After my grandson’s first Christmas concert, we took our Iowa family out for dinner. And we picked a brand new spot to try. In fact, it was the ONE WEEK Anniversary of the restaurant’s opening! Even though it was a cold and rainy night in Iowa, we felt like we had walked into one of […]
RIDE – Iowa City, Iowa
What should you expect when you visit a new restaurant in Iowa City called RIDE? How about WHEELS… Everywhere! We were greeted by Roc, the owner, who seated us, and then gave me a tour of the restaurant. I was impressed with the unique decor and innovative menu. (I do hope they […]
30hop – Coralville, Iowa
Recently, I was surprised by an unexpected phone call from a long-lost friend. Debbie asked me if I had lunch plans, and I was glad to drop everything for a chance to “catch up” with my pal. She suggested a spot in Coralville that has only been open for three months called 30hop. The […]
Clinton Street Social Club – Iowa City, Iowa
Recently…it was “Girls Night Out” for my friends Cindy, Carissa and me. I had the honor of choosing our “hangout” for the evening. So I picked one of my favorite spots: The Clinton Street Social Club in downtown Iowa City. Check it out! http://www.clintonstreetsocial.com/ From the moment we opened the street-level door and […]
Salt Fork Kitchen – Solon, Iowa
Since the sun was shining today, we decided on a little “road trip” to check out a restaurant we’ve heard good things about: The Salt Fork Kitchen in Solon. We LOVE small towns in Iowa, and Solon’s Main Street has a Christmas Card feel… And because the town is so small, there was no need […]
The Lincoln Cafe – Belle Plaine, Iowa
The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway for automobiles across the United States, and it runs smack-dab through Iowa. The highway is known for it’s small towns and good food, so on our return from Ames we decided to skip the Interstate and take “the road less traveled” and head into Belle Plaine, Iowa […]
Aunt Maude’s – Ames, Iowa
As you may have already surmised, we are University of Iowa Hawkeye fans. Period. And we had never set foot in “arch-rival” Iowa State University’s college town of Ames…until last week. It took a VERY SPECIAL invitation for us to cancel our “boycott of enemy territory”. But it was worth it…in EVERY respect! […]
Blarney Pub and Grill – Dinkytown, Minnesota
After a truly awful football game (followed by a hot shower) on a recent Hawkeye road trip, it was definitely time to drown our sorrows. Blarney Pub and Grill was the PERFECT spot to do it! Check it out… http://www.blarneymn.com/ As we crossed the street and headed closer to the bar I got a sinking feeling in […]
Tony’s Diner – Dinkytown, Minnesota
Game Day in Minnesota dawned with 20 mph winds and fast moving clouds. The cold and gloomy morning should have been a warning about the game that was to come. But after a good night of restful sleep at the University Inn, we dressed in FOUR LAYERS of clothing and waddled down the street […]
Cathy’s Catering and Deli – Pine Island, Minnesota
It’s time for Hawkeye Football against the Gophers, and it’s a five hour drive to Dinkytown (a.k.a. Minneapolis), so we looked for a “local” lunch spot along the way…in Pine Island, Minnesota. And Cathy’s sign proclaimed of having the best burgers in town. So who could pass up a joint with their motto…”Homemade […]