tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49871735699792297912024-03-19T06:58:01.704-05:00Des LoinesThe Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich:
Its like the filet mignon cut of pork, deep fried to perfection.Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-29816229485918450002016-08-15T17:15:00.002-05:002016-08-15T17:15:59.259-05:00Local Yocals farmHouse Downtown Des Moines, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNq9Rb9pn-8WvF10sQyNBjAP2NG1f-pMdG8h3knEtdly1aXy3c4ww_tiIUQawmrzP8x4MHPL6oD9m7h5H074b0bAdKAUVoC85du2J8VeL33adbOuyMlky6H4JU5rAI0XW28qrB9sQFxc/s1600/sign41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNq9Rb9pn-8WvF10sQyNBjAP2NG1f-pMdG8h3knEtdly1aXy3c4ww_tiIUQawmrzP8x4MHPL6oD9m7h5H074b0bAdKAUVoC85du2J8VeL33adbOuyMlky6H4JU5rAI0XW28qrB9sQFxc/s400/sign41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I remember the old food court here was dark and had old tables and dated fixtures. There was a place serving pizza by the slice, another sold chicken, then there was a gyro spot. After the fire next door damaged this building, the area was renovated and reopened as Local Bites Food Court. The organizers went out of their way to find local vendors with new products that weren't already available in the skywalk area.<br />
<br />
<b>Location: </b>700 Locust St in the Local Bites food court below ground level.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> You have to park in a ramp and take the skywalk to the Partnership Building then go down the stairs to the basement food court.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is <a href="http://www.localyocalsiowa.com/">HERE</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwPiQ0t0E1pzk9nlR1RPHVTA_GtTpGf3jCVEc8qI5HOmzPqAkZ34bR5flvZR7Bkd8KvET9hKf9mFnLqrrY6Xcle0FhS7KW7H0QcW8RzcmQ4bGNMms6oyREuiM0XCFgD9TsYKwusTnSFQ/s1600/loin69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwPiQ0t0E1pzk9nlR1RPHVTA_GtTpGf3jCVEc8qI5HOmzPqAkZ34bR5flvZR7Bkd8KvET9hKf9mFnLqrrY6Xcle0FhS7KW7H0QcW8RzcmQ4bGNMms6oyREuiM0XCFgD9TsYKwusTnSFQ/s400/loin69.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This sandwich looked good from the outside with the pork loin overwhelming the little burger bun. The meat was pounded into a thin layer which could not hold any moisture. The texture of the breading had a good crunch, and had a little bit of salt or seasoning. Served on a soft whole grain bun with lettuce, onion, pickle, and ketchup. Overall 7.2 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $5.75 a la carte <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtsJjHMFHN1o6RIgAjM2eWPbcMJFLakqyBJVmO7qz3deurDg_6kENYcfKpQmr_OCtMfOUg0BXUDDAKTfd_y0vaTp_HFip4iCRSc8FJRlv_I2iPnzhmrhekw9hPheP_-J731pi3WesrZs/s1600/fries63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtsJjHMFHN1o6RIgAjM2eWPbcMJFLakqyBJVmO7qz3deurDg_6kENYcfKpQmr_OCtMfOUg0BXUDDAKTfd_y0vaTp_HFip4iCRSc8FJRlv_I2iPnzhmrhekw9hPheP_-J731pi3WesrZs/s400/fries63.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farm Fries with dipping sauce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Farm Fries</b> are tossed with seasoned salt and served with garlic mayo dipping sauce for $2.50<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaunYRnDAJIfB4_0s_JTr23W7V9V2ydkjqxcMpgMZhCl3b1Ytx2IyiUpJt1lBMQzgs3wmyL34jVWQyZwGivfO6gkxZLIQm3VTsqsSkpNpO5y3nbwjvBqjNA2ts8keiiwrrnU_IaaJN1zk/s1600/menu42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaunYRnDAJIfB4_0s_JTr23W7V9V2ydkjqxcMpgMZhCl3b1Ytx2IyiUpJt1lBMQzgs3wmyL34jVWQyZwGivfO6gkxZLIQm3VTsqsSkpNpO5y3nbwjvBqjNA2ts8keiiwrrnU_IaaJN1zk/s400/menu42.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">menu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Also on the menu: </b>their specialty is the Farm Burger, and the rest of the menu changes. When I stopped in they had a lamb burger or a fried chicken sandwich.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65AAMZ8AI163hR0sPSCG1W7gJ-esk_8lwzc4kPU3VlHgNWClrX6bBVv_gmhR3RWrMhDhy2j1WW390o5sW_83Dg07iKzA9fdk9j_cAGL49fMPGQ4kk_h0iiEI2Uexcw5za1kcR5NdBykg/s1600/farmburger84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65AAMZ8AI163hR0sPSCG1W7gJ-esk_8lwzc4kPU3VlHgNWClrX6bBVv_gmhR3RWrMhDhy2j1WW390o5sW_83Dg07iKzA9fdk9j_cAGL49fMPGQ4kk_h0iiEI2Uexcw5za1kcR5NdBykg/s400/farmburger84.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Farm Burger with bacon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Service: </b>One person was taking orders while another was working the kitchen, and it was going a little slow during the lunch rush. I really don't like they way they stick everything into a brown paper bag.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzfLdHPKe9DxyxWF-QCUbnzIQHzYLxuNU6NA_t5ek0MangkU7bvuCRuwdPlANKKTPySHw8CKltEizZmHicnWqwthS4ZPSzZPMaeE_AhkslSxZjDLrTmkO7OMIS_qFZXy0exa_xgsWisU/s1600/loin45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzfLdHPKe9DxyxWF-QCUbnzIQHzYLxuNU6NA_t5ek0MangkU7bvuCRuwdPlANKKTPySHw8CKltEizZmHicnWqwthS4ZPSzZPMaeE_AhkslSxZjDLrTmkO7OMIS_qFZXy0exa_xgsWisU/s400/loin45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance: </b>This is a food court renovated and rebranded as Local Bites and opened this year with new vendors and long public tables. Local Yocals designed their stall to resemble a farm house kitchen with a shelf stocked with cook books and reclaimed barn wood holding up the menu.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d9ld6W_C8UKCTiqDP8W2Lp8UoQwUBAflBdDSRoeJkk7ZGdJljRNiBIdwe-dMuVTDWyGZwNI2mFJS3x-_zbosTfZkdZdNvndHv_gMLKF1LjUDVnfumRApVHGRjTPPr5A8rSncP2ghibw/s1600/receipt38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d9ld6W_C8UKCTiqDP8W2Lp8UoQwUBAflBdDSRoeJkk7ZGdJljRNiBIdwe-dMuVTDWyGZwNI2mFJS3x-_zbosTfZkdZdNvndHv_gMLKF1LjUDVnfumRApVHGRjTPPr5A8rSncP2ghibw/s400/receipt38.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">receipt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I had visited Local Yocals at their farmers market stalls in the past and their burgers or hot dogs were always good. This is a vendor that goes out of its way to use words like "fresh", "local", "farm" or "Iowa" as often as they can on their menu. I wish their tenderloin was more memorable, and would recommend the farm burger to anyone trying this place for the first time.Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-39293715922029975442016-07-01T04:00:00.000-05:002016-07-01T04:00:18.719-05:00Drake Diner in Des Moines, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo-Z5ErlFkNExlvJSrfJ21GuR7TGKYXLUPawUgh8Vf-3-caNBKiLRGzBEHL1g0GmzKJEIwWqpZ-QUBOmUcSIkll9IJl1VLhb48LDMy46yGfdjaNoGbTDed56HiZDTemvz98ah8JgbN3o/s1600/ext13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo-Z5ErlFkNExlvJSrfJ21GuR7TGKYXLUPawUgh8Vf-3-caNBKiLRGzBEHL1g0GmzKJEIwWqpZ-QUBOmUcSIkll9IJl1VLhb48LDMy46yGfdjaNoGbTDed56HiZDTemvz98ah8JgbN3o/s400/ext13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Drake Diner has a reputation as a place where Drake students go to eat with their families when their parents come to town for a visit. The menu graphics reinforce the family appeal of this place. The Drake Diner has a good thing going with all these Drake students and guests from the hotel next door, the place is busy and probably gets more people than any other spot in the Drake neighborhood.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 1111 25th St near Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>you turn south on 25th from University Ave while driving through the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at: </b>Website i<a href="http://www.drakediner.com/">s HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> The tenderloin doesn't look big at first, and feels like just six or seven ounces compared to the bigger ones I've seen at other places. The breading has a great golden brown color and forms a fine thin layer but doesn't have much seasoning to it. The pork meat has a consistent texture like it was tenderized in a machine at the meat department, and the white pork loin meat was steamy and moist. This was an okay homemade tenderloin. Served with onion and pickle on a big soft toasted bun. Overall 7.3 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKeodDZqUEjEY7Te7r8GagGpdeLv9JEIx6Y-1hGu5F_9BMfqjhasEjPcZ1mREs2wB51LvvedJCxoi8-qkC8G3hmwTPHdUPj2qk910sdWBr52a9S43NYq8JvN5A8DJilGipMcDAWDkoxM/s1600/loin09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKeodDZqUEjEY7Te7r8GagGpdeLv9JEIx6Y-1hGu5F_9BMfqjhasEjPcZ1mREs2wB51LvvedJCxoi8-qkC8G3hmwTPHdUPj2qk910sdWBr52a9S43NYq8JvN5A8DJilGipMcDAWDkoxM/s400/loin09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Price:</b> $9.49 with a side of accordion fries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRvkGmIlAwat_b8C6rch8jUWz9UhmciscKM5IKZT4vGKl9ZRSUt8vZ5eoSmBFn0MDevu6FW7x5uCyoVNnhf6Bv6-0tqEO4Ahf7J5Lr01pcHWP-0N8aDX67PcadREvHFSnPZRp-GFSBbI/s1600/menu92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRvkGmIlAwat_b8C6rch8jUWz9UhmciscKM5IKZT4vGKl9ZRSUt8vZ5eoSmBFn0MDevu6FW7x5uCyoVNnhf6Bv6-0tqEO4Ahf7J5Lr01pcHWP-0N8aDX67PcadREvHFSnPZRp-GFSBbI/s400/menu92.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> They serve a lot of breakfasts with huge portions of eggs or pancakes or hash browns. Their lunch menu includes half pound burgers and other diner staples. Local specialties include a rarebit burger served open faced and topped with melted cheese or a deep fried cheese frenchie sandwich. Then there is a big ice cream and dessert menu.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> There is table service at the booths or counter service at the counter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvebm3ldU0L4DKmqeGpmm6TYUEX8muvak6J4qr_G_A3F_O2i-SAsq0tQ7Ysl6K3JXgBY-eP30SYlQrLhf38_fKWNmMoCDPWJpoE5q4LbGvBD-2Frbg6qkOvyShPJ_eQ6JkSYlCj3k0tA/s1600/loin07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvebm3ldU0L4DKmqeGpmm6TYUEX8muvak6J4qr_G_A3F_O2i-SAsq0tQ7Ysl6K3JXgBY-eP30SYlQrLhf38_fKWNmMoCDPWJpoE5q4LbGvBD-2Frbg6qkOvyShPJ_eQ6JkSYlCj3k0tA/s400/loin07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance: </b>I think the building was built to resemble a classic diner from the fifties, there is a large counter area and booths and a patio area for seating. There is a lot of neon lighting.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> This was a decent tenderloin at a diner famous for breakfasts and burgers. I still want to try the Rarebit burger sometime. I think I saw a plaque of recognition from the Iowa Cattlemen for their annual burger competition. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BMRQzkdEtU-Uhrbi1qSxkWSbhdwEPSzpWxMzYs_D00GVPI7ipMP5SKYJID0rHeZ0vyjJXaC8vLRSUG4JCYJlmqLM3H5NDEVzLza0u88dNoFCnUzplZK6TNb-fxqHwVaZab18yKULQtE/s1600/neon94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BMRQzkdEtU-Uhrbi1qSxkWSbhdwEPSzpWxMzYs_D00GVPI7ipMP5SKYJID0rHeZ0vyjJXaC8vLRSUG4JCYJlmqLM3H5NDEVzLza0u88dNoFCnUzplZK6TNb-fxqHwVaZab18yKULQtE/s400/neon94.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-36144400520795546092016-06-01T03:10:00.000-05:002016-06-01T03:10:00.151-05:00Raceway Cafe in Newton, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaynXBxDmE5I_2yLVXAUXBsvgWQYOZy1R1S7SH_Q7uI4Oy57cn7VcA0bCeXYiI5JPsQW0FTrPOVJRfUeMpLBDULDQZwzRy45JEyqNCxPBi33g9FyQg9JpE6y00cvTy43zVVUY8iMrTvs/s1600/sig86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaynXBxDmE5I_2yLVXAUXBsvgWQYOZy1R1S7SH_Q7uI4Oy57cn7VcA0bCeXYiI5JPsQW0FTrPOVJRfUeMpLBDULDQZwzRy45JEyqNCxPBi33g9FyQg9JpE6y00cvTy43zVVUY8iMrTvs/s400/sig86.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had driven past the Raceway Motor Sports Cafe a few times but then I noticed a banner reading "Biggest and Best Tenderloin in Town." The racing themed sports bar has been open here since 2012 but hasn't been open on the previous times I've driven through on a Sunday or Monday.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 2331 1st Ave East in Newton, Jasper County, Central Iowa. Its about 35 minutes drive from Des Moines on I-80.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>You can take Main St east from downtown or take the exit from the race track and go north to Main St.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpS0uloP0uNMjGEA-7Iw3a1lBiELhovy0M98waRFfOCuWj3bAaMxvcQR31UJGA9MgQMiyrjGeCw9piK15iqgYnLYgY6viy3fRJQfWDQVLF3oz1NFNMARp4qLZU_MMcCguXaBKHZ7UNu8/s1600/loin96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpS0uloP0uNMjGEA-7Iw3a1lBiELhovy0M98waRFfOCuWj3bAaMxvcQR31UJGA9MgQMiyrjGeCw9piK15iqgYnLYgY6viy3fRJQfWDQVLF3oz1NFNMARp4qLZU_MMcCguXaBKHZ7UNu8/s400/loin96.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> The first thing you notice here is the size. It feels like a good eight ounces pounded into a shape that doesn't quite fit into the to-go box. The very thin meat was dry on one half and only a little moist in the middle. The breading formed a crunchy and crackerlike layer that had little or no seasoning. Served with your fixings on an untoasted bun. Overall 7.5 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $8.95 with a side<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRIMRVAKZeQuPDDTyNr8cOKa8YR1EW4dkSw8DvwtDELMnCEROow0VSD-ko1rczQxc7AqUurnyrHbl70QqMd9G0ipG6a1_Hb2O5u9L3QsSmt4a2eO6IIOK8yWN6w46QTp8ALkmvClFUpI/s1600/big93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRIMRVAKZeQuPDDTyNr8cOKa8YR1EW4dkSw8DvwtDELMnCEROow0VSD-ko1rczQxc7AqUurnyrHbl70QqMd9G0ipG6a1_Hb2O5u9L3QsSmt4a2eO6IIOK8yWN6w46QTp8ALkmvClFUpI/s400/big93.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> There are burgers and bar foods like chicken wings, but also Italian dishes like pizza or grinders or daily specials.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjo_iBIgjuW6SgFrrNUuDgB3yr_x69MH1P41ns-nv7qkkG3eynJIU4qGNFllvOtqYJ4w-BINcpjNuMJfQm35dKcpGYjh9kFvhb10bGwyfdBSQVHS5xv6IYP2n434cNCOLKsERrWw_ObY/s1600/loin00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjo_iBIgjuW6SgFrrNUuDgB3yr_x69MH1P41ns-nv7qkkG3eynJIU4qGNFllvOtqYJ4w-BINcpjNuMJfQm35dKcpGYjh9kFvhb10bGwyfdBSQVHS5xv6IYP2n434cNCOLKsERrWw_ObY/s400/loin00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Service:</b> I ordered take out from the bar but there is table service also.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WAzPhe7hJMOV8FhLHLnKGabylQTctrs-bPe6uVyG11y45BRX8KoypuplDHK60-1LpT1VLrWKLWMW8BAdLR-xHh8otJDgiKdTEC6lr2pa-bEXiCE7kXYl5GwOG97wnZAFqNXatUkcLUY/s1600/Sloin04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WAzPhe7hJMOV8FhLHLnKGabylQTctrs-bPe6uVyG11y45BRX8KoypuplDHK60-1LpT1VLrWKLWMW8BAdLR-xHh8otJDgiKdTEC6lr2pa-bEXiCE7kXYl5GwOG97wnZAFqNXatUkcLUY/s400/Sloin04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> It was too dark to take pictures inside, but there is table and booths for seating, and a bar and patio when its warm outside. There is racing gear and beer signs on the walls and flatscreen televisions to watch sports.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> This is the second tenderloin that I have eaten in Newton this year after trying the Midtown Cafe in the center of town. This tenderloin was better than the one at Midtown, but I am still looking for anything really exceptional in Newton and I haven't found it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5joXY7HIf1LqyRCIVdTF2EMNZYV3_RbiXTrbyd0QiHMtFHWtO0o1xnrik_L1xi1VmvcZr1OE4AXP2uaNgck2uPYA3Ox3yWtS62FtrRjIl5kUncbPIaP7UwpRfmJJX7RRhQmxIJCskkg/s1600/ext91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5joXY7HIf1LqyRCIVdTF2EMNZYV3_RbiXTrbyd0QiHMtFHWtO0o1xnrik_L1xi1VmvcZr1OE4AXP2uaNgck2uPYA3Ox3yWtS62FtrRjIl5kUncbPIaP7UwpRfmJJX7RRhQmxIJCskkg/s400/ext91.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-91848765181679040132016-05-01T03:29:00.000-05:002016-05-01T03:29:00.161-05:00B-Bop's Burgers in Des Moines, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzK8FhNBLUExNvaukRu5q9IBm4KjkCgIg4LhrwVULEKvTyzzCDCpsUGM9sKS-DfmzD-ki_l641ra5zA2sXEZmUwpzz4Y3tipnXMrLclKnIVDHFXphLDoCuPM02AHaplzSGREz_7M_ohI/s1600/ext86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzK8FhNBLUExNvaukRu5q9IBm4KjkCgIg4LhrwVULEKvTyzzCDCpsUGM9sKS-DfmzD-ki_l641ra5zA2sXEZmUwpzz4Y3tipnXMrLclKnIVDHFXphLDoCuPM02AHaplzSGREz_7M_ohI/s400/ext86.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
