Check out what the Datebook Diners chose to represent the best restuarants and dishes of 2008. Speak your mind in the comments section, or write a review of your own on Metromix, by clicking on a venue. (The link to review is directly under the star rating.)
Best New Restaurant — W. E. Moranville: Le Jardin offers French cuisine for dinner at a location that doubles as a bakery during the day. Chef Tag Grandgeorge prepares omelets, entrees like duck breast and hanger steak, sides like polenta fries and desserts. He makes everything from scratch, including pates and jams. Available for...
Proof
Best New Restaurant — D.V. Wagman: Proof is a new restaurant in the former home of Beggar's Banquet. The name references the baking term, referring to rising dough. "And it's a neat industrial word," said Carly Groben, owner, who teamed up with executive chef Chris Place to open the new eatery on Sept. 22, 2008. The restaurant will...
Centro
Best Tried and True Restaurant — W. E. Moranville: Centro's street level windows confirm that this downtown hot spot is a place to see and be seen. Enjoy a cocktail with one of Centro's signature coal-fired pizzas in the bar or on the European-style sidewalk cafe. Restauranteur George Formaro brings his love of pizza making to the menu and...
Bistro Montage
Best Tried and True Restaurant — D.V. Wagman: Bistro Montage is a fine-dining restaurant at the corner of an eclectic collection of shops along Ingersoll Avenue. Cozy and intimate, with a real romantic atmosphere. White tablecloths and an extensive wine menu. This is five-star cuisine, served by Enosh Kelly, a chef who is passionate about...
Django, Hotel Fort Des Moines
Most Head-Turning Restaurant — W. E. Moranville & D.V. Wagman: Django, pronounced like Jango - the publicity slogan is "Just say Jango" - serves many classic French dishes such as cassoulet, steak frites, or steak and fries, and bouillabaisse. General manager Josh Holderness said the centerpiece of the restaurant is a large bar where patrons can order fresh...
Best Cheap Eatery — W. E. Moranville: Thai Flavors marks the best Thai food in Ankeny. It's a cozy restaurant with friendly service.
George the Chili King
Best Cheap Eatery — D.V. Wagman: George the Chili King has been a Des Moines classic since 1952. This 1950s-style diner is one of the few places left with old-fashioned carhop service. They're famous for their chili – which keeps people coming back from all over the country and even overseas – and for their jumbo tenderloins....
Best Weeknight for Two Under $100 — W. E. Moranville: Flying Mango has two warm and inviting rooms, one with exposed kitchen. The warm walls are punctuated with unique southern scenes by Mississippi artist H.C. Porter. Blues and roots music play in the background of guests' lively conversations. It's a comfortable, fun place. Occasionally, they have...
Best Weeknight for Two Under $100 — D.V. Wagman: Marino's Italian Restaurant on Des Moines' west side offers a menu full of red-sauce, Southern Italian dishes. Expect a casual atmosphere that includes free corkage and red checked table clothes at this neighborhood gem.
What do you think are the best local restuarants this year? Talk it out!
What other people are saying...
Aardvark from Merle Hay - December 19, 2008 at 3:04 PM
George the Chili king.. shows your reviewer was driving by and needed a name to get by.. Too bad they didn't stop at J. Benjamins just down Mer...
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Report This Commentbriannesanchez from Sherman Hill - December 19, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I really need to stop in there. I've heard a lot of great things!
Report This Commentjjaarr from southside - December 18, 2008 at 9:24 PM
best deli has to be B&B Grocery's KILLER DELI they have the best sandwiches in town
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