“Nothing Compares” to the Iowa State Fair

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

The Iowa State Fair has drawn in hundreds of thousands of visitors year after year and is the single largest annual event in Iowa. The Iowa State Fair has been named the #2 choice for summer fun in America (in 2004 by USA Weekend) and made it into the New York Times best-selling travel book “1000 Places to See Before You Die,” which comes by no surprise to most native Iowans.

The 2011 Iowa State Fair will be held from August 11 – 21 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds located at East 30^th and East University Avenue in Des Moines. I have attended the Fair for the past 20 + years, and there are a few things that I look forward to each year at the Fair:

Free entertainment: This year the Iowa State Fair has more than $400,000 worth of FREE entertainment, which includes: The Nadas, Tonic Sol-fa, The Band Perry and even the Ying Yang Twins (I didn’t know that they still existed!).
Food on-a-stick: While you might only have the stomach (and budget) to try a few of the items on-a-stick at the Iowa State Fair the new one’s you’ll see this year are: Chocolate Covered Fried Ice Cream on a Stick, Peanut Butter and Jelly on a Stick, Fried Cheesecake on a Stick and the most artery clogging of them all – Fried Butter on a Stick (is it conscience that it’s the 100^th Anniversary of the Butter Cow?). Foodie side note: Keep in mind that there are a few healthy options at the Fair as well as a few options under $2.00 each!
Contests: Each year the Iowa State Fair hosts dozens of unique contests, which are open to the public. A few of my personal favorites include: the Mullet Contest, the Twin Contest (I know a set of twins that have won), the Yo-Yo Contest, the Beard Growing Contest, the Ladies’ Husband Calling Contest and the Mr. Legs Contest. Make sure you check out the contest schedules for the day(s) that you attend the Fair so you can see some of these contests in action!
Animals: While I’ve lived in the city for my entire life, there’s something strangely intriguing about going through all of the animals barns and looking at the prize-winning animals. And of course, it’s always mind-blowing to look at the “Big Boar” and other large animals. Tip: be mindful of where you step!

The Iowa State Fair offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Recently, I discovered a great resource on their website called “Plan Your Itinerary.” This resource helps you plan your day(s) at the Iowa State Fair, since there are soo many things to do and see. It’s simple, just visit the Daily Program to plan and organize your very own, personalized Fair itinerary. This feature is perfect for overly planned people like me or for people who want to make the most out of their fair experience!

Honestly…where else can you see a Mullet Contest, Outhouse Races, the Budweiser Clydesdale’s and eat more than 50 different foods on a stick? You’d be hard-pressed to find another venue that offers agriculture, food, entertainment, art and soo much more, all in one place! Make sure you visit the 2011 Iowa State Fair because truly, “Nothing Compares.”

Devour Des Moines: Tri to eat it all

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

What would happen if you mixed a competitive eating contest with a triathlon? For some it may seem crazy, and for others it may be a reality. On Saturday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. Devour Des Moines, a mix between an eating contest and a traditional triathlon, will put Des Moines finest competitors to the test.

After watching far too many episodes of Man vs. Food, Mike Banasiak, Devour Des Moines’ event organizer, decided that it was time to bring a local competitive eating/triathlon event to Des Moines.

“Devour Des Moines has been an idea of mine for years and I finally have the opportunity to bring it to life,” said Banasiak. “It is a unique event that DSM has never seen before. Through the eating and triathlon team relay, participants will be supporting local restaurants while promoting an active lifestyle. Plus, it is always satisfying to see a great organization like Buy Fresh, Buy Local benefit from the proceeds.”

Each team, which consists of four members, will compete in a relay format race in downtown Des Moines. Each team member will perform an individual leg of the race, and the team will come together to finish the final leg of the competition.

Here’s the twist: each leg of the race will consist of one eating and one athletic event. Whether it’s eating a breakfast burrito at Mullets and running 1.5 miles or eating an order of bacon wrapped tater tots from High Life Lounge and then biking 5 miles, these competitors will have to prove that they’ve got the athletic talent and stomach to handle the inaugural Devour Des Moines event.

Devour Des Moines is being planned with the support of the Young Professionals Connection, as well as many other local restaurants and businesses. Only 30 teams will be allowed to compete and registration is open until tomorrow (July 29, 2011). If competing in the food-friendly triathlon is not your dish, make sure you come out to see the event in action!

