Today I will be reviewing The Cafe in Ames. I feel like I need to start with a disclaimer. This is not my first experience at The Cafe. In fact, I have been there many times so that should probably be taken into consideration. I review some restaurants based on a single meal and then wonder about the rest of the menu. In the case of The Cafe, I am very familiar with their menu and I may not be able to entirely avoid being influenced by past experiences but I'm going to try to keep this review focused on this particular experience.
The first thing you should know about The Cafe is that they source locally as much as they can. There are producers in the area who are growing many of the things being served on the menu. One result of this is a menu that changes based on the availability of certain items throughout the year.
The second thing you should know about The Cafe is timing, timing, timing! It's a very popular place to dine and if you show up at 6 pm on a Friday or Saturday evening, you're going to have to wait a little while for a table. There is a better chance of being seated faster if you can wait until 7 or 7:30. We can hardly fault them for their own popularity. That's kind of what they're going for.
I happened to arrive at about 6:00 on a Friday evening. One thing I like about The Cafe in the evening is the semi-dim, cozy atmosphere. Each table has it's own mellow light hanging low enough to illuminate the table and seating but not much else around it. This allows for a more intimate experience. The music suits the atmosphere and I've heard the songs are chosen from the managers personal play list. I must compliment the outstanding taste in music and also suggest they visit bandcamp.com and search for the album Plant Life by the long-time Ames band Obsidian's Dream. The song "Aquajaunt" would be perfect for The Cafe and they could say they source both the food and some of the music locally.
If you go to The Cafe and find yourself waiting for a table, there is a good chance you will have a view which allows you to see into the kitchen. They don't seem to be hiding anything. The inner workings are on full display and the chefs and the rest of the staff seem to be genuinely enjoying what they're doing for the most part. On any given visit, you may also see a manager who, in my own mind, I think of as "The Moustache Dude" because of the awesome handlebar moustache he used to have. If you've been to The Cafe, you've most likely seen him because he's always there. I don't think they let him leave. He probably has an apartment or a cell in the basement. If they stomp on the floor three times, he will appear out of nowhere and pass through like a shadow running from the sun.
After waiting for our table, we were seated in the bar. Some people don't like sitting in the bar but there really isn't anything wrong with that at The Cafe. It's just as intimate and there is usually less foot traffic. I suggest starting with whichever soup they are serving on the day you visit. Their creamy soups are always outstanding and their Cream Of Asparagus soup will simply not be outmatched by anyone, anywhere, ever. The soup is always served with croutons which I suspect are made in-house.
Before I move on, I want to make a point about consistency. Some restaurants are very consistent because every single thing they serve came from the same box in the freezer. The cuts of meat all look identical because they are. It's the kind of thing that is common in chain restaurants. Edible? Sure. It's also very commercial and it's how those restaurants ensure "quality control" and consistency from one location to the next. Millions of people love places like that and it's totally fine. I'm not here to slam those places but, given the choice, I will spend my money at the type of places I review and have a more unique dining experience. So what does this have to do with The Cafe? I'll tell you. One thing that I think The Cafe does very well is being consistent without being anywhere near commercial. To maintain that consistency with the quality of food they're serving is impressive. Even when the house is packed, the consistency is there.
On to the entree. On this visit, I ordered the Wood Grilled Hanger Steak. The menu lists "fingerling potato-brussels sprout-mushroom hash-smoked gouda fondue". If you've been keeping up with this blog, you might notice the brussels sprouts trend lately. This is simply a coincidence although I will admit that, when faced with equally enticing options, brussels sprouts can persuade me.
The meal was served fairly promptly and, as expected, the steak was cooked to perfection. It was also cut into slices and resting atop some of the rest of the dish. That made for a nice presentation but I was ready to immediately disfigure this beautiful creation. Potatoes, brussels sprouts and mushrooms surrounded by the gouda fondue....ah....it looks so nice. Too bad it won't last long because it's no match for my fork. If you're a "food separatist" you may want to mention that to the staff when ordering because this is a great meal to mix everything up and enjoy different tastes together. The dish is not separated into neat little corners of the plate and it shouldn't be.
I really have nothing bad to say about the Wood Grilled Hanger Steak except.....the brussels sprouts, as great as they are, were scarce. I counted them. 5 brussels sprout halves. That's 2 1/2 brussels sprouts for the mathematically challenged. I was going to say that if they removed a single brussels sprout, they would have to change the menu to read "brussels sprout" singularly instead of plural as 1 1/2 remaining sprouts does not count as 2. As I was typing this, I noticed that the menu actually lists the items for this entree singularly. Well played. Technically, they are serving more than they promised. (I fully realize that some of you will point out that "sprout" can be intended as a plural term but for the sake of this review, I am saying it's singular and...if I'm wrong...it shouldn't be shocking because it should be abundantly clear that I've never wandered into a creative writing class in my life.) However, someone has to stick up for brussels sprouts. They are NOT a second-class vegetable, only worthy of the role of a colorful garnishment in the face of steak and potatoes! Uncool! Even the tasty mushrooms were better represented and mushrooms are almost.....dirt...that somehow grows and becomes flavorful. Brussels sprouts are a first-class, serious vegetable, not deserving of this type of blatant besmirchment! How is a brussels sprout supposed to have any self-respect in this hostile environment? I humbly request that, upon reading this (assuming anyone at The Cafe reads this), someone stomp on the floor three times and summon the attention of The Moustache Dude! He will know what to do!
