The Buzz From Readers Like You
nana1758 wrote about Waterfront Seafood Market
I wish that i could give Waterfront two scores - one for service and one for the food. The seafood at Waterfront has always been the best in Des Moines - both in the market and the restaurant. The service however is unfortunately horrible. I was once a loyal patron but will never return after the service I received from Shawn Hanke, son of Ted the owner and the main man at the seafood counter. At 11 AM this morning, I walked in and asked for 1 lb of sushi grade salmon (as I have been doing for the past 5 years) and he said that there was someone in the back cutting it up and that it would be a minute. After 15 minutes I politely asked how much longer it would be and he said "he's back there cutting it up right now - do you want to watch him do it? You can come back here and do it yourself it you think you could do it faster." You know what Mr. Hanke - if that's the way you're going to treat your customers I'd rather not support your business and hope that others read this and will rethink their patronage. I walked out and will never return. And one more thing; as I was sitting there waiting for the salmon that never came, Shawn answered a phone call, said "Hello" and quickly handed the phone off to another employee saying - "Here - I can't understand her - she's some kind of Asian." So unfortunate considering the food is so great but I just can't support a business that treat their customers that way.
MegF commented on Wednesday: Woody's Smoke Shack
My fiance and I visited Woody's and just love it. Im not sure whether I would pick Flying Mango or Woody's Smoke Shack for the next time Im craving some delcious meat!
DSMSara wrote about Azalea
My husband & I recently had dinner at Azalea for my birthday. While the restaurant has been around for awhile, neither of us had been there before, and I was in the mood to try something new. I was hugely disappointed. The service was HORRIBLE. For an "upscale" place like this, I expected a certain level of service. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've received better service while eating at Perkins at 3AM. First off, we had reservations for 7pm on a Saturday night. We arrived at 7, but weren't seated for 20 minutes. Which, under other circumstances wouldn't have been a big deal. However, the place was DEAD. There were only a handful of tables, so it was really irritating to have to wait as long as we did. Once we were seated we waited another 15 minutes and no one came to our table to greet us. Finally, my husband got up and asked the host what was going on. Only then did the HOST come and serve us water and take our drink order. I could (maybe) understand if our server was extremely busy, but again, the place was DEAD...it's not as if he had six other tables or anything. After the host brought us our wine, we waited another 15 minutes before our server FINALLY appeared to take our appetizer order. I asked a simple question about how a menu item was prepared and the server stumbled all over himself, couldn't answer my question and didn't offer to go ask the chef. I had to suggest he go ask someone. It was embarrassing. It's like the guy had never worked in a restaurant before. When the server came with our appetizers 20 minutes later, we had to remind him that we hadn't actually placed an order for our dinner yet. He took our order and then disappeared. Fortunately, the cheese & honeycomb appetizer was tasty, but it didn't make up for the rotten service we were getting. We waited another 45 minutes for him to bring our dinner out. (Again, my husband had to go ask the host where our dinner/server was!) We ate our dinner, which was OK, but definitely not anything to rave about. We finished our meal and our server brought us the check. Note: he brought the check before he cleared our plates or asked if we wanted dessert. It was very AKWARD. Needless to say, my husband & I will NEVER visit Azalea again. So, unless you're in the mood for mediocre food and AWFUL service, don't bother visiting Azalea.
MegF wrote about Burgie's Espresso Cafe
I stopped at the gas station on Airport road that is attached to this particular Burgies Cafe. I couldnt believe how nice it was inside! Despite being in a gas station atmosphere, It was a cozy and relaxing place to work on a few things over my lunch hour. I had a great sandwich and a coffee. I found out they brew the coffee themselves, and you can tell. It was so much better than expected! Dont be fooled like me and think this is a semi-decent gas station stop.
MegF wrote about Grove Cafe
Ive only ever eaten breakfast at the Grove, and that is a great experience! Its a small and cozy spot, unlike many restaurants youll find these days. It reminded me of a spot you would find hidden in a bigger city like Chicago or NYC. The owners and staff truly make you feel like your eating at home. The prices are amazing, most breakfast items around $5 or $6. Normally I would always choose eggs and hash browns over pancakes, but I was told that I had to try the pancackes here. I have to say they were so good, but huge! If your not a big pancake eater, I would recommend ordering a small portion. I was stuffed, but so happy when I left the Grove Cafe!
