Metromix Staff Blog

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Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:09:01 GMT

Looking for more entertainment news? Check out Sophia Ahmad's Entertainment in Des Moines blog for the latest buzz from around central Iowa.

Also don't forget to follow Joe Lawler's Music Blog on this site.

And Datebook Diner W.E. Moranville dishes out news and views on the Des Moines restaurant scene.

Bring the wings

Brianne Sanchez — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:10:43 GMT

Eat wings for charity! (Sounds like a way to work your company's donation match program, if there ever was one!)

A new downtown event will celebrate all things wings. The First Annual "Wing Ding" will be held Saturday, August 29th on Market Street and el Bait Shop’s patio and parking areas.

Proceeds benefit VSA arts of Iowa – a charity that provides artistic opportunities for people of all ages with disabilities.

Wing Ding will feature seven local restaurants (el Bait Shop, Gateway Market/Django, Gerri’s, Hooter’s, Jethro’s, Johnny’s, The Chicken Coop) that will prepare their signature wings for the event. Admission is $20 and includes nine wings of your choice, a beer or soft drink and a commemorative koozie. Additional wings and beverages can be purchased using a ticketed system.

In addition to getting wing sauce all over your face, the Ding will feature:

Live music by: Soulful Security, Truth be Told, & Brother Trucker
A wing-eating contest (Watch out for Joe Lawler!)
Group chicken dances, with the New Visions Dance Group
Rubber chicken toss (Practice at the State Fair!)
Raffles

Admission tickets are available in advance at elbaitshop.com or on-site August 29. Children12 and under receive free admission but would need to purchase tickets for concessions.

What: First Annual Wing Ding
When: Saturday August, 29th 11am – 7pm
Where: el Bait Shop, 200 SW. 2nd Street
Cost: $20 includes nine wings, one beer or soft drink and a Wing Ding Koozie. Additional tickets are $2 each. Each ticket = 3 wings, 2 tickets = 1 beer

Beaverdale's B&B Restaurant closing

Brianne Sanchez — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:43:06 GMT

B&B Restaurant closed this weekend and is being sold by Hobbs and Hobbs LLC to chef Robert Sanda, 27, and businessman Jeff West. Sanda and West take ownership today and plan to reopen it August 10 or 17 as Tally’s Restaurant Bar and Catering.

Sanda will be the executive chef.

“It’s the kind of place you’ll be able to spend a couple bucks, or drop $10 on a burger and soda,” Sanda said.

Dinner entrees will range from $8.99 for sandwiches to $23 for the surf and turf option.

Sanda served as head chef at Cosi Cucina from 2005-2007 before he worked at Metro Fish and then as kitchen manager and catering supervisor at The Radish in Grimes. He was always looking for a restaurant of his own.

“I’m not very good at having bosses,” he said.

Tally's will serve casual American cuisine, steaks, fresh seafood (from Metro Fish) and numerous vegetarian options.

“These are all dishes I’ve tried out at Cosi Cucina, The Radish and catering,” he said.

Sanda will keep the rooftop patio open. He will bring his own kitchen crew (including sous chefs Matt Mickel and Stephen Bittick of Cosi Cucina) but hopes to retain as much of the B&B wait staff as he can.

He will “definitely” renovate the restrooms and hopes to create a display kitchen.

“I like to be out talking to the guests, asking questions, that kind of thing,” he said.

Tally's will be open 4-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday for dinner, and the bar will be open later. Sanda hopes to expand with lunch and Sunday brunch hours. Tally's is located at 2712 Beaver Ave., the phone number is 279-2067 and its web site is at TallysBeaverdale.com.

— Reported by Sophia Ahmad

Belgian Beer Celebration at The Red Monk

Joe Lawler — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:10:05 GMT

Full Court Press bars The Red Monk and its downtstairs neighbor The Royal Mile host the First Annual Belgian Beer Celebration Aug. 15.

More than 40 varieties of imported Belgian beers and North American craft Belgian style brews will be available to order, with some free samples being given out. The bars will feature Belgian-inspired menu items, including cooked mussels and pommes frites.

Tickets are $15 and available through royalmilebar.com. That includes a tasting glass and two beer tickets. Additional tickets will be $2 for 3-ounce samples.

Congratulations to our Britney Spears ticket winners

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:13:25 GMT

Congrats to the winners in our Britney Spears ticket giveaway! We received hundreds of entries, and out of those these two fans were randomly selected to win a pair of tickets apiece to the Sept. 11 "Circus" concert at Wells Fargo Arena:

Gretchen Handfelt of Cedar Rapids. Favorite Britney song: "I'm a Slave 4 U."