I was just joking about that last paragraph but, seriously, if you read this and you haven't been to The Cafe...what are you waiting for? I said at the beginning of this review that I would try to rate The Cafe only on this one visit so I will give them 4.572 pints (out of a possible 5) but they're a 5 pint establishment every day of the week. Of course, I will return as I have many times before. Aside from the quality of food and overall consistency, I appreciate being able to feel like my dollars are being spent supporting local producers. This is the kind of thing that ultimately benefits us all.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Eatery A-2932 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines, Ia. 50312
Today I will be reviewing Eatery A which is located in the capitol of this frozen tundra of a state that we call home. I visited Eatery A on a chilly Saturday afternoon. It was early enough that the Brunch Menu was still being served. This was my first visit and the first thing I noticed is that it's much bigger than I expected. That isn't a bad thing but I was expecting a small room with limited seating. I couldn't have been more wrong.
We were seated in a corner booth right away which allowed us a good view to take in the room. There's a lot to take in too. Lot's of wood. Wood tables, wood chairs, wood floors, wood walls and ceilings. In different places, the wood ceilings curve down and become the walls. It's all "reclaimed" wood which I think not only looks nice but I'm also a big fan of that movement. (For some reason, the curvy corners reminded me of Scooby Doo, The Mystery Machine and a different era when you actually had to take rolls of film to a store to be developed and the Chicago Bears were still doing the Super Bowl Shuffle.) There are also a lot of windows allowing plenty of natural light. As large as the room was, it still had a warm feel to it. In warmer months, you can enjoy the large, elevated patio outside.
Since we were in no big hurry, we took our time looking around and discussing the menu. The staff were patient and didn't make us feel rushed. I have heard that the pizza at Eatery A is outstanding but I wasn't in the mood for pizza. I considered the Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers but instead ordered the Lamb Sliders served with harissa aioli, fattousha and crispy shallots. The dish comes with a side and I chose the hummus.
I'll start with the hummus. If you've read my prior reviews then you know I've had some pretty good hummus. I would say the hummus at Eatery A is right up there with the better hummus I've had. The various pickled peppers on the side are a nice touch and I would definitely order it again. A few extra chips or crackers to dip in the hummus would an improvement in my opinion.
The Lamb Sliders are served three to an order. Mine were ideally prepared and exceeded my expectations. The lamb wasn't over- or under-cooked. From the first bite to the last, I knew I made the right decision. I suspect the harissa aioli is responsible for this and without it, this is a different dish. You may find good lamb sliders at other establishments but it's hard to imagine how they could be better than Eatery A. A certain small person in our party was impressed enough that she actually thought she could steal one of my sliders! Sorry, live and learn! Order your own lamb sliders next time! If you've never had this dish, it's easy to think of gyros while enjoying it.
Now, on a side note....this pet peeve of mine needs to be mentioned for the sake of our society and since this is my blog and I was bound to say it at some point, it might as well be now.. If you just read that last sentence and, in your head, you pronounced "gyros" the same way you would say "gyroscope" because that's how you normally say it...kindly stop doing that. It's gyros...like "yeros". The G is silent. There are NOT two ways to say it. A gyroscope is.....like...a totally different thing! If we could eradicate this phonetic tragedy, maybe the world would be inspired and come together to solve other pressing issues.
There is something else that I want to address regarding Eatery A. Before our visit, my wife read some online reviews. Most said the food was great and a few complained about "small portion sizes". I think at least some of that stems from the places a person usually dines. If you frequent a chain restaurant known for piling the mashed potatoes and gravy nearly off the side of your plate, you might think portions at a lot of places like Eatery A are a tad small. That's because those other places are more than happy to stuff you with powdered mashed potatoes and a frozen pork chop for $15.99. If the places you usually go to allow you to "super size" your meal for a buck, you might think the portion sizes at some of these other places are not what you're used to. I don't say that insult anyone or belittle their dining choices. I say it because it's true. If you really like all-you-can-eat buffets...that's fine but you may not like the portions at many other restaurants. Eatery A is not one of those powdered mashed potato places and to go online and imply that their portions are small without accounting for your own dietary habits and biases is not being very forthcoming and is even misleading.
To be clear, when I left, I was full and I think the portions are fine for most people. If you're a college football player, you might want to ask if you can super-size your hummus. Some people may initially think the portions look a little narrow but I think once you get into the dish and the tastes, you will leave satisfied and full.
With all of that out of the way, others in our party ordered the Savory Croque Madame Bread Pudding and the Cinnamon Bread Pudding. I had the pleasure of trying both and both were delicious but the Cinnamon Bread Pudding? Wow! If you go to Eatery A in the mood for something sweet I strongly recommend the Cinnamon Bread Pudding! You will not be disappointed!
I think our visit to Eatery A was a success. Their menu is available online and it doesn't hurt to plan ahead. I've also been told that it's a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation if you're planning on going for dinner. If you're going earlier, you may be interested in their "Happy Hour" specials. I didn't see the specials listed online so I'll keep them a secret too. You'll have to go to find out what they are (3-6 pm). I rate Eatery A 4.5 pints (out of a possible 5). It's definitely a place that everyone should visit. I know we'll be back for dinner and will be expecting nothing less than a "5 pint" dinner experience.
We were seated in a corner booth right away which allowed us a good view to take in the room. There's a lot to take in too. Lot's of wood. Wood tables, wood chairs, wood floors, wood walls and ceilings. In different places, the wood ceilings curve down and become the walls. It's all "reclaimed" wood which I think not only looks nice but I'm also a big fan of that movement. (For some reason, the curvy corners reminded me of Scooby Doo, The Mystery Machine and a different era when you actually had to take rolls of film to a store to be developed and the Chicago Bears were still doing the Super Bowl Shuffle.) There are also a lot of windows allowing plenty of natural light. As large as the room was, it still had a warm feel to it. In warmer months, you can enjoy the large, elevated patio outside.
Since we were in no big hurry, we took our time looking around and discussing the menu. The staff were patient and didn't make us feel rushed. I have heard that the pizza at Eatery A is outstanding but I wasn't in the mood for pizza. I considered the Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers but instead ordered the Lamb Sliders served with harissa aioli, fattousha and crispy shallots. The dish comes with a side and I chose the hummus.