B-Bop's Burgers is a local chain with locations in Des Moines, the suburbs and Ames Iowa. They frequently win "Best Burger" polls in Des Moines and the chain predates the gourmet burger fad that has brought so many new burger places with high prices to the market in the past ten years. Just last year B-Bops opened its first location with indoor seating and counter for ordering on the South Side of Des Moines.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 4500 Fleur Dr in the southwest side of Des Moines, Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> This is just a few blocks north of the Airport on Fleur Dr.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at</b>: website is<a href="http://b-bops.com/"> HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOuQT6mOXzbjYaL1L0OR9ics9gliUrIwQzyTRSmYDniF66pUQI44iVXkZH5IgBwz2S3gojaQ5hJ4dmhf-DK252jjn6YXVR3Ew4zIji0Fu6fBF36UN8k6T-cXhYMzEFJAkrPMngXdDpFU/s1600/loin13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOuQT6mOXzbjYaL1L0OR9ics9gliUrIwQzyTRSmYDniF66pUQI44iVXkZH5IgBwz2S3gojaQ5hJ4dmhf-DK252jjn6YXVR3Ew4zIji0Fu6fBF36UN8k6T-cXhYMzEFJAkrPMngXdDpFU/s400/loin13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> Described as "1/4 pound pork loin fritter". This had a layer of breading that was crunchy but also hard and flavorless. The tiny amount of soft meat inside was moist and grayish in color with the consistency of a sponge. Served on a sesame seed bun topped with shredded lettuce and onions mixed with ketchup, mayonnaise and tiny pickle slices. Overall 2.0 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTW4IR2W_eJa0B8S3aYwpMmoQcWOuoS_PsUrA9b-9hckpC1Cwo6BzoToJf7M9YX5cZC-hQJI1Y3dICr0WJaU_bBly4IowGcdnhVl9bk541N2vCw1HkUCBRS1mn7ZspzVNLulBc_apcHc/s1600/loin11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTW4IR2W_eJa0B8S3aYwpMmoQcWOuoS_PsUrA9b-9hckpC1Cwo6BzoToJf7M9YX5cZC-hQJI1Y3dICr0WJaU_bBly4IowGcdnhVl9bk541N2vCw1HkUCBRS1mn7ZspzVNLulBc_apcHc/s400/loin11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Price: </b>I think the combo meal was $6.49 before tax but I didn't get the price of just the loin. I think its over three dollars by itself.<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> The burgers from through a broiler and the fries were fresh and hot, they have a big vat holding chili.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqNsFurwdSfze8Nu-znQoIjavyA78MFhe41i_67HdURWUtj_eVVNbcL9wUJUVKOuz07WjcwxX-ldGXu2oJ8srasGX5-I_oasOmEI5rZ9C8Q-YA2Cm-yosnfDcEAklq2R93CqsR3QERcY/s1600/cup29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqNsFurwdSfze8Nu-znQoIjavyA78MFhe41i_67HdURWUtj_eVVNbcL9wUJUVKOuz07WjcwxX-ldGXu2oJ8srasGX5-I_oasOmEI5rZ9C8Q-YA2Cm-yosnfDcEAklq2R93CqsR3QERcY/s400/cup29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Service:</b> Its fast food counter service with your number called when your order is ready. Food is served in a paper bag even if you are eating inside, and you have to ask for ketchup.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelot6gkSHGUCBDRGgi70CDv1rzP_3NEkQBgwUJtLwRAcTJ7Ne4q7cF55hDeW7jlkmx5fOOYQX12eIdyB79VVWt1Khj0TQVR8hJDrzaQXnrI2ego8ExDWdAatAvYjdNho1ghduE_LTGBE/s1600/loin18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelot6gkSHGUCBDRGgi70CDv1rzP_3NEkQBgwUJtLwRAcTJ7Ne4q7cF55hDeW7jlkmx5fOOYQX12eIdyB79VVWt1Khj0TQVR8hJDrzaQXnrI2ego8ExDWdAatAvYjdNho1ghduE_LTGBE/s400/loin18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance: </b>This is a new concept built in the past year as a dine-in B-Bops and the tables are new and clean and there is outside seating too. The oldies music and a few fixtures hint at a retro diner meeting modern fast food.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> This tenderloin was awful, get the burgers or the chili when you stop at B Bops Burgers. Even the chicken sandwich is noticeably better than the pork loin served here. The interior was clean and bright, the fries were hot and crispy, but don't get the tenderloin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w9VKXpAOuknOSTbUBJjP9-30UrlaHgAbxVNCb3R2yjZGbgK8KE45ncW41KogabgcQnbQJ7MhWZWnRmO86lj2qrcPvy2B-gvnW3scVSV7ECrwVhOZUWKWK5r0OFMakjTcKqGFAN-flKc/s1600/sign84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w9VKXpAOuknOSTbUBJjP9-30UrlaHgAbxVNCb3R2yjZGbgK8KE45ncW41KogabgcQnbQJ7MhWZWnRmO86lj2qrcPvy2B-gvnW3scVSV7ECrwVhOZUWKWK5r0OFMakjTcKqGFAN-flKc/s400/sign84.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-89004217928856739752016-04-15T03:42:00.000-05:002016-04-15T03:42:01.770-05:00The Office in Lenox Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb885PFNfE-EdK1NLGMAa46kEeUtEiNpxn2dh_d89uVNuyEa7nQj_4U4elJ1Kgfyu11D8c4F3T4wk2nVFBsvq6aofVzKVAWZELLRbqG7XG-qRL7rxJ8zvQhkeuEmnpOn9SW32B_z1mGwk/s1600/ext47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb885PFNfE-EdK1NLGMAa46kEeUtEiNpxn2dh_d89uVNuyEa7nQj_4U4elJ1Kgfyu11D8c4F3T4wk2nVFBsvq6aofVzKVAWZELLRbqG7XG-qRL7rxJ8zvQhkeuEmnpOn9SW32B_z1mGwk/s400/ext47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Office is a small bar and restaurant on the main street of Lenox in Southwestern Iowa. The sign says "Try our Famous Tenderloins", and the IPPA named them a finalist for last years Tenderloin award.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 122 N. Main St in Lenox, Taylor County in Southwestern Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>you take Highway 34 from Creston and turn south on the County Road with the big Lenox sign.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Office-in-Lenox-199864543507092/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW66GwI-mV65Ww8rEOTKgsPVvYo8udUCmPE1I9ulgBKWwoHvwppfFJR8G0wRIlYVuMiwNFrPRwrSIjXn1zUoKqD4L1GkYM2zyvEBmbZMikCy-b-4BSFXxHvcQKRozhnBs_N2U93RIxYW8/s1600/loin03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW66GwI-mV65Ww8rEOTKgsPVvYo8udUCmPE1I9ulgBKWwoHvwppfFJR8G0wRIlYVuMiwNFrPRwrSIjXn1zUoKqD4L1GkYM2zyvEBmbZMikCy-b-4BSFXxHvcQKRozhnBs_N2U93RIxYW8/s400/loin03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> The first thing you notice is that this thing is huge. Its at least ten ounces before breading and frying. The butterfly cut and pounding had turned this into two big thick portions of pork loin with a thin area in the middle. The thick parts were juicy and the thin areas dry. The breading had a lot of seasoning salt that left a taste in my mouth. The trimming job left some hunks of fat on the edge. The overuse of the salt and the hunks of fat held this from being rated higher, its still a very good tenderloin. Served on a toasted flour dusted bun with your choice of fixings. Overall 8.5 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbihMD5C9924n7QcR30eahtop-SRdKRN9IMy-pIVBJw5seRsLhnT8bYWxQz_HOWKrl0noOcFFD6p_8f8PUm8SGu9AIHydTt8yiZsi9Mn2htN9UZsZFWQVKIVX-aX0gCD06CvZeY90UNcs/s1600/koin39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbihMD5C9924n7QcR30eahtop-SRdKRN9IMy-pIVBJw5seRsLhnT8bYWxQz_HOWKrl0noOcFFD6p_8f8PUm8SGu9AIHydTt8yiZsi9Mn2htN9UZsZFWQVKIVX-aX0gCD06CvZeY90UNcs/s400/koin39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Price: </b>$6.45 for a sandwich this big its like they are giving it away.<br />
<br />
<b>On the menu:</b> the names have office themes like The Secretary and include burgers and steak dinners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlYJl_-siA2qBTI9GUbKRYHZhE5Fa-WGWdQPNNHhZjnrtwzhrH2yleZHWw3sy8pHfoRgkN1iECKgYD7-Qd0is4J1cK1Xeh_w7g5w-F-LF6DmVoiL9d8PUflOphDR7Uo8lSULPaTiRh9o/s1600/sig44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlYJl_-siA2qBTI9GUbKRYHZhE5Fa-WGWdQPNNHhZjnrtwzhrH2yleZHWw3sy8pHfoRgkN1iECKgYD7-Qd0is4J1cK1Xeh_w7g5w-F-LF6DmVoiL9d8PUflOphDR7Uo8lSULPaTiRh9o/s400/sig44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Service:</b> Its table service with one person serving all the tables when I was in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN_9Bxq-VMCQl7BMhy4kts56YKo6lGtpTXT8TwNVqDR1dc3Ut5avldccluuhyphenhyphenAbfV6dZg3P0OxvHOOOviTSU7jL7QdNCb3eB8KXlxmBj1E3ljuhDClHdcrLk9vsiY58Q57dFVhm27n44/s1600/loin16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN_9Bxq-VMCQl7BMhy4kts56YKo6lGtpTXT8TwNVqDR1dc3Ut5avldccluuhyphenhyphenAbfV6dZg3P0OxvHOOOviTSU7jL7QdNCb3eB8KXlxmBj1E3ljuhDClHdcrLk9vsiY58Q57dFVhm27n44/s400/loin16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance: </b>The layout is odd with two storefronts and you have to walk into the dining area then into the bar to get service. <br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I hadn't eaten a super jumbo tenderloin as big as this in a while. The nearby Elm's Club in Creston is the local legend with the IPPA Tenderloin Award and recognition from the Iowa Beef Council for their burger. The Office in Lenox compares very well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-b8ZOYx6jANCW8STn5j4umw9DLGfA3x2_LAtO37gkaTunumyKvzxNxPlWqw9aGVLB5hpi_CGfIB796OTbJkqisUFCe-fsSaZomtPNAA4wsH9E6_CDeXD2HELDQ7064g2qNjyyKWg8vs/s1600/sig49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-b8ZOYx6jANCW8STn5j4umw9DLGfA3x2_LAtO37gkaTunumyKvzxNxPlWqw9aGVLB5hpi_CGfIB796OTbJkqisUFCe-fsSaZomtPNAA4wsH9E6_CDeXD2HELDQ7064g2qNjyyKWg8vs/s400/sig49.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-66114805795561663852016-04-01T04:23:00.000-05:002016-04-01T04:23:00.262-05:00Sneakers Eatery & Pub in Fort Dodge, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Nyk6-xpE0fuyzxfyf3pd6ZzGoaagoEa64RGuhmOqK9gbM0zVncWMD53drlycFRIHUYXgVE2qH4-Qw7YrKOQrQFQRnfZCAAgcygq2h10Mv2iCYD0f2LjBhA_MQx1N00t5Tt-7PTrdYkU/s1600/sign67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Nyk6-xpE0fuyzxfyf3pd6ZzGoaagoEa64RGuhmOqK9gbM0zVncWMD53drlycFRIHUYXgVE2qH4-Qw7YrKOQrQFQRnfZCAAgcygq2h10Mv2iCYD0f2LjBhA_MQx1N00t5Tt-7PTrdYkU/s400/sign67.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been driving around Fort Dodge and surroundings for a long time now. I went to local legend Community Tap & Pizza and found an okay tenderloin, but I've kept looking. Now it seems like plenty of places have come and go over the years in the downtown area and the commercial strip. I hadn't heard of Sneakers Pub until a few months ago, and it looks like the building used to be a different restaurant. I still don't understand the appeal of naming a bar after a pair of shoes, or having shoes in the sign.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 1317 Central Ave in Fort Dodge, North Central Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>Central Ave is just East of downtown Ft Dodge and can be reached by taking the Business 20 turn off and turning north on 12th St or 15th St.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is <a href="http://www.sneakersfd.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5-GR5a59JSAT-sI2fdLYzSS0PxHBxdx_g3O8mydEZSgMnWBlhXCOxLZPpO8v5e6RCTqvKmRH7QfsxZTv41stY4yW0fQdvqYdYRDRHUNjHkiBhX3QYHOvymjMft9c9jlq3-TPadHF71E/s1600/loin66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5-GR5a59JSAT-sI2fdLYzSS0PxHBxdx_g3O8mydEZSgMnWBlhXCOxLZPpO8v5e6RCTqvKmRH7QfsxZTv41stY4yW0fQdvqYdYRDRHUNjHkiBhX3QYHOvymjMft9c9jlq3-TPadHF71E/s400/loin66.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This was a large cut of pork loin, at least eight ounces. The breading formed big crunchy flakes on all parts of the meat. The pork loin was dry on the edges and soft and juicy in one part, but the fat hadn't been trimmed well. Served on a giant toasted bun. Overall 7.4 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $9.25 with a side<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu</b>: The menu is huge with burgers, wings, a "world famous rueben", fish, tacos and everything you've seen at sports bars before.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> There was one server working the bar and dining areas who was a little overworked when I was in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOLxETHkkweIRog7oxstQWFf0vRbVY5kgwusgg4A6MLC9p5oNYhtJzckW9uRxr97UNe6jv5b_L930a9X8XvS3iFhm60Yy1-oh1Dma1184RnG6T2VbGjcFfjtanr1DeJI5Xqc74P30nUk/s1600/loin65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOLxETHkkweIRog7oxstQWFf0vRbVY5kgwusgg4A6MLC9p5oNYhtJzckW9uRxr97UNe6jv5b_L930a9X8XvS3iFhm60Yy1-oh1Dma1184RnG6T2VbGjcFfjtanr1DeJI5Xqc74P30nUk/s400/loin65.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> This is a sports bar with a huge bar area and televisions and sports stuff tacked onto the walls.<br />
<br />
