Bánh mì became a street food staple in Vietnam in the 1950s, about a century after French imperialism brought the baguette to the country. The sandwich took off in the states in the 1980s and you can find them in several places around Iowa — Pho Real Kitchen and Bar, Zavy Kitchen, TNT Vietnamese Restaurant and […]
Restaurant Reviews
Posted inFood & Drink
Review: Que Chimba is a fast, family-run Colombian restaurant out of the Old Capitol mall
One of Iowa City’s newest restaurants is so great, they put it in the name. Que Chimba Colombian Street Food opened in the Old Capitol Town Center in March. Que Chimba is a colloquialism that translates to “That’s great” or “That’s awesome,” and the restaurant lives up to its name in more ways than one. […]
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Review: Bar Martinez boasts thoughtful cocktails, an intimate space and a bathroom fit for the pope
I’m in a bathroom in Highland Park at 11 p.m. on a Friday night. The walls are painted deep red, and the room is lit almost exclusively by prayer candles. Pictures of Jesus line the walls, including one shadowbox image backlit by a single bulb. A black toilet looms in the corner, directly opposite a […]
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Review: Unroll some injera at Habesha Ethiopian & Eritrean Restaurant, serving multi-sensory banquets in Des Moines
I finish the last bite of lentils I can manage, scooped up with a piece of fresh injera. My friend remarks at my “tumeric-stained lips,” so I get up to head to the washroom. “Do you want to try some Ethiopian coffee?” our server Asmeret asks me. Asmeret B. Ayele, along with Bashatu Gutama and her […]
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Review: Walleye, poutine and decadent s’mores help make Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster in WDM a superb supper club experience
Food, like all cultural exchange, is relative. One person’s adventurous meal out of their comfort zone is another person’s daily staple. An example: even though I’m born-and-raised Iowan, I had never heard of a supper club before dining at West Des Moines’ Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster. “Oh, is it like a book club for foodies?” […]
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LV Recommends: Daisy Chain Coffee in the East Village boasts delicious drinks and curious decor
I don’t normally write reviews at the place I’m reviewing, but I’m glad I decided to write in Daisy Chain Coffee today. Owner Daniel Bosman greets customers as they pop in, showing them his new coffee grinder. The fig tree behind me rustles as a breeze comes through the open door, and I hear the […]
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Take the cannolis — and the crab ceviche, po’ boys and more from these Q.C. eateries
For the 2025 Bread & Butter dining guide, Little Village food reviewers Lacey Skorepa and Liv Carrow visited and reviewed eight restaurants in the Quad Cities. You can find more local restaurant coverage here. Me & Billy 200 W 3rd St, Davenport, 563-323-1195 Me & Billy blends comfort and craft in a way that feels […]
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Cult-favorite pasta salad, the perfect ‘mother-in-law restaurant’ and more eats in Cedar Rapids and Marion
For the 2025 Bread & Butter dining guide, Little Village food reviewers visited and reviewed 10 Cedar Rapids area eateries. You can find more local restaurant coverage here. MARION New York Gyro 808 7th Ave, Marion, 319-200-1750 I feel like once a year when I do these reviews, there’s always one restaurant I’ve never visited […]
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LV Recommends: Plus Saporis brings flaming appetizers, elevated comfort food to Bettendorf
Last month, I had the pleasure of taking a weekend trip to Chicago. One of my goals, while there, was to find a great restaurant, a relatively easy task in big cities. I poured over restaurant reviews and menus and looked for available reservations.
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LV Recommends: 14 local restaurants to try in Cedar Rapids
Nestled into the back corner of the Town & Country Shopping Center, Siamville is one of those spots that’s easy to miss but hard to forget. It’s the perfect place for a casual lunch date, with a pad thai that’s right at the ideal intersection of sweet and savory.
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LV Recommends: 13 local restaurants to try in Iowa City & Coralville
A popular breakfast eatery for nearly 90 years, Hamburg Inn No. 2 found new life in 2023 when new owners saved it from certain death.
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LV Recommends: The Bartender’s Handshake, an intimate place for a cozy cocktail in Des Moines
For 2024, “stale, cheesy cocktail bars” are out and “vibey, modern cocktail bars” are in. The Bartender’s Handshake located on Ingersoll in Des Moines is no stranger to the latter. Walking in, you’re greeted with moody lighting and the soft murmur of both conversation and music that elicits speakeasy vibes. The bartender behind the beautifully […]