I'll start with the hummus. If you've read my prior reviews then you know I've had some pretty good hummus. I would say the hummus at Eatery A is right up there with the better hummus I've had. The various pickled peppers on the side are a nice touch and I would definitely order it again. A few extra chips or crackers to dip in the hummus would an improvement in my opinion.
The Lamb Sliders are served three to an order. Mine were ideally prepared and exceeded my expectations. The lamb wasn't over- or under-cooked. From the first bite to the last, I knew I made the right decision. I suspect the harissa aioli is responsible for this and without it, this is a different dish. You may find good lamb sliders at other establishments but it's hard to imagine how they could be better than Eatery A. A certain small person in our party was impressed enough that she actually thought she could steal one of my sliders! Sorry, live and learn! Order your own lamb sliders next time! If you've never had this dish, it's easy to think of gyros while enjoying it.
Now, on a side note....this pet peeve of mine needs to be mentioned for the sake of our society and since this is my blog and I was bound to say it at some point, it might as well be now.. If you just read that last sentence and, in your head, you pronounced "gyros" the same way you would say "gyroscope" because that's how you normally say it...kindly stop doing that. It's gyros...like "yeros". The G is silent. There are NOT two ways to say it. A gyroscope is.....like...a totally different thing! If we could eradicate this phonetic tragedy, maybe the world would be inspired and come together to solve other pressing issues.
There is something else that I want to address regarding Eatery A. Before our visit, my wife read some online reviews. Most said the food was great and a few complained about "small portion sizes". I think at least some of that stems from the places a person usually dines. If you frequent a chain restaurant known for piling the mashed potatoes and gravy nearly off the side of your plate, you might think portions at a lot of places like Eatery A are a tad small. That's because those other places are more than happy to stuff you with powdered mashed potatoes and a frozen pork chop for $15.99. If the places you usually go to allow you to "super size" your meal for a buck, you might think the portion sizes at some of these other places are not what you're used to. I don't say that insult anyone or belittle their dining choices. I say it because it's true. If you really like all-you-can-eat buffets...that's fine but you may not like the portions at many other restaurants. Eatery A is not one of those powdered mashed potato places and to go online and imply that their portions are small without accounting for your own dietary habits and biases is not being very forthcoming and is even misleading.
To be clear, when I left, I was full and I think the portions are fine for most people. If you're a college football player, you might want to ask if you can super-size your hummus. Some people may initially think the portions look a little narrow but I think once you get into the dish and the tastes, you will leave satisfied and full.
With all of that out of the way, others in our party ordered the Savory Croque Madame Bread Pudding and the Cinnamon Bread Pudding. I had the pleasure of trying both and both were delicious but the Cinnamon Bread Pudding? Wow! If you go to Eatery A in the mood for something sweet I strongly recommend the Cinnamon Bread Pudding! You will not be disappointed!
I think our visit to Eatery A was a success. Their menu is available online and it doesn't hurt to plan ahead. I've also been told that it's a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation if you're planning on going for dinner. If you're going earlier, you may be interested in their "Happy Hour" specials. I didn't see the specials listed online so I'll keep them a secret too. You'll have to go to find out what they are (3-6 pm). I rate Eatery A 4.5 pints (out of a possible 5). It's definitely a place that everyone should visit. I know we'll be back for dinner and will be expecting nothing less than a "5 pint" dinner experience.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Dublin Bay-Irish Pub And Grill-320 South 16th St. Ames, Ia. 50010
Today we will be reviewing Dublin Bay. Cuisine from the land of Éire! Spoiler alert: there were no leprechauns, rainbows or pots o' gold....sadly.
Dublin Bay is on South 16th in Ames which is not a route I travel much. I hope this explains why I had yet to visit. It was kind of out of sight, out of mind for me. I visited on a Wednesday afternoon when it really wasn't very busy. As I walked toward the large front doors I got my initial feel of an Irish Pub. Two wooden, windowless doors with iron rings for handles. As I walked in, I passed a couple of wishing wells, the bottoms of which were covered in offerings mostly from people wishing the Iowa State Cyclones the sweet taste of victory. You will immediately feel the comfort of a genuine Irish Pub. The environment is cozy and dim compared to the bright sunlight you just escaped. The dining area is split into several smaller sections by 5 foot tall wooden walls, each area holding a handful of tables. The walls are faux aged with different colors in different sections. Each area is heavily decorated with dark wood trim and thick wooden window blinds that allow only just enough light. The walls carry framed maps and historical documents. The ledge around the top of each section is decorated with various antiques associated with Irish culture and history. This must be what a real Irish pub is like and, if not, it was comfortable enough for me.
We were seated right away by the friendly staff. One of the first things I noticed was that the menus were about what you would expect anywhere. Maybe four pages of choices. But the beer "menu"? It was possibly twice as long as the food menu. It should come with complimentary trumpets that sound when you open it. As a rule, I try not to include beverages in my reviews because everyone has their own tastes but to not mention this list would be a grave disservice to the reader. It is easily the most impressive that I've seen in Ames and the person responsible for it's assemblage it is clearly a scholar.
Certain items on the menu have a small shamrock next them denoting a "signature item". One of those items is the Black And Tan Onion Rings. On my quest for the perfect onion ring, I knew I had to try them. In a previous review I mentioned a common style of stringy, greasy onion rings that are only good for about 5 minutes. I was starting to be disappointed with what passes for onion rings around here until the Black And Tan Onion Rings were served. Hand battered and thick, large and plenty, these are in a league of there own. The breading runs all the way through. You will NOT bite into one and have the entire onion slide out and hang from your mouth, leaving in your hand some frail shell of its pathetic existence. These are onion rings that can be cut with a knife and eaten with a fork if you so choose. This was the day that my quest for the perfect onion ring ended. Just like that...it was over.