Irina Kalashnikova of West Des Moines. Favorite Britney song: "Unusual You."

Poison Control Center opens 80/35 Saturday

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:03:47 GMT

Poison Control Center opened the main stage Saturday with its trademark explosive brand of indie-power-pop goodness.

Frontman Patrick Fleming sported a bright orange Michael Jackson T-shirt. He also (as you'll see in this photo grabbed from some of my Flip video camera footage) spent plenty of time leaping around stage and in and out of the crowd. (This shot shows him in mid-BACKWARDS leap.)

"When I moved here 10 years ago, we didn't have anything like this," the Sibley, Ia., native said from stage. Then he sketched an imaginary scene in which festival organizer Amedeo Rossi employed a giant crane Saturday morning to reach into the sky and pull the rain clouds apart.

Social side of 80/35

Brianne Sanchez — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:05:48 GMT

My day at the fest was mostly social - I saw some bands, but I met and caught up with a bunch of people, too.

Hardly anyone ever comes up to me to talk with me about Juice, but for some reason (hmmm, summer's biggest event, perhaps?) it was like a reunion of everyone I've written about over the past two years. One woman even gave me her beer ticket because she was leaving and said she liked my blog. My ego is now like one of the inflatable 80/35 pool toys. Shiny and horse-shaped.

Highlight for me was meeting a woman who wrote a just-published Iowa travel guide and who happens to live down the street from me. Hooray for making new friends at 80/35! (Thanks, Frank Swoboda, of Juice caucus issue fame, for introducing us.)

Despite the rain, Des Moines made a strong showing, if only to hang out in the Des Moines Social Club and check out the screenprinting and bar there (I was lured in by some Tweeps I know waving to me through the window and welcomed a dry place to hang for a few minutes.)

Maybe I didn't max out my paid admission, but at least I didn't, ahem, fall into the the library canal like someone I saw in the VIP area. Or get kicked out, like Iowa Public Radio superstar, John Pemble. Gotta love his enthusiasm, He's hilarious.

Surprised no one I talked with seemed super pissed that Flavor Flav didn't make the show, but I guess that's Iowa.

- Brianne Sanchez

80/35: Do more! Even in a downpour

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:39:47 GMT

I'm not going to lie, sometimes I get bored between sets at a music fest. I'm the kind of person who brings a book with me, just in case there are 20 free minutes of bands I'm not dying to see.

So I set out on an adventure around the YPC "Do More" village, to check out the tents and possibly score a gyro.

Luckily, YPC is set up right across from Gazali's food tent!

Definitely stop by the YPC tent BEFORE you tour the rest of the "Do More" village, because they'll give you a little raffle ticket you can take around and have the other booths check off. Then, you're entered to win PRIZES. The top prize is a $250 Des Moines downtown gift card and, at 7 p.m. on Friday, the odds were in your favor. I could do quite a bit with $250 to use downtown.

Mosey over and check out the village, which is full or local organizations and causes, but be sure to get your raffle ticket, too.

(I also scored a free Enironmental Law and Policy Center pen made with paper and wood. So green. Which means, so cool.)

- Brianne Sanchez

Rodney Carrington coming to Civic Center

Cara Hall — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:18:44 GMT

Actor-comedian Rodney Carrington will come to Des Moines Sept. 17 for a show at the Civic Center. Tickets ($44) go on sale 10 a.m. Friday at the Civic Center Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster locations, charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000 and online at CivicCenter.org.

In addition to recording six comedy albums, Carrington starred in his own self-titled TV sitcom, which ran on ABC for two seasons and most recently co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the award winning "Beer for My Horses." His new all-music CD on Capitol Nashville, "El Nino Loco," is scheduled to be in stores on June 16th.

Clive After 5 moves indoors, Fridays at the Fountain canceled

Brianne Sanchez — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:07:45 GMT

Tonight's Clive After Five will be held at Uncle Buck's Party Bar, 1720 25th St., West Des Moines due to the weather. The news comes via @CliveJaycees Twitter account.

Gimmik will perform, the $5 admission still gets you a free beer and food vendors will be set up in the hallway between Uncle Buck's and Third Base. The event runs 5-8 p.m.

Tonight's Fridays at the Fountain at West Glen Town Center, meanwhile, has been canceled.

