Dining Well in DSM by Wini Moranville
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The New York Times Just Named One Iowa Dish Among the 23 Best in America
I’ve been telling you something special was happening here. Now, the New York Times agrees.
Dec 9
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Wini Moranville
28
7
5
Highs and Lows on the DSM Dining Scene of Late
Readers dish. And I weigh in, too.
Dec 8
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Wini Moranville
9
28
A Breakfast Spot You Won’t Want To Miss
Yes to Faustino's. Plus, final chance to RSVP to our Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday Party.
Dec 5
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Wini Moranville
6
4
My France Problem
It’s not that American food falls short. It’s that France values an element of dining we’re conditioned not to expect.
Nov 30
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Wini Moranville
18
3
1
A Brief Dining Review + An Invite
The Iowa Writers' Collaborative Holiday Party is December 17th. And I found a fun little bar-grill that serves not just one fish sandwich, but two.
Nov 26
•
Wini Moranville
9
5
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Reviews
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The New York Times Just Named One Iowa Dish Among the 23 Best in America
I’ve been telling you something special was happening here. Now, the New York Times agrees.
Dec 9
•
Wini Moranville
28
7
5
Highs and Lows on the DSM Dining Scene of Late
Readers dish. And I weigh in, too.
Dec 8
•
Wini Moranville
9
28
A Brief Dining Review + An Invite
The Iowa Writers' Collaborative Holiday Party is December 17th. And I found a fun little bar-grill that serves not just one fish sandwich, but two.
Nov 26
•
Wini Moranville
9
5
Curious about Ethiopian Food? Let This Inviting Spot Lead the Way
The welcome sets the tone, and the flavors do the rest.
Nov 17
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Wini Moranville
18
9
The Story Behind Habesha Ethio Eritrean Restaurant
Bashat Gutama endured a lot to bring us this welcoming corner of the Des Moines culinary landscape.
Nov 17
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Wini Moranville
8
Varying Views on DSM Restaurants
Readers dish on the new menu at Tom Archer’s, dining solo at John & Nick’s—plus a different perspective on Littleleaf Luncheonette.
Nov 4
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Wini Moranville
13
32
1
Recommendations
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The Crossover
Jane Burns
At the Iowa Farm Table Podcast
Beth Hoffman
Des Moines Gems, Guides, and Goodies (DSM G3)
Professional Contrarian
Speck, the poet
Speck, the poet
The Life and Times of a Midwestern Girl
Connie Taylor
New Restaurants
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Curious about Ethiopian Food? Let This Inviting Spot Lead the Way
The welcome sets the tone, and the flavors do the rest.
Nov 17
•
Wini Moranville
18
9
Get Ready for a Gush-Fest—I’ve Found Two Winners!
Finally, some great things to report on!
Oct 31
•
Wini Moranville
28
22
2
I Don’t Just Want to Drink Here. I Want to Live Here.
The new Highland Underground bar and lounge opened yesterday. Here’s why, in spite of a very limited food menu, it’s my kind of place.
Oct 16
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Wini Moranville
29
21
Surprise! It’s Open.
Bill the Informant gives us a sneak peek of Tous Les Jours, which opened yesterday.
Jul 5
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Wini Moranville
17
16
2
A New Restaurant I Should Wait to Tell You About—But Can't
I usually give a new place six weeks before reporting on a visit...but for paid subscribers, I'm giving you a first peek.
Jun 30
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Wini Moranville
13
22
1
Two Dinners—One Worth Repeating
Plus, The Good Butcher Takes Over the Biergarten on Saturday.
Jun 27
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Wini Moranville
14
12
A New Des Moines Restaurant Worth Any Food ❤️’s Attention
Mongolian Beef! Banh Mi! Vermicelli Salad! And oh yes, the Pho.
May 27
•
Wini Moranville
7
7
My one-word review of Istanbul Grill: Go. Read on for the deets.
(And if there's a better $25 appetizer in DSM, I want to hear about it.)
Apr 21
31
18
5
Food Finds
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Thanksgiving Mains and Sides from Trusted Sources
And you can even taste-test some TODAY if you get on the stick!
Nov 11
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Wini Moranville
13
7
1
How to Get Holiday Pies from Local Microbakers: Who, What, When, and Where.
Ordering deadlines are coming up very soon!
Nov 10
•
Wini Moranville
6
2
Waukee This Way! Five Food-Focused Reasons to Head Way Out West.
These food artisans make it worth the gas money.
Sep 11
•
Wini Moranville
22
3
2
“What Is Wrong with the Chicken in This Country?”
Why do restaurants serve such boring chicken? And where can you get chicken that actually has some flavor? You know I’ll tell you, right?
Aug 25
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Wini Moranville
22
31
4
A Slew of Cool Things on the DSM Food & Dining Scene
Before the door slams shut on summer, here are some great things to enjoy right now.
Aug 18
•
Wini Moranville
21
13
1
Quick Bites on the Des Moines Dining Scene
Including my recent visit to the city's most non-frenzied farmers' market.
Jun 2
•
Wini Moranville
6
1
Oh, That Cake! Plus More Des Moines Food News
This week: sweet stuff, 65 farms to visit this summer, and more news of note.
May 19
•
Wini Moranville
16
5
I Rolled the Dice on a New Caterer. Here’s What Happened.
I hired a young duo—whose food I'd never even tasted—as private chefs for a party. Talk about going out on a limb!
May 14
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Wini Moranville
3
Nearby Travel
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Headed Decorah-Way? Here Are Two Recommended Restaurants + an Also-Ran
If you're headed up this way, I've got your top dining choices right here. Plus, news of a farm-to-table event on November 1.
Oct 11
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Wini Moranville
8
2
Three New Reasons to Go to Decorah + Where to Eat
Plus, the five enduring draws that have long made this Bluff Country hub a perfect long-weekend getaway.
Oct 7
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Wini Moranville
21
6
Is Sioux Falls Worth a Trip from DSM?
With two James Beard-nominated venues, a beautiful downtown, and captivating waterfalls—there's plenty to enjoy here. Is it worth a stand-alone trip…
Sep 5
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Wini Moranville
15
12
Is This Paris? No, It's Omaha.
Yes, I exaggerate, but great pleasures await in this utterly transformed city—perfect for an autumn getaway. While you're at it, take in the Loess Hills…
Sep 3
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Wini Moranville
28
7
6
One of the Best Day Trips from DSM. And It's Only 40 Minutes Away
Have you been to Winterset lately? Honestly, I can't think of a better day trip this close to DSM. And yes, I'll tell you where to eat. Here's a great…
Aug 4
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Wini Moranville
26
20
4
I Tried Iowa's Only Restaurant to Receive a James Beard “Best Chef” Nomination This Year. Here’s What I Thought.
Did it measure up? I’ll tell you.
Jun 9
•
Wini Moranville
19
5
1
Could this be Iowa's most genuine getaway? It may have my vote!
Have you been to Keosauqua’s Hotel Manning lately? This 1899 riverfront inn has been restored, but with its rugged charm intact. Step into its history…
Apr 28
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Wini Moranville
27
13
6
Index of All Restaurant Reviews, Food Finds, and Travel Stories
This index makes it easy to find something (or somewhere) to eat right now.
Feb 26
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Wini Moranville
19
11
2
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