Des Moines' best breakfasts

The Grove Cafe's pancake

Eat it: $3.80, The Grove Cafe, 124 Main St., Ames.
Info: (515) 232-9784

No, it’s not your birthday, though this huge, yellow cake set in front of you will make you feel like celebrating. This pancake — which looks like a yellow frisbee, just as big around and twice as thick — looks like it should have candles on it. Somehow, the creamy puddle of batter poured on the well-loved skillet has transformed itself into a warm, puffy dream.

Douse this round slab of perfection with maple syrup and dig in. The first bite will make you flip like you’re the flapjack — a bite so fluffy, so weightless, it’ll feel like you’re in flight. It almost dissolves in your mouth befor you have to chew. Your eyes will close and your head will tilt back and you’ll let out a low sigh. This is fabulous.

— Jessica Knight