What’s the most popular item at Noah’s Ark? The restaurant prides itself on being “The Pizza King” since 1946, but not everyone who comes in orders a pizza. Everyone does get a love knot.
Before you order anything at the Ingersoll mainstay, you are presented with water and a love knot roll. The baked goods have been served at Noah’s for the last six years, but they date back to the ’80s at restaurants owned by the Lacona family in Omaha.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re getting a sandwich or a steak, they’re getting a love knot,” said Jim Lacona, owner and manager of Noah’s Ark.
The Lacona family was looking to do something different than the basket of bread that has become customary at Italian restaurants. Instead of bread and oil, each guest gets one knot, served with garlic butter. The bread is made fresh daily.
The knots are made from scratch each morning. Segments of dough are cut, then sent through a baker’s sheeting machine. They come out looking like short pieces of rope, which are then tied into knots and baked.
“It’s a little labor-intensive, but I think it’s a nice touch,” Lacona said.
Love knots have become a signature of Noah’s Ark, getting raves from diners.
They’re free to guests, but if you need some for a dinner at home or a party, you can purchase a dozen. They come fully baked, and Lacona suggests reheating them at home.
Noah’s Ark love knots
Find them: Noah’s Ark, 2400 Ingersoll Ave.
Cost: Free with lunch or dinner, $4.25 for a dozen
Info: noahsarkdesmoines.com
