Monthly Archives: February 2011

“Tapas at Trostel’s” recap and event photos

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Thank you to all those who attended “Tapas at Trostel’s” last night and to Trostel’s Dish for hosting the event! I appreciate everyone who came together to make this event a success and to support a great local restaurant – Trostel’s Dish.

Over 60 people came to the event to meet new people and to share a few delicious tapas. We even had two people who were celebrating their birthdays! Attendees enjoyed a $20 gift card giveaway, free food, 1/2 price drinks, coupons for a later visit and a Dwolla t-shirts raffle. Take a look at the photos below from last night’s event and make sure you stop into Trostel’s Dish soon to enjoy a few tapas in Des Moines!

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Local chef nominated for “People’s Best New Chef for 2011″

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Since 1988, Food & Wine magazine has been searching the country for innovative chefs that create delectable dishes…and Des Moines own Carly Groben, owner of both Proof and Flour Pizza, has been named one of ten nominees in the Midwest for the “People’s Best New Chef for 2011.” Not only is she the only Des Moinesian nominated, she’s also the only female nominated from our region.

From February 15, 2011 through March 1, 2011, we the foodies and restaurant goers of Des Moines have a chance to promote Carly – and the vivid flavors that she brings to Des Moines – to the top! Click here to support Carly by voting for her as the “People’s Best New Chef for 2011.” This is the first time in the contest’s history that audiences have been able to vote on the winner of this contest.

Why does Carly’s food stand out? At Proof, Carly has been creating Northern African and Mediterranean flavors by blending spices, cooking methods and fresh ingredients to create a simple, yet flavorful menu. Carly’s ingredients are fresh, her food is mouth-watering and her dishes are reasonably priced. Where else can you get feta tabbouli, a lamb burger or salmon with a risotto cake for lunch?

Where does the name “Proof” come from? The restaurant’s name refers to the baking term for rising dough. According to BakingBites.com:

“The verb ‘to proof’ is a baking term that describes the action of yeast. Primarily, it is the act of dissolving active dry yeast in water (or another liquid) before incorporating it into dough to ensure that the yeast is alive and kicking…It is also the act of letting a complete dough (or a dough starter) rise for any period of time.”

Proof is open during the week for lunch Monday – Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and for dinner on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The lunch menu includes: flatbread sandwiches, soups, salads, grain dishes and even a few tasty desserts to please your sweet tooth. Friday night’s prix fixe menu changes weekly and features Mediterranean food, which often includes local produce and seasonal ingredients.

Win a $20 Gift Card to Trostel’s Dish

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“Tapas at Trostel’s” will be held on Tuesday, February 22 from 5:00 – 7:00 at Trostel’s Dish located at 12851 University Avenue in Clive. After the GuacUp, a food-based networking event, was a success I decided to team up with Trostel’s Dish to encourage local Des Moinesian’s to come and enjoy the Spanish tradition of tapas. (What are tapas?)

Trostel’s Dish is sponsoring the event by offering all those who attend the event some great deals! Attendee’s will enjoy…

  • Half price drinks
  • Free food – a smorgasbord of tasty tapas to share, while supplies last
  • Coupons for lunch
  • Gift card giveaway – $20 to Trostel’s Dish
  • Chance to socialize with other food enthusiasts around Des Moines

Here’s how you can get involved with the gift card giveaway.

  1. Log onto your Facebook account, search for “Trostel’s Dish” and “like” Trostel’s Dish.
  2. While you’re still on Facebook, search for the event “Tapas at Trostel’s” and RSVP t0 the event.
  3. Come to Trostel’s Dish on 2/22! The winner must be present to win and will be announced that evening.

It’s that simple! Once you “like” Trostel’s Dish and RSVP for the event on Facebook, you are automatically entered to win a $20 gift card to Trostel’s Dish.  And trust me, after you try their food and drinks, you’ll want to come back for more.

Have you met The Nadas?

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I sing in my car, while I cook and in the shower. I’m a huge fan of music. And what’s better than local, homegrown talent? Nothing…which is why I must introduce you to The Nadas. The local quintet was formed in 1995 and started out as a college hobby for the band’s members, but The Nadas’ talent and hard work didn’t go unnoticed. In the late 90′s their popularity slowly grew throughout the Midwest and then throughout the country. The band has sold over 125,000 records and in 2001 Playboy Magazine even called them the “Best College Band You’ve Never Heard Of.”

The band is composed of Jason Walsmith (vocals and guitar), Mike Butterworth (vocals and guitar), Jon Locker (bass), Jason Smith (drums and vocals) and Becca Smith (violin and vocals) and has a unique sound that mixes country, rock, alternative, and indie music styles.

If you have yet to hear this local band, you are in luck. The Nadas are playing a ‘residency’ at the Vaudeville Mews in downtown Des Moines every Wednesday in February. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and The Nadas will hit the stage at 7:00 p.m. For only $10 you can bring a date, bring your kids or come to meet some other music aficionados at this fun, intimate venue.

