http://www.chow.com/boards/74 Tue, 18 May 2010 22:20:00 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849300#7341877 I don't know. Are tater tots with jalapenos wrapped in bacon pretty common? Unique to Des Moines, as I mentioned, Graziano's Italian sausage is Des Moines. Many places serve a version, but the best are normally found at dive bars. The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is also not common outside of Iowa, Indiana, and a few close neighbors There is a dive bar ,Kelly's little Nipper, on East 17th and Grand, just East of downtown that used to serve a good version of both these sandwiches. They changed owners a year or so ago, and I have not been since. They claimed that would not change things, so it may be what you are looking for. I would go for lunch, as the evening crowd used to be a little, uhh, well, I would go for lunch. Pretty unique to Des Moines is steak de burgo. I would recommend Sam and Gabes, or Chefs Kitchen. A little more upscale, but still casual. There are many variations of this dish, and you will see it on the menu at most good places that serve steak. It is basically a beef tenderloin in a garlic butter reduction. Some do olive oil and Italian seasoning, etc. As for the Maid Rite, enjoy. I'll be interested in your take on it. I'm gonna guess underwhelmed. Bobfrmia Wed, 16 May 2012 03:13:40 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849300#7341877 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844927#7341139 The highlights La Buvette-We loved the old market area and things were hopping for a Thursday night. We were lucky to snag the last table. We had a great view of the kitchen, which was interesting to watch the guy that put the plates together. He fixed everything on a 2 burner gas cooktop. It is refreshing to be able to buy a nice bottle of wine to go with dinner without the 4x markup plus tip on that markup. We had the meat and cheese plate and the rillettes and with accompanying onions, cornichons, olives, pretty good tomatoes and mustard it was very tasty. We had for entrees, the chicken and brussels sprouts, the sandwich and the trout. All were pretty good except the trout was over cooked. We look forward to going back next trip. Service was very friendly but sparse as they seemed to be "short". Mark's Bistro-The stars aligned and everyone got into town in time to go to lunch. We had a assortment of sandwiches, salad, soup and burgers, as well as the mac and cheese and everyone liked what they had. I would like to try out the patio next time. The Grey Plume-We really liked the Grey Plume. The charcuterie platter was outstanding with about ten different housemade meats. It could have used a little pickled something if I were to make any comments. The trout was one of the best I have ever had. The skin was like trout bacon. All of the entrees had interesting combinations of taste and the recommendations for wine were excellent for our tastes. I liked the little go home bag of treats. Our server was newer but was very patiently answered our 20 questions. Le Peep-The service was good. wekick Tue, 15 May 2012 21:16:06 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844927#7341139 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847458#7340801 There ya' go! Your last sentence sums up what I was trying to say. We used to live in Merriam so I know what you mean. But, yes, it is a tradeoff. GiGiWy Tue, 15 May 2012 19:03:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847458#7340801 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849358#7340597 The better Iowa City restaurants will probably be much cheaper than Scottsdale. There are lots of independently owned restaurants featuring fresh food. Iowa_Smitten Tue, 15 May 2012 17:41:40 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849358#7340597 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/123292#7340550 I finally read the entire thread From what I gleaned the only place around town that is universally loved is Motley Cow? They have foie gras on their mock menu online so that is a good start Augusta may or may not be open still and is good? Baroncini may be good as well? It seems like everything else has pretty mixed reviews The wife may have a position opening in Iowa City so was doing some reseach on the food scene - would be coming from Scottsdale / Phoenix so am used to having many options Is there anything in IC that cannot be had in my area? Dapuma Tue, 15 May 2012 17:19:28 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/123292#7340550 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844103#7339804 We stayed at Goldmoor a few years ago and were sorry that we did. First morning we told staff we had one vegetarian so they served bacon. Second morning we told staff one was allergic to eggs so we were served a quiche and were told that "well the eggs are just a binder, that shouldn't bother you" We ate the rest of our meals in Galena. There were other issues with them that I need not get into but I certainly would not recommend them. LikestoEatout Tue, 15 May 2012 11:31:36 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844103#7339804 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848268#7338197 I think the Mi Ranchito on 75th Street has a drive-thru. Not sure that their burrito is hand-held, though. They are all baked or sauced. The drive-thru is really more for picking up phone orders. I think you are going to have some conflict in your search for an authentic, hand-held, drive-thru, fast food burrito. That being said, I love Chipotle. 