we only utilized the second special: Date Night Dinner for Two. I’m kind of indecisive so I don’t mind a limited menu and encouraging dessert is always a good thing.
Featured Wine:...
Mullets
Checked out Mullets before the I-Cubs game on Saturday.
Great Bloody Mary, but lacking the olives :(
Fun mullet decor throughout.
Pan Fried Catfish Poboy. Notice the fry medley. If only we had more than one sweet potato tot…
Bluegill Poboy was just ok. “Par for bar food.”
An enjoyable Half Pound Cheeseburger. Big and juicy.
Side Salad. The tomatoes were...