I was feeling optimistic about this experience but still was not yet convinced. I've been optimistic at this point of a meal before...only to see the entree go down in the flaming glory of a Kentucky fireworks warehouse explosion.
The next "signature item" for me was the Nutty Walleye. Described as "hand breaded Canadian walleye, nutty breading, hazelnut cream sauce, Dunmurry rice (think wild rice with fine tomatoes) and a brussel sprout medley". I'm not a big fan of nuts but I do love walleye and brussel sprouts. The nutty breading is a mix of crushed walnuts, almonds and pecans. I wasn't sure of exactly what to expect but I was hopeful. The dish was served promptly and cooked perfectly. The walleye over the rice and next to brussel sprouts which covered the rest of the plate. What struck me immediately was that the Nutty Walleye didn't taste nutty at all. In fact, the breading in combination with the hazelnut cream sauce tasted kind of like pancakes with maple syrup. So here we had perfectly cooked fish and pancakes and maple syrup? Interesting, unique and delicious. The only downside to it might be that the taste is so....rich (for lack of a better word) that some people may be "over it" before they get done with their meal. Others will simply devour it. I don't have a lot to say about the rice except for that it was ideally prepared and steaming hot. The brussel sprouts were cooked with onions (even more onions...my breath must have been great when I was done with my meal!) I prefer a more caramelized brussel sprout but that's just personal preference and in no way detracts from the Dublin Bay brussel sprouts. That being said, I still thought they were cooked well enough for me to vacuum them from the plate.
The worse a dining establishment is, the more humor I am able to find in describing it. The worst thing about Dublin Bay is them disarming me so congratulations, Dublin Bay! You get a review that is utterly bland and devoid of any humor or wit whatsoever. Don't blame me...you did this to yourselves. Way to go! Keep up the good work!
I really like to keep my perfect ratings in my pocket. I think they mean less if I give out too many. However, I'm not exactly looking for average establishments just to rate low as to maximize the value of my own higher ratings. I am looking for the best and when I find one, I have to give them credit. There was nothing at all about the Dublin Bay that made me even think about giving them a lower rating. The service was stellar, the food was perfect and I simply couldn't have asked them for more. So while I didn't find a pot o' gold, I did find an Irish gem. Everyone involved in the Dublin Bay Pub And Grill should be proud of themselves and what they're doing together. I give it an easy 5 pints (out of a possible 5 pints) and strongly recommend that anyone reading this visits in short order. I know I'll be back soon.
Dublin Bay is on South 16th in Ames which is not a route I travel much. I hope this explains why I had yet to visit. It was kind of out of sight, out of mind for me. I visited on a Wednesday afternoon when it really wasn't very busy. As I walked toward the large front doors I got my initial feel of an Irish Pub. Two wooden, windowless doors with iron rings for handles. As I walked in, I passed a couple of wishing wells, the bottoms of which were covered in offerings mostly from people wishing the Iowa State Cyclones the sweet taste of victory. You will immediately feel the comfort of a genuine Irish Pub. The environment is cozy and dim compared to the bright sunlight you just escaped. The dining area is split into several smaller sections by 5 foot tall wooden walls, each area holding a handful of tables. The walls are faux aged with different colors in different sections. Each area is heavily decorated with dark wood trim and thick wooden window blinds that allow only just enough light. The walls carry framed maps and historical documents. The ledge around the top of each section is decorated with various antiques associated with Irish culture and history. This must be what a real Irish pub is like and, if not, it was comfortable enough for me.
We were seated right away by the friendly staff. One of the first things I noticed was that the menus were about what you would expect anywhere. Maybe four pages of choices. But the beer "menu"? It was possibly twice as long as the food menu. It should come with complimentary trumpets that sound when you open it. As a rule, I try not to include beverages in my reviews because everyone has their own tastes but to not mention this list would be a grave disservice to the reader. It is easily the most impressive that I've seen in Ames and the person responsible for it's assemblage it is clearly a scholar.
Certain items on the menu have a small shamrock next them denoting a "signature item". One of those items is the Black And Tan Onion Rings. On my quest for the perfect onion ring, I knew I had to try them. In a previous review I mentioned a common style of stringy, greasy onion rings that are only good for about 5 minutes. I was starting to be disappointed with what passes for onion rings around here until the Black And Tan Onion Rings were served. Hand battered and thick, large and plenty, these are in a league of there own. The breading runs all the way through. You will NOT bite into one and have the entire onion slide out and hang from your mouth, leaving in your hand some frail shell of its pathetic existence. These are onion rings that can be cut with a knife and eaten with a fork if you so choose. This was the day that my quest for the perfect onion ring ended. Just like that...it was over.
I was feeling optimistic about this experience but still was not yet convinced. I've been optimistic at this point of a meal before...only to see the entree go down in the flaming glory of a Kentucky fireworks warehouse explosion.
The next "signature item" for me was the Nutty Walleye. Described as "hand breaded Canadian walleye, nutty breading, hazelnut cream sauce, Dunmurry rice (think wild rice with fine tomatoes) and a brussel sprout medley". I'm not a big fan of nuts but I do love walleye and brussel sprouts. The nutty breading is a mix of crushed walnuts, almonds and pecans. I wasn't sure of exactly what to expect but I was hopeful. The dish was served promptly and cooked perfectly. The walleye over the rice and next to brussel sprouts which covered the rest of the plate. What struck me immediately was that the Nutty Walleye didn't taste nutty at all. In fact, the breading in combination with the hazelnut cream sauce tasted kind of like pancakes with maple syrup. So here we had perfectly cooked fish and pancakes and maple syrup? Interesting, unique and delicious. The only downside to it might be that the taste is so....rich (for lack of a better word) that some people may be "over it" before they get done with their meal. Others will simply devour it. I don't have a lot to say about the rice except for that it was ideally prepared and steaming hot. The brussel sprouts were cooked with onions (even more onions...my breath must have been great when I was done with my meal!) I prefer a more caramelized brussel sprout but that's just personal preference and in no way detracts from the Dublin Bay brussel sprouts. That being said, I still thought they were cooked well enough for me to vacuum them from the plate.
