DSM Dining News of Note + a Pop-Up Book Sale for Food Lovers on Your List

Val-Air Supper Club Buzz, new charcuterie in town, and a fun little event at ... Valley West Mall. (Yes! Valley West Mall!)

Greetings! I’m taking next week off, but I thought I’d share a few timely things.

New Charcuterie Platters Now Available at The Good Butcher

Take another look: those deep, dark purple orbs aren’t Kalamata olives (been there/done that). They’re pickled grapes—just one of the unexpected twists you’ll find on this handcrafted charcuterie board from The Good Butcher

The Good Butcher has been on a roll since opening this fall—they’re now offering charcuterie boards with house-made salamis, cheeses from The Cheese Shop, and chef Terry Boston’s house-made accompaniments: garlicky pickles, marinated olives, a bright apricot spread, and pickled grapes. There’s even a strikingly good vegan salami (it’s terrific because it doesn’t try to taste like meat, but of its very own mix of dried fruits, nuts, and well-chosen spices). Boards cost from $30 or $50, depending on size; call ahead to order, as grab-and-go options are limited. The Good Butcher is at 555 17th St., Suite 103; (515-770-1977).

For Last-Minute Gifts for the Food-Lover on Your List, Find Me at Cherry Picked, at the Valley West Mall

"Everyday French Cooking," "The Little Women Cookbook," and my memoir, "Love Is My Favorite Flavor." There's something for every food-lover on your list! Of course, I'm happy to sign copies!

Today (Saturday, December 21), from 1 to 3 p.m., I’ll be at Cherry Picked (also known as The Cherry Pit), a darling shop at Valley West Mall that’s filled with beautifully curated and well displayed collectibles—including lots of funky mid-century items. I’ll be selling and signing copies of my three books … and during down times, Mr. Sportcoat and I might even play a little holiday music (he plays guitar…I do rhythm on the ukulele). Come on by!

Find Cherry Picked (sometimes it’s called The Cherry Pit—they’re quirky that way) on the upper level of the Valley West Mall, across from Stam’s. It’s quite close to JCPenney’s.

Cherry Picked has lots of nice tableware and vintage tea towels and kitchenware—eclectic stocking-stuffers for the cooks and entertainers on your list.

P.S.: As I mentioned last summer there are still a few reasons to go to Valley West Mall, including the charming Des Moines Children’s Museum, JCPenneys, the European Taste bakery, Chocolaterie Stam, Blaze Pizza, and a few other worthwhile stops. Santa’s there, too, and overall, the mall is nicely decorated for the holidays. And, there’s plenty of parking.

I’ve Heard Rumblings, but dsm Dish Confirmed It!

For a long time, I’ve been hearing rumors that the Val Air Ballroom might open a supper club-style spot in the basement. It’s true! Michael Morain at dsm Dish broke the story! There will also be a separate bar. Here’s the scoop:

“The bar, called Work in Progress, is set to open at 3 p.m. Dec. 30. The restaurant, Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club, named after the Val Air’s late founder, will open on Jan. 31, before country star Ella Langley takes the stage upstairs.

Find more here.

Thanks for reading everyone!