MegF commented on Coffee 101 at Mars Cafe
I would really like to start buying coffee beans from a local shop and grind myself. I just started drinking coffee, so the "101" class sounds really interesting.
franlinden commented on Datebook Diner: Jasmine Bowl’s food is all over the map
I had lunch at Jasmine's on Wednesday and ordered the lamb stew. I don't ordinarily eat spicey food, but this was just the right temp for me. I also ordered the crab rangoon to go, which was filled with a soft blend of cream cheese and scallions, but the tiny bits of crab were of the fake kind, I believe. I want to return to try the Thai dishes that I have heretofore avoided as the hostess told me most dishes could be ordered to the "heat' desired.
badgersdrool commented on Out to Lunch: Mandarin Grill and Sushi Bar
My visit to the Mandarin Grill did not disappoint. The food was excellent and the servers were very polite and helpful. My wife and I started out with some sushi and crab rangoons, both of which were delicious and fresh. Our entrees came out with good portion sizes and we did not leave hungry! We will definitely be back!
MegF wrote about GoodSons Martini and Panini
My mom and I went to lunch last week and actually first tried to eat at Flarahs, but went over to Good Sons when we realized it wasnt open. I ordered the ham and gruyere panini served with a brown, spicy mustard. It was really good-the mustard was perfect with the ham and cheese. I opted for the pasta salad as a side, which I had tried from a friends food previously. It was also delicious-with a creamy, mayo base. My mom ordered a salad with grilled chicken and really enjoyed it. She said the chicken was really good quality. Im definitely stopping back again to try more of the panini's off the menu.
AGRL25 wrote about La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
This restaurant is single handily the grossest restaurant in all of Des Moines IA. The food was so bad I took one bite of everything and stopped eating. I went to public school I have had my share of nasty food but nothing this bad ever! If you like food with absolutely no taste that looks like it has been sitting out ALL DAY and has the most disgusting sauce slathered all over it... eat here. The staff were sitting out on the dining-room floor chatting and laughing, which is why they got a 1 star from me as well. I didn't eat my food and neither did my daughter and they would not give us any discount, Save your money eat at Wendy's, or you will mourn the loss of your $30.00 like we are right now.
relaxin commented on Out to Lunch: Mandarin Grill and Sushi Bar
I realize this is not the "old Mandarin." What others may not be considering though is maybe it was not meant to be. I agree w/ whoever wrote the online article last week for the Register, this is the classiest and most attractively decorated Chinese restaurant in town. They obviously wanted to dress the place up a little and I think they succeeded brilliantly. My wife and I had dinner there on Saturday night and the Kung Pao Shrimp was phenomenal. The shrimp were huge and the spice was perfect. The hot tea was very tasty and the two sushi rolls we had were delicious and very appealing to the eye. I think people need to remember this is a locally owned eatery and in today's economy it takes a lot of guts for a local family to open a place like this on their own w/o huge corporate backing. Please remember this when making your dining choices!!!!! We will be back again and again. Thanks "NEW Mandarin."
MegF wrote about Zen Sushi and Noodle Bar
I finally ate at Zen! The only thing I tried was sushi, but I was glad to see there are other options for the non-sushi lover like my fiance. I always love philly rolls, so I ordered one of those along with a simple spicy tuna roll. Both were good, not the best sushi I have had, but good. The atmosphere is really welcoming and comfortable. I completely agree with someone else's comment that many Asian restaurants are not like that, so It was really nice to dine in the warm atmosphere. I would definitely go back, and look forward to trying some of the other specialty rolls.
MegF wrote about Angelo's Pizza
I visited Angelo's and actually decided to order their cheeseburger lunch special instead of the pizza. It was a bacon cheeseburger with chips and a can of pop for only $5. The burger was great, although the pizza was tempting me the whole time I was there. A few other people came in for lunch while I was eating, and everything looked really good! The staff was so friendly and genuine.