“As a central Iowa native, I’ve grown up with The Nadas,” said Emma Peterson, marketing and social media strategist for Authentic Records. ”I think of the band as such an important part of the Des Moines music scene. In many ways I’ve watched their record label (Authentic Records), the band itself, and their partnerships within the community pave the way for a lot of positive change and good music within our community. Their Vaudeville Mews Residency is a chance to celebrate their Des Moines roots.”

Did you say free? The Nadas are running a few contests via their social networks over the next couple of weeks. The next big contest that’s coming up, in cooperation with Dos Rios, Vaudeville Mews and The Lift, will land you a very Des Moines-style package. The contest will be held on February 17 and the winner of the contest will receive a “Nada Nother Night Out” package which includes: one $60 gift card to Dos Rios, two tickets to The Nadas residency show on February 23, and two martinis at The Lift (for after the show). But don’t get bummed out if you don’t win on the 17th. The Nadas will be running other ticket contests throughout the month. All of these contests will be run through The Nadas’ Facebook page and Twitter account, so make sure you add these pages for a chance to win!

MORE free stuff: Also, to get everyone pumped up for their residency they are offering “All I Want Is You,” a track off their latest album, Almanac, for free at the Authentic Records Online Store!

7 Des Moines ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

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Have a special someone you’d like to swoon this Valentine’s Day? Looking for a good excuse to send a loved one something thoughtful? Here’s my list of the top seven Des Moines ways to impress that special person in your life this February 14th.

1)  Purchase a card from Ephemera. Keep it simple and send a card from Ephemera to someone you card about! Trust me, nothing will say, “You’re quite swell,” “I care about you,” or even, “I love you” better than a card from Ephemera. The cards they carry are made of quality materials, well designed and even catchy. While you’re in their shop you can pick up some locally designed jewelry, candles or even a cute pillow! While looking through their great selection of cards, I came across this little gem (pictured on the right) that literally made me laugh out loud.

2) Send Cubbie to your Valentine. Although the Iowa Cubs aren’t in season, Cubbie Bear will be hard at work this Valentine’s Day. Surprise your special someone with a delivery from Cubbie Bear himself! Cubbie will play cupid on Friday, Feb. 11 and Monday, Feb. 14 for those in the Des Moines Metro Area! For only $75.00, he’ll deliver a dozen roses, a personalized note and two tickets to a game during the 2011 season to your sweetie. Contact Melanie at: melanied@iowacubs.com or (515) 280-2651 to arrange a delivery.

3) Give your Valentine a Drake University Choir singing Valentine. Send a musical message to show someone you care this Valentine’s Day. The Drake University Choir will serenade someone of your choice – best friend, boss, grandma, spouse, significant other, ect – for a small fee, which will help fund the choir’s European Tour. Choose from one of three different packages:

  • True Romance for $25: A song and a single romantic rose.
  • Cupid’s Favorite for $40: A song and six of the finest roses.
  • Hopeless Romantic for $60: A song and a full dozen roses.

Students will deliver the singing valentines from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, February 14.  For complete information, go to: www.drake.edu/valentines.  The deadline for order submission is February 8, 2011.

4) Send warm, chocolate chip cookies from Tank Goodness. Theses delicious Tank Goodness cookies might not last longer than flowers (simply because they are scrumptious), but at least they’ll taste a lot better. Send your sweetie something that can be shared with those around them! For only $20 per dozen, these cookies will warm your loved one’s heart and fill their stomach. Tip: make sure that you order some ice-cold milk to go with their cookies!

5) Swoon them at a romantic dinner at Blank Park Zoo. Treat your date to “Wild at Heart,” a dinner at Blank Park Zoo where you’ll dine on a three-course meal while enjoying tropical scenery including a rainforest with exotic birds and a waterfall. The “Wild at Heart” dinners will be held on February 12 at 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. and February 13 at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. While you sip on a glass of wine or champagne you’ll enjoy bruschetta, a choice of cedar planked salmon, petite 6 oz. filet or a double stuffed pork chop with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables followed by chocolate pate for dessert. The cost for this dining experience is $50 per person. Call (515) 287-0848 for reservations!

6) Buy this special offer and SAVE MONEY, while impressing your date. Need I say more than $40 worth of Boesen the Florist’s flowers, $50 to Cosi Cucina and $10 to Heart of Iowa Marketplace all for only $50. Yes, $50 for $100 worth of goods! But hurry, there are only around 20 of these deals left and you must purchase this deal by 2/5 to receive the certificates in time for Valentine’s Day!

7) Create your own personalized jewelry to share. Don’t just buy jewelry for your loved one…create jewelry with them! At “Be Mine: Wine and Design Experience” you can showcase your creative side with the help of artist Rachel Sims, of Studio Fuzzishu, who will teach couples how to saw, file, stamp and solder custom silver rings at Fitch Gallery. There will even be a photo booth from Joe’s Photo Booth to snap shots of you and your hunny. After the jewelry making session, the couple will also receive filled cupcakes from Carefree Patisserie and a private group tasting and tour of Jasper Winery! The workshops will be on Friday, Feb. 11th at 2:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m, Saturday, Feb. 12 and Sunday, Feb. 13 at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 14 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Each session is limited to six couples and is $135 per couple. Contact Rachel Sims at: fuzzishu@gmail.com or (515) 402-8143 by Feb. 10 to make your reservation.