“It will be a fun challenge while raising money for a great cause,” said Banasiak. “Come watch the competitors and join the after party at El Bait Shop to support the event, to entertain yourself, and to just have a good time!”

Local jazz artists say “good-bye” to Des Moines with farewell concert series

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

The dark, sultry voice of Roxi Copland and the Michael Buble-esk sounds of Max Wellman have come together for a final farewell series at one of Des Moines’ most intimate theaters, The Temple Theater. The “Max and Roxi: Live at the Temple” series kicked off last weekend with shows on both Friday and Saturday nights and will conclude this weekend with a series of shows on Friday (8:00 p.m.), Saturday (8:00 p.m.) and Sunday (7:00 p.m.).

“Audiences can expect new arrangements of a variety of songs ranging from standards to today’s music, as well as a number of my own tunes,” said local musician, Roxi Copland. “Max & I will be backed by a stellar 7-piece band comprised of the some of the best musicians in Iowa.”

I attend the first show of the series last Friday night and I was blown away by the luxuriously smooth sounds that Max and Roxi brought to the Temple Theater’s stage. The 7-piece band was backlit by rich blue and red lights and the jazz sounds filled the room with holistic and soulful beats. Audience members bobbed their heads to the beat, laughed along with Max and Roxi’s antics and even gave a standing ovation at the end of the night.

The show showcased each vocalist and it was obvious to the audience that both performers have a true passion for jazz music and performing for a live audience. Max and Roxi laughed back and forth sharing stories and memories (Roxi used to be Max’s piano teacher), they blended harmoniously (it gave me goose bumps), and they were quick to tout the extreme talent of their supporting band members.

Sadly, Max and Roxi’s show is labeled a “farewell series” for a reason. Shortly after this concert series, Roxi will head to Vancouver and Max will leave for Atlanta – both to further pursue their music careers and dreams. Max recently wrote on his blog:

“To my people in Des Moines, don’t fret! Things will definitely be different in the future, but I will drop in from time to time. However, this is probably the end of my active performing schedule in Des Moines for the foreseeable future. It has been a wonderful ride… I can’t thank you all enough for the support that you have thrown my way.”

Roxi plans on leaving Des Moines the week after the Temple Shows and in true Roxi fashion, she already has a full schedule ahead of herself. She plans to tour the West Coast this fall, to record a full-length acoustic album, and to get ready for a national tour the following spring.

“A number of factors contributed to the decision – I want to spend some time touring the West Coast and it’ll be nice to be closer to family (I grew up near Seattle),” said Copland. “Vancouver has an incredibly vibrant music scene and it seems like a great place to expand into international territory.”

With all of this being said, one thing is very obvious. This is the last time that audience members will see both Max and Roxi on stage together for a while, and the last time they’ll be able to experience these phenomenal musicians in the heart of downtown Des Moines, where they’ve grown and played for the past few years.

Max and Roxi: Live at the Temple is a show you don’t want to miss or you’ll be sorry that you did. Tickets can be purchased online at CivicCenter.org, at all Ticketmaster locations, at the Civic Center Ticket office (open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by calling (800) 745-3000.

3rd Annual Wing Ding: “A cluckin’ good time”

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

Wings have been a finger-friendly bar food and a staple Super Bowl party snack since the first plate of wings was served in 1964 in Buffalo, New York. This weekend wings are invading Des Moines as a part of the 3rd Annual Wing Ding on Saturday, July 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Jethro’s BBQ near Drake University.

Wing Ding, truly a wing lovers fantasy, will offer fresh wings from local restaurants, frosty adult beverages, live local music, a wing eating contest and other prize giveaways. All proceeds from the 2011 Wing Ding will help VSA Iowa, the state organization on arts and disability, provide arts experiences in drama, dance, music, visual arts and creative writing to more than 30,000 Iowa children and adults with disabilities this year.

Eleven Central Iowa restaurants, such as: Court Ave. Brewing Co., El Bait Shop, Daytona’s, Gerri’s Bar and Grill, and Jethro’s BBQ, among other great establishments, are coming together for Wing Ding to celebrate all things wing. It’s safe to say you won’t find another experience that will allow you to sample wings from this many restaurants at one event!

