Des Moines' food and cocktail scene is finally getting the recognition it deserves
Brian Taylor CarlsonDes Moines continues to elevate itself when it comes to the national culinary and cocktail stage.
A recent article in the Washington Post, written by Melanie Kaplan, recognized the hard work and talent of the people behind our city's restaurants and bars.
As part of the Post's "You’re going where?" tourism series, Kaplan described Des Moines as "a laid-back, easily navigable city with an impressive network of bike trails, one of the most beautiful and interesting Capitol buildings I’ve toured and an emerging food and cocktail scene."
Kaplan mentioned local faves like the Downtown Farmers' Market, Des Moines Art Center and the Drake Relays as "can't-misses" of the metro. And, of course, who can forget about the Iowa State Fair?
But when it comes to food and drinks, Kaplan couldn't say enough about St. Kilda, Hello, Marjorie, Waveland Cafe, La Mie and Harbinger.
You're going where?
Here's what Kaplan had to say about some of our city's dining and drinking venues:
300 SW 5th St., Des Moines; 515-369-7854
"It looks a little Brooklyn, with its industrial vibe, and tastes a little Aussie, with fresh, colorful and creatively blended ingredients," Kaplan wrote. "The avo toast rocks charred corn and tomato salsa, the salmon and eggs come with roasted zucchini, and the stone fruit and fresh burrata salad is as good as summer gets. Top it off with a blueberry coconut smoothie or take it up a notch with a raspberry mimosa."
717 Locust St., Des Moines; 515-369-2296
"Located in the former Des Moines Register building and designed to look like your great aunt’s house (gold velvet curtains, brass clock collection), Hello, Marjorie is the city’s go-to cocktail bar," Kaplan wrote. "Liquor is stored in mirrored cabinets, and the 10-item cocktail menu includes the Editor’s Note, a riff on an Old-Fashioned, and the Dinner Party, a tequila drink with mascarpone cream cheese."
2724 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines; 515-244-1314
"The popular Ingersoll neighborhood dinner and brunch spot is the anti-meat-and-potatoes restaurant, focusing on Southeast Asian flavors and vegetable-based small plates like steamed buns (also available with pork or chicken), locally grown shiitake mushroom tempura, buckwheat, kale and popped groats tarts and Hakurei turnips with local chevre."
4708 University Ave.; 515-279-4341
"If you love greasy spoon diners, politics and servers who call you “Sweetie,” Waveland Cafe will make your ticker tick just a little faster ..." Kaplan wrote. "... If Waveland’s not your jam, you can’t go wrong at beloved La Mie, where the spread of house-baked breads and pastries is so vast it’ll force your calorie-counter app into submission."
For shopping, Kaplan recommended Fontanelle Supply Co., Valley Junction shops, Raygun and West End Architectural Salvage.
