Dining in Des Moines: No wonder the Dems hang out here
Des Moines is claiming more than its usual share of newspaper datelines, thanks to Iowa’s upcoming 2020 presidential caucus, said Melanie Kaplan in The Washington Post. But whether or not election politics interests you, Iowa’s “laid-back, easily navigable” capital city can be a nice place to visit. “DSM,” as locals call it, “still enjoys the charms and convenience of a small town,” and it’s home to “an emerging food and cocktail scene.” Harbinger Created by chef and co-owner Joe Tripp, a four-time James Beard Award nominee, Harbinger is the city’s “anti–meat and potatoes” destination. Tripp draws inspiration from his travels in Southeast Asia to create vegetable-focused small plates such as mushroom tempura and Hakurei turnips with local chèvre. Tripp makes his own preserves to liven up the winter menu, and his wagyu beef rib eye proves he’s no opponent of carnivores. 2724 Ingersoll Ave., (515) 244-1314 St. Kilda This two-year-old café created by an Australian expat “looks a little Brooklyn, with its industrial vibe, and tastes a little Aussie, with fresh, colorful, and creatively blended ingredients.” St. Kilda is open for breakfast, lunch, and cocktails, and its regulars are clearly “all in” on the avocado-toast craze, here goosed at times by a tomato and charred Iowa corn salsa. 300 SW 5th St., (515) 369-7854
Hello, Marjorie With its gold velvet curtains, brass clock collection, and midcenturymodern furniture, Hello, Marjorie is “designed to look like your great aunt’s house.” It’s also Des Moines’ “go-to” cocktail bar, housed in a downtown building that was once home to The Des Moines Register. 717 Locust St., (515) 369-2296