2roadsdiverge Mon, 14 May 2012 17:35:20 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848268#7338197 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848144#7338153 Starkers is very nice. The Tomahawk Chop is meant for one, but I suppose you could share it -- it only comes with one side. Here's a picture. http://www.foodspotting.com/reviews/1170849 2roadsdiverge Mon, 14 May 2012 17:22:16 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848144#7338153 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848722#7333876 Oh, and if you're checking baggage and your friends like booze, Cedar Ridge makes a dynamite bourbon and Templeton of course makes Prohibition Rye, neither of which are likely available on the West Coast. PaulinKensington Fri, 11 May 2012 20:02:20 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848722#7333876 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/790012#7332088 My reply is even later than your question but we went to the CWS last year and I was doing some research for going again for this year when I saw your note and thought I would reply for others seeking the same info. The basic answer is that we share your thoughts on healthier fare and were extremely impressed with the available concessions last year. There were several options that I would consider healthier than typical ball park fare. We even found one place that had gluten free. mediakzar Thu, 10 May 2012 20:29:05 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/790012#7332088 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/824361#7329936 I thought Mestizo was a decent option for Latin/Mexican food but not great. Some dishes were good while others were sub-par. Good queso fundido, pork belly and chilaquiles (tortilla casserole) but was really disappointed with the ceviche and the mahi mahi tacos. The ceviche in particular was a real letdown since we were excited to perhaps finally have some good ceviche in the KC area. What we got was fish in some sweet orange juice concoction. As for drinks, only had the tequila and margaritas. Pretty good tequila selection and we liked that you can try a tequila flight. The margaritas were excellent, but I guess we did substitute the tequila with El Tesoro Reposado. urigio Wed, 09 May 2012 20:28:27 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/824361#7329936 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/691077#7328537 it is a trip. I love the place. (but you do have to kinda pick and choose to get the truly live ones) hill food Wed, 09 May 2012 03:54:57 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/691077#7328537 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848207#7326527 Where in Sioux Falls might one find vanilla beans or, preferably, vanilla bean paste? This newbie to town knows not, vanilla beans/paste don't appear to be a readily available grocery item where I typically shop (Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart on occasion). Any tips are appreciated! My cakes thank you. ;) unpoedic Tue, 08 May 2012 14:00:58 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848207#7326527 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/829457#7326060 And I think Port Fonda is moving into Westport storefront - so no more truck.(well, maybe sometimes?) I like the Snow Cone lady, Fresher Than Fresh. stellamystar Tue, 08 May 2012 03:58:50 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/829457#7326060 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838705#7326055 Lots of fans of Eggcetera (South Main/Plaza KCMO). They open very early. Classic Cookie on Gregory & Wornall in KCMO has good breakfast..... stellamystar Tue, 08 May 2012 03:56:03 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838705#7326055 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838511#7326050 Momma's just closed.... I like that little breakfast nook over in the Crossroads (Baltimore & 18th?).. TJs or JPs RJ's ...what is it called? Its very tasty and very quirky..... There are legions of Succotash fans (Troost and.. 25th?) .. I am not one, but people love it. stellamystar Tue, 08 May 2012 03:52:27 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838511#7326050 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847555#7321285 Sorry we were too late the first time around. I would suggest walking over to Washington and heading west, once you get past the Convention Center there are many dining choices. I am guessing not all are open Sunday, but likely a number are. I'd recommend Mango (Peruvian), Mosaic (mostly small plates), Lucas Park Grill (American), Prime 1000 (steakhouse). ddfry3 Sat, 05 May 2012 13:19:18 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847555#7321285 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837012#7319080 I've seen some attractive cupcakes in Revival downtown, but I haven't tried them (while you're waiting for Molly's - where is that going to be?).... corneygirl Fri, 04 May 2012 04:46:14 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837012#7319080 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847438#7319049 I would bet on the places on Olive. I was looking for an obscure vinegar last time I was in the Olive Farmers Market and they have shelves of vinegar but unless you speak the language, I would bring a picture. In addition to the places hill food said, Lukas liquor may have it. wekick Fri, 04 May 2012 04:23:50 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847438#7319049 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845327#7317786 I also find Julian to be that nice mix of romantic, but not trying too hard to be so. Soft lighting and tealights, but it's kind of modern so it isn't over the top, cliche romantic. Probably my favorite date spot in KC. pollymerase Thu, 03 May 2012 18:50:47 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845327#7317786 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843106#7316490 That was the South Grand; the one on Chippewa has been open for a while. Sorry. lemons Thu, 03 May 2012 02:57:39 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843106#7316490 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843043#7314161 I found it already, but thank you! Williams Sonoma carries it for $10.95, Sur La Table for $9.95 (where I bought), and I discovered later Better Cheddar has it for $8.99 (got a jar from there waiting to be made now). These are the only three places I could find it. Might help someone else though. sumrtym Wed, 02 May 2012 06:41:09 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843043#7314161 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833355#7313974 OK, finally made it here, it's great. 