Free food, wine and live music to kick off Civic Music Association’s 2011-2012 season

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Civic Music Association will kick off their 87th season with a bash at Jasper Winery on September 7, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The free happy hour-style event will feature live music by the Belin Quartet and the Ian Copland Trio, food from Proof and wine/beer from Jasper Winery.

Guests will be able to preview the Civic Music Association’s upcoming season, network, learn more about the Civic Music Association and participate in a raffle, which will include the opportunity to eat at La Mie with season artist, Karrin Allyson, two season subscriptions to Civic Music Association and gifts from Jasper Winery.

After the season is “kicked off” at Jasper Winery, the 2011-2012 concert series will begin with a jazzy season opener on September 23 featuring the Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans.

“In addition to the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, our season will feature the world-renowned Emerson String Quartet, the Oasis Quartet, Jazz Singer Karrin Allyson, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Latin Jazz wonder, Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band,” said Carrie Clogg, Executive Director with the Civic Music Association.

Belin Quartet.

Since its inception in 1925, the Civic Music Association has been an asset to the arts and culture scene in Des Moines. The Civic Music Association is not only building awareness, understanding and respect for classical, world and jazz artistry, but they’re bringing world-class musical experiences to Des Moines.

“We have a fabulous concert going experience,” said Clogg. “All of our concerts are held in the intimate atmosphere of Drake University‘s Sheslow Auditorium guaranteeing each patron an up close and personal view of the concert.  In addition, we offer complimentary coffee from Zanzibar’s at intermission and many of our concerts have “Meet the Artist” receptions after the concert with complimentary food, wine and music!”

If you’d like to get more involved with the Civic Music Association, check out their new website, purchase tickets to their upcoming season, attend the “Kick-Off Party,” like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Flapjack 5K/10K: Exercise, eat pancakes and support a local cause

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Let’s face it – summer is a busy time for most people, and my schedule has been no exception. Since my last post about my goal to run five 5K’s in 2011, I’ve run race number three, the Amanda the Panda Popsicle 5K, and race number four, the Ankeny Family YMCA 5K/10K Race.

For my fifth and final race (I can’t believe I’m this close to accomplishing my goal), I’m running the Flapjack 5K/10K race benefiting Children’s Cancer Connection, a local non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for Iowa children and families who are affected by childhood cancer. I have personally seen the respite and comfort this organization provides local families and I wanted to find a way to give back – so I’ve decided to create a team for the event!

The “Flapjack 5K/10K” will be the last race that I run and I want you to join my team – “Breakfast in Bed” – to be a part of the day and to support a great, local non-profit! The “Flapjack 5K/10K” will be held on Sunday, September 11 at 9:00 a.m. at Water Works Park in Des Moines. Following the race there will be race typical race food as well as a community pancake breakfast!

Let’s make a difference together:

  1. Register for the “Flapjack 5K/10K” – make sure you put that you’re on team “Breakfast in Bed” under team name. (If you register before September 2 – you’ll save $10.)
  2. Add a donation onto your race fee (you’ll see a field for it when you register online) – whether it’s $10, $15 or $50 – anything above and beyond the registration fee will enable you to be a part of team “Breakfast in Bed”…and let’s be serious, who doesn’t want to be a part of “Breakfast in Bed”?

I’d love to get a big group of people together to help support this race and to make a difference in the local community. Eleven people have already signed up to be part of the team, and we’re looking to add a few more. And if you’re worried that you can’t complete a 5K…believe me, if I can do it you can do it. Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to running with you!

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab attacks East Village with killer flavor combinations

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Looking for a killer place to dine in Des Moines? Zombie Burger + Drink Lab is opening today – Tuesday, August 30 – at 300 E. Grand Avenue in the East Village. The highly anticipated grand opening is sure to bring in crowds of locals who are dying to get their hands on zombie-inspired burgers topped with homemade sauces, handmade appetizers, spiked shakes and even a few vegetarian options.

Chef George Formaro, who’s behind Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, as well as many other successful restaurants in Des Moines (Centro, Django, Gateway Market and South Union Bakery), decided to take two of his interests – burgers and horror films – and create something which would allow him to have a little more fun with his food.

“We have serious restaurants,” said Formaro. “It’s time to be playful.”

The new restaurant will offer up two types of service to deathly hungry customers: quick service, for quick meals on the go, and full-service, where customers can sit down and relax while enjoying the spooky experience of Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.

Forget the fancy, plump burgers as you enter Zombie Burger, because that’s not what you’re going to find. Zombie Burger will serve up nearly 20 different kinds of “bashed” burgers with a crispy, caramelized exterior. Formaro’s secret bend of beef and the love he’s put into the burger bun recipe will make for an insanely good combination.

“I’ve worked on this new bun recipe for years and I’m in love with it,” explains Formaro. “It’s a soft, pillowy nod to the burgers of my childhood and I haven’t been this excited about something since the coal oven at Centro.”

If you like a late-night bite, don’t worry – Zombie Burger understands that most zombies are late night eaters and their hours extend into the night: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Will you survive Zombie Burger? There’s only one way to find out…

Des Moines Restaurant Week 2011: 10 days of delicious dining deals in Des Moines

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It’s not often that 36 local restaurants come together for one mouth-watering reason, but thanks to the fourth annual Des Moines Restaurant Week, that is exactly what is happening.

Pasta at Centro during the 2010 Des Moines Restaurant Week.

From August 19-28, 2011, Des Moines Restaurant Week’s participating restaurants are offering up their fabulous fare for diners at a ridiculous rate. As a part of Des Moines Restaurant Week, top chefs from across the city are creating unique, fixed-priced menus for 10 days only.  For only $25, diners can enjoy two lunches or one three-course dinner at all of the participating restaurants. Each restaurant is serving up different meal options, but all are sure to create a palette pleasing experience.

There are tons of talented chefs in Des Moines, but as a young professional I don’t always have the budget to eat at some of the restaurants that catch my eye. Des Moines Restaurant Week gives diners a cost-effective way to dine out at some of Des Moines finest restaurants and to celebrate the great tasting cuisine the city has to offer. The restaurants I’m excited to try for the first time include: Baru 66, BOS, Lucca, Mojo’s on 86th, and Zingaro.

Last year, as a part of Des Moines Restaurant Week, I had the opportunity to try a few new restaurants. Here are my tips for making the most of the your Des Moines Restaurant Week:

  • Make a 10-day game plan.The lunch options are easy on the pocket book and the dinner options are great for a date night out on the town! Planning which restaurants you want to try is important. With so many great options available, it’s impossible to try them all, so having a game plan is a must.

    Pollo con Prosciutto from Cafe di Scala.

  • Eat outside of your comfort zone. The menus and participating restaurants for the week are diverse and the pricing is great – it’s the perfect time to try something that you wouldn’t normally order.
  • Go with someone you like. …That way they will let you taste their dish as well! Two birds, one stone.
  •  Check out the different menu options before you select a restaurant. The menus for each restaurant are available online, and they’ll give you a great starting point as you’re looking for something new to try.
  • Tip well! You’re saving money on the meal, so make sure that you take care of the servers accordingly. The servers (especially in the smaller restaurants) are knowledgeable of the food they are serving; don’t be afraid to ask them questions about your meal.

Wait, there’s a prize too? Make sure you save your receipts during Des Moines Restaurant Week. Diners who submit at least four Restaurant Week receipts are eligible to win a grand-prize trip for two to California’s Sonoma Country. The getaway package includes: a three-night stay, up to $400 each for two airline tickets, tasting passes to Sonoma County wineries, and gift certificates to two restaurants, all thanks to the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For more information about Des Moines Restaurant week, which is presented by dsm Magazine, Business Record and Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, click here.

Iowa State Fair celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Butter Cow

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Butter is a cooking and baking staple, but year after year it has proven to be an important part of the Iowa State Fair. Each year, thousands of fair goers wait to get a glimpse of the well-known Butter Cow, and other sculptures, that are created from butter.

This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Butter Cow, which is something to celebrate! It’s only appropriate to share of few facts about the yearly Iowa State Fair tradition:

  • The Butter Cow first appeared at the Iowa State Fair in 1911 (hence the 100 Year Anniversary).
  • 600 pounds of low moisture, pure cream Iowa butter goes into making the Butter Cow each year – which is enough butter to butter 19,200 slices of toast!
  • Each year, much of the butter from the Butter Cow is stored, recycled and reused (to create the butter sculptures) for up to 10 years.
  • Norma “Duffy” Lyon, who was the fourth person and first women to sculpt the Butter Cow, passed away this year. Norma had sculpted the Butter Cow since 1960 and she was known throughout the city as “The Butter Cow Lady.”
  • This year Sarah Pratt, who is the current Butter Cow sculptor (and who apprenticed with Norma Lyon), led the Iowa State Fair Parade as the Parade Marshall.
  • The Butter Cow is housed in a 40-degree cooler room and measures about 5-1/2-ft high and 8-ft long when complete.

The Iowa State Fair is August 11 – 21 this year, which gives you 7 more days to stop by the Agriculture Building at the Iowa State Fair to see the Butter Cow and the other butter sculptures!

“Nothing Compares” to the Iowa State Fair

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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 30th 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 100th 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

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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

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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”

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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

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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.