Check out the flower market this weekend

Cara Hall — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:10:25 GMT

Sunday from 11-3 there will be a European-style Flower Power Market in the East Village. Here's what the East Village Web site says about it:

Visit the 1st annual Flower Power Market and take in a floral demonstration, purchase cut flowers, planting flowers and more! Many East Village retailers and restaurants will also be open for business during this special event. Come shop and have brunch in the Village!

'Top Chef' stars to visit farmers market

Joe Lawler — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:14:46 GMT

Stars of the Bravo series "Top Chef" will stop in Des Moines June 6 as part of the "Top Chef: The Tour 2." Season five contestant Jamie Lauren and Richar Blais of season four will make an appearance at the Des Moines Farmers Market in an 18-wheel semi rigged for demonstrations.

The semi can hold sixty people for demonstrations and a 50" plasma TV will be available for outdoor viewing.
There will be interactive live shows from 10:30-11:30 a.m., noon-1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Admission is free. For more info go to bravotv.com/thetour.

Bob made me want to study up

Brianne Sanchez — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:56:37 GMT

Last night I went to the new Hessen Haus quiz night with some friends from my building. Bob Nastanovich, who's hosting the weekly event, used to be a neighbor and so my other neighbors know him pretty well.

It was fun but boy did I feel stupid. I was total dead weight on the "Sherman Thrill" team, which was one of 7 competing for the bar to pay our tab (up to $50). I don't remember the exact questions, but answers ranged from Grey Poupon to Ottoman to Gouda to James Monroe to Grant Wood to Rachel Alexandra. In the end, we lost by one point to some guys from Gnarwhal (Des Moines is such a small town!).

It was fun, but I hope I can contribute a little more next time and help us claim victory.

Anyone else do any quiz nights? I'm putting together a roundup on the site and have the one at the DMSC, Boston's and Champps. Am I missing anything?

Clive After 5 rain location

Joe Lawler — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:41:17 GMT

Tonight's Clive After Five will be held at Uncle Buck's Party Bar, 1720 25th St., West Des Moines due to the weather. This is the first time in the event's 24-year history that Clive After Five has been held inside.

The Ladyfingers will perform, the $5 admission still gets you a free beer and food vendors will be set up in the hallway between Uncle Buck's and Third Base. The event runs 5-8 p.m.

Sinners & Saints replacing A.K.'s

Joe Lawler — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:13:41 GMT

Sinners & Saints will replace A.K. O'Connors in the Court Center building. The bar is expected to open the last week of May.

Sinners & Saints is co-owned by Bill Mahon (who also co-owns Mickey's Irish Pub locations and Beechwood Lounge) and former Maddy's Place owner Brian Maddy. Mahon said he wants Sinners & Saints to complement Court Center bars Liars Club and People's Court.

Sinners & Saints will have a rock 'n'roll theme, but Mahon doesn't plan to have live music. He has an extensive collection of rock memorabilia and autographed guitars from his personal collection (including Pete Townshend and Bruce Springsteen instruments) that will decorate the walls.

"We want to play the name into the rock feel," Mahon said. "There are a lot of good rockers, and there are the bad."

The name will also play into the menu, with healthy food for Saints and no-so-healthy for the Sinners. Lunch will be served during the week.

Do the derby

Brianne Sanchez — Fri, 08 May 2009 21:53:26 GMT

Gotta give the Mid Iowa Rollers some love before I head out for the weekend. The stories I've done about them have always been some of the most fun and they can certainly put on a show! There's no shortage of options for your Saturday night, but if you're still looking for something to do, head south. To Skate South, I mean!

May Day Massacre Bout vs. Minnesota Rollers

Doors open at 6:30, bout starts at 7.

According to the team's posting, tailgating is allowed in the parking lot, so you can arrive early and soak up some sun.

Tickets are $10 at the door.

more info at: myspace.com/centraliowarollers

Hessen Haus Sunday night pub quiz

Brianne Sanchez — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:38:12 GMT

Be a smartypants and get your beer paid for? I'm in!

Just got an e-mail about the Hessen Haus' new quiz night, hosted by Bob Nastanovich. It's starting up Sunday, May 17 (9-10:15 p.m.) and there's no cost to get in on the action. Teams of 1-4 people compete in a 20-25 question quiz (focusing on topics like politics, geography, pop culture and sports) and complete a "picture sheet" worth another 10 points. The winning team gets their drinks/food paid for (up to $50) and a "free gift." (I'm not sure what that could be. Once I win, I'll let you know.)