8 bucks (cash only) gets a big bowl of fall-apart tender meat and lovely mild, chile-infused broth, tortillas, onions, cilantro and lime. I had lamb, they also had beef, chivo, and pork that day. Everyone should eat here, pleasant white dining room, families in there for Sunday dinner when I was, it's nice. At 78 N 10th KCK, a few blks north of Central Ave. Teague Wed, 02 May 2012 03:50:42 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/833355#7313974 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846777#7310337 This topic (http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/123292) on IC restaurants has 351 posts, the most recent from the last week, so be sure to check (or double-check) there. DRN0001 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:35:11 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846777#7310337 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844754#7306233 If that's what you're seeing @ Robust, you're going at the wrong time of day.... lemons Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:09:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844754#7306233 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846089#7305377 We went to Nico in the Loop last night and thought it was great (if a little noisy). You might also try their sister (brother?) restaurant Franco in Soulard Also, I am always recommending Acero in MW as a great value. Very good food with reasonable portions at a reasonable price. I am also high on Salt in the CWE. Good luck. shannonstl Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:22:21 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/846089#7305377 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837149#7298555 Maybe you went on a bad day - I went again a few days ago and it was fine (maybe not quite as good as the first time). It's odd because I find it far superior to the India Palace buffet. One thing I do know is that it matters which day you go - if you go to India Palace on a Sunday you can expect everything to taste bad because the boss isn't around to watch things. kagemusha49 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:18:51 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/837149#7298555 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845888#7298369 We would like to find a restaurant (Not a chain) with great food to celebrate our son's college graduation. Thanks, Shelia sheshe12 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:52:43 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845888#7298369 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845661#7297349 jdl98 stole all my answers! Ixtapa, Swagat, Tasty Thai, and Malay Cafe are all excellent choices. All also have plenty of vegetable options. Ixtapa's Vegetarian Chile Relleno is one of my favorite things to order. (FYI: It is not the heavily breaded monstrosity you see on most menus.) Please note that none of these places are very appealing from the outside (save Swagats), but are very warm and inviting once you cross their thresholds. Mushroom Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:04:03 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/845661#7297349 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841117#7293558 I also want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the detailed report. I as a local have not been to several of these places. It is always nice to hear a fresh opinion on both the ones I have not been to, as well as the ones I have. Thanks and hope you enjoyed the visit overall! FriendOfTheDevil Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:02:14 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/841117#7293558 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/835757#7292836 Will do...thanks. picklelicious Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:14:27 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/835757#7292836 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844557#7291020 I agree - Council Bluffs is a wasteland. In Omaha there's some pretty good food to be had. If you like Indian food, my favorite is Jaipur - they have two locations in Omaha and, believe it or not also brew their own beer. Definitely worth a visit. kagemusha49 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:39:38 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844557#7291020 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836718#7290451 I just tried some and thought it was much less pungent than "real" prosciutto. So maybe that's why the ATK didn't like it? It had the mouthfeel I look for in prosciutto, but not the deep umami flavor. Pandora Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:22:03 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836718#7290451 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843884#7283484 If you're staying downtown it's worth taking a stroll to see the incredible Art Deco buildings of Boston Ave... but apart from Edward Delk's there are very few restaurants there. Just east and north of downtown are 2 booming nightlife districts with lots of nice restaurants. In the Blue Dome district, centered at 2nd and Elgin, you can't throw a rock without hitting a restaurant, many owned by Elliot Nelson. My favorite is Juniper. www.junipertulsa.com As for the Brady district, it's less developed but there are great places too, such as Brady Tavern www.taverntulsa.com Juniper and Brady Tavern might be too much like fine dining to suit you, but there are lots of restaurants in the area that are less expensive. I think Juniper's worth a try though. Also they are welcoming and not snooty or pretentious. You should be very careful walking from these places to your hotel late at night. There are also lots of nice places in Cherry Street (15 between Peoria and Utica) and Brookside (Peoria between 33 and 36). Brian S Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:25:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843884#7283484 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839649#7281849 It usually starts the first weekend in May rozz01 Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:08:38 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839649#7281849 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836043#7279638 