“Tapas at Trostel’s” to offer great deals, delicious food and casual socializing

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After living in Spain for nearly 5 months, I became a huge fan tapas (and white wine for that matter). Tapas, which are small portions of dishes packed with flavor and a variety of tastes, textures and seasonings, can be found all around the globe…even in Des Moines!

I recently discovered Trosel’s Dish, a local tapas-style restaurant located at 12851 University Avenue, which offers a tapas menu that changes seasonally and features American, Asian, Latin, and Mediterranean dishes, as well as cracker crust pizzas, antipasto flights and even dessert.

I quickly fell in love with this local establishment after I tried their crispy fried avocado, which is a lightly breaded, fried avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeño sour cream and cilantro mayo. So, of course, I decided to try another menu item – Arancici, which are creamy risotto balls filled with risotto, sun-dried tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese and served with an arrabbiatta dipping sauce. To me, both dishes were nothing short of amazing. They reminded me of living in Spain and the culture behind tapas.

Part of the reason why I enjoy Trostel’s Dish is because of the dining experience it offers. It gives me the ability to share the culture behind tapas with friends. In Spain tapas are served in nearly every bar and restaurant and they are a huge part of the culture and social scene. Tapas are made to be shared and to encourage conversation – because the portions aren’t large, people tend to pay more attention to the people around them instead of what’s in front of them.

This thought sparked an idea…why not create an event at Trostel’s Dish for others to enjoy the “tapa experience” and to socialize? It was clear to me that hosting a social event called, “Tapas at Trostel’s,” to encourage local Des Moinesian’s to enjoy this Spanish tradition was what I wanted to do.

So, I’m happy to announce that “Tapas at Trostel’s” will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Trostel’s Dish. Trostel’s Dish is sponsoring the event by offering all those who attend the event some great deals! Attendee’s will enjoy ½ price drinks, free food (a smorgasbord of tasty tapas, while supplies last), coupons for lunch and there will even be a gift card giveaway! Stay tuned to find out more about how you can get your hands on a FREE $20 gift card to Trostel’s Dish.

Please RSVP! If you’re planning on attending the event, please RSVP via the Facebook invite by searching “Tapas at Trostel’s.” Since there will be free food involved, we’d like to have a head count of the number of people who are planning on attending.

Ballet Des Moines to perform “Alice in Wonderland” at Des Moines Civic Center

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Ballet Des Moines will hit the Civic Center stage on Saturday, February 19, 2011 to share the magic and excitement of Sergey Kozadevev’s Alice in Wonderland. This unique one-day performance will leave audiences amazed by the intricate props, multiple costumes and set changes while the whimsical childhood tale comes to life.

“The show itself has a really interesting blend of video and sound effects to really give you the feeling that you are in Alice’s world, all while performing classical ballet movements,” said Rachel Gross, executive director with Ballet Des Moines. “We are also featuring 5 different Alice’s, which shrink and grow according to the story line to give you the full effect of her journey.”

The show incorporates 60 local musicians from the Des Moines Community Orchestra and will also feature over 100 local dancers and four professional dancers from the Colorado and Cincinnati ballet companies.

The show premieres at the Des Moines Civic Center on Saturday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. This is the first time that the show has been professionally presented in Des Moines and the first time that Ballet Des Moines has performed at the Des Moines Civic Center.

“Ballet Des Moines was looking to expand their theatre repertoire and we have never performed at the Civic Center before,” said Gross. “We also wanted to accommodate the Des Moines Community Orchestra which will be providing all of the music for that evening’s performance. This show includes many props, and the stage size was a great fit for our scenery.”

Even though the performance itself will be more than enough to excite audiences, Ballet Des Moines is also offering other Alice in Wonderland-themed events that will take place in collaboration with the show.

Children are invited to attend Alice’s Tea Party at 11:30 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. where they’ll enjoy themed-snacks (caterpillar cheese ‘n cracker nibbles, jabberwock jello, cheshire cat chicken salad croissants, white rabbit rollups, queen of hearts cookies or cupcakes and TweedleDee tea) and create a craft with the star of the show, Alice, before seeing the performance.

Adults are invited to attend the Mad Hatter’s Meet and Greet immediately following the 6:30 p.m. show. Adults will have the chance to mingle, meet characters from the show and enjoy a cash bar and dessert buffet including: cream puffs, mountain berry tart, cheesecake with strawberries, chocolate cake with crème filling, assorted pies, brownie bites and chocolate chip cannolli. Tickets to these additional events must be purchased separately. They are $10 and available exclusively through the Civic Center Box Office.

Tickets for the show and for the additional events can be purchased via the Des Moines Civic Center’s website and are available through their box office. Don’t be late (pun intended) for this very important date!