Archive - Dining Well in DSM by Wini Moranville

OG: Jesse's Embers

Jesse's Embers has changed ownership only three times since opening in 1963. So, how's it doing since the newest owner took over this past spring? You…

Jul 14 •

Wini Moranville

There Will Be Cake! (And Music. And a Few Poems. And Time to Mingle.)

You're invited to take a break on Wednesday afternoon for some music, some literature, and a slice of cake from Cake Studio DSM. Let me know if you can…

Jul 7 •

Wini Moranville

Surprise! It’s Open.

Bill the Informant gives us a sneak peek of Tous Les Jours, which opened yesterday.

Jul 5 •

Wini Moranville

June 2025

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 •

Wini Moranville

Two Dinners—One Worth Repeating

Plus, The Good Butcher Takes Over the Biergarten on Saturday.

Jun 27 •

Wini Moranville

It Can Just Get ... Weird

Dining-out myth #1: No, you don't have to tell the server if you're disappointed.

Jun 23 •

Wini Moranville

Two mini-updates and a mini-review

This Sunday's Guitar Circle/Musicians Fighting Hunger is moving indoors + a mini-growers' market + a quick look at a bar/grill I often overlook.

Jun 19 •

Wini Moranville

It Felt Too Fancy for Me ... And Then It Didn't

After hiring someone to cook in my home, I started to feel like a Downton Abbey wannabe. But dinner went off splendidly, and nobody rolled their eyes…

Jun 16 •

Wini Moranville

Am I the last to know about this weekly mini-farmers' market? Plus, a fun event for everyone—for a great cause.

Great food. Plus great food and music to fight hunger.

Jun 12 •

Wini Moranville

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

You Deserve Better Than “It Was Good When I Went”

Jun 6 •

Wini Moranville

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

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