The worse a dining establishment is, the more humor I am able to find in describing it. The worst thing about Dublin Bay is them disarming me so congratulations, Dublin Bay! You get a review that is utterly bland and devoid of any humor or wit whatsoever. Don't blame me...you did this to yourselves. Way to go! Keep up the good work!
I really like to keep my perfect ratings in my pocket. I think they mean less if I give out too many. However, I'm not exactly looking for average establishments just to rate low as to maximize the value of my own higher ratings. I am looking for the best and when I find one, I have to give them credit. There was nothing at all about the Dublin Bay that made me even think about giving them a lower rating. The service was stellar, the food was perfect and I simply couldn't have asked them for more. So while I didn't find a pot o' gold, I did find an Irish gem. Everyone involved in the Dublin Bay Pub And Grill should be proud of themselves and what they're doing together. I give it an easy 5 pints (out of a possible 5 pints) and strongly recommend that anyone reading this visits in short order. I know I'll be back soon.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Mangostinos Bar And Grill- 604 East Lincolnway, Ames, Ia. 50010
South American food! Before we get to the food, let's take a look at the place. I have to think about this because I want to choose my words carefully. Hang on a second.............................ok.....This place is tackier than Polyester jumpsuits at a 1977 drive-thru Las Vegas wedding chapel. In fact, it's tackier than the entire decade of the 1970's including AMC Pacers and that time my parents thought it would a cool idea to have matching Afros. I would go on but remembering my parents matching Afros made me hit a mental wall. I do have to say that somehow different colored walls, different colored floors and mirrors that magnify it all somehow fit together in this room. There's even a full set of overhead stage lights on one wall because....why not?
If you let the overall appearance of Mangostinos scare you off, you would be making a big mistake. It's run by one very nice man who does everything. He takes orders, cooks all the food, serves the food and buses the table when you leave. Since he's the only one person, your order may take a little longer than you're used to but you will be well rewarded for your wait.
If you decide to visit Mangostinos, I strongly recommend starting with the Guacamole appetizer. Not all guacamole is the same and none is superior to what this man makes. It's served with chips and salsa.
To be completely honest...I stopped writing this review at this point a couple of weeks ago. I just got busy and didn't finish it. I just got back to it this evening. I had plenty of jokes about the appearance of the place but, more importantly, accolades about the food. I don't even remember exactly what I ordered but it was beef with a fried egg over it. The beef was so perfectly tender that you could have almost ate it with a spoon. The sides were rice, beans and a salad. The rice is basically just rice but the beans had a spice I couldn't identify. They were delicious. I recently visited a different restaurant and kind of slammed the salad. My wife said "Well...it's a simple dinner salad". The next place we dined at was Mangostinos on this occasion and I said "This is what a small dinner salad should be". It wasn't simple or complicated. It was was tasteful and again....left me wondering exactly how it was made. That's saying a lot for a salad. But I will say this....I've intended to write this review after every visit and have failed to get it done. Every single time...it would have been the same review regardless of what I ordered.
I will be bold enough to say that Mangostinos is the best South American restaurant in the 515 area. It's possibly the best restaurant in Ames and I put it on my "A list" for some of the best food in Central Iowa. It's a completely tacky place with service that isn't fast but it's a rare example of an establishment that can overcome that with their quality of food. I tend to judge based on a balance of quality, service, visual appeal, etc. Most people probably do that. The food quality at Mangostinos is great enough that it breaks your scale of judgement and you forget about the rest of those things. So I did forget some of the (possibly clever) things I originally meant to write but if you don't give Mangostinos a try...I don't even know what to say. Out of all of the places I've been to in our area, this one is the best in terms of authenticity and quality.
I apologize for not writing this sooner and for fast-tracking it later but this place really is the hidden gem of South American food and I'd rather not wait any longer to tell you about it. Obviously, Mangostinos is a 5 pint (out of a possible 5 pints) establishment.
If you let the overall appearance of Mangostinos scare you off, you would be making a big mistake. It's run by one very nice man who does everything. He takes orders, cooks all the food, serves the food and buses the table when you leave. Since he's the only one person, your order may take a little longer than you're used to but you will be well rewarded for your wait.
If you decide to visit Mangostinos, I strongly recommend starting with the Guacamole appetizer. Not all guacamole is the same and none is superior to what this man makes. It's served with chips and salsa.
To be completely honest...I stopped writing this review at this point a couple of weeks ago. I just got busy and didn't finish it. I just got back to it this evening. I had plenty of jokes about the appearance of the place but, more importantly, accolades about the food. I don't even remember exactly what I ordered but it was beef with a fried egg over it. The beef was so perfectly tender that you could have almost ate it with a spoon. The sides were rice, beans and a salad. The rice is basically just rice but the beans had a spice I couldn't identify. They were delicious. I recently visited a different restaurant and kind of slammed the salad. My wife said "Well...it's a simple dinner salad". The next place we dined at was Mangostinos on this occasion and I said "This is what a small dinner salad should be". It wasn't simple or complicated. It was was tasteful and again....left me wondering exactly how it was made. That's saying a lot for a salad. But I will say this....I've intended to write this review after every visit and have failed to get it done. Every single time...it would have been the same review regardless of what I ordered.
I will be bold enough to say that Mangostinos is the best South American restaurant in the 515 area. It's possibly the best restaurant in Ames and I put it on my "A list" for some of the best food in Central Iowa. It's a completely tacky place with service that isn't fast but it's a rare example of an establishment that can overcome that with their quality of food. I tend to judge based on a balance of quality, service, visual appeal, etc. Most people probably do that. The food quality at Mangostinos is great enough that it breaks your scale of judgement and you forget about the rest of those things. So I did forget some of the (possibly clever) things I originally meant to write but if you don't give Mangostinos a try...I don't even know what to say. Out of all of the places I've been to in our area, this one is the best in terms of authenticity and quality.
