All over the country, debates over what makes the best barbecue rage. Cities and entire states are known for their barbecue fare, but the treatment of the meat—how it is smoked, dry-rubbed, or sauced—is what defines barbecue in that area (though what accompanies the meat is important, too)
Food & Drink
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide
LV Recommends: Fresh oysters at these raw bars go down easy
When enjoying the easy-going fine-dining atmosphere at Ruthie’s, be sure to order appetizers. More specifically, order the oysters. They offer perfectly fried oysters for you to enjoy before your plates of lobster tails, beautiful steaks, prime ribs and more of the chef’s creations hit your table
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide
LV Recommends: Sample international delights, American classics or expertly brewed coffee at these new area eateries
A full-fledged space to call their own! Jessica LaFayette and her husband Tony have expanded what was originally a deli counter in the back of a retail operation into a restaurant that occupies the whole space. Everything on the menu is raw, vegan and gluten-free, but don’t think for a second that means
Posted inCommunity/News
Hy-Vee is replacing its Market Grilles with Wahlburgers
Hy-Vee will be closing all its Market Grille restaurants and turning over those locations to Wahlburgers, the Boston-based burger chain started by Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, actor Mark (Boogie Nights, The Happening) and singer Donnie (New Kids on the Block). “Our customers are wanting more fresh and convenient meal options,” Hy-Vee said in a […]
Posted inFood & Drink
New restaurant The Fish Store is building on the tradition of Boston Fish
A new seafood restaurant opened in Cedar Rapids last week, and residents will most likely recognize parts of the menu — especially if they dined at Boston Fish. Lenore Zoll, who was the restaurant’s manager before it closed its doors last May after 77 years, was determined to bring Boston Fish back to the community. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
LV Recommends: La Bendición Pupuseria & Restaurante
La Bendición Pupuseria & Restaurante, a family-owned business serving food from El Salvador, opened at the turn of the new year. You can find it in the strip mall at the corner of 1st Avenue and 2nd Street in Coralville, the same building that houses the likes of Chez Grace, Global Market and the late great Nile Ethiopian Restaurant.
Posted inFood & Drink
A new barbecue joint offering ribs, brisket and boozy milkshakes is coming to Cedar Rapids
Come May, there will be a new place to get barbecue in Cedar Rapids — along with pies and boozy milkshakes. The St. Louis-based chain Sugarfire Smoke House is expanding to Iowa with Sugarfire Cedar Rapids, 2350 Edgewood Rd SW. The restaurant will move into the space by Westdale Town Center that was formerly F&M […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Here are the winning entrees, desserts and drinks at the 10th Top Chef Downtown competition
The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) held its 10th annual Top Chef Downtown at The Graduate on Monday night. This year’s event featured offerings from 29 Iowa City restaurants. Competing entrees ranged from classics like St. Burch Tavern’s braised short rib to less familiar fare like Oasis’s mansaf, as well as desserts such as The […]
Posted inFood & Drink
LV Recommends: Vivian’s Soul Food
In honor of Galentine’s Day, and to cheer us up in the face of bitter cold temperatures, my daughter Isabelle and I headed to Vivian’s Soul Food for dinner. I had been once before, and was impressed with the amazing food and the warmth and attentiveness of their staff, so I was excited to check out their new space and expanded menu.
Posted inCommunity/News
Twenty restaurants are offering special menus for Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week
Cedar Rapids foodies, unite! It’s almost time for the eighth annual Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week, and someone needs to try all the food from the participating restaurants. The nine days of restaurant-hopping kick off on Friday, Feb. 21, in an effort to attract customers during a typically slow time of the year for local businesses. […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids coffee shop The Early Bird is closing its doors next month
The Early Bird is flying from its Cedar Rapids nest. The coffee shop will close its doors in early March after more than eight years in business, owner Brooke Fitzgerald said in a Facebook post Tuesday morning.
Posted inFood & Drink
Have a snack of aphrodisiacs this Valentine’s Day
As any Iowan can attest, Midwestern winters are long and bleak. After the merriness of Christmas subsides and the glitter of New Year’s fades, we are left with a damp gray-brown slog that can extend all the way until April. Add to that the emotional slog of an election year and it becomes doubly important to find an enjoyable way to fill the time.