<b>Final thoughts: </b>Sneakers was a nice sports bar with an alright breaded tenderloin. I haven't found a real good one in the city of Ft Dodge yet. Just a short drive from Ft Dodge I have found good tenderloins in Clare or in Paton or Ogden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4HmUJwzqWge6SQKnLk0tRDuaKjEB2bRLPa4ieqN0w-yNDV4enCtT2AMJozGrv9lqQHh_Pt9xOgfp4CSQjfh158mzSOWbtQe5ZVgU4LH4e4bPMd1dAvBRyaKEO1Ia1VMRVphRc6iQMUs/s1600/ext69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4HmUJwzqWge6SQKnLk0tRDuaKjEB2bRLPa4ieqN0w-yNDV4enCtT2AMJozGrv9lqQHh_Pt9xOgfp4CSQjfh158mzSOWbtQe5ZVgU4LH4e4bPMd1dAvBRyaKEO1Ia1VMRVphRc6iQMUs/s400/ext69.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-37865289587177592032016-03-01T02:50:00.000-06:002016-03-01T02:50:01.195-06:00Belmond Drive-In in Belmond Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3MgYsC6PDJRkjqfoCAf3skokVodSy7Exy8bFIW5pAMEY9Onq_pIOP51KYjvT9z6cVfTTcorYfJ5q3amXjn4H65aYchQdg5Su8xxCB2j2wlmsExc7ywO-xR7zS1rGXDI8l2tqFzViqkY/s1600/sig38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3MgYsC6PDJRkjqfoCAf3skokVodSy7Exy8bFIW5pAMEY9Onq_pIOP51KYjvT9z6cVfTTcorYfJ5q3amXjn4H65aYchQdg5Su8xxCB2j2wlmsExc7ywO-xR7zS1rGXDI8l2tqFzViqkY/s400/sig38.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Belmond Drive-In has a tenderloin on the sign, and its 2016 IPPA Best Tenderloin in Iowa Contest plaque on the wall. Then they have a sign reading Best Tenderloin in a window, and then the shirts they wear say "Hand Breaded Tenderloins" and "Full of Awesome".<br />
<br />
<b>Location: </b>215 River Ave S in Belmond, Wright County, Northern Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>you take Highway 69 North from Des Moines past Webster City and this place is on the south side of town.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVfLAzxkKFXRVQY39pi3RKhBohKa38Z6wm9ArBRfZFyhcG51qYaA8x7onKxFtwQ_bHOr8wElDDtxTp6kqB16G-wsWwHIhqht0ivFJEK0vVQ2aMAN_ggcPrgTy23ZWULSEiiicAJ8Xq-4/s1600/loin30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVfLAzxkKFXRVQY39pi3RKhBohKa38Z6wm9ArBRfZFyhcG51qYaA8x7onKxFtwQ_bHOr8wElDDtxTp6kqB16G-wsWwHIhqht0ivFJEK0vVQ2aMAN_ggcPrgTy23ZWULSEiiicAJ8Xq-4/s400/loin30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This felt like one of the smaller sized loins, maybe less than seven ounces. The breading had a good golden brown color with hints of seasoning but nothing that tasted strong. It formed a very thin and slightly crunchy layer over the white loin meat. What made this tiny tenderloin good was the consistent tenderness and juiciness in the meat. Served on a higher quality toasted bun with the usual fixings. Overall 8.9 very good<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $5.88 after tax<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> The menu has the basics of burgers, a melt sandwich, and hot beef with ice cream shop items for dessert.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpJ3hFFa94FRzlJMgzSJcvWch2nNnR9keCDkkOO5D2YKws5uP6Tl7zt6oX_HTxmLnTi72SgfTJOUJ6QcaKBJr-SNsZOHLIuTvxFkZBye1qmKLwGwnzhu7Qz4Chefg4NXrIJBlxyUapKM/s1600/loin13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpJ3hFFa94FRzlJMgzSJcvWch2nNnR9keCDkkOO5D2YKws5uP6Tl7zt6oX_HTxmLnTi72SgfTJOUJ6QcaKBJr-SNsZOHLIuTvxFkZBye1qmKLwGwnzhu7Qz4Chefg4NXrIJBlxyUapKM/s400/loin13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Service:</b> There was one person working tables and one person cooking when I was in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZkgjCl2Itua4mtzPI7wVNF0h8vziLPZTgH-unvukbp8HYrHMLf7V5UVUYjlP5Tkybf9S9NXtZnfWGzq0X_huzYKxw7SRNMF9ETZzwzNi_a9QV0W88I6uhTH8xFKKkOe8D5opGdt5GZE/s1600/plaque37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZkgjCl2Itua4mtzPI7wVNF0h8vziLPZTgH-unvukbp8HYrHMLf7V5UVUYjlP5Tkybf9S9NXtZnfWGzq0X_huzYKxw7SRNMF9ETZzwzNi_a9QV0W88I6uhTH8xFKKkOe8D5opGdt5GZE/s400/plaque37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance: </b>The interior is covered with Belmond-Klemme Mustang gear, seating was available at a small counter or tables.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts: </b>This tenderloin is a case of good things sometimes coming in small packages. This is my first stop in Wright County, and I hope to get back in this area when the weather warms up and more places are open. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqsdgNcZUdapSyJ-5E6s9IPcgbPl1iR8-1vG7c-yrrCyrIhzlsitOr8jvhfOJWKwCMeRTjp75yfq-qcojNg2PMBrYUdxbFDALVmx1ZRV-kqoDUmcfxhPx9jRxGt-M3GdYTHrTGTfKhUQ/s1600/ext39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqsdgNcZUdapSyJ-5E6s9IPcgbPl1iR8-1vG7c-yrrCyrIhzlsitOr8jvhfOJWKwCMeRTjp75yfq-qcojNg2PMBrYUdxbFDALVmx1ZRV-kqoDUmcfxhPx9jRxGt-M3GdYTHrTGTfKhUQ/s400/ext39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-90285564018764798932016-02-15T04:45:00.000-06:002016-02-15T04:45:07.384-06:00Midtown Cafe in Newton Iowa<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDgCrB0olmY7gzKRubxfHvw5FEWFtfDRSqe7T4WdpbT4YpQBObdJhJLz4LBaD3QyCaMrPXKqFBeS_ljVvdZbYFVlw-6FbXwBzOmfiUNDYcwhZ4NMueNIikozE__l4tAmXpM6jwz3WqbM/s1600/ext32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDgCrB0olmY7gzKRubxfHvw5FEWFtfDRSqe7T4WdpbT4YpQBObdJhJLz4LBaD3QyCaMrPXKqFBeS_ljVvdZbYFVlw-6FbXwBzOmfiUNDYcwhZ4NMueNIikozE__l4tAmXpM6jwz3WqbM/s400/ext32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A lot of places have come and gone over the years in Newton but this little place with the words CAFE visible on the square has been around for as long as I can recall. This is an older diner that specializes in burgers and breakfasts that had a bunch of families eating here when I visited.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 120 1st St North in Newton, Jasper County in Central Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>this is on the East side of the square across the street from the County Courthouse.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/midtowncafe.newton">HERE</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxZrFCYaJif9v-eoA569UcPKLD8f6WCHMxtINsh3DU6FTsmhswxVAGH4OjYLBvmShmWp8pXAxnjZ0cY7UVHEzAy2uTUER5HFsvOoM0y1BqGpwCWfn5e3rvKk2IUMoqzH1PAfe9Ux59iQ/s1600/loin11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxZrFCYaJif9v-eoA569UcPKLD8f6WCHMxtINsh3DU6FTsmhswxVAGH4OjYLBvmShmWp8pXAxnjZ0cY7UVHEzAy2uTUER5HFsvOoM0y1BqGpwCWfn5e3rvKk2IUMoqzH1PAfe9Ux59iQ/s400/loin11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin: </b>The description simply states that this sandwich is big enough for two. This came with two buns and a side along with the fixings. The first thing is that this is big and well bigger than the usual eight ounces that most places describe as "jumbo". The problem was that this seemed to lack moisture inside and the edges were especially dry. The middle had some good white pork loin meat that was soft enough to chew through easily. The breading was crunchy but not tasty and the whole thing felt like too much time in the freezer had sucked the moisture out. Overall 7.0 out of ten.<br />
<br />
Price: $8.99 with a side<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk5l03uEFiRGFV2U5k-xUFFVSdahZey-_hVERmW0JV04-UQdjBYgMmaofVf-1rvJ9HZLLKg_RwOeL-zB4f0tnRMTklZ_pBZh7oKYk5Ey11VMQ4_jY70rZAg1G5J9RcsA-1ZZf9HORpjM/s1600/loin25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdk5l03uEFiRGFV2U5k-xUFFVSdahZey-_hVERmW0JV04-UQdjBYgMmaofVf-1rvJ9HZLLKg_RwOeL-zB4f0tnRMTklZ_pBZh7oKYk5Ey11VMQ4_jY70rZAg1G5J9RcsA-1ZZf9HORpjM/s400/loin25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Also on the menu:</b> Diner food classics like burgers or sandwiches. There is a full breakfast selection with an dish named The Annihilator, and more than one food challenge.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> its seat yourself table service with tables and booths and a counter in the back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwdYIRZnLMFbl77ZR4tyPf40NLoqh0yshAJ8t5AwRhPr3dGErplE1tCtWNvhvPFa3JOjLPI-Mpf0WP1pnVXsLU1dVybp9GMVxmxR4895UimrBxY9o0V4UfyVXZu3iUaAg36esjH2b7-4/s1600/loin08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwdYIRZnLMFbl77ZR4tyPf40NLoqh0yshAJ8t5AwRhPr3dGErplE1tCtWNvhvPFa3JOjLPI-Mpf0WP1pnVXsLU1dVybp9GMVxmxR4895UimrBxY9o0V4UfyVXZu3iUaAg36esjH2b7-4/s400/loin08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance: </b>This is an old space with old fixtures and furniture in an old building known as The Midtown Building. <br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts: </b>I had driven through Newton so many times over the years that I couldn't count. but finding a good tenderloin has eluded me. I had tried an old diner beside the Maid Rite, and I wanted to stop at a racing themed bar on the East side of town. But that place was closed on a Sunday when I was driving through, like how many racing themed bars are closed on Sunday? I remember when there was an Argentine steakhouse called Gauchos just a block of the square and I never made it in and now its been gone for ten years now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrjV2F-7B2yyrmffHKH9QQrtL2aqEt4NmJUkaZzRB2s8J6ppxwSuWcC9ZCQfZNyZpxlPhgHjp1zDsOyPZU1GapLzLzIHFQlyWgBVMX9KIUUdKx0TuEKn2yYP0_fAxjGKpa4tLR075dco/s1600/ext29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrjV2F-7B2yyrmffHKH9QQrtL2aqEt4NmJUkaZzRB2s8J6ppxwSuWcC9ZCQfZNyZpxlPhgHjp1zDsOyPZU1GapLzLzIHFQlyWgBVMX9KIUUdKx0TuEKn2yYP0_fAxjGKpa4tLR075dco/s400/ext29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-19589124255847069192016-02-01T04:46:00.000-06:002016-02-01T04:46:05.091-06:00Westside Family Restaurant in Grinnell Iowa<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWcbjBeO6HomT3H97QjRdX-abC-vzq_3emdrlDKUPoOf05cZXvKJ1DK2XS4t5RFRGsm5R8YKuicf6dO32b2Sq_7Whso6BCsUA1qOmieYp30rvVvCGTB6SiUa-PTfhjYXYi3ANsNzHTwU/s1600/ext87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWcbjBeO6HomT3H97QjRdX-abC-vzq_3emdrlDKUPoOf05cZXvKJ1DK2XS4t5RFRGsm5R8YKuicf6dO32b2Sq_7Whso6BCsUA1qOmieYp30rvVvCGTB6SiUa-PTfhjYXYi3ANsNzHTwU/s400/ext87.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I haven't had the best of luck searching for tenderloins in Grinnell. I had a lousy tenderloin at the Dari Barn years ago, and lots of places have come and gone since then. Westside Restaurant seems to have persevered as a family dining option on this part of Grinnell for a long time now. <br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 229 6th Ave West in Grinnell Iowa about an hour east of Des Moines.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b>: This is on old Highway 6 on the western side of Grinnell.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> Website is <a href="http://www.westsidefamilyrestaurant.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BbNBs-LvFnctaj25JYbRC3ZXPQuPELwU9KwXhuhknQjeEapGTWCj4UTSEDfv0Z1OsWfQLOvEe4p2DnBFVH91ocR-tEvuXsOAM2jbK3YGy23J5z5B5gcnRaVe8aCm0Jsnw75UL4DOTKs/s1600/loin73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BbNBs-LvFnctaj25JYbRC3ZXPQuPELwU9KwXhuhknQjeEapGTWCj4UTSEDfv0Z1OsWfQLOvEe4p2DnBFVH91ocR-tEvuXsOAM2jbK3YGy23J5z5B5gcnRaVe8aCm0Jsnw75UL4DOTKs/s400/loin73.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The tenderloin: </b>The cut was a little on the thin side but the meat was moist throughout. The breading had a light crunchiness and not much taste but had a good golden brown color. Served on a soft bun with your choice of fixings overall 7.5 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $6.95 a la carte<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD-qUiUTmjfwJFeEwv0QiKEhRLOZKNF2_D0hDibPgfv4_M0MO8mtOqcFytJQAlRioklqJB6CJ9k000UegpNfgFZ8cOg7yBeITP1F5gIhmjH_EbfXaSMD-CFFkEWC_aJ_3QqN-c64_3KM/s1600/menu54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD-qUiUTmjfwJFeEwv0QiKEhRLOZKNF2_D0hDibPgfv4_M0MO8mtOqcFytJQAlRioklqJB6CJ9k000UegpNfgFZ8cOg7yBeITP1F5gIhmjH_EbfXaSMD-CFFkEWC_aJ_3QqN-c64_3KM/s400/menu54.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu: </b>full breakfast in the morning, homemade pies and a huge lunch and dinner selection like steaks or burgers or seafood.<br />
<br />
<b>Service: </b>Its table service by some long serving waitresses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUHe5xlOT3TeeKGVHwIX6OyDD9GPs_LkDqaBbHEbSiDUskJwTK5BxcPrl7hOKreydp-8MSRuP5AQfuAgaA9kwrz6MfuYrD19MjEKE2-cxpzkHRTYRKr9gagzvd9_kzBB7uK4jd6mpzOA/s1600/loin70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUHe5xlOT3TeeKGVHwIX6OyDD9GPs_LkDqaBbHEbSiDUskJwTK5BxcPrl7hOKreydp-8MSRuP5AQfuAgaA9kwrz6MfuYrD19MjEKE2-cxpzkHRTYRKr9gagzvd9_kzBB7uK4jd6mpzOA/s400/loin70.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance: </b>The website says this location was a A&W Drive-In a long time ago, and it looks lika a dated eighties or older renovation. There are booths or tables in the dining area.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts: </b>My attempts at finding a good tenderloin in Grinnell had been mostly frustration, I think I had one at a pizza place a long time ago, and I had tried Montgomery's Sandwich Shop but they didn't have a homemade loin. I may have to try the racing themed bar down the road in Newton on Highway 6 for my next stop.Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-29433168960875876492016-01-15T03:45:00.000-06:002016-01-15T03:45:00.268-06:00Wobbly Boots Roadhouse in Clive, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxlmD-DnyLAAagie3TCU6wYTSHFxEAFqMRA4Htg8ukX7JJ95CxbVPj2s0dF_huHQWbPMDHBVODU1kkxcg1uBdc_M98hceu-5JE87dYqXYvIttwAL12HPXLECTda-01RLhyphenhyphen4EKhVt5nGE/s1600/ext91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxlmD-DnyLAAagie3TCU6wYTSHFxEAFqMRA4Htg8ukX7JJ95CxbVPj2s0dF_huHQWbPMDHBVODU1kkxcg1uBdc_M98hceu-5JE87dYqXYvIttwAL12HPXLECTda-01RLhyphenhyphen4EKhVt5nGE/s400/ext91.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Any time I visit a place with "Roadhouse" in the name I almost expect to see a wild bar scene with Patrick Swayze drop kicking a bunch of bad guys. My experiences have never really met those expectations. But Wobbly Boots is a chain of BBQ restaurants from the Lake of the Ozarks area which is kind of close to where Roadhouse was set. I've never heard anything good about this place, but they have a homemade tenderloin on the menu so I had to give it a try. <br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 1301 NW 114th St in Clive, Suburban Des Moines Iowa. I usually have bad luck in side of the highway high traffic areas between chain restaurants like this place in Clive.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> This is in between some other chain restaurants a block north of the intersection of 50th St and University in West Des Moines.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at: </b>website is <a href="http://www.wobblybootsbbq.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigco_9q9pILmeNb-Dg4Os-ntw6nDKYTMTmzP3ISwDWpbn8rkqTLWkpxEth78CvHkqKpDJQhoIkzAMumlv60JOYiwYEVhRf_1L6Tc2A89rjTI1zjyfA_If7ALcTJRvVVgbdT85wZeaOC68/s1600/loin78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigco_9q9pILmeNb-Dg4Os-ntw6nDKYTMTmzP3ISwDWpbn8rkqTLWkpxEth78CvHkqKpDJQhoIkzAMumlv60JOYiwYEVhRf_1L6Tc2A89rjTI1zjyfA_If7ALcTJRvVVgbdT85wZeaOC68/s400/loin78.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This was a large piece of pork loin cut and pounded into a consistent if slightly thin tenderloin sandwich. The crunchiness was good and consistent throughout although I couldn't taste anything in the breading. The meat inside was warm and bright white and good softness. This is better than the tenderloin I ate at another chain The Other Place. Served with LTOP on a large soft toasted bun. Overall 7.7 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $9.99 with a side of fries but I paid extra for <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjiAr3uMK4IqFIrALZJh1Ej6-jIuEkXBJygcHCTDN_mcH77Si9sy5RUqcLAqh1S74lq2pwFwNx3Dj7sc1WIB1aDYwGic9_OwaRaJCBirUK7PhpxTt6k4enVnvlQVfY3UuO4aAYw7oR8M/s1600/rings74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjiAr3uMK4IqFIrALZJh1Ej6-jIuEkXBJygcHCTDN_mcH77Si9sy5RUqcLAqh1S74lq2pwFwNx3Dj7sc1WIB1aDYwGic9_OwaRaJCBirUK7PhpxTt6k4enVnvlQVfY3UuO4aAYw7oR8M/s400/rings74.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Also on the menu:</b> The smoked meats are most of the menu but there are also burgers and salads and flatbreads.<br />
