Des Moines, could we not announce everything at once, please?
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Des Moines Openings, Closings, and Such
- Open
- Basic Bird is now open!
- Side note: If you’re gluten-intolerant, it’s mostly safe for you, per the owners.
- I previously mentioned hearing about Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, but I never saw anything about it. Turns out, they opened a day or two after I shared the info.
- Basic Bird is now open!
- Closed
- Georgio’s Greek Grill in Ankeny closed. I’d literally never heard of it.
- Coming Soon
- Beaverdale Nutrition is coming to, uh, Beaverdale. This appears to be another Herbalife (MLM) place. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
- DSM Pasta Co. passed a recent inspection with Moxie Kitchen + Events listed as their address. I’ve not had DSM Pasta Co.’s wares yet, but this seems like it’ll be a perfect opportunity.
- A market called New Asian Grocery passed an inspection and lists its address as 1300 E. Army Post Road, Suite C. That’s in a strip mall with the southside Famous Footwear near Taco John’s and Hobby Lobby.
- If you haven’t heard this yet, I admire your ability to avoid the news. Lachele’s is opening a second location, this one in Highland Park, and it will be called The Fitz.
- The Reg listed seventeen eateries opening this year. I won’t go into all of them; however, just a few notes:
- Come February, Chelsie’s Courtyard Diner is going where 300 Burger was. Interestingly, this is the same person who owns Player’s Sports Bar and Grill, which is being eminent domained by the city. Assuming the ownership’s values aren’t objectionable, I’d like to support this place on principle alone.
- You know how I wrote about the metro having five Wasabis? Well, we’re gonna end up with seven, not including Ames.
- I pass Hugo’s Wood Fired Kitchen regularly. The exterior looks done. The interior is in progress. It’s a part of Lynn Pritchard’s restaurant group, which includes 503 Cocktail Lab + Tasting Room and the soon-to-be-reopened Table 128. Wini Moranville was on this story several months ago.
- We’re getting TWO new hot pot spots (heh). I’m game.
- Bits and Bobs
- Bamie’s is now a permanent thing at Gusto on Thursday nights.
- Things are looking questionable for Pura Social Club in the East Village. I really liked the food, and I want to get back there, but I simply forget it exists. That’s probably half of the problem. It’s more of a party vibe anyway, and I’m the opposite of a party vibe. Plus, their menu is tricky to pin down . . . as in even find. But it’s such a gorgeous space with an incredible view. I’d hate to see it close.
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Recs! Recs! Recs!
- I finally tried Le’s Chinese Bar-B-Que, and that place is clean AF inside. Y’all must try it!
- This local Reddit thread about what Des Moines “is missing” gave me hope.
- Where do you want me to eat before you give it a try? Lemme know in the comments!
- Do you know of a Des Moines area Black-owned food business? Comment below or email me with business names!
- Here’s my to-try list for this year:
WTF, Des Moines?
- The
revitalizationgentrification of Highland Park continues. I don’t want to be nasty toward the business owners opening there. At least one of them is a friend. I’m frustrated by the way the businesses don’t reflect the surrounding neighborhood. White folks, this is where we’ve repeatedly asked you to step in. Try to jump in and help before Performative February comes along, yeah? - Cheng’s Garden. What are you doing? Also, I get a dumb laugh out of a place called “The Dirty Dog” in Waverly having a gross inspection. Lastly, International Buffet has some of the worst reviews I’ve ever seen, so their inspection results don’t surprise me.
- Who DOES have the worst reviews I’ve ever seen? This fucking car wash.
- No, I’m not gonna talk about Perry here. I’ll probably write about it in a separate post.