Admission to the event is $15 in advance (online via Tikly or at Hy-Vee Stores) and $20 at the door. Admission includes a pound of wings, a drink ticket, and live entertainment, plus you’ll feel good knowing that you’re helping out a worthy cause.

Don a shirt you don’t mind spilling a little BBQ on and head to Wing Ding for a “cluckin’ good time.”

FREE WINGS AND BEER – What could be better?

VSA Iowa is partnering with The Dish on Des Moines to giveaway a pair of tickets to Wing Ding. Visit The Dish on Des Moines’ Facebook page between 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 22. Correctly answer the wing-themed trivia question by commenting on the status by 3:00 p.m. All correct answers will be entered into the drawing for two free tickets! The winner will be announced on Facebook around 4:00 p.m. and the tickets will be at will call the day of the event.

Taste of Thai spices up the East Village

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

A pile of green peppers, slices of onion, sweet chunks of pineapple, fresh broccoli, coined carrot slices, tender chicken, and crunchy cashews. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is.

Even with the heat wave that we’ve had in Des Moines lately, I can’t get my mind off of a steaming plate of “Honey Cashew Chicken” from Taste of Thai located at 215 E. Walnut Street in the East Village.

Taste of Thai, the space that once housed Taste of Thailand for 23 years, and Ban Thai (which closed in 2010), has given new life to the Thai scene in the East Village. When Taste of Thai took over the space, they revamped the interior of the restaurant to create a cozy ambiance, which includes the sound of flowing water, vibrant red walls, white table coverings and comfortable booth seating.

The food, which includes a variety of curries, noodle dishes, stir-fries and more, comes out within minutes, piping hot. I’ve tried a number of the dishes at Taste of Thai, including a few appetizers, and I’ve never had a meal that I haven’t enjoyed. My favorite is the Honey Cashew Chicken, which is the perfect marriage of fresh vegetables and chicken with the added sweetness of pineapple. With all Thai restaurants, you’ll let your server know how hot you’d like the dish. While I prefer no heat at all, a few of my friends have tried Taste of Thai’s hottest option and have left with clear sinuses.

Meal prices differ depending on when you visit, but they are comparable to other Thai restaurants in the area (from $8-$12 on average). If you’re looking for a super cheap lunch option, you might not find it here, but you will get quality food and you’ll be in and out with time to spare over the lunch hour. The lunch portion is sized down appropriately for the cost, and the dinner portion is larger. (I typically have enough left over for lunch the next day!)

When I go out to eat I tend to ask a lot of questions about the restaurant itself and about the menu items. The waiters and waitresses that I’ve had at Taste of Thai have been informative and helpful. They are quick to refill beverages and remove empty plates.

Bottom line: Don’t be scared by the bright yellow and red exterior of Taste of Thai. The restaurant dishes up some of the best Thai food that I’ve had in Des Moines! You can try it for yourself Mondays through Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lunch and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dinner.

Dam to Dam takes Des Moines: Race #2

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

It was nearly 85 degrees, we started 20 minutes late and I was surrounded by thousands of other nervous runners, but running the Dam to Dam 5K was an experience that I’ll never forget. Dam to Dam is the largest 20 kilometer race in the nation and the largest 5 kilometer race in Iowa, and it was held this past Saturday, June 4 in Des Moines.

With nearly 12,000 runners, 10,000 spectators, 260 portable toilets, 6,000 gallons of water, 1,000 gallons of beer, 10 bands, and 140 school buses, Dam to Dam is a race that represents the solid running community in Des Moines and in Iowa.

As one of the 5K runners I ran in the streets of downtown Des Moines, through the East Village, by the Botanical Center, alongside the river and back towards Nolan Plaza. The race route was a Des Moines-lovers dream, and the community I became a part of by running Dam to Dam was an experience in itself.

Sometimes it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about finishing something that you’ve set out to do. And with Dam to Dam, it was exactly that for me. Dam to Dam helped me inch closer toward my 2011 New Year’s goal of running five 5K’s in 2011, as it was the second local race that I have run. After 3.1 miles in the 80-some degree weather, I was happy to cross the finish line as a participant in this classic Des Moines race.

What goals have you set out to accomplish this year?

(A special thanks to Danny Rothschild for supplying the photos in this post.)