<br />
<b>Service: </b>There is table service or bar service and it was like any other chain restaurant.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d2OWywYrWFrAPhM7fXK_HuDldbC6hF3CtvbYclnXNj2aBzoQaJcMwktUfsrbcMrU7wthhQ83jbXBsSAPx-V6-hLrVZPet77JpBZ5CO4XiXFVruUBK4tafTuQA0sOecz4lgpKb-mL2xU/s1600/loin76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d2OWywYrWFrAPhM7fXK_HuDldbC6hF3CtvbYclnXNj2aBzoQaJcMwktUfsrbcMrU7wthhQ83jbXBsSAPx-V6-hLrVZPet77JpBZ5CO4XiXFVruUBK4tafTuQA0sOecz4lgpKb-mL2xU/s400/loin76.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance: </b>This space has been a different chain restaurant and was newly renovated a year ago when Wobbly Boots opened. There are televisions and exposed woodwork with old barn wood.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I have to warn people that I've never heard anything good about this place other than the tenderloin or the onion rings. Some people tell me that they don't reheat the meat from their smoker properly when they serve it so it all tastes a little off. The wings I had once tasted like they had too much smoke, and a lot of the side dishes were forgettable or worse like they were just bad. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wrHi7Q0u6hJrkt9mO_DqfH106O0un1RW8P3Vrj352IYBjkiBWf0OBbyVAfaE0JDkzLZzd6Y2pJVHdG9nvRip2bNI8UIDnN59EUzMIbqOKo8nLitzi1cQaq_XfRzMwVH5bthso5iYDnE/s1600/menu66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wrHi7Q0u6hJrkt9mO_DqfH106O0un1RW8P3Vrj352IYBjkiBWf0OBbyVAfaE0JDkzLZzd6Y2pJVHdG9nvRip2bNI8UIDnN59EUzMIbqOKo8nLitzi1cQaq_XfRzMwVH5bthso5iYDnE/s400/menu66.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-1678870906388312992016-01-02T04:45:00.000-06:002016-01-02T04:45:03.264-06:00Shakespeare's Pub & Grill in Iowa City Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77yhvcECZT39YE1a6WBtu3nDoytVc2qFzjyEL2II2WayS030Oz0FHMCdRDpW5ggndRxI2SmBiJFO5egHWypg5w3lh9yZIdMnJ2UF3oQxyROLSDPwK9CxdcY1NW5znovQNOx7Z725r9hI/s1600/ext45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77yhvcECZT39YE1a6WBtu3nDoytVc2qFzjyEL2II2WayS030Oz0FHMCdRDpW5ggndRxI2SmBiJFO5egHWypg5w3lh9yZIdMnJ2UF3oQxyROLSDPwK9CxdcY1NW5znovQNOx7Z725r9hI/s400/ext45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had known about Shakespeare's for a long time, its been serving locals and townies on the East Side of Iowa City forever. <b> </b>Isn't it crazy how the dive bar on the east side with the busy
parking lot seems to have the best tenderloin I've found in Iowa City. I
have a couple more places over here to check out since I never made to to Iron
Hawk before they closed last year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 819 S 1st Ave in Iowa City<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b>I always get lost on this side of Iowa City, Shakespeare's is just a few blocks north of the old mall.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is <a href="http://www.shakespearesic.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA4tfPAiWUqhd4r58uneNtuc0rJW1HLxb1MqThGmVJOtpbVTJVMKT7kfIhYl9Wnal5TuI8Dvcf3wlF3WKhqocdVGkMwAOX-BiTpbKw-Hlbija4RX12rTzq8q5T5idNM-lKT38_kgCm3o/s1600/loin25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA4tfPAiWUqhd4r58uneNtuc0rJW1HLxb1MqThGmVJOtpbVTJVMKT7kfIhYl9Wnal5TuI8Dvcf3wlF3WKhqocdVGkMwAOX-BiTpbKw-Hlbija4RX12rTzq8q5T5idNM-lKT38_kgCm3o/s400/loin25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> The meat inside was a thick cut of soft white pork loin. The batter formed a thick and crispy layer that included many pieces that stuck out for extra crunchiness. There was one little dark spot in the meat that I hope doesn't appear on other sandwiches they serve. This reminded me of battered loins from The Elms Club in Creston or Gramma's Kitchen in Walcott. Served on a very soft toasted bun with your choice of fixings. This was a nicely battered loin Overall 8.2 out of ten. <br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $9.50 with fries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9DKV5YeSDQEueEqKUYT2AUFPZzBDYNVHB1CcbmTOszNKp27DRgIwbxxP8TrPIy2AvfJ4KIhj87PXv9a02LjNg2yXACVPK36Jsi6dmur1qOl-XjaqO_P1KO97Yrzd45X7l_tW05bO9kI/s1600/rec0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9DKV5YeSDQEueEqKUYT2AUFPZzBDYNVHB1CcbmTOszNKp27DRgIwbxxP8TrPIy2AvfJ4KIhj87PXv9a02LjNg2yXACVPK36Jsi6dmur1qOl-XjaqO_P1KO97Yrzd45X7l_tW05bO9kI/s400/rec0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu: </b>There are daily specials and the menu is bar food like burgers, sandwiches, and fried appetizers.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> There is bar service with wait staff slowly working through the crowded room.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGvcnFTubNdf0Lznvw4wpDc80DRKo-PwwGvXzSca8O1KK-442oIT0LySe4P7QiKy9MIKQZmYTnKg-s8ikzTY0qnj92YFDqBOVKNaVgjxxyICqLPRWrf63Qs-bCj5xq2MHd0KIQ-eIwik/s1600/loin43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGvcnFTubNdf0Lznvw4wpDc80DRKo-PwwGvXzSca8O1KK-442oIT0LySe4P7QiKy9MIKQZmYTnKg-s8ikzTY0qnj92YFDqBOVKNaVgjxxyICqLPRWrf63Qs-bCj5xq2MHd0KIQ-eIwik/s400/loin43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> the pub describes itself as an "East side watering hole", and the interior is dark with beer signs and a pool table and the bucket seats at the bar felt like they were decades old. I appreciate the font on their sign.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> Blow, blow, thou winter wind. Thou art not so unkind, As man's ingratitude.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsWIrQcwkEugHI6Zzm8Kv9UFCcWtfzOeYGwwpcFyWdIQ3LVMwTEZ8Ht2AFDtljMnNKKNazxsqj38M4ygxbOE1AP7KQYeM_S1efThRs5FxILIgaIlY7SrFSM5eooyWCwNK1t38fiuhoYA/s1600/sign15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsWIrQcwkEugHI6Zzm8Kv9UFCcWtfzOeYGwwpcFyWdIQ3LVMwTEZ8Ht2AFDtljMnNKKNazxsqj38M4ygxbOE1AP7KQYeM_S1efThRs5FxILIgaIlY7SrFSM5eooyWCwNK1t38fiuhoYA/s400/sign15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-29839488104002018722015-12-01T04:24:00.000-06:002015-12-01T04:24:00.870-06:00Victory Lane Cafe in Des Moines, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2ploh7XpeSljP0U6gl0Ypmht15BPknRNAD4NZE2lq6n6Bj6Ax-iljzMhb-DL7FohBz5I7c_gdO1yfR0-lnLFDUUO5UZ-t7z6bIuHQ0djfKf41cfrVlySHkbCN_jiL1PwelD0nFbdtP0/s1600/ext61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2ploh7XpeSljP0U6gl0Ypmht15BPknRNAD4NZE2lq6n6Bj6Ax-iljzMhb-DL7FohBz5I7c_gdO1yfR0-lnLFDUUO5UZ-t7z6bIuHQ0djfKf41cfrVlySHkbCN_jiL1PwelD0nFbdtP0/s400/ext61.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Victory Lane has a sign with a car tire, and some window lettering that reads "pizza to go", its hard to tell whats inside this place while driving past. The full name of this place is Victory Lane Motorsports Cafe and it is in a simple building on the East side of Des Moines. <br />
<br />
<b>Location: </b>3801 Easton Blvd. in Des Moines <br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> You get to Easton by taking University east past the fairgrounds and turning north on East 29th or Williams St.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is <a href="http://www.victorylanedsm.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rq1Ottcg07opbwglIVKMvxA-JYJF20cBfyi_hyTSaASGPpDx4AnM9Wtn7KvzjsypFdRKQ0K8b96aYxjXKNqe50pB3qDWuebj45Y-siVz7-JXku0CfaWSfPz_7thnn6X9IncL9Pm_8uc/s1600/loin49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rq1Ottcg07opbwglIVKMvxA-JYJF20cBfyi_hyTSaASGPpDx4AnM9Wtn7KvzjsypFdRKQ0K8b96aYxjXKNqe50pB3qDWuebj45Y-siVz7-JXku0CfaWSfPz_7thnn6X9IncL9Pm_8uc/s400/loin49.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This felt like at least a half pound of pork in the sandwich. The breading was a thick layer that had little seasoning and badly needed some mustard. The pork inside was cut with the grain and not tender, and there wasn't much moisture inside. The bun was not toasted and the fixings were piled underneath. Overall this was an okay homemade bar food tenderloin. 7.2 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $7.29 with fries and a little extra for onion rings<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiN2GKr8oMkv_xKql_30sARjRfO_T29Oy42uGSHpycgBdsTxns_G3acZj0jI5jTaWxN2eS2RtA5ojKvdn62xU_UKQt5NYxzN1OOU9fNV7Swcxa2S5pdGTK44yrmV1QN_RZf9Ezk-n5Qo/s1600/menu70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiN2GKr8oMkv_xKql_30sARjRfO_T29Oy42uGSHpycgBdsTxns_G3acZj0jI5jTaWxN2eS2RtA5ojKvdn62xU_UKQt5NYxzN1OOU9fNV7Swcxa2S5pdGTK44yrmV1QN_RZf9Ezk-n5Qo/s400/menu70.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> typical bar food burgers and fried stuff but with pizza and cavatelli.<br />
I got some <b>onion rings</b>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtjKPLqrG3U6YOxLnyj6OmUSP5HWGJjZCXli6Pdv8-HTcIVIMxeG7f7bZmnP1IGo6hbtbG9xLqC7xlcr5Bs5JkxwTVoDDMGhzxXZGu3yiJvrb8mUH6lHAb8OkThGUmgM6MYwoapSlH4Q/s1600/rings45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtjKPLqrG3U6YOxLnyj6OmUSP5HWGJjZCXli6Pdv8-HTcIVIMxeG7f7bZmnP1IGo6hbtbG9xLqC7xlcr5Bs5JkxwTVoDDMGhzxXZGu3yiJvrb8mUH6lHAb8OkThGUmgM6MYwoapSlH4Q/s400/rings45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Service:</b> This was bar service with a couple waitresses running the cafe on a busy Friday crowd when I was in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFJnit7B0PPw3rdRGbof7ZLv-ooCXMtNSR_rRZI5jx_LoQTDIDsItdzRlsWvY8tslKP4L6xkRpGzsghBs8Y4gTB8K0Ic-W_cTCj1A6vHyCb9FyqfB8bU8WISGzArBZCzprfZKgCc1g-0/s1600/loin39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFJnit7B0PPw3rdRGbof7ZLv-ooCXMtNSR_rRZI5jx_LoQTDIDsItdzRlsWvY8tslKP4L6xkRpGzsghBs8Y4gTB8K0Ic-W_cTCj1A6vHyCb9FyqfB8bU8WISGzArBZCzprfZKgCc1g-0/s400/loin39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance:</b> The cafe is themed for watching racing and there are flatscreen televisions and racing gear everywhere. Seats are at table and at the bar, and they have a pool table.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> Its been a while since I last visited a "neighborhood bar" and even
longer since I've visited one on the East side of Des Moines. Most of the people here were getting the pizza or the cavatelli, and I might go with those on another visit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z5dJbSRVIh0xPAoGdqKiPRbY-4uU0aAtzMMkDx5_dY0_VMZgjzoawweO8Aw-6xrQ_86Ud7cFimFay2S_1rz_jKNicy-NDO_L9OGj_E4JaXJBOJfTu0fJAxsjpIbOhp09DIbnUhyqZEg/s1600/sig60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z5dJbSRVIh0xPAoGdqKiPRbY-4uU0aAtzMMkDx5_dY0_VMZgjzoawweO8Aw-6xrQ_86Ud7cFimFay2S_1rz_jKNicy-NDO_L9OGj_E4JaXJBOJfTu0fJAxsjpIbOhp09DIbnUhyqZEg/s400/sig60.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-11811198184351422422015-11-01T09:57:00.000-06:002015-11-01T09:57:04.769-06:00Uptown Cafe in Jefferson Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAXTpZ4pkUGDdPYTkvkVtiBIodDcyphitGCsNxZ09EGOtQJhZBETNIz969zCpoyrEzivTR7yjd5FxP0nDlSvv2VaylOIoV4tEsVvifHCYIvE6_rao8KfndFcWZjyUU542D9ITHjC0ulc/s1600/ext41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAXTpZ4pkUGDdPYTkvkVtiBIodDcyphitGCsNxZ09EGOtQJhZBETNIz969zCpoyrEzivTR7yjd5FxP0nDlSvv2VaylOIoV4tEsVvifHCYIvE6_rao8KfndFcWZjyUU542D9ITHjC0ulc/s400/ext41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It
feels like I've been driving back and forth to Jefferson and back
forever. I remember eating a tenderloin at a place by the railroad
tracks a long time ago, but its closed up now. My next spot is the
Uptown Cafe between the state highway and the courthouse. This is actually the second Uptown Cafe since I started this blog, after another in Western Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 108 W State St in Jefferson, Greene County in Central Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> The Uptown Cafe is on State St between the courthouse and Highway 4 running north and south through town.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is <a href="http://www.uptowncafeia.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_291St02v9jpdRMJtrmcBhC6AoqciRfgivp_YQzgcDsJRDXbCGfM5Ihcs7LDVPgGsNQnDJNUjDqKDP0BdNfvcH0G6p5Oh9JwLG4ji-8Orvaw_zJ06OVcmPpS8umYD66G4a6MMyj_B5o/s1600/loin61.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_291St02v9jpdRMJtrmcBhC6AoqciRfgivp_YQzgcDsJRDXbCGfM5Ihcs7LDVPgGsNQnDJNUjDqKDP0BdNfvcH0G6p5Oh9JwLG4ji-8Orvaw_zJ06OVcmPpS8umYD66G4a6MMyj_B5o/s400/loin61.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b>
This was a big sandwich that was served on a big bun on a big plate.