MegF commented on 5. Wig and Pen Pizza Pub
Yum, Bordenaros is so delicious! Orlando's is also fantastic, I would have liked to have seen that one on the list! Des Moines has a lot of great pizza though.
Inthewater commented on Five best pizza restaurants in Des Moines
I am thinking maybe Blowtorch works at Hilltop? Anyway, its only five pies, and it is the writers opinion. Someone is always going to feel snubbed in this sort of article, but "Des Moines Top 13 pies" just doesn't have the same ring to it. People agreeing on what is the best pizza is just as unlikely as agreeing on best BBQ. Not gonna happen, but it is nice to see all of the other opinions. Lots of great pizza in this town.
edwin26 wrote about Cal's Fine Food & Spirits
love the full bar and the staff are wonderful and very nice...they have everyday speacials and a new soup everyday..have had most of out birthday parties there...they also caiter...beautifully done...would also recommned the one in norwalk also.
kb0507 wrote about Cal's Fine Food & Spirits
they have warm inviting feel...with great food... the best cheesestix i have ever eaten... i would recomend this place to everyone...
baco commented on Five best pizza restaurants in Des Moines
the best pizza in Des moines, cant be bought for any price! I make it! Home made crust, sauce, and toppings, whole milk cheeese! During the colder months, I bring a couple of pizzas into the Waveland on Sunday night (about 8:00). if you want a piece, you better be johnny on the spot, or it's gone!
roobuck wrote about Jade Garden
We have been regulars at Jade Garden for a few years now and have always had an enjoyable visit every time we go. It's not a fancy place, but George and his team know how to make you feel welcome and provide great food, service and value. We always start with their "must have" legendary Egg Rolls, which are much larger than those at other places and are served cut up for ease of handling. Then we have two entrees to share between the two of us, along with unlimited steamed rice, hot tea and fortune cookies. All prepared fresh to order, in generous quantities and full of delightful, subtle flavors. Service is always friendly and efficient, and with drinks and tax two hungry people can dine for just over $20 and leave completely satisfied. If you are in Ankeny anytime, don't miss this one, its a real gem!
roobuck commented on Out to Lunch: Mandarin Grill and Sushi Bar
We were regulars at the old Mandarin and loved its quiet atmosphere and excellent food. This new place is nothing like the old one. The comforts of the old full service restaurant like white tableclothes, iced water, hot tea and fortune cookies are all gone, to be replaced by stark brash modernism and hip and trendy styling. On the evening we went we requested Combination Lo Mein which inculdes shrimp, only to be informed by our server that they had "run out" of shrimp! So we ended up with a pile of noodles with about half a dozen pieces of beef and chicken, all for $8. I know some people may like this sort of place and the meagre portion sizes, but I have been to enough Chinese restaurants in my time to know when I am being ripped off. The food we did have was of good quality, but there was just not enough of it to justify the prices. We will not be back.
mikeindm commented on 2. Coney Dog and Onion Rings at Ted’s Coney Island
Jims Coney Island on SW 9th is better. While they don't have Falafels they do have a coney style roast pork sandwich that is really good! Like their onion rings better too.
mikeindm commented on 1. Tasty Tacos
That means for 27 years your 'food snob' attitude kept you from something that was really good? I get a kick out of self professed know it all's who walk past 'simple' things with their nose in the air and miss out on some of the good things in life.
mikeindm commented on 1. Tasty Tacos
That means for 27 years your 'food snob' attitude kept you from something that was really good? I get a kick out of self professed know it all's who walk past 'simple' things with their nose in the air and miss out on some of the good things in life.
nevesis commented on Out to Lunch: Mandarin Grill and Sushi Bar
@CaraHall I agree wholeheartedly. It's **not** the Mandarin and will surely garner an entire new group of regulars, but if they want to keep some of their old clientele, they should keep some more of their old flavors. Our server, a young caucasian girl, was also a little inexperienced. Very friendly but a little invasive. And we asked to upgrade the included Miso soups to Hot and Sour. She said there would be an upgrade charge, but ultimately just charged us full price for a bowl of soup. Not a big deal, but its not how most restaurants/servers do it.