Eau! Just went there on Saturday and were blown away. Here's our review: "Eau was one of our most memorable dining experiences in St. Louis! We frequent what we think of as St. Louis's best restaurants - Niche, Farmhaus, Sidney Street, Salt, etc., and had never tried Eau. So, we decided to try it out and found that Eau was "Eau"tstanding! We got the tasting menus (wife got the vegetarian tasting menu) and, not only did they accommodate her food allergy non-plussed, the whole thing just blew our minds! Inventive and delicious food; attentive and super-friendly service; and pleasant ambience. The highlights were the wine pairings (masterful and brilliantly facilitated by our server); the short ribs (with a sweet potato/bleu cheese layered-thingy), duck, and cauliflower soup (best we've ever had)! Thanks guys!" cheesenose Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:19:05 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836043#7279638 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839349#7279336 OK, here's the deal with Caddyshack. We love it b/c it's divey, has cheap beer, an off beat atmosphere, and lots of "regulars." We love their pizza b/c the slightly sweet sauce is homemade and really excellent. The other menu items you can pass on. You can get it to go or eat there..... However, since there are lots of Regulars, the servers aren't fawning all over you, so you can't expect much in that department. But, if you're downtown/Columbus Park/River Market, you should check it out. stellamystar Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:05:03 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839349#7279336 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/810340#7279332 We went to Story for brunch. I give the ambiance an A, service an A- and the food a solid B. I had the duck empanadas - yum yum. The donuts were good, but I would skip next time. I thought the brunch was very reasonable cost and portion-wise. Shrimp and Grits were fairly good... but not a favorite. Would go back for lunch or dinner /drinks. It is soooo pretty inside! stellamystar Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:01:39 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/810340#7279332 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844298#7278859 Popped in here to get Vietnamese coffee after shopping at next door Oriental Market. Has anyone gotten food here? Menu was mainly Korean but had some Vietnamese. relizabeth Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:52:39 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844298#7278859 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844284#7278637 Arcelia's website says only that it is reopening this month. So...what's the buzz? Hoping to have sour cream enchiladas and chili Colorado when we visit next month. Anne Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:55:28 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844284#7278637 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838880#7276157 I should've checked the site before I went out to dinner. We went to Sbrocco. The Main course Braised Pork osso buco was alright but not exceptional. The Pork Belly Social Plate and the banana bread/cake dessert were good though. vitus979 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:08:29 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/838880#7276157 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843891#7274420 No, 612 2nd Street UnConundrum Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:37:46 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843891#7274420 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843061#7274351 Thanks for the reply - I checked out the menu and it does look good - will definitely try it - even it is not for this occasion. SFLisa Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:12:15 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843061#7274351 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842394#7273782 http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/gutcheck/2012/04/the_ten_best_places_to_grab_tacos.php hill food Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:22:54 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/842394#7273782 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840951#7269214 Lots of good recommendations for me to investigate - thanks! It looks like Farmhaus, Salt, and Home Wine Kitchen are closed on Tuesdays. Any feedback on Araka or Barcelona Tapas? _V_ Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:24:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840951#7269214 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836405#7265478 Thanks! Glad you had a good time! FriendOfTheDevil Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:52:39 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/836405#7265478 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839414#7265476 I like Thai Orchid in Mission (Johnson Dr. and Lamar). Also, the King & Ann Chicken at Thai Place in Westport is just awesome. But I am far from a Thai expert. 2roadsdiverge Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:52:05 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839414#7265476 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843032#7265463 Depending on where in OP the OP is staying, the original location of Oklahoma Joe's may be closer. Plus, it's the original. Of course, it is probably too late now. 2roadsdiverge Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:47:53 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843032#7265463 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840588#7261785 @Irishbeer; please report back if you had any luck with the drying process. Sounds like we went out too early, but last weekend we were in NOLA to cheer on the Jayhawks in their final series. LN: good luck hunting. I hear you need to look on sloped lands, they don't grow so well on flat plains. But we have plenty of sloped limestone country side to poke around in! sara722003 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:12:51 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840588#7261785