The breading had some crunch but not much of any seasoning. The pork
loin was bright white on the inside and steamy moist inside. Served with
all the fixins on a toasted ciabatta bun that I just do not understand.
Overall 7.8 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $7.50 with a side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB71IaqWX0wRAaJKnEwKUytAtSaUmGME7iLzWVhybLg42b7QaTjJjqMOowcZ9SKTXj4d0z_0Nqam9QeKeDKrO_WHrI6K2LP24PCYsKc57ZLixYJ9IDX8laDr7ZiMMqJw25i1aq76sAfk/s1600/men45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB71IaqWX0wRAaJKnEwKUytAtSaUmGME7iLzWVhybLg42b7QaTjJjqMOowcZ9SKTXj4d0z_0Nqam9QeKeDKrO_WHrI6K2LP24PCYsKc57ZLixYJ9IDX8laDr7ZiMMqJw25i1aq76sAfk/s400/men45.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Also on the menu</b>:
they serve full breakfasts, sandwiches with confusing names that
reference things in the town of Jefferson, and a list of pies is written
on the pie board.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> the service was slow when I came in but the waitress apologized for the delay without being asked about it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eYcMSZWbhqOQGnoOMc3QLEZS8g8KgoAPI7NYeberqpIDJiQUm5RHHbH7wtxkv8aNWG3ykQyqmmgN1OHUBO52K9KhUXgLbDIcCyl9_K_U1GrIXg9rgi1nQvw3W181myg8Cf1BfZkR8iM/s1600/loin48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eYcMSZWbhqOQGnoOMc3QLEZS8g8KgoAPI7NYeberqpIDJiQUm5RHHbH7wtxkv8aNWG3ykQyqmmgN1OHUBO52K9KhUXgLbDIcCyl9_K_U1GrIXg9rgi1nQvw3W181myg8Cf1BfZkR8iM/s400/loin48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b>
this place was slightly renovated in the past couple years with some
antiques on the wall and exposed wood. There are booths and tables and a
separate dining room for seating.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts: </b>I
had visited this place more than once before without my camera and not
much has changed over the years. There is still a pie board, the
clientele is still local folks. I might have to step into Ferg's
Restaurant in Grand Junction on my next trip through Greene County.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EuO829QyUV_w_WtWyWEMkNWL5ABex6JAIov0UJo8yrJ6LoIGmrwrT5DAF8KqGTocIrnUTLwuJuUPTP7XGaL5Bu1T7yTMLj9oST41bohFagDEmj3YcAfy1FR-ELgPy5HsvGFi3UgGVAo/s1600/sign42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EuO829QyUV_w_WtWyWEMkNWL5ABex6JAIov0UJo8yrJ6LoIGmrwrT5DAF8KqGTocIrnUTLwuJuUPTP7XGaL5Bu1T7yTMLj9oST41bohFagDEmj3YcAfy1FR-ELgPy5HsvGFi3UgGVAo/s400/sign42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-88478940981208889942015-10-15T03:18:00.000-05:002015-10-15T03:18:00.143-05:00Olson's Bread & Breakfast in Norwalk, Iowa<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMCgvfB0NFpItHbQYtOsTi44A5HpgzfSGH7SQJokQqhGx_giWXbUuBIbYf2G92o1H-ayzhIRdj-X3yUtEUZXUD_zsxjGDKm2iX3OE4GZs-5saBBG8rMIhGwZ14ZcRrGe4i-XYLaFrupU/s1600/ext69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMCgvfB0NFpItHbQYtOsTi44A5HpgzfSGH7SQJokQqhGx_giWXbUuBIbYf2G92o1H-ayzhIRdj-X3yUtEUZXUD_zsxjGDKm2iX3OE4GZs-5saBBG8rMIhGwZ14ZcRrGe4i-XYLaFrupU/s400/ext69.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I had seen Olson's Bread & Breakfast featured on KCCI's Cruising for Comfort Food, and had driven past without realizing it served lunch. A recent facebook post on their seldom updated timeline had the message "Our landlord wants his building back, soon our last day at the restaurant will be Oct. 18." So I figured I should make it in before then.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 1400 Sunset Dr in Norwalk just south of Des Moines<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> Taking 63rd South from West Des Moines eventually turns into Sunset Drive in Norwalk, and Olson's Bread & Breakfast is on the east side of the main drag through town.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Olsons-Bread-Breakfast-192731107431223/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyfnCIfGC_s2Rfrib4s0BtDs3vH8kD48KZSpGHyediXhfpnHzFXof2gUTa5optYNP7nJYGVF9vAqq6SzMcc4wrYzBwSJhZUFOsH2mgo0OVp0LV4uCFvdpUpKLWbbHDpTTxOnWPdB47WM/s1600/loin61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyfnCIfGC_s2Rfrib4s0BtDs3vH8kD48KZSpGHyediXhfpnHzFXof2gUTa5optYNP7nJYGVF9vAqq6SzMcc4wrYzBwSJhZUFOsH2mgo0OVp0LV4uCFvdpUpKLWbbHDpTTxOnWPdB47WM/s400/loin61.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin</b>: This one come from the darker end of the pork loin and the meat was hot and juicy. It had been pounded out and the bits on the edges had overlapped, while some parts were thin and others thicker. The breading was a good crunchy layer with no seasoning. The homemade bun was soft and toasted warm and the butter melted into the bun gave it a rich flavor. Overall 7.8 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $7.29 with fries<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> lunch has burgers and sandwiches but the full breakfast menu is the most popular fare here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00G_SFMycKXHrtpZQ7PLe6T40LHIAoMHdI8WDHy2IXm38YfSvF-Jq_LZ3UOALrsamT3QDCW4k8p195hV9hOrQdMKDlaIPjOzV9pkS0CNUDWbCJdAaMi_6MJjrF_aemqSCuFvbuLAGzY4/s1600/loin53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00G_SFMycKXHrtpZQ7PLe6T40LHIAoMHdI8WDHy2IXm38YfSvF-Jq_LZ3UOALrsamT3QDCW4k8p195hV9hOrQdMKDlaIPjOzV9pkS0CNUDWbCJdAaMi_6MJjrF_aemqSCuFvbuLAGzY4/s400/loin53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Service:</b> There was one waitress and another person cooking when I was in. The limited hours last from six in the morning to two in the afternoon from Tuesday to Saturday.<br />
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> There are few seats at a handful of tables inside, the walls are covered with decorations that remind you of breakfast.<br />
<br />
<b>Final thoughts:</b> I usually don't go crazy for breakfast only places but in the past couple months I found some okay tenderloins at Julie's Homestyle Cafe in Oskaloosa and now in Olson's Bread & Breakfast. I don't know if this place is really closing or if it will find a new place soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK34R14gWyKVP3yTkfd-ZvCjATlK_dWMfMSsi6Zf5KAoqJaNwLuQdWj2cqjd7De-ldrsWO-qvZBWtZizYdtSbOIG2SJ5m-y-TKRi28feDFz1RoTDuXMXRP1icXKa1yYZN5wSci3OR5o0/s1600/clu42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK34R14gWyKVP3yTkfd-ZvCjATlK_dWMfMSsi6Zf5KAoqJaNwLuQdWj2cqjd7De-ldrsWO-qvZBWtZizYdtSbOIG2SJ5m-y-TKRi28feDFz1RoTDuXMXRP1icXKa1yYZN5wSci3OR5o0/s400/clu42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-79438044562989739272015-10-01T03:44:00.000-05:002015-10-01T03:44:00.498-05:00The Barnyard Family Restaurant in Chillicothe Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA1cRvofyRz8M0yB1K7WqXinEIaOaUhokwL6JXaNJhANCWBY7eMsG5m1gK3SsfpaqimvkWd7TzRGdfr28PkFFkaI63PbEV743Xv57DguEfIKgFsjE8GuhUiaE0fyWz2eWPsRqH1Vjufc/s1600/ext33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA1cRvofyRz8M0yB1K7WqXinEIaOaUhokwL6JXaNJhANCWBY7eMsG5m1gK3SsfpaqimvkWd7TzRGdfr28PkFFkaI63PbEV743Xv57DguEfIKgFsjE8GuhUiaE0fyWz2eWPsRqH1Vjufc/s400/ext33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The online encyclopedia Wikipedia tells me that the city of Chillicothe is pronounced Chill-uh-CAW-thee, and that 97 people live here. Well those people are lucky because they live in a town with a place named The Barnyard open four days a week. The Barnyard also operates a Tenderloin Experss Trailer in nearby Ottumwa on certain days when the restaurant is closed.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 215 Market St in Chillicothe, about ten miles north and east of Ottumwa, Iowa<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b>:from Highway 63 between Ottumwa and Oskaloosa, take the T-67 road from the Chillicothe exit, then turn on Count Road H21 that turns into Market St in Chillicothe.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebarnyard.deevers">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPQnfvo_RkEosW6tC6-ZcKkGezu1ltjplaawjBf6ok5V7mqTwlpoX_zgAvtpV2fbMkhpKgbOzVFECqItsMCX9RLtGu57vriAtrcVvb7WLSZtQL75YfUIHTfC_X6DR1Il11GmGsZ0PaoY/s1600/loin16+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPQnfvo_RkEosW6tC6-ZcKkGezu1ltjplaawjBf6ok5V7mqTwlpoX_zgAvtpV2fbMkhpKgbOzVFECqItsMCX9RLtGu57vriAtrcVvb7WLSZtQL75YfUIHTfC_X6DR1Il11GmGsZ0PaoY/s400/loin16+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The tenderloin:</b> This tenderloin started with a giant hunk of pork loin pounded into a triangle shape. The thickness was good and the white meat kept a good amount of juice in parts. The breading wasn't strongly seasoned but had a great flaky crunchy texture. Served on an untoasted bun Overall 8.4 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $5.75<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1FtJNFt1rorG4_0FC8G7dINRrzNs8qs80J6Hsbl0Ikod38C2-zWGNYyBOjxaMevYkbmXj3yiKeIHZOxmcGCcTzo_STABQq8SffSPTk70I8OVlkBPTPfge3uHKc1TOz_VVswW7i1IvZo/s1600/menu08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1FtJNFt1rorG4_0FC8G7dINRrzNs8qs80J6Hsbl0Ikod38C2-zWGNYyBOjxaMevYkbmXj3yiKeIHZOxmcGCcTzo_STABQq8SffSPTk70I8OVlkBPTPfge3uHKc1TOz_VVswW7i1IvZo/s400/menu08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> they have tenderloin with toppings and the usual fried stuff, burgers, and specials for dinner like steak.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> It was table service and it took a while even thought I was the only person there for lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyMvvKom3d2IcJVJCw1d1Bz3GxTXf3glIGKbFnyeARFi46_Xw_BS-ZpNCYt5RSSjYJ8rC_-HTijuI_erwfJV8Lve2YkoaNwuwevowTzBPYsCQI_ehoojSBC24GI1WyNJlJZp0lsBcbT8/s1600/loin27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyMvvKom3d2IcJVJCw1d1Bz3GxTXf3glIGKbFnyeARFi46_Xw_BS-ZpNCYt5RSSjYJ8rC_-HTijuI_erwfJV8Lve2YkoaNwuwevowTzBPYsCQI_ehoojSBC24GI1WyNJlJZp0lsBcbT8/s400/loin27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> There were tables and a bar for seating, and the walls had old pictures of Chillicothe.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I don't get to towns as small as this that often anymore, and Im always looking for new places. I would definitely recommend stopping in the Barnyard if you are in
Chillicothe from Wednesday to Saturday or tracking down their trailer. I can't think of a better one in the Ottumwa area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7EN5O_ScRO98KH-JcohcnzJcNADPAAiqU1CqujT0Rabrfc_F6C_Mdmu1jfvBiPQGhYwo7vP1zVLqeL1BEyQSdDkcKe8ANwvWQyb42PSgCP33ns2LiCCYtjB1GYKGPvJ7mOWTxrLmHIU/s1600/sign34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7EN5O_ScRO98KH-JcohcnzJcNADPAAiqU1CqujT0Rabrfc_F6C_Mdmu1jfvBiPQGhYwo7vP1zVLqeL1BEyQSdDkcKe8ANwvWQyb42PSgCP33ns2LiCCYtjB1GYKGPvJ7mOWTxrLmHIU/s400/sign34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-51812631055129577512015-09-15T04:54:00.000-05:002015-09-15T04:54:00.134-05:00Julie's Home Style Cafe in Oskaloosa, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivi0fUt_3EfE61IEDeZaFhF2lapa7o4Ppf7xG8BUKllZgU2Gbndi9tbYtiTaGxX2N08JB9ycOtlY3ThsxS4jYEKbcKwy1xKi3HTHFA1ZLdBsAYiMyy-tTkI3cCU6ybcwSpmRGT4oBxHyc/s1600/sig56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivi0fUt_3EfE61IEDeZaFhF2lapa7o4Ppf7xG8BUKllZgU2Gbndi9tbYtiTaGxX2N08JB9ycOtlY3ThsxS4jYEKbcKwy1xKi3HTHFA1ZLdBsAYiMyy-tTkI3cCU6ybcwSpmRGT4oBxHyc/s400/sig56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I once visited a restaurant with a long rant printed on the menu about the difference between "homemade" and "home style". That was a long time ago, and I still can't help but think that menu writer was obsessed with the pedantic. Julie's Cafe has the words "Home Style" front and center on their sign, and I can't help but observe that nearly everything inside seemed to be homemade.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 216 S Market in Oskaloosa about sixty miles from Des Moines.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>Market St in Highway 63 just south of the main drag through Oskaloosa.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aXBTJgP-ImKnrJ7UoX90l7QSDzEW9bB3TSuYqBt53c-7X0MhHv36KiewT1E02JbPUjYQHIh15nxndksPfEX5qJwROuzH_r7hkGE92bJMD29G4h2VGZ_HcOLuQJjC-egiGb005dLyMvg/s1600/loin40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aXBTJgP-ImKnrJ7UoX90l7QSDzEW9bB3TSuYqBt53c-7X0MhHv36KiewT1E02JbPUjYQHIh15nxndksPfEX5qJwROuzH_r7hkGE92bJMD29G4h2VGZ_HcOLuQJjC-egiGb005dLyMvg/s400/loin40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin: </b>This was the classic triangle shaped loin cut pounded out to cover and entire lunch plate. The thin meat had lost nearly all moisture. The breading had some good seasoning and crunch but with no chewy meat inside. The bun was like a diner roll and hadn't been toasted. Overall 7.3 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $5.00 with a bag of chips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HTLSeCCQ3oHcNzjxC2DdyQNp-cN0-0iq6wPazD7SvDArcPRnNIJgZSQcnfcFoDzPMzQLSZaDZTBpB0_oyQS021b06RZSuvVoeuvq5hki0VJr909WFCJc-kZWWPtKnA8LL0MDLLjRI5o/s1600/menu37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HTLSeCCQ3oHcNzjxC2DdyQNp-cN0-0iq6wPazD7SvDArcPRnNIJgZSQcnfcFoDzPMzQLSZaDZTBpB0_oyQS021b06RZSuvVoeuvq5hki0VJr909WFCJc-kZWWPtKnA8LL0MDLLjRI5o/s400/menu37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> the lunch menu is hot beef and tenderloins and a daily special then a dessert board. The breakfast menu includes bowls of cereal and the classic diner eggs and bacon breakfasts.