Datebook Diner: Django ambience great; food falls short

IowaDoc - December 2, 2010 at 3:11 PM

I think that the Datebook Diner totally missed the mark on this one. Honestly: giving Django the same ranking as El Rey Burrito's? You have got to be kidding me! You just cannot be serious that these two restaurants are equal. I have never had a bad meal at Django and I eat there often. They might not have all the fancy emulsions that Baru 66 can whip up. Or have the edgy ethnic food vibe that via 'culinary affirmative action' immediately adds 1 or 2 stars to your rating, whether deserved or not (see Saraj and Pad Thai reviews). It is obvious that the Datebook Diner sooo badly wants Des Moines to be like Manhattan, news flash: this is Des Moines, Iowa. The Datebook Diner also failed to mention two highpoints of the restaurant: 1. the excellent dessert menu which changes almost every time I am there. 2. the 'no corkage fee ever' policy.

sarcasticmeow - December 2, 2010 at 9:27 AM

Totally agree. They really need to work on their food.

happygal - November 25, 2010 at 9:43 AM

I think 3 stars was QUITE generous...for the food.

Server10 - November 20, 2010 at 8:43 PM

I generally take the datebook diner with a grain of salt, but this time I must speak up. Any restaurant's food in this town can be hit or miss. I often wonder about the diners' capability to accurately review a restaurant. When reviewing a restaurant, most that work in the industry can identify who she is, and based upon that she receives preferential treatment to ensure the best possible review from her. I'm not exactly sure that she should be reviewing anymore since she seems to have her "favorite" restaurants, and if they don't match her perception of what she thinks the food should taste like, she will indeed massacre them in her biased review. In larger cities, food critics are difficult to spot so that they can make an unbiased opinion of the place. Servers should treat everyone with the same level of service no matter who they are. Perhaps the Register should consider pursuing a new Datebook Diner, with fresh eyes.

TommyBadger - November 20, 2010 at 2:20 PM

I agree 100 percent with the DD. Service is always amazing, but the food tastes like it goes through a de-flavorizer between the kitchen and the dining room.

nevesis - November 18, 2010 at 9:17 PM

I'm with DD. It's a great place but the food isn't entirely consistent.

eaterindm - November 18, 2010 at 5:32 PM

I eat at Django once a week and have NEVER, NEVER had a meal that I considered mediocre. It is one of my favorite restaurants and I like it so much that I send people there all the time. It doesn't pretend to be snooty -- just great food, service and a very good value. I don't understand this review at all. My review would be 4 stars -- all the time.

girasol9476 - November 18, 2010 at 3:56 PM

I usually agree with the Datebook Diner but not this time- I love Django - it is one of my favorite spots for lunch, dinner, a quick bite to eat or just a lovely drink at the bar. I have tried a variety of items from the menu and I have never had a bad or even mediocre meal. There was one instance that the beef medallions were overcooked but they were quickly replaced without any issue. The service is definitely a highlight of Django but the food is wonderful as well!

IAEats - November 18, 2010 at 9:17 AM

As a young person in the state, I wish we had more places like Django. This is exactly the type of business that challenges visitors to our state to reconsider their perceptions of what Iowa is. I feel as though this review is grasping at straws and seeking to poke holes in what has become a great Des Moines staple. Criticizing Oysters Rockefeller is the culinary equivalent of laughing at a child for using training wheels. Having dined there frequently I don't find merit in these criticisms - there are a host of more refined dishes that were not mentioned.