Mise en place. That’s the term that comes to mind when Jeff Donar thinks about Chef Ron Hall. It’s a French phrase Donar learned in culinary school; it means “everything in its place.” Donar, a cook, has worked for Hall in the Mercy Iowa City kitchen for nearly four years. “You can tell when [Chef […]
Bread & Butter
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide
Local producer Agri-Cultured Foods heals customers with fermented foods
We tend to think of our food as something we put into our bodies, as something totally separate from our bodies. But what if our food was actually alive? And what if our food became a part of our bodies after eating?
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide
LV Recommends: Standout Eastern Iowa sandwiches
Sandwich: noun, an item of food consisting of pieces of bread with meat, cheese, or other filling between them, or more generally any dish wherein two or more pieces of bread serve as a container or wrapper for another food type. These standout sammies deserve your attention. Oasis Falafel 206 N Linn St, Iowa City […]
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How Pig & Porter Chef Matt Melone makes time for family dinner
Matt Melone worked all day in the kitchen, and he’ll work more tomorrow. It’s December, an especially busy time of year at Pig & Porter, the downtown Cedar Rapids restaurant Matt co-founded with his business partner, Will Monk. Outside, the temperature sits below freezing. “I see people I work with more than I see my […]
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LV Recommends: Bingeworthy shows and food pairings from area restaurants
Nothing goes better with an evening in than Netflix and takeout. You don’t have to default to the nearest pizza chain or Chinese restaurant, though; pair these tasty local offerings with your favorite Netflix original for a satisfying binge experience.
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LV Recommends: Notable restaurant newbies in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area
Looking for something new? These eight new restaurants deserve a spot on your short-list. Maggie’s Farm Pizza 1308 Melrose Ave, Iowa City A long-time NewBo and Iowa City Farmer’s Market favorite, Maggie’s Farm Pizza opened their independent brick and mortar restaurant on the west side of Iowa City in August 2017. In collaboration with local […]
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2020 Guide: A-Z Restaurants in the Iowa City area and Cedar Rapids
Use this index as a guide to find your next favorite meal. This exhaustive list of restaurants, bars, cafés and bistros covers a range of budgets and a multitude of palates—there truly is something for everyone here. Price range is indicated on a scale of $ to $$$$ and accounts for each establishment’s average price […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Made from the market: Strawberry-Rhubarb Cocktail
Spring is finally here! That means it’s time for the farmers market. Rhubarb is one of the first crops up, and I’m always looking for new ways to use it. Pies and jams are great, of course, but sometimes you need something a bit more adult. Why not a cocktail? Rhubarb and gin are a wonderful combination. Both are subtly floral and highly fragrant — they just need another ingredient or two to make them pop. It’s the same reason that rhubarb pie is boring, but rhubarb and strawberry is brilliant. As I was brainstorming this, my friend Andy suggested adding basil, and a springtime cocktail was born.
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide, Dining Recommendations
LV Recommends: Notable restaurant newbies in the Iowa City area
[vc_row class=”bb-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Countless bars and restaurants have cropped up through the corridor area over the last year. Pick any of these standouts from the highlight reel, and you’re sure to be pleased. The Dingo Bar 1040 Martin St, Iowa City Feeling the neighborhood needed a place where residents could socialize and connect over a great cup […]
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide, Dining Recommendations
LV Recommends: 4 must-try burgers in the Iowa City area
[vc_row class=”bb-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text] For a satisfying hand-held dinner, it’s hard to beat a classic burger—the quintessential American meal. A burger at any one of these restaurants is sure to fit the bill, whether you’re a meat-eater or not. The Mill 120 E Burlington St, Iowa City Many things might draw you into The Mill: local music, […]
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide, Dining Recommendations
LV Recommends: 4 places to find a thirst-quenching pick-me-ups in the Iowa City area
[vc_row class=”bb-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text] Gone are the days of Ensure Nutritional Shakes and Carnation Instant Breakfast. Tasty green juice, fizzy kombucha and vitamin-packed elixirs are everywhere these days. At these healthy hot-spots, you can, quite literally, drink to good health. Get Fresh 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids Inside the NewBo City Market, among the burgers and […]
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide, Dining Recommendations
LV Recommends: 3 Eastern Iowa bakeries that have mastered the art of the simple loaf
[vc_row class=”bb-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text] Artisan bakers lay claim to the simple loaf of bread. Breads from Anna 3007 Sierra Ct SW, Iowa City Anna Sobaski, founder of Iowa City-based Breads from Anna, realized an untapped market in the world of bread when diagnosed with celiac disease. Unable to find good gluten-free bread, she sought after making it […]