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> It was table service when I stopped in for lunch. I should not that they are only open until 1:30 on weekdays and close after breakfast at ten on Saturday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzSwCscrjpfxD7Asbq54OavA7kNK1laGuzP9UQU6DrgtQ0MFh9h5oZEkiLGdtIHeaAIrhJCB6xFtQcgMXH_hMvB7P9KYEpDy9RXZUF-C-cldkWCrZgqFknTmrmAjQxU7Ps5jLlz_w8qo/s1600/loin43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzSwCscrjpfxD7Asbq54OavA7kNK1laGuzP9UQU6DrgtQ0MFh9h5oZEkiLGdtIHeaAIrhJCB6xFtQcgMXH_hMvB7P9KYEpDy9RXZUF-C-cldkWCrZgqFknTmrmAjQxU7Ps5jLlz_w8qo/s400/loin43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> This is an old diner that hasn't been redone in a long time with wood paneling and an old counter and booths for seating.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Final thoughts:</b> The signage and uniforms for Julie's Cafe seem to emphasize the hot beef sandwich and the pies. I think I would try one of those next time I am in Oskaloosa. This place seems to attract lots of locals for its breakfasts too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk4DEBXPEnSF4iWBfKbjSMD4O4ubJGAMiq98EgWeu0lsliAFjWMLtynrvBw5KsfAZ33kK-xsvA5qyLV9eaiJC0y52S1zssINy2Si5BOKm4ZwPdLehQYWZK2XBxaf7mICgX94w3sk7z4Y/s1600/ext55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk4DEBXPEnSF4iWBfKbjSMD4O4ubJGAMiq98EgWeu0lsliAFjWMLtynrvBw5KsfAZ33kK-xsvA5qyLV9eaiJC0y52S1zssINy2Si5BOKm4ZwPdLehQYWZK2XBxaf7mICgX94w3sk7z4Y/s400/ext55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-49825227763373213942015-09-01T03:52:00.000-05:002015-09-01T03:52:00.201-05:00Smokin' G's BBQ Restaurant in Marshalltown, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxUIAuS59zSEy1LqRmceYI3iRFOOpX1GwFc_FD_B9xpcV6sKkg73TT_3UKJ4YyRlO8vf_M_KlwabcT7mNLM7FzZ76py11CuSpCQoD_KM8zbSUTHxWB4HxUosXLrZ3jcNVlLBtn4KPdv0/s1600/sign23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxUIAuS59zSEy1LqRmceYI3iRFOOpX1GwFc_FD_B9xpcV6sKkg73TT_3UKJ4YyRlO8vf_M_KlwabcT7mNLM7FzZ76py11CuSpCQoD_KM8zbSUTHxWB4HxUosXLrZ3jcNVlLBtn4KPdv0/s400/sign23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I've had some mixed luck when it comes to finding a good tenderloin in Marshalltown. Cecil's Cafe had left me unimpressed a long time ago, then I tried a sports bar inside a hotel by the highway that didn't impress me either. The latest contender is Smokin' G's BBQ Restaurant, open since last year in the main street area a block from the courthouse.<br />
<br />
<b>Location: </b>25 W Main St in Marshalltown, about 45 minutes northeast of Des Moines.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> Taking Highway 330 from Des Moines to Highway 30 into Marshalltown, turn north and drive to the courthouse and turn left to find Smokin' G's.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is<a href="http://www.smokin-gs.com/"> HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfoN619KrCwFSTuYbTu2rKD2ZDFy5y-tuAS1-yZi2UVJw9FdR8jkM2C11hvTTFMrvGpfLloLAZO6PxGl8AdqtWZFv7ma0fW0K84ToyOKFN1vJH5ypsJuvlNKzYhtNcl4QNkBfxRDwr3c/s1600/loin11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfoN619KrCwFSTuYbTu2rKD2ZDFy5y-tuAS1-yZi2UVJw9FdR8jkM2C11hvTTFMrvGpfLloLAZO6PxGl8AdqtWZFv7ma0fW0K84ToyOKFN1vJH5ypsJuvlNKzYhtNcl4QNkBfxRDwr3c/s400/loin11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This had a decent half pound size pork loin in a roughly triangular shape. The inside was darker loin meat with a good amount of juiciness. I picked up a hint of pepper and seasonings in the breading, but there wasn't any real crunch on this one. Served with all the fixins pinned down with a toothpick. Overall 7.3 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $9.95 with a side, but its a special on Tuesday with a drink and side for $9.50<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> The huge menu starts with bbq meats, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and fried appetizers. They even have a couple eating challenges.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> Its full service with a hostess and seating at tables and booths. The lunch rush crowd meant the food and check took some time when I visited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyzXIpEwGGbdRtF69WLVzwkSXVevHyOTewGoFQe17jO98zHnRN8pU30-Cvt4DFU4femtV70QZzTsIuBqs7xpoN7Wvwmd-gdiYd2lhLVXybt0dKOFeMLheFDwSbWvaEd3EfAJxnZG6haU/s1600/loin21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyzXIpEwGGbdRtF69WLVzwkSXVevHyOTewGoFQe17jO98zHnRN8pU30-Cvt4DFU4femtV70QZzTsIuBqs7xpoN7Wvwmd-gdiYd2lhLVXybt0dKOFeMLheFDwSbWvaEd3EfAJxnZG6haU/s400/loin21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance: </b>This is a main st building with a recent renovation into a BBQ spot with western themed decorations.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I think my next stop in Marshalltown should be the 13th St Inn if its still open, it had a "for sale" sign on its facebook page so I don't know whats going on there. Maybe I need to go to the Haverhill Social Club just south of Marshalltown too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuQUgIY7hl150iFQKOW7tOk3Trco_5kgfBjAlqQ7daZeYhW2Vaf8Rs96eCuAz7uGhcxCj5kJU_KuGjQNYvjGCJIdpnonCWzRYn336yEYG8mzHLvBe47I_6srAOPUpjrsifOXNGTn4ZR8/s1600/ext02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuQUgIY7hl150iFQKOW7tOk3Trco_5kgfBjAlqQ7daZeYhW2Vaf8Rs96eCuAz7uGhcxCj5kJU_KuGjQNYvjGCJIdpnonCWzRYn336yEYG8mzHLvBe47I_6srAOPUpjrsifOXNGTn4ZR8/s400/ext02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-53296609430856950442015-08-15T03:45:00.000-05:002015-08-15T03:45:00.518-05:00Agency Cafe in Agency, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KUjs40n2V1JkjCFTCCSvuTRE3-B2VQuVAdMzJP-Ve-zge6IVBHAAnmPA9A54suSHP7zUHxUrnAPgbnIoIB7sVQ0Iu3qvHFjEn-KTH_7amSCT7z0rSSCfUbvRm25DSnFNfTkrj0COnvk/s1600/ext06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KUjs40n2V1JkjCFTCCSvuTRE3-B2VQuVAdMzJP-Ve-zge6IVBHAAnmPA9A54suSHP7zUHxUrnAPgbnIoIB7sVQ0Iu3qvHFjEn-KTH_7amSCT7z0rSSCfUbvRm25DSnFNfTkrj0COnvk/s400/ext06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Agency Cafe doesn't look like much from the outside, it has a gravel driveway and a faded sign reading CAFE. the waitresses wear shirts that say HOWDY on the front and "Some Things Don't Need To Change" on the back. <br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 510 W Main St in Agency, Iowa, just outside of Ottumwa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> From Ottumwa, take Highway 34 West to the Agency off ramp that turns south to Agency, continue through the town and take a right on Main St to find the Agency Cafe at the edge of town.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> Facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgencyCafe?rf=116535628371314">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF3Ipu9QNTxfjK22HWNX-9oRm4YIT9IAd_5OYdbyrPcqKRuDWwHAAreSDQrjZCMFOKQn32K78I9ckJBkEif7Ms8XeqsKunaEKQaSTjz9uJIoy1OQ9LweVbn5C5V-B_tY1hRCT0t6ZMTs/s1600/loin89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF3Ipu9QNTxfjK22HWNX-9oRm4YIT9IAd_5OYdbyrPcqKRuDWwHAAreSDQrjZCMFOKQn32K78I9ckJBkEif7Ms8XeqsKunaEKQaSTjz9uJIoy1OQ9LweVbn5C5V-B_tY1hRCT0t6ZMTs/s400/loin89.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Tenderloin</b>: This is listed on the menu as the Big Boy Loin, and the hunk of pork loin felt like eight ounces and was in the classic triangular shape. The breading had a great cracker like crunch but not much in the way of seasoning. The white loin meat was moist in parts and steam got into the breading. Served on a soft toasted bun with your choice of fixins. Overall 7.6 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $6.75 <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl0C80y8C_m1vEfVwgmm5TIqmSg9xghC3nWYgGc0zQ4YKWu4FQL40WY-Oq9TeOR7xcZ-z8VgvaxGPmI3juXPhrqj9iComqt4sjfs16eqHBZq0s90EynTo_K8KwNog8HNW1g5fx5pO7Mw/s1600/receipt96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl0C80y8C_m1vEfVwgmm5TIqmSg9xghC3nWYgGc0zQ4YKWu4FQL40WY-Oq9TeOR7xcZ-z8VgvaxGPmI3juXPhrqj9iComqt4sjfs16eqHBZq0s90EynTo_K8KwNog8HNW1g5fx5pO7Mw/s400/receipt96.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> The menu is small with a smaller loin, burgers, chicken fried steak, and daily specials. Desserts include pies and cinnamon rolls. The meats come from the local meat locker.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Service: </b>There is table service and a counter for paying, the other customers seemed to be local regulars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYUW5RqUVPAuPSoh0HK3VWrIvCBdjJThZVTBATlAfvah5A6ABxVkUvOK8MloOS3ysP08QU8fcfrmYYB880rStEkPhwDLwVvzJz4O5PXCvnJ4um50eCzTDeWJVHuQOcbenPPiCgeBZ_Z8/s1600/loin92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYUW5RqUVPAuPSoh0HK3VWrIvCBdjJThZVTBATlAfvah5A6ABxVkUvOK8MloOS3ysP08QU8fcfrmYYB880rStEkPhwDLwVvzJz4O5PXCvnJ4um50eCzTDeWJVHuQOcbenPPiCgeBZ_Z8/s400/loin92.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance: </b>Big letters reading HOWDY are painted on the wall, along with farm scenes. There is a counter and tables for seating.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I hadn't found a good loin near Ottumwa before and its always good to visit a real small town cafe. My next stop will probably be on the other side of Ottumwa in the small town of Chillicothe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IVArNSjbfVO85rSJAgf6lKC5VsALXWdfszxTgyHPLum8Q7xLz5o6yBSCD3MdDOWEGC78KhFUXArSp-WDl-idxV5LELdUhTzUcz6RT8LS76DJ8WDcS8vE_I58KYljveyFXeZos-35ngQ/s1600/sign00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IVArNSjbfVO85rSJAgf6lKC5VsALXWdfszxTgyHPLum8Q7xLz5o6yBSCD3MdDOWEGC78KhFUXArSp-WDl-idxV5LELdUhTzUcz6RT8LS76DJ8WDcS8vE_I58KYljveyFXeZos-35ngQ/s400/sign00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-24467512049804359592015-08-01T10:34:00.002-05:002015-08-01T10:35:26.779-05:00The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill in Ogden, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjraC4Sy4rS4iCidmsQN5n5CC_0qHw3Ib_q5ZTuCx7a6uUQjkbkf_GdN_bbnMZ7Nw9BV7W__b8AFyJGtEfdquI4OSUu6BSrgCtVfrQxA7XZw-wK-uVL3uKvbEqA9X0EQL-nKhTT_N9bwE/s1600/sig96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjraC4Sy4rS4iCidmsQN5n5CC_0qHw3Ib_q5ZTuCx7a6uUQjkbkf_GdN_bbnMZ7Nw9BV7W__b8AFyJGtEfdquI4OSUu6BSrgCtVfrQxA7XZw-wK-uVL3uKvbEqA9X0EQL-nKhTT_N9bwE/s400/sig96.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The IPPA gave away its Best Tenderloin award in October of 2014 to a small town pub in Boone County. The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill has been serving up food and drinks in this location since 2011. The branding of the pub has a long written out explanation about what a "lucky pig" is in Germany. <br />
<br />