I apologize for not writing this sooner and for fast-tracking it later but this place really is the hidden gem of South American food and I'd rather not wait any longer to tell you about it. Obviously, Mangostinos is a 5 pint (out of a possible 5 pints) establishment.
The Machine Shed-11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
When I decided to visit The Machine Shed, I was under the impression that it was the only location. I have since realized that there are 6 locations in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. The one I visited is in Urbandale, Ia. It's a rather large place which I expected to be somewhat more rustic than it was. We were seated almost immediately in a spacious booth.
We visited during the post-church rush on a Sunday so that should be taken into consideration with regards to how long it took to place our order and get or food. Things were not moving quickly but we understood. It was busy. While reading the menu, I commented "If white people actually had ethnic food...this is the place that would serve it!" The wait staff all wore red shirts and denim overalls and the menu was loaded with food that you might have grown up with on a regular basis at home. The mash potatoes and gravy were practically oozing out of the kitchen and across the floor towards us in an ominous fashion.
We ordered the onion rings as an appetizer and I ordered the Heartland Combo as my entree. It consisted of "The Roast Pork Loin, The Heartland Delight and our 18 hour fall apart beef brisket". I chose wild rice as my side.
The onion rings were served first and served on a plate that must have been 14 inches diameter. The plate was covered and piled high. I actually love that shoe string type of onion ring but they are greasy, messy and they get cold fast. You can easily eat enough to spoil your appetite for your entree. I was really hoping for something unique but, as I type this, I can think of at least four other places that serve almost exactly the same onion rings. But you still order them and love them.
Next came the dinner sides...even though it was lunch time. I'm not going to complain. We ordered dinners. Cottage cheese, cole slaw and bread and butter in huge portions. What could be more Iowa? Things were going well so far and I looked forward to our main dishes...even if I was starting to get a bit full. But to be fair, it's kind of hard to screw up cottage cheese, cole slaw and bread. It's like failing a 9th grade art class. You almost have to try to screw it up.
Our meals were eventually served and things went downhill from there. The most generous adjective I can think of is simply...unremarkable. I expected this place to come through...big time...on pork in Iowa. It was the only reason I even ordered it. The Roast Pork Loin was covered with just a bit of gravy and was fairly dry. The "18 hour fall apart beef brisket" must have fallen apart about 6 hours before they served it to me. The flavor was great but you couldn't cut it with a fork and you had to put some effort into cutting with the knife provided to you. It was pretty tough meat. The Heartland Delight was some small piece of pork that was wrapped in a third of a slice of bacon. It was smaller than a half dollar coin. It almost looked like an after-thought that someone decided to throw in the dish so they could say there are three meats in the combo instead of two. It was The Machine Sheds version of a McNugget. Does a Big Mac value meal get much better with a single McNugget tossed in on the side? I think not. The best thing about that dish was the wild rice. It was perfect and I love wild rice.
I will say that the portions were large enough that we were able to take home food and reheat it for dinner. The fact that it was better reheated at home is not very complimentary to the original experience. One other person in our party ordered the Chicken Pot Pie. Her opinion was that the same thing from Kentucky Fried Chicken was better and filled with more meat and vegetables. I've never had either so I'll just let that speak for itself and wrap this review up before I litter it with any more fast food references.
I was disappointed with this food...to say the least. It wasn't all bad but I eat better food than this at home on a daily basis. The scrambled eggs my daughter cooked me for breakfast this morning had more character. I'm not going to say you shouldn't visit The Machine Shed but it was unremarkable and I can think of a lot of other places to dine in the 515 area that are much more rewarding. I give The Machine Shed 2.5 pints out of a possible 5 and I can't even say it's worth the drive for me to give them another shot.
We visited during the post-church rush on a Sunday so that should be taken into consideration with regards to how long it took to place our order and get or food. Things were not moving quickly but we understood. It was busy. While reading the menu, I commented "If white people actually had ethnic food...this is the place that would serve it!" The wait staff all wore red shirts and denim overalls and the menu was loaded with food that you might have grown up with on a regular basis at home. The mash potatoes and gravy were practically oozing out of the kitchen and across the floor towards us in an ominous fashion.
We ordered the onion rings as an appetizer and I ordered the Heartland Combo as my entree. It consisted of "The Roast Pork Loin, The Heartland Delight and our 18 hour fall apart beef brisket". I chose wild rice as my side.
The onion rings were served first and served on a plate that must have been 14 inches diameter. The plate was covered and piled high. I actually love that shoe string type of onion ring but they are greasy, messy and they get cold fast. You can easily eat enough to spoil your appetite for your entree. I was really hoping for something unique but, as I type this, I can think of at least four other places that serve almost exactly the same onion rings. But you still order them and love them.
Next came the dinner sides...even though it was lunch time. I'm not going to complain. We ordered dinners. Cottage cheese, cole slaw and bread and butter in huge portions. What could be more Iowa? Things were going well so far and I looked forward to our main dishes...even if I was starting to get a bit full. But to be fair, it's kind of hard to screw up cottage cheese, cole slaw and bread. It's like failing a 9th grade art class. You almost have to try to screw it up.
Our meals were eventually served and things went downhill from there. The most generous adjective I can think of is simply...unremarkable. I expected this place to come through...big time...on pork in Iowa. It was the only reason I even ordered it. The Roast Pork Loin was covered with just a bit of gravy and was fairly dry. The "18 hour fall apart beef brisket" must have fallen apart about 6 hours before they served it to me. The flavor was great but you couldn't cut it with a fork and you had to put some effort into cutting with the knife provided to you. It was pretty tough meat. The Heartland Delight was some small piece of pork that was wrapped in a third of a slice of bacon. It was smaller than a half dollar coin. It almost looked like an after-thought that someone decided to throw in the dish so they could say there are three meats in the combo instead of two. It was The Machine Sheds version of a McNugget. Does a Big Mac value meal get much better with a single McNugget tossed in on the side? I think not. The best thing about that dish was the wild rice. It was perfect and I love wild rice.
I will say that the portions were large enough that we were able to take home food and reheat it for dinner. The fact that it was better reheated at home is not very complimentary to the original experience. One other person in our party ordered the Chicken Pot Pie. Her opinion was that the same thing from Kentucky Fried Chicken was better and filled with more meat and vegetables. I've never had either so I'll just let that speak for itself and wrap this review up before I litter it with any more fast food references.
I was disappointed with this food...to say the least. It wasn't all bad but I eat better food than this at home on a daily basis. The scrambled eggs my daughter cooked me for breakfast this morning had more character. I'm not going to say you shouldn't visit The Machine Shed but it was unremarkable and I can think of a lot of other places to dine in the 515 area that are much more rewarding. I give The Machine Shed 2.5 pints out of a possible 5 and I can't even say it's worth the drive for me to give them another shot.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Legal Limits Pub & Grill- 702 Allen St. Boone, Ia.
There I found myself on a sunny Saturday morning, too lazy to cook breakfast but starving and sure I would perish into the oblivion of past no-name food bloggers if I didn't find some food soon. My wife and daughter were completely indifferent to this grave scene unfolding before their wandering eyes. Not only did they not want to go out for breakfast, they wouldn't even help me stagger to the car. After much effort, I was able to make it to my vehicle and drive to Legal Limits Pub & Grill. I parked and struggled to keep my balance as I meandered down the sidewalk toward the entrance. I was almost there. I could feel the perspiration building on my forehead and my heartbeat increase slightly at the idea of survival. Eggs would be mine! I crawled through the door on my hands and knees. A few people glanced at me but paid little attention. This must happen a lot there.
I was able to make it a seat at the bar with no assistance and was greeted by the friendly wait staff. They had no idea how glad I was to see them. I was sure that I was going to have eggs, sausage, hash browns and toast. Before I could say anything, they told me the special was Country Fried Steak. It came with hash browns, two eggs and toast. She sounded pretty convincing so I ordered it.
The decor of Legal Limits Pub & Grill is not fancy. Plain tables and chairs, a couple of pool tables, neon beer signs and a television behind the bar. There is really nothing more to add to that. They're fairly busy for breakfast though so I doubt if anyone is there for the stunning elegance of the place.
My order was served and I had to chuckle a little. The food is served on Styrofoam plates. This joint just DOES NOT give a <insert favorite profanity here> what you think of their house China! It didn't matter anyway because the entire plate was covered in food. In my starvation-induced semi-conscience state, I didn't care what the food was setting on as long as that object was setting on the bar in front of me.
There it was! A generous serving of whatever questionable processed meat-like food that was under all that gravy. The eggs were cooked to my liking and the hash browns were steaming. Everything was served hot. It was one huge, greasy heart attack. By that, I mean it was perfect. It was exactly what you would want and expect from the proverbial greasy spoon diner. Just keep an eye out for the little brown flakes at the bottom of your coffee cup. It doesn't ruin the coffee because you only notice them once the coffee is almost gone.
I was stuffed when I left and that meal hit the right spot just when I needed it. Catastrophe narrowly averted! I can't speak for their lunch or dinner but I give the breakfast at Legal Limits Pub & Grill 4 pints (out of 5 possible). Great job but seriously, clean the film out of the coffee pots. You can't just rinse it out. You need a sponge or rag. Maybe some soap. Apply said sponge and soap to the inside of the coffee pot and move your hand in a circular manner. Rinse, repeat as necessary. Problem solved. I will definitely be returning for breakfast.
I was able to make it a seat at the bar with no assistance and was greeted by the friendly wait staff. They had no idea how glad I was to see them. I was sure that I was going to have eggs, sausage, hash browns and toast. Before I could say anything, they told me the special was Country Fried Steak. It came with hash browns, two eggs and toast. She sounded pretty convincing so I ordered it.
The decor of Legal Limits Pub & Grill is not fancy. Plain tables and chairs, a couple of pool tables, neon beer signs and a television behind the bar. There is really nothing more to add to that. They're fairly busy for breakfast though so I doubt if anyone is there for the stunning elegance of the place.
My order was served and I had to chuckle a little. The food is served on Styrofoam plates. This joint just DOES NOT give a <insert favorite profanity here> what you think of their house China! It didn't matter anyway because the entire plate was covered in food. In my starvation-induced semi-conscience state, I didn't care what the food was setting on as long as that object was setting on the bar in front of me.
There it was! A generous serving of whatever questionable processed meat-like food that was under all that gravy. The eggs were cooked to my liking and the hash browns were steaming. Everything was served hot. It was one huge, greasy heart attack. By that, I mean it was perfect. It was exactly what you would want and expect from the proverbial greasy spoon diner. Just keep an eye out for the little brown flakes at the bottom of your coffee cup. It doesn't ruin the coffee because you only notice them once the coffee is almost gone.
I was stuffed when I left and that meal hit the right spot just when I needed it. Catastrophe narrowly averted! I can't speak for their lunch or dinner but I give the breakfast at Legal Limits Pub & Grill 4 pints (out of 5 possible). Great job but seriously, clean the film out of the coffee pots. You can't just rinse it out. You need a sponge or rag. Maybe some soap. Apply said sponge and soap to the inside of the coffee pot and move your hand in a circular manner. Rinse, repeat as necessary. Problem solved. I will definitely be returning for breakfast.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Open Sesame-313 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Open Sesame is a hidden gem. A small place in the East Village which you could easily pass and not see. I last visited Open Sesame on a Saturday. They open at 5:30 pm on Saturdays and we arrived early so we decided to walk around the East Village until the restaurant opened. We returned at exactly 5:36 and there was only one table left with additional seating at the bar. The place is nearly full in 6 minutes?!? There are 2 reasons for that. The first is that the food is outstanding. The second is that it's a fairly small place. Only 8 or 9 tables and the bar.