Also, I called Hessen Haus to see what their other Sunday specials are, and on those nights select high proof beers are $2 off.

Restaurant and bar closings

Brianne Sanchez — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:31:45 GMT

Much thanks to our readers who've left comments to tip us off on recent and pending closings in the metro. We've been able to use your knowledge to follow up on the numerous closings in the metro's entertainment scene. Keep up the great work!

Sophia Ahmad posted this information on her entertainment blog:

Update: It’s official that Michael’s in Beaverdale will close after Mother’s Day. The owner confirmed an e-mail tip I received, but he would not comment on the closing any further over the phone. A server I spoke to said this, “It’s really sad. I’ve been here 30 years and I have to give it all up.”

Update: The Garage will be closing its doors later this month in the Cobblestone area (8517 Hickman) in Urbandale (most likely before May 15). Owner Ron Barrett said he hopes to reopen soon at another location. "I love my customers," he said over the phone. "I didn't have any other choice but to move."

We received an e-mail from a reader saying that Mosaix is closed. She drove by and said the space has been cleared out. I called the restaurant, but it appears that the number has been disconnected. I’ll let you know when we get more details.

Also, a reader commented that as of Saturday, May 2, the downtown location of A.K. O’Connors is closed. Tom Zmolek, who owned the bar, left a comment regarding its close:

We did indeed close last saturday night at our downtown location - i sold the location to another party who is completely revamping it into a different concept - the details of which will be out soon im sure but i am not at liberty to expand on @ this time - most of the great things that people loved about the downtown ak's are being moved to the backstage bar @ peoples court which for those not familiar - its the smaller bar room on the 3rd floor (the one without the main stage) that is wildly popular on weekends -

we have moved the shuffleboard table to the third floor along with the weekend sing-along guys - we will now be open mon thru sat every week (not just when we have concerts) and thursday night's "comedy on court" stand up series is also being moved to the backstage bar - the new concept coming in will be a fun different twist and will be a welcome addition to the court center building - thanks tom z

Free I-Cubs tickets

Brianne Sanchez — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:17:53 GMT

Do you believe in greater Des Moines?

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is launching their new "I believe" campaign at Principal Park before tonight's I-Cubs game with music (She Swings She Sways and Bonne Finken), entertainment and food available from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Then, the first 1,000 people get to go to the game for free. (After that, admission is $1.)

For more information on the campaign, visit ibelievedm.com

Baby Boomers Cafe to relocate

Brianne Sanchez — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:29:24 GMT

According to Register online entertainment reporter, Sophia Ahmad:

Baby Boomers Cafe has outgrown its space. The East Village diner will move out of its spot on 313 E. Locust St. to the new E5W building at E. 5th and Walnut streets.

Grand opening weekend is projected for Sept. 7-9, Labor Day weekend.

The move was prompted by growing demand. It’s not uncommon for 35 people to wait for a table at the popular greasy soon, especially Saturday mornings during farmers market season, said co-owner Rodney Maxfield. They hope the new Baby Boomers will serve more customers.

The new East Village space will hold 70 (the currents spot holds 40) and will expand to sell market goods like eggs, butter, beer (you know, the essentials), to accommodate the residents in the E5W building.

Baby Boomers’ famous chocolate chip “Obama Cookies” will still be available for purchase and pick-up at the new location, and they will continue to be baked at The Bake Shoppe in Windsor Heights.

Hours will also expand: Currently Baby Boomers is open 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but in its new location, the restaurant will be open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, and the lunch menu will expand into dinner offerings.

The look will be more of an “upscale, urban cafe,” according to co-owner Rodney Maxfield. The purple accent colors will stay, but will be accompanied by hardwood floors, funky fans and lights, and backless chairs and tile work at the bar. The restaurant will consider hiring East Village artists to create wall art.

Maxfield said the 313 E. Locust location will close for a week or two (likely the weeks of Aug. 20 and/or Aug. 27) to prepare for the move.

Celebrate American Craft Beer Week with a brewery tour

Brianne Sanchez — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:44:23 GMT

Odds are, you've sampled a brew (or seven) there once or twice, but have you ever taken a tour? We got a press release about a

Raccoon River Brewing Co., Brew Tour on May 16th from 1-4 p.m. (The brewery is a member of the Iowa Brewer’s Guild, and is celebrating American Craft Beer week.)