<b>Location: </b>113 W Walnut St in Ogden, Boone County, in Central Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> Ogden is just past Boone on Highway 30, take the offramp and go north through town and turn right on Walnut St in the center of town.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lucky-Pig/153713708044767">HERE.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4EKnqJhOg6sMrNdoLFfwls7u6iy9Q-rOpsMvGNvWIv7i89PBuCvTVRyrzZN4IGLTmwlXl61gdZzb5zJqSm1Ab7y4URn5zzRpaUFG1_TtAdOY7Lfb8x8TJ91YStYJGVH1omv2-fIZugY/s1600/loin11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4EKnqJhOg6sMrNdoLFfwls7u6iy9Q-rOpsMvGNvWIv7i89PBuCvTVRyrzZN4IGLTmwlXl61gdZzb5zJqSm1Ab7y4URn5zzRpaUFG1_TtAdOY7Lfb8x8TJ91YStYJGVH1omv2-fIZugY/s400/loin11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin: </b>The breading was like a batter that has a bright and golden brown color, and the texture forms a solid layer that wasn't crunchy on either of my visits. It had a little bit of a spicy flavored taste. The loin meat was thin yet soft with good moisture but not quite juicy. Served with your choice of fixins on a kaiser bun. Overall 8.4 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price: $9.95 </b>with a side, I went with the <b>Onion Rings</b>:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ldjpwc4rOpz7TJPLx0qARmlVX-tFnXLgp5zlOzU4T5Xph_MSQOS2It_C_btSi3zhIQvlfI-mOOE9dm54uZvsUhVLcKMX78uHGIw5jw5AI-gIa6-m_2QjWAQoEwtVDz1t3aeMSVIXj14/s1600/rings04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ldjpwc4rOpz7TJPLx0qARmlVX-tFnXLgp5zlOzU4T5Xph_MSQOS2It_C_btSi3zhIQvlfI-mOOE9dm54uZvsUhVLcKMX78uHGIw5jw5AI-gIa6-m_2QjWAQoEwtVDz1t3aeMSVIXj14/s400/rings04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion Rings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>The Wholly Pig: </b>I saw this ridiculous topped tenderloin on the menu and had to try it. This was a breaded tenderloin on top of some sliced ham, with bbq pork and strips of bacon with bbq sauce and melted cheese. The whole deal was one heavy pile of food even without the side of fries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIPkK_AKhen7-_wixsW64srhkYwr2D0eiepdPVymN8aihNllRcnq_g4nXAkDRJt4k1iSMOpeL_ZmKNYNbhxdMKUFtWFSmbYVf6rC4Hk1ADNCx5n-clZ_TTW4gH-9bUVuGsjjUXufea7o/s1600/wholly79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIPkK_AKhen7-_wixsW64srhkYwr2D0eiepdPVymN8aihNllRcnq_g4nXAkDRJt4k1iSMOpeL_ZmKNYNbhxdMKUFtWFSmbYVf6rC4Hk1ADNCx5n-clZ_TTW4gH-9bUVuGsjjUXufea7o/s400/wholly79.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> The menu is huge with fried stuff, giant burgers, wings, appetizers, salads, steaks, pizza and specials.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> Its table service with a wait for seating when things get busy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbOp_Lg4-PDzFtHZuUzVDkXn8QWYGjqZihcIbDsI15oF-b-08yaezt23f8ubtsEMvg4_IELUoioVN7pY-fmSe-S12FJcMQSm8exQdLMkCQuHIhXdhjd3KWvJZxh_14-GOiIRQjXUVouA/s1600/loin07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbOp_Lg4-PDzFtHZuUzVDkXn8QWYGjqZihcIbDsI15oF-b-08yaezt23f8ubtsEMvg4_IELUoioVN7pY-fmSe-S12FJcMQSm8exQdLMkCQuHIhXdhjd3KWvJZxh_14-GOiIRQjXUVouA/s400/loin07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance: </b>The interior is a big improvement from the bar that used to be here. This is a newish remodel of the old sports bar, with large tables for seating. <br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I had visited this same space in Ogden several years ago when the building was occupied by BK's Sports Bar, which moved here from the other side of the main street. But that was a long time ago. The tenderloin here is as good as any in the Central Iowa area, if you don't mind driving past Boone to get here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmo5-v12ISrchf61lnX4-BVZbdenPUHNJrBa-KfhaM0AxCgMkXkhQRuHGD_aCbrc2xVZ5OE8twkJ2nO4It96IbZeCRtG78JeIST1EM3mtx_yYgwAtvKAjYZQ_Ci_9eodZLpBO2Dc8agg/s1600/ext94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmo5-v12ISrchf61lnX4-BVZbdenPUHNJrBa-KfhaM0AxCgMkXkhQRuHGD_aCbrc2xVZ5OE8twkJ2nO4It96IbZeCRtG78JeIST1EM3mtx_yYgwAtvKAjYZQ_Ci_9eodZLpBO2Dc8agg/s400/ext94.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-78498067630475221692015-07-15T02:45:00.000-05:002015-07-15T02:45:00.479-05:00Seneca Street Saloon in Webster City, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEx53okhQzAVgisUMyc4W76IqkxXoqXbLbJswKdJurwcmPfr8w7f3is2V5rRrt_s_RNmsWh2Oj726C7e1PDNIqeJMe6cqo2y0y1rTcqgBOCZMGkQAN7JuNTYQyT2q1lMNYu6Kys8J0Bo/s1600/ext33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEx53okhQzAVgisUMyc4W76IqkxXoqXbLbJswKdJurwcmPfr8w7f3is2V5rRrt_s_RNmsWh2Oj726C7e1PDNIqeJMe6cqo2y0y1rTcqgBOCZMGkQAN7JuNTYQyT2q1lMNYu6Kys8J0Bo/s400/ext33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Seneca Street Saloon and Pizza is a block off the main commercial street in Webster City and their menu is posted in front of the door. It lists a hand breaded tenderloin for $4.25 so I had to stop in and check it out for myself. A local newspaper claims this is the first sports bar in Webster City, and they sell a lot of pizza here. <br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 919 Seneca St in Webster City, in North Central Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> The main turnoff for Webster City from Highway 20 takes you up Superior St and if you turn after the park you will be a block away from Seneca St Saloon.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is <a href="http://www.senecastreetsaloon.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMF1UdG8a3sF5K2SCtRvAdOlIniR-LlMraPXVic59akHw4RjgHTqEqNPeRrAWD3PTynsOQ7Rx6M973lG2Xyr4aoI3ubaGbkmOFbVqqMT3xw0dvwuzAESxLISqzrDvggDYiEg7yb7MAee0/s1600/loin27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMF1UdG8a3sF5K2SCtRvAdOlIniR-LlMraPXVic59akHw4RjgHTqEqNPeRrAWD3PTynsOQ7Rx6M973lG2Xyr4aoI3ubaGbkmOFbVqqMT3xw0dvwuzAESxLISqzrDvggDYiEg7yb7MAee0/s400/loin27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Tenderloin:</b>The breading had some crackermeal that seemed to get a little toasty during its time in the fryer. Part of the meat was juicy, part was on the dry side. This was about average for a bar food tenderloin in small town Iowa. Served on a warm bun with your choice of fixins. Overall 7.0 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $4.25 dining in or $4.75 for take out.<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> they have bar food appetizers and sandwiches and the specialty is homemade pizza.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rncmGiyVMKfl0dsLfk5vcA97m0TnadvguGEWOEZnjv_xP-qzZMT2lbJvBGbcAES-gjBajE4xYEkrjZJXQWM5XtRLsPlIbjcWwq4GEQ0nz7_lpmETTTLnaJ_RVHuQ8EKI-nFER4Mi3eE/s1600/loin20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rncmGiyVMKfl0dsLfk5vcA97m0TnadvguGEWOEZnjv_xP-qzZMT2lbJvBGbcAES-gjBajE4xYEkrjZJXQWM5XtRLsPlIbjcWwq4GEQ0nz7_lpmETTTLnaJ_RVHuQ8EKI-nFER4Mi3eE/s400/loin20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Service:</b> I just got takeout from the bar, but they will deliver in Webster City.<br />
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> There was a lot of wood paneling and an old bar. Beer signs and sports stuff covers the walls.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I have been through Webster City plenty of times and never found a good tenderloin. Its a good drive from here to find a better one than at Seneca Street Saloon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjXmGhCM3mVVzjhPwB5_As70wpyndG6kcfT0lhhk23BWZvhohm3jVDyFbLAcmTeULwnblGXaaclcaYBEcyCoTstyO3rKbgIQg7CFNcexhxit-yYcJfcUMPAMUFN3Lxp9SrARbpnBp2RI/s1600/sig35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjXmGhCM3mVVzjhPwB5_As70wpyndG6kcfT0lhhk23BWZvhohm3jVDyFbLAcmTeULwnblGXaaclcaYBEcyCoTstyO3rKbgIQg7CFNcexhxit-yYcJfcUMPAMUFN3Lxp9SrARbpnBp2RI/s400/sig35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-6235483870214597572015-07-01T03:56:00.000-05:002015-07-01T03:56:00.066-05:00Little Red Food Truck in Des Moines, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhharWt3yYsdbiJS1zYo2qRO3g6js-DU4gFs2uSC1z-gESPoQVN7hwziHJIf4XzMFxzwaJH_1Aulp8mPaO3Ly7tZG26A4jpx8vD8fFjg0yZfuoxeeCRnCj8GDKi3igz2ZXFNn5IjRU0iqQ/s1600/ext74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhharWt3yYsdbiJS1zYo2qRO3g6js-DU4gFs2uSC1z-gESPoQVN7hwziHJIf4XzMFxzwaJH_1Aulp8mPaO3Ly7tZG26A4jpx8vD8fFjg0yZfuoxeeCRnCj8GDKi3igz2ZXFNn5IjRU0iqQ/s400/ext74.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was able to try a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich at The Spot Food
Truck last year, and one from Chuckie's Iowa Tenderloin Truck at the Iowa
State Fair the year before, and even earlier at the mobile unit of the
Townhouse Supper Club when it came to Des Moines several years ago. The latest food truck to sell breaded pork tenderloins is the Little Red Food Truck parked downtown for this summer.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> They have only been around for a couple months and may move around, check their social media page to know where they will be.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>You can drive downtown on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and they will probably be in the sculpture park area where the other trucks are parked.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/littleredtruck">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHtPGWcy90tHUb6mKa5kdm5m1gNSB2vlTZbGtZ871TKwjS6WlwLl7SDby4NsKJcb_ZN8pY4n_2rB818x_ize3xppwPu5nvCBE1891xbVv0wXvOyse2Tu0P8Mcld25HWLPI366Eh_gDG4/s1600/loin66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHtPGWcy90tHUb6mKa5kdm5m1gNSB2vlTZbGtZ871TKwjS6WlwLl7SDby4NsKJcb_ZN8pY4n_2rB818x_ize3xppwPu5nvCBE1891xbVv0wXvOyse2Tu0P8Mcld25HWLPI366Eh_gDG4/s400/loin66.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This was described as pork ribeye loin meat, and the bright white meat was very juicy. Panko bread crumbs gave this sandwich a classic crunchy texture. The first problem was that the loin meat was not entirely coated in the breadcrumbs, parts were just bare meat. Another was the trim job that left hunks of fat in the loin meat that were a little too big. The panko had a little salt in the taste, so something could have been added. Served with your choice of fixins on a soft bun. Overall 7.30 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $7.00 a la carte<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhoOIbdhehyphenhyphenrGbLOA17mINK6Xzp29B4O-nUYtwGLtjmM1lWxxN6FChW_HnWTvS7HItFTB0hOg2BI00kswzEq4wqkTBrMKibLLYZG1H028OcKx4kYEGtQs_1G4olGsavCfautw02WwfFE/s1600/loin58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhoOIbdhehyphenhyphenrGbLOA17mINK6Xzp29B4O-nUYtwGLtjmM1lWxxN6FChW_HnWTvS7HItFTB0hOg2BI00kswzEq4wqkTBrMKibLLYZG1H028OcKx4kYEGtQs_1G4olGsavCfautw02WwfFE/s400/loin58.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Also on the menu: </b>fresh turnover pies, gourmet tacos with fish or fried flour shells, and soft drinks.<br />
<br />
<b>Service: </b>Just a walk up food truck service. There were two people inside when I stopped by.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFl8ldlxc_ZRHduP2xpvXzu1t6_-tnZxRaj_Ro6qcVM-mpiMLiDJUe4MKMt_TaeAe2Qkrlzh0GQNgsKngzjKvpmsWyFzVPJV90RGD0sBhq7wFjWm5lHukOuGx-rYrqfrUwjF2M7Rt9ec/s1600/loin69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFl8ldlxc_ZRHduP2xpvXzu1t6_-tnZxRaj_Ro6qcVM-mpiMLiDJUe4MKMt_TaeAe2Qkrlzh0GQNgsKngzjKvpmsWyFzVPJV90RGD0sBhq7wFjWm5lHukOuGx-rYrqfrUwjF2M7Rt9ec/s400/loin69.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance:</b> I found the truck when it was parked on a sidewalk across from the sculpture park.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> This isn't the first food truck to try selling tenderloins in Des Moines, and there is another truck with tenderloins on the menu parked across the street. Fixings some problems with the sandwich could make this one competitive with the other tenderloins in town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0-x_-fCVo94s7vLsqZWKxia-UUNlqpEUcWgQDSlhfmtscc3EKC9b8fLskpQbtyuSqTpIZ5VFxz9cjMKgDcQd2OyopSU8OPtxyPQIRO1M0022449Ng6SN85i_1fe5trwcDR6oVDgQKOM/s1600/ext51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0-x_-fCVo94s7vLsqZWKxia-UUNlqpEUcWgQDSlhfmtscc3EKC9b8fLskpQbtyuSqTpIZ5VFxz9cjMKgDcQd2OyopSU8OPtxyPQIRO1M0022449Ng6SN85i_1fe5trwcDR6oVDgQKOM/s400/ext51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-87358152472608118052015-06-15T01:26:00.000-05:002015-10-11T16:31:57.287-05:00BW's Burgers in West Des Moines, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwO8UASQk-pKhUJUpNwIhZJ_xXbI8e3UQnD3OYAkyOzMK5A9SrHQfG9i7RyFI66-DxRZqSXUJggyaeI7EaeViHuHI8luzo9YbIhOqR6k0IZ6YAAV7jvE6A-o-jWQpVg6iMQSC4ISY3VA/s1600/sign52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwO8UASQk-pKhUJUpNwIhZJ_xXbI8e3UQnD3OYAkyOzMK5A9SrHQfG9i7RyFI66-DxRZqSXUJggyaeI7EaeViHuHI8luzo9YbIhOqR6k0IZ6YAAV7jvE6A-o-jWQpVg6iMQSC4ISY3VA/s400/sign52.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A few months ago the facebook page of The Rusty Duck in Dexter announced they would open a bar and restaurant in West Des Moines named BW's Burgers Shakes & Spirits. The Rusty Duck in Dexter had once won an award from the Iowa Cattlemen for having the best burger in Iowa, and had a runner-up award from the annual IPPA tenderloin contest. I would guess that BW is the initials of the owner of the two places.