Two Des Moines sandwiches battle to become ESPN’s “Greatest Sports Sandwich in America”

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

Two Des Moines sandwiches – Jethro’s BBQ’s “The Adam Emmenecker Challenge” and Manhattan Deli’s “Zach Johnson – No. 3 Hoagie” – have been nominated to compete as the “Greatest Sports Sandwich in America” via ESPN’s Fanwich contest. Both colossal sandwiches are a part of ESPN’s nationwide Facebook contest, whose mission is to find the best sports-inspired sandwich named after an American sports legend.

The sandwiches are the creations of two local eateries, Jethro’s BBQ and the Manhattan Deli, and both are unique in their ingredients and in their sports inspirations.

1) “The Adam Emmenecker Challenge” includes five pounds of sandwich and fries, which consists of: a huge pork tenderloin, Angus steak burger, slabs of Texas brisket, applewood bacon, fried cheese, buffalo chicken tenders, melted cheddar cheese, white cheddar sauce and a spicy pickle. (Not even Adam Richman of “Man v. Food” could take down the sandwich in the allotted 15 minutes.)

The sandwich is named after Adam Emmenecker, a Drake University basketball legend from 2004 – 2008 who was named the Larry Bird MVC Player of the Year and MVP of the 2008 MVC Tournament.

2) The “Zach Johnson – No. 3 Hoagie” is a fresh deli hoagie sandwich packed with ham, hard salami, pepperoni, provolone, hot pepper cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo and oil dressing.

The legend behind the sandwich - Zach Johnson, a former Drake University golfer who became the 2007 Masters Golf Tournament winner. (He beat out Tiger Woods to win his green jacket.)

Currently, “The Adam Emmenecker Challenge” has 1892 votes and is ranked number one and the “Zach Johnson – No. 3 Hoagie” has 814 votes and is ranked number three.

Whether you’re a golf fan or a basketball fan (or just a fan of Des Moines like me!), vote for these two sandwiches to show your support of the delectable, local fare in Des Moines! Cast your vote before June 6 by visiting the ESPN Fanwich page.

Dwollapalooza held thanks to Zaarly connections

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

Two great things about Des Moines, the startup community and the local music scene, collided last night at Dwolla headquarters thanks to Tikly, Dwolla, Zaarly and Jason Walsmith of The Nadas.

A listing was put up on Zaarly, a website that helps you buy and sell things from the people around you, by Jason Walsmith of The Nadas offering live entertainment. Dwolla, a Des Moines-based startup company, decided to jump at the chance of a personal concert with Jason Walsmith. After a blog post by Dwolla, a few pushes on Twitter and Facebook, and only a few hours, Dwollapalooza was born. Dwollapalooza was held yesterday from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Dwolla’s office in downtown Des Moines.

“I think Zaarly offers a very interesting way to make connections between artists and people who love music,” said Emma Peterson, communications director at Authentic Records. ”What I’m excited about is the ability to add a gig at a non-traditional show time. Or, let’s say you want to have a party on Friday and would love to have some talent present. Zaarly some live music, you never know who may have a few hours free and would be happy to play your living room. The potential for Zaarly and the music scene blows my mind.”

At Dwollapalooza Walsmith performed for an audience of 20 + people for around 45 minutes. The concert was soo personal that Walsmith interacted with the crowd, took song requests and even joked that it was his first time playing in the Midland Building, his first time playing surrounded by Dwolla’s idea-filled white boards and one of the most intimate performances that he’s ever given.

“I thought Zaarly sounded cool, and seemed like another way to connect with fans in a surprising and barrier-breaking way,” said Walsmith. ”My favorite part about Dwollapalooza was the spontaneity of the whole thing. With a few key strokes we booked a gig and created a buzz that rippled through our social media circle of friends and beyond exponentially.”

With the power of social media, the talent of a great local musician, the willingness of Dwolla to provide the show and the concept of Zaarly, Dwollapalooza was a success.

Related posts:

Check out the coverage of Dwollapalooza from Silicon Prairie News: “Using Zaarly, an impromptu Dwollapalooza is held.”
See what Dwolla said about Dwollapalooza: “#Dwollapalooza” via Dwolla’s blog.

