Alex Seakor has introduced a whole new kind of fusion restaurant to the Des Moines scene. Mamma Oretha, which officially opened its doors at at 1000 Army Post Rd on June 25, is pairing African food with soul food to give the ultimate cross-cultural experience. Come for the mac and cheese and fried chicken, stay […]
Food & Drink
Posted inCommunity/News
Blues & BBQ returns to North Liberty this weekend
After two years of COVID cancellations, Blues & BBQ returns to North Liberty this Saturday. The 13-hour festival kicks off in Centennial Park (1565 St. Andrews Dr) at 10 a.m., with more than a dozen stands offering not only barbecue but sweet treats such as ice cream and shaved ice to help people stay cool […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Takeaway: IC’s new Salvadorian restaurant proves Mesa can do more than pizza
If the name Mesa 503 rings a bell, it might be because it’s the sister business of Mesa Pizza, an Iowa City institution for over a decade. Owners Yolanda Amaya and Luis Hernandez immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador in 1993 and have made visits back home every year, always looking forward to revisiting […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Ice cream for every mood in the Des Moines area
There are few things more satisfying on a hot summer day than a frosty ice cream. Whether you’re a tried and true chocoholic or love a funky new flavor, there’s no wrong choice when it comes to frozen treats. And luckily for us, the city has no shortage of places where you can sweeten your […]
Posted inEastern Iowa
11 Eastern Iowa eateries right off the trail
Need a rest stop? Try one of these trailside, parkside and lakeside restaurants for a cool drink, quick snack or heaping scoop of ice cream. 1. The Pedalers Fork Off of Cedar River Trail 2010 Sylvia Ave NE, Cedar Rapids You’ll deserve a stop at the Pedalers Fork after that climb! Nestled on a hill, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Thew Brewing Rebrands as Lucky Cat Comedy and Events
Cedar Rapids bar and former brewery Thew Brewing has rebranded as Lucky Cat Comedy and Events. Thew closed on May 14; the new venue will have its first public open mic on Tuesday, May 31. “We took a look at what was working and what wasn’t working that well for us,” said Haley Flenker, who […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Takeaway: New IC food truck South Side Street Foods serves Southwestern-style fry bread with style
When you approach the South Side Street Foods food truck, you’re likely to hear Motown pouring out of the windows. The inviting warmth of old school soul music could be a metaphor for the appeal of both South Side’s food and the man who makes it. Daniel Velasquez wears a classic black fedora and has […]
Posted inEastern Iowa
The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market returns on May 28
The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market will open for its 17th season on Saturday, May 28, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance (CRMEA) announced on Thursday. This year’s market will feature “over 150 vendors” and be “located on 2nd Avenue SE, 3rd Avenue SE and 4th Avenue SE between 2nd Street SE and 5th Street […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Coral’s Column: Wednesday pretzel bites from The Nut
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. One of those places for me is the Walnut (1417 Walnut St, Des Moines), which started as the food truck (the Spot) before maturing into a full-grown bar and and grill in a converted 1920s garage. It’s downtown but just off the main drag and a […]
Posted inFood & Drink
LV Recommends: You’ll feel like a kid again at Frydae, a loaded fry and ice cream spot in Marion
Linn County’s newest snack spot is fun, whimsical and delicious — everything you’d expect from a restaurant called “Frydae.” Tucked into Uptown Marion, the main entrance of Frydae is currently blocked off due to the more than $6 million renovation project going on. So we parked on the square and enjoyed our brisk walk through […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Nonprofit Matthew 25 opens affordable grocery store in Cedar Rapids food desert
The grand opening of Matthew 25’s new Cultivate Hope Corner Store will take place this Wednesday, April 27 in Cedar Rapids. The Corner Store is a nonprofit endeavor, providing healthy food in a local food desert — an area of town lacking nearby sources of fresh, affordable food. Cultivate Hope Corner Store had its soft […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa City Farmers Market announces its start date, reduction in hours
The Iowa City Farmers Market will open for business this year in the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7. But unlike previous years, when the next session would be on Wednesday, market enthusiasts will have to wait until a full week to go shopping again. That’s because the Iowa City Farmers […]