You will enter this Lebanese restaurant through the red curtains guarding against the outside world. Inside, you will find what you might expect for Mediterranean decor in a restaurant. It's simple and adequate. The music in the background adds to the relaxing vibe in the room. On one of the walls behind the bar there is a framed projector screen (about the size of an average television screen). On this visit, it was showing an old silent film called The Thief Of Baghdad which was actually fairly amusing to watch while eating. On many occasions you will be greeted by the same manager who always remembers you as an old friend or, at the very least, does a good job of faking it. He seems to take time to visit with all of the customers personally and make sure you're happy with your experience.
We started out with the Hummus because the hummus at Open Sesame might be the best in Iowa or maybe even Utah. It's the kind of hummus that makes a strict carnivore uncomfortable and causes him to question his dietary identity. Besides that, it was hummus and there is only so much more you can say about it after the last sentence.
I ordered the Phoenician steak. It comes with asparagus and potatoes. Aside from it being a high quality steak, they season it with their own secret blend of Mediterranean spices and that really sets it apart from similar dishes at other establishments. I know it's a secret blend of spices because I asked what they used and they said it was a secret blend of Mediterranean spices. Attempting to bribe the server to see just how secret the secret really is didn't feel like an idea that was beneath me but yet didn't feel appropriate either. If any of you are just slightly more uncouth than I am and can pull that idea off.....I'll give you $5 to tell me the secret. Until then, the Open Sesame is the only place that I know of to get a steak like that.
So there we are, enjoying our meal, talking and watching the silent film when the music gets louder and a belly dancer makes her way into the room! She was beautiful and very talented. I say belly dancer but to be fair...she was equally talented at making the rest of her body dance too....but let's not split hairs here! Almost everyone in the room was amused except for one lady. There's one in every crowd. Yeah, that's right, lady! Just sit there and eat your hummus and pretend that you don't see what's going on! There was also one toddler who was mesmerized by the dancer. You and me both, kid! I just have had the time to develop the self-control allowing me to keep my lower jaw closed and force myself to blink every few seconds or so. You'll get there. But seriously, she was very good and definitely added to the authenticity of the dining experience. I wonder where one learns to dance like that.
Others in our party had the Gyro as well as the Falafel Salad. I tried both and kind of wished I had ordered the gyro. Not because one dish was better or worse than the other but just because the gyro was awesome and I haven't ordered it at Open Sesame yet. For this trip, I have to give a 4 pint (out of a possible 5) rating. Open Sesame is a 5 pint home-run hitter any day of the week but this time they forgot the asparagus with no explanation. I didn't notice right away because of the dancer but I can't give a 5 pint rating if you forgot part of the order....unless....you were out of asparagus and called in a belly dancer to distract the patrons so they wouldn't notice. That would be brilliant and call for 5 pints!
You will enter this Lebanese restaurant through the red curtains guarding against the outside world. Inside, you will find what you might expect for Mediterranean decor in a restaurant. It's simple and adequate. The music in the background adds to the relaxing vibe in the room. On one of the walls behind the bar there is a framed projector screen (about the size of an average television screen). On this visit, it was showing an old silent film called The Thief Of Baghdad which was actually fairly amusing to watch while eating. On many occasions you will be greeted by the same manager who always remembers you as an old friend or, at the very least, does a good job of faking it. He seems to take time to visit with all of the customers personally and make sure you're happy with your experience.
We started out with the Hummus because the hummus at Open Sesame might be the best in Iowa or maybe even Utah. It's the kind of hummus that makes a strict carnivore uncomfortable and causes him to question his dietary identity. Besides that, it was hummus and there is only so much more you can say about it after the last sentence.
I ordered the Phoenician steak. It comes with asparagus and potatoes. Aside from it being a high quality steak, they season it with their own secret blend of Mediterranean spices and that really sets it apart from similar dishes at other establishments. I know it's a secret blend of spices because I asked what they used and they said it was a secret blend of Mediterranean spices. Attempting to bribe the server to see just how secret the secret really is didn't feel like an idea that was beneath me but yet didn't feel appropriate either. If any of you are just slightly more uncouth than I am and can pull that idea off.....I'll give you $5 to tell me the secret. Until then, the Open Sesame is the only place that I know of to get a steak like that.
So there we are, enjoying our meal, talking and watching the silent film when the music gets louder and a belly dancer makes her way into the room! She was beautiful and very talented. I say belly dancer but to be fair...she was equally talented at making the rest of her body dance too....but let's not split hairs here! Almost everyone in the room was amused except for one lady. There's one in every crowd. Yeah, that's right, lady! Just sit there and eat your hummus and pretend that you don't see what's going on! There was also one toddler who was mesmerized by the dancer. You and me both, kid! I just have had the time to develop the self-control allowing me to keep my lower jaw closed and force myself to blink every few seconds or so. You'll get there. But seriously, she was very good and definitely added to the authenticity of the dining experience. I wonder where one learns to dance like that.
Others in our party had the Gyro as well as the Falafel Salad. I tried both and kind of wished I had ordered the gyro. Not because one dish was better or worse than the other but just because the gyro was awesome and I haven't ordered it at Open Sesame yet. For this trip, I have to give a 4 pint (out of a possible 5) rating. Open Sesame is a 5 pint home-run hitter any day of the week but this time they forgot the asparagus with no explanation. I didn't notice right away because of the dancer but I can't give a 5 pint rating if you forgot part of the order....unless....you were out of asparagus and called in a belly dancer to distract the patrons so they wouldn't notice. That would be brilliant and call for 5 pints!
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