Brew tour visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and have the opportunity to taste Raccoon’s brews and appetizers at discounted prices.

Specials include: Paddle Racks, an array of 4oz. samples of Raccoon’s handcrafted brews, for $6 and a trio of Greek Sliders, ground lamb, tomato, cucumber and tzatziki sauce served on petite milk rolls, for $8.95.

"The week is aimed at inspiring beer enthusiasts to declare their independence by supporting breweries that produce fewer than 2 million barrels of beer a year and are independently owned. Small and independent craft brewers provide nearly 100,000 jobs, and in 2008 the total taxable barrels of beer produced by draft brewers was 8,596,971. Additionally, many craft brewers go to incredible lengths and great costs to lessen their impact on their surrounding environment and community.

Representing 4.0 percent by volume and 6.3 percent in dollars of the overall beer market, consumer interest in the craft sector continues to grow, but not without challenges. According to the Brewers Association, the cost of operating a small brewery has increased over 39% November 2007 to November 2008. Some challenges being faced are access to ingredients and raw material, increased pricing for materials/supplies and access to market (competition for shelf space at the retail level).

“The US has become known as the best beer nation in the world. This reputation is in thanks to the innovation and passion of America’s craft brewers who have taken beer styles to the next level. During American Craft Beer Week our goal is to get 10,000 Facebook users to become supporters of the American Craft Beer Week fan page,” stated Julia Herz, a spokesperson for the Brewers Association.

Screening for social justice

Brianne Sanchez — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:20:21 GMT

We see a lot of violence on the big screen. Exploding cars in high-speed chases Rains of machine gun fire. Zombie attacks.

A summer screening of "Serenity," (by the same guy who created Buffy The Vampire Slayer) has big-screen violence, but the global showings of the movie will benefit the global non-profit Equality Now, which works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls all over the world.

The screening is happening Saturday, June 20th at 11 a.m at the Fleur Cinema and Cafe. (Doors open at 10 a.m.) There will be door prizes. Advance tickets are $10. $12 at the door.

Can't make the showing but want to contribute to the cause? T-shirts are available for pre-order by May 15. For more information, visit cantstoptheserenitydesmoines.com

Restaurant Week '09 dates announced

Brianne Sanchez — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:31:05 GMT

Des Moines' second restaurant week was announced for August 21-30 this year.

Last year was the first year for the event, which had local restaurants offering special lunch and dinner menus and pricing. (Here's a preview from last year. I'm guessing the pricing will be $20.09 this year.)

I, personally, enjoyed Django's three-course mac&cheese lunch, but I heard a lot of grumbling that the restuarants weren't all offering the same kind of deals. I'll be interested to see how the event is finetuned this year and will keep you up to date as I learn more!

Unofficial dining review: Proof

Brianne Sanchez — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:23:20 GMT

On Friday, Joe and I had dinner at Proof (bad idea for our budget, but it’s only open on Friday nights and Joe typically works then, so we grabbed our chance).

I’m lucky Joe agrees to split meals with me. We always at least taste each others food, and this time we shared half of each dish. I would have to say that half of the meal was perfect, between the two of us. Or 2/3. We both really enjoyed the first course: asparagus soup for me and fish falafel for Joe. For the main dish, I ordered the beef on the menu, which was like a light stew with about 10 bites of meat and a scattering of chick peas. Because I’d had soup first, too, I was envious of Joe’s chicken with cous cous. The meat in my dish was cooked perfectly, but Joe’s chicken was a little dry. The cinnamon cous cous with raisins and pistachio was unexpected and delicious, though. I had the cheese plate to finish, and the cheeses were a little hard and not sweet for a dessert dish, in my estimation. Joe’s lemon cake was outrageously good, though. I want some more right now. Even though none of the portions overwhelmed, I was full when we left. (Which means we almost overlooked the fact that they forgot to bring us a bread basket.)

What made it a really fun experience, though, was that Zachary Mannheimer (of the Des Moines Social Club) was filling in as a server and owner Carly Groban came by to say hello, too. Turns out we might all be living in the same few blocks this summer. Proof really had a community atmosphere about it, as well as a minimalist feel.

Snookie's opens Saturday!

Brianne Sanchez — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:43:33 GMT

How can you tell spring has arrived in Des Moines? Snookie's awakens from its winter hibernation and starts serving up shakes. Don't miss the first day of this season on Saturday!

Love Snookie's? Write a review and let the world know how delectable it is.