<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 3701 EP True Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> This is in a strip mall with three other restaurants that haven't been here very long, you can get to EP True by taking Grand Ave. from Des Moines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIbBw60Gs2_qXhUrzwNyS-Ke9aT_v1A1gjpses2TKLfpIUUsgF9oHHhyphenhyphenwFQw3yMPkSKdq5V-p4sQF0sptm4krrUxVr3UVQjmUmF_UygoTEqtxBASMX1t-KNKSNkzt7t0PiqIpZxwmciU/s1600/loin44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIbBw60Gs2_qXhUrzwNyS-Ke9aT_v1A1gjpses2TKLfpIUUsgF9oHHhyphenhyphenwFQw3yMPkSKdq5V-p4sQF0sptm4krrUxVr3UVQjmUmF_UygoTEqtxBASMX1t-KNKSNkzt7t0PiqIpZxwmciU/s400/loin44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This one had a wide oval shape with a butterfly cut in the middle. I had been here before and had a different shape. Each loin I've had here has been very thick and juicy. I've heard pounding noises from the kitchen, but the texture of the meat feels undisturbed by tenderizing. The meat inside is a bright white loin meat, and the breading is a thin crunchy layer with a hint of pepper. Served on a large and soft toasted bun with your fixins. Overall 8.2 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF3fWVmqrZc7pwZK5cj5H6gltzS4R_niAluFxugn_iMEA9ZeHk75qHhQveT7qSFM40E9Y0vzwChBJlb3ZYd0xmG9Yp2r7WGaDS5D0Pixk6xNQBEk05v96kvufxfarVlecGNi-TBmvV5o/s1600/fries42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF3fWVmqrZc7pwZK5cj5H6gltzS4R_niAluFxugn_iMEA9ZeHk75qHhQveT7qSFM40E9Y0vzwChBJlb3ZYd0xmG9Yp2r7WGaDS5D0Pixk6xNQBEk05v96kvufxfarVlecGNi-TBmvV5o/s400/fries42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $10.00 with a side of fries. I got mine with cheese sauce:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I-b4VMVDOZZIFk7cfWrX7gmGmHG0zXtO8FyoSQ-r8AvmdwQyiBI1MGflkOh-pAfe8RAVcu8Tx5nWTi0qiR2Wn7QaXbwuMLTyM-9fK6-uk9Dwe6O6wCSmP6l9qhuxcKDhms4GRceqvf8/s1600/menu28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I-b4VMVDOZZIFk7cfWrX7gmGmHG0zXtO8FyoSQ-r8AvmdwQyiBI1MGflkOh-pAfe8RAVcu8Tx5nWTi0qiR2Wn7QaXbwuMLTyM-9fK6-uk9Dwe6O6wCSmP6l9qhuxcKDhms4GRceqvf8/s400/menu28.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menu Board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> The menu isn't big but has steak sandwiches and burgers and other bar foods with some specials listed on the menu board<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXWHLLEMokfbhWgXyevDEAngIvKZYnPpHAjZU_gglsBLXYlPFTKIdMsT_V-7VNqIebjZWTdkWEITXFdVVH-yljSQQ3B4Oh1DJQ0pYgZuubZEyRbmI8yMl71uHLoSTREuuAT3pANVU3Vo/s1600/burger17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXWHLLEMokfbhWgXyevDEAngIvKZYnPpHAjZU_gglsBLXYlPFTKIdMsT_V-7VNqIebjZWTdkWEITXFdVVH-yljSQQ3B4Oh1DJQ0pYgZuubZEyRbmI8yMl71uHLoSTREuuAT3pANVU3Vo/s400/burger17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ultimate Cheeseburger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The Ultimate Cheeseburger: </b>I would guess this is similar to the burger that was awarded by the Iowa Cattlemen or Beef Association at the Rusty Duck. This is topped with peppers and onions and melted cheese cooked to your preference, I go with medium well. Served with fries for about twelve dollars.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIIgJ2WMX9nNXADwhMHmLh_LXnE9OCuwVz1S8J_iRS2gMVY4UJiu5xBGgc6OjN2CrepJSOTyYCgos98NfchhRP68_NHNabvWySMOQF7Iu8WAsgJQezuS-Gy5fbxFcbCQt8NYV02EQ5uc/s1600/nachos32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIIgJ2WMX9nNXADwhMHmLh_LXnE9OCuwVz1S8J_iRS2gMVY4UJiu5xBGgc6OjN2CrepJSOTyYCgos98NfchhRP68_NHNabvWySMOQF7Iu8WAsgJQezuS-Gy5fbxFcbCQt8NYV02EQ5uc/s400/nachos32.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nachos on special</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was in again and they had a <b>Nachos Special</b> on the menu board, and it was a pile of tortilla chips with Italian Sausage and melted cheese and raw jalepeno peppers. This wasn't a regular menu item and it felt like an appetizer for a group of four or more.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> There is a take-out counter and table service.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynbhVPjr3wu9fGPknHHTjOa4dkXr7K2NjyQdfO97ea1yBhTCxef3TF7VnK1GPfSvkOzkzT9pGYWfCVZp5QbmNDvs_44aX37Kb4z7yYi-UWk3Qm2reJxpDe32N2tgaSXKFRmRK1ehvFLM/s1600/loin46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynbhVPjr3wu9fGPknHHTjOa4dkXr7K2NjyQdfO97ea1yBhTCxef3TF7VnK1GPfSvkOzkzT9pGYWfCVZp5QbmNDvs_44aX37Kb4z7yYi-UWk3Qm2reJxpDe32N2tgaSXKFRmRK1ehvFLM/s400/loin46.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> This space has had a couple restaurant tenants, the last one being a place trying to sell loosemeat burgers and hot dogs. The dining area has tables, and the patio area is open for the season.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I had been to Dexter a few times over the years, but the Rusty Duck is only open evenings and I never made it inside. If the burgers here are the same as the ones these guys serve in Dexter, then I would be interested in coming back to try one someday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_UwLBP07K2kuHX8EHTjTdb9fJKyGmpMIi76iMrRwjL6grKMZzZFFT5y7ZROYQlIawjSkK0SNGTFQWLBBtq8uKDcPG72w-9IK9Se51Bp5mK-EMqngLNpQ3b2XESj9mTVX8qJ5XaNVf_0/s1600/ext51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_UwLBP07K2kuHX8EHTjTdb9fJKyGmpMIi76iMrRwjL6grKMZzZFFT5y7ZROYQlIawjSkK0SNGTFQWLBBtq8uKDcPG72w-9IK9Se51Bp5mK-EMqngLNpQ3b2XESj9mTVX8qJ5XaNVf_0/s400/ext51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-79421065383981819352015-06-01T02:16:00.000-05:002015-06-01T02:16:00.104-05:00209 Main Bar in Paton, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgS448DNemVYmnnsrq30Hxnp3GW08RD7g5cKvi9gnDQTdyXw4Jf3M5cvXw9waWkH5OtINQXb66TxzLW0cndG6HXeimRPPwk7pu_cp5JfB-UOIheEE_7zfSPWlxv5lwaxHy1yLHehtqBU/s1600/sig03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgS448DNemVYmnnsrq30Hxnp3GW08RD7g5cKvi9gnDQTdyXw4Jf3M5cvXw9waWkH5OtINQXb66TxzLW0cndG6HXeimRPPwk7pu_cp5JfB-UOIheEE_7zfSPWlxv5lwaxHy1yLHehtqBU/s400/sig03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
"Home of the Tool Bar" reads the entrance to 209 Bar and Restaurant in Paton. This is a relatively new sports bar that aims to bring the taste of the bigger city to tiny Paton.<br />
<br />
<b>Location: </b>As you would expect from the name, it is at 209 Main St in Paton, Iowa.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Directions: </b>Its best to take Highway 144 from Perry and take a County Road one mile into Paton.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is <a href="http://209mainpaton.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1iTXmsJyumw9CRlgzRfRPQd8Ov9Vb0KJ-ujAzmScXNfAsKlsvFmpSTzsemYFc8yGp8eSKH6IXpcC-Hryl0hTHFGDQgXI07_v8xPwiXWDGAcP0n1RmLi530qa2mXzggbzYJ3514qwhaQ/s1600/loi07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1iTXmsJyumw9CRlgzRfRPQd8Ov9Vb0KJ-ujAzmScXNfAsKlsvFmpSTzsemYFc8yGp8eSKH6IXpcC-Hryl0hTHFGDQgXI07_v8xPwiXWDGAcP0n1RmLi530qa2mXzggbzYJ3514qwhaQ/s400/loi07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This was a decent sized piece of white pork loin meat in a giant mitten shape. The texture was soft inside, with a consistent medium thickness. The breading felt like it had been cooked just a little too long and had a burnt taste to it. I really couldn't taste much in the seasoning. Served with all the fixins on a toasted roll. Overall 7.3 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $7.99 with a side.<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> Big bar food menu with sandwiches, a salad bar, burgers and some uncommon stuff like poutine or steaks.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> There is a bar area and a restaurant area with table service. I got takeout from the bar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHu8vGclMsO2udO4m6wCuBMH-0_Od-JwCjKgOHsd9iCxXaqE6FmpAZQ3KO59Twaw17TeqIcJYueLQFv0gunKDCy7EJx5l1fUDQdx7gfr9ydSGAdjBD_2FiXlssfxYcpV-SCyzcbbulGU/s1600/box05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHu8vGclMsO2udO4m6wCuBMH-0_Od-JwCjKgOHsd9iCxXaqE6FmpAZQ3KO59Twaw17TeqIcJYueLQFv0gunKDCy7EJx5l1fUDQdx7gfr9ydSGAdjBD_2FiXlssfxYcpV-SCyzcbbulGU/s400/box05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Ambiance:</b> This is a new place in a huge building with a dining area, a huge bar and private rooms. The bar area has televisions and beer signs and the bar itself is very modern.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I was really surprised to see such a big and new place in a small town like Paton. The locals seem to like this place enough to fill it up, as it was packed when I stopped in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG-5kcoBc8eaMutYICkWxaa3o4woH-k8I018XWKOtcOewUmKnS5HcYVXIvDemKlXixUsf0iu0-7itexSjne7NXhortc846f2xmwk_hrwGFwqrtbv_FQtMjUl5Xei6e20_4Wr-1493OW4/s1600/ext00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqG-5kcoBc8eaMutYICkWxaa3o4woH-k8I018XWKOtcOewUmKnS5HcYVXIvDemKlXixUsf0iu0-7itexSjne7NXhortc846f2xmwk_hrwGFwqrtbv_FQtMjUl5Xei6e20_4Wr-1493OW4/s400/ext00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/169/1767863/restaurant/Iowa/Fort-Dodge/209-Main-Paton"><img alt="209 Main on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1767863/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-37349978868766884742015-05-15T03:08:00.000-05:002015-05-15T03:08:00.565-05:00Elmo's Bar and Grill in Madrid, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk63-XLAEruVnNokrao0NsFJyve0LM6gra2SOVCCTKH0nZ9TagL71rIIunUYk2pmi3oDWlWRoBgS7_uMYhSjL8a_i8bIBFeaUbCfLy8kyks0BJwM3dgP5d_Twyb9bH0Mwu85YK3s-El6I/s1600/sign98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk63-XLAEruVnNokrao0NsFJyve0LM6gra2SOVCCTKH0nZ9TagL71rIIunUYk2pmi3oDWlWRoBgS7_uMYhSjL8a_i8bIBFeaUbCfLy8kyks0BJwM3dgP5d_Twyb9bH0Mwu85YK3s-El6I/s400/sign98.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I hadn't made it to Madrid since my trip to the Town & Country Cafe in 2013. A recent recommendation to try Elmo's Bar & Grill meant that I could stop in here after a short drive from Des Moines<br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> 605 S Kennedy in Madrid, Boone County, Central Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b> Kennedy is the main drag through town when driving from Des Moines on Highway 17.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Online at:</b> website is <a href="http://www.elmosbarandgrill.com/">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbumBWgOCKdM2LeImiCroev2UATPN4236ayTe1Oe_IWWizF2GZWI_ItLTbi18HxsxkKAz7gzDAqu1mWfq3231_pDInDkSwkNmRUU4JsR1zheWaI4ZX-NxvI3dfYKbMTDWHtmwxH-CvbhI/s1600/loin87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbumBWgOCKdM2LeImiCroev2UATPN4236ayTe1Oe_IWWizF2GZWI_ItLTbi18HxsxkKAz7gzDAqu1mWfq3231_pDInDkSwkNmRUU4JsR1zheWaI4ZX-NxvI3dfYKbMTDWHtmwxH-CvbhI/s400/loin87.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This was listed on the menu as the "Deluxe Tenderloin" and described as a fresh tenderloin topped with grinder meat and melted mozzarella cheese. The pork loin was lightly breaded in a crispy coating, but the huge amount of grinder meat dominated the sandwich. The toasting of the bun and the melting of the cheese was about right. The whole thing was big. Served on a toasted Italian grinder roll.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $9.50 a la carte, I went with some hand cut fries on the side for an extra two dollars.<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu:</b> Bar food like hand pattied burgers and a giant sandwich named The Elmo. There is also Taco Tuesday and a Steak Night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaM34c4Hz2wjQwI-k2G-oeF24bECVL8dno-OH17S2nB3QUQxa2uBRwsQ8HDbNpxRaj-7jx9SFmuzQOhKqkJc8zx576od92OfcIsZfR2GAnFGd65NWjkdrXJUdK_EonZYYU1DuF18z9biw/s1600/menu97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaM34c4Hz2wjQwI-k2G-oeF24bECVL8dno-OH17S2nB3QUQxa2uBRwsQ8HDbNpxRaj-7jx9SFmuzQOhKqkJc8zx576od92OfcIsZfR2GAnFGd65NWjkdrXJUdK_EonZYYU1DuF18z9biw/s400/menu97.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Service:</b> Its bar service with orders taken to a kitchen. <br />
<br />
<b>Ambiance: </b>This is a small town bar that looks renovated with beer signs and video game machines and televisions. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByGxRcruSQla_e7XGok4fnHWEQ7q6dLfEBrf9-vYMDHdvSQtDqKcX0A90JSROkDHypkdwk-a24AnavngYomMcIKJMFjVO7yY1CJkZWh5UilqDoHMGk-qePR0Tll6xdBdTqBIuTcKALik/s1600/loin95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByGxRcruSQla_e7XGok4fnHWEQ7q6dLfEBrf9-vYMDHdvSQtDqKcX0A90JSROkDHypkdwk-a24AnavngYomMcIKJMFjVO7yY1CJkZWh5UilqDoHMGk-qePR0Tll6xdBdTqBIuTcKALik/s400/loin95.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Final Thoughts: Elmo's is a nice small town bar that isn't a long drive from Des Moines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg8O3Z24eDVwz0UGyqaWodGm9bYdn_scYDD1TuyirRmly_S5UxuLmXuIgq83M9csDTnvLR9jw9xyxjR1l34J52wo4nv6CkpgZ4Hfe8qRT7zt0uWEfERV0mLmvz5bekdi2U66gV74mBR0/s1600/ext01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg8O3Z24eDVwz0UGyqaWodGm9bYdn_scYDD1TuyirRmly_S5UxuLmXuIgq83M9csDTnvLR9jw9xyxjR1l34J52wo4nv6CkpgZ4Hfe8qRT7zt0uWEfERV0mLmvz5bekdi2U66gV74mBR0/s400/ext01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4987173569979229791.post-64355846264657222902015-05-01T03:52:00.000-05:002015-05-01T03:52:00.601-05:00Scooters Pub & Grub in New Sharon, Iowa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOBGUc32jgflr1SqNIJytFLeBaBi9hf8Zx_GjAeF_-cc6p-KvcTJFBaEddmz3Q4nXNK2f7Uociju6Oc8w2dBRQl30IBqILJeNgBCK4LmUEBUC-1ozoVggtOx-ghLLofgDBwYJDAwGTuw/s1600/ext5