Vote for Des Moines Social Club’s $50K idea via Pepsi Refresh

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

Des Moines Social Club (DMSC), a non-profit organization that “uses arts as a catalyst to create unprecedented community engagement,” has been selected as a part of the Pepsi Refresh Project.

The Pepsi Refresh Project’s goal is to award $20 million in grants to support local businesses, non-profit organizations and even individuals who have ideas that are creating a positive impact on the world. These organizations submit their community-changing ideas, and Pepsi chooses a select few that are voted upon. The projects with the most votes at the end of the voting period wins. Each month, up to $1.125 million in grants can be awarded, and the Des Moines Social Club is in the running to receive $50,000 of the grant money.

What would the $50,000 grant support?
The $50,000 would support the organization’s weekly programming (which fosters the art, culture and theater scenes in Des Moines) and the necessary funding to create a permanent residence for the Club.

How does the Des Moines Social Club win the $50,000?
By getting a large number of votes during the month of May. Here’s how to vote:

Log on to the Pepsi Refresh website.
Create an account (they’ll ask for your name, e-mail, and birth date) or login using your Facebook account.
Vote! During the month of May you can vote once per day for the DMSC.
Bonus points: Vote and share your experience on your social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, ect.!

It’s that simple!

So, why should I vote for the Des Moines Social Club?
“We do a lot,” said Jessica Miller Director of Marketing for the Des Moines Social Club. “Where else can you watch a play, drink a beer, buy local art, compete in trivia, perform, play ping pong, see a live talk show, take a class, laugh at improv, hear a concert, and network — all under one roof? We are not a real club. Everyone is welcome. We definitely filled a void in the community. We gave people a space and it organically became a success.”

A vote for the Des Moines Social Club is a vote for Des Moines. To Miller, it’s a no-brainer why someone should vote.

“Number one, it’s easy. Number two, none of your pocket is required and number three, every vote matters.”

Have you voted to refresh Des Moines yet?

Nitefall on the River hits the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Emily Beckmann

From singing mummies to a past American Idol contestant, the 2011 Nitefall on the River series has music for just about everyone. From the beginning of May until the end of July a wide range of different acts will perform as a part of Nitefall on the River, a yearly concert series at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater. Nitefall on the River provides concertgoers a relaxing evening along the river, a beautiful backdrop of the Des Moines skyline and an array of talented musicians.

After going to a few different Nitefall on the River concerts last year, I’ve learned a few things about attending the shows. Here are my tips for maximizing your concert experience:

Before getting to the show, check out the musical acts website, download a few of their songs and get to know the band – you’ll feel more connected and you might even find yourself humming along to the beats or requesting your favorite song.
While there aren’t many “bad spots” at the Amphitheater, I’d go early and stake your claim on a nice spot. Whether you’re rocking a lawn chair or a blanket, you’ll want to have your options open.
It can get pretty hot at the concerts before the sun goes down and a little chilly after the sun sets, so make sure that you wear layers and pack a sweatshirt, just in case. Bonus tip: If you’re going to enjoy an ice-cold beverage at the show pack a koozie too!
Food and beverages are available at the show. Food options include: BBQ, Hot Dogs, Gyros/Pita from $3 – $6 each and beverages include: Fat Tire, Skinny Dip, Ranger, Coors Light, Mikes Hard Lemonade ($5 each) and water, Pepsi products for $2 each. Cash and major credit cards can be used to buy concert tickets at the door and drink tickets, but you’ll have to bring cash to purchase food.
Even though children 10 and under are free with a paid adult, that doesn’t mean that you should invite all of the children you know. Last year I (unfortunately) sat next to a clan of small children – it didn’t seem like a good time for either the parents or the children.
To save some time and a few bucks order your tickets in advance by visiting Midwestix.com or by calling (515) 244-2771. If you want to wait until the day of the show you can still purchase tickets at the door with cash or credit card.
If it happens to rain the day of the show, don’t worry because there are two different rain locations available – People’s Court and the Val Air Ballroom. Check the Des Moines Register’s website and the Nitefall on the River Facebook page for these updates.
Make sure you follow @nitefalldsm on Twitter and like Nitefall on the River on Facebook to get the most up-to-date information and the inside scoop on free ticket giveaways.

Take advantage of the nice weather, bring a lawn chair, blankets, bug spray, sunglasses, some cash and enjoy the 2011 Nitefall on the River concert line-up: