Dining Well in DSM by Wini Moranville | Substack

How to Do Purveyor

Treat it like the European-style wine bar that it is: order some off-the-beaten-path wines and great tapas (and avoid a couple duds), and you can have a…

Sep 24 • Wini Moranville

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Reviews

How to Do Purveyor

Treat it like the European-style wine bar that it is: order some off-the-beaten-path wines and great tapas (and avoid a couple duds), and you can have a…

Sep 24 • Wini Moranville

My New Favorite Way to Spend $17 on Local Dining

Plus news of note on the dining and nearby travel scene.

Sep 18 • Wini Moranville

Is It Time to Go Back to Harbinger?

This much-praised restaurant is a top spot for the tasting-menu set. But two previous visits left me underwhelmed. How did the most recent foray go? You…

Aug 11 • Wini Moranville

I Spent $600 on Fish at 801, Ruth's Chris, and Fleming's. Did Any Actually Nail It?

Of course they can all do a great steak. But if your dining pal wants fish and you want a steak (or vice versa), which spot should you choose? You know…

Jul 28 • Wini Moranville

This Is the Restaurant Patio to Beat

Visit The Ciderhouse Restaurant in the coming months, while the setting is at its bucolic best. (And it's just a short drive from DSM.)

Jul 21 • Wini Moranville

OG: Jesse's Embers

Jesse's Embers has changed ownership only three times since opening in 1963. So, how's it doing since the newest owner took over this past spring? You…

Jul 14 • Wini Moranville

New Restaurants

Surprise! It’s Open.

Bill the Informant gives us a sneak peek of Tous Les Jours, which opened yesterday.

Jul 5 • Wini Moranville

A New Restaurant I Should Wait to Tell You About—But Can't

I usually give a new place six weeks before reporting on a visit...but for paid subscribers, I'm giving you a first peek.

Jun 30 • Wini Moranville

Two Dinners—One Worth Repeating

Plus, The Good Butcher Takes Over the Biergarten on Saturday.

Jun 27 • Wini Moranville

A New Des Moines Restaurant Worth Any Food ❤️’s Attention

Mongolian Beef! Banh Mi! Vermicelli Salad! And oh yes, the Pho.

May 27 • Wini Moranville

My one-word review of Istanbul Grill: Go. Read on for the deets.

(And if there's a better $25 appetizer in DSM, I want to hear about it.)

Apr 21

Review of Tom Archer's Poor Man's Country Club

They've nailed the atmosphere. The rest needs work.

Apr 17 • Wini Moranville

Jeff Bruning Dishes on Fong's + An Early Look at the New Space and New Menu Items

How Full Court Press is keepin' it Fong's—in spite of the bold move.

Mar 25 • Wini Moranville

Quite Possibly the Best $21 You'll Spend at a Restaurant in Des Moines. And It Feeds Two.

Take my "Green Olive" challenge.

Jan 14 • Wini Moranville

Food Finds

Waukee This Way! Five Food-Focused Reasons to Head Way Out West.

These food artisans make it worth the gas money.

Sep 11 • Wini Moranville

“What Is Wrong with the Chicken in This Country?”

Why do restaurants serve such boring chicken? And where can you get chicken that actually has some flavor? You know I’ll tell you, right?

Aug 25 • Wini Moranville

A Slew of Cool Things on the DSM Food & Dining Scene

Before the door slams shut on summer, here are some great things to enjoy right now.

Aug 18 • Wini Moranville

Quick Bites on the Des Moines Dining Scene

Including my recent visit to the city's most non-frenzied farmers' market.

Jun 2 • Wini Moranville

Oh, That Cake! Plus More Des Moines Food News

This week: sweet stuff, 65 farms to visit this summer, and more news of note.

May 19 • Wini Moranville

I Rolled the Dice on a New Caterer. Here’s What Happened.

I hired a young duo—whose food I'd never even tasted—as private chefs for a party. Talk about going out on a limb!

May 14 • Wini Moranville

33:00

Netflix Baking Contestant Eileen Gannon Tells It Like It Was

No wonder she lost seven pounds! Yikes. Eileen takes us behind the scenes. She also tells us how to bring spectacular desserts to our own tables. Stay…

May 8 • Wini Moranville

This State Fair Cooking Legend Competed on a Netflix Reality Baking Show. I've Got Questions!

I bet you do, too. Let's talk to Eileen Gannon tomorrow. Live!

May 6 • Wini Moranville

Nearby Travel

Is Sioux Falls Worth a Trip from DSM?

With two James Beard-nominated venues, a beautiful downtown, and captivating waterfalls—there's plenty to enjoy here. Is it worth a stand-alone trip…

Sep 5 • Wini Moranville

Is This Paris? No, It's Omaha.

Yes, I exaggerate, but great pleasures await in this utterly transformed city—perfect for an autumn getaway. While you're at it, take in the Loess Hills…

Sep 3 • Wini Moranville

One of the Best Day Trips from DSM. And It's Only 40 Minutes Away

Have you been to Winterset lately? Honestly, I can't think of a better day trip this close to DSM. And yes, I'll tell you where to eat. Here's a great…

Aug 4 • Wini Moranville

I Tried Iowa's Only Restaurant to Receive a James Beard “Best Chef” Nomination This Year. Here’s What I Thought.

Did it measure up? I’ll tell you.

Jun 9 • Wini Moranville

Could this be Iowa's most genuine getaway? It may have my vote!

Have you been to Keosauqua’s Hotel Manning lately? This 1899 riverfront inn has been restored, but with its rugged charm intact. Step into its history…

Apr 28 • Wini Moranville

Index of All Restaurant Reviews, Food Finds, and Travel Stories

This index makes it easy to find something (or somewhere) to eat right now.

Feb 26 • Wini Moranville

Fine Dining That Feels Just Right

Three highly acclaimed Midwestern chefs tell me about their commitment to approachable, less-complicated cuisine that's nevertheless quite refined…

Jan 6 • Wini Moranville

K.C. Restaurants Worth Building a Trip Around + What to Do When You Go (Besides Eat)

One destination restaurant + three enduring favorites. And the best $10 you can spend in this great Western city.

Nov 25, 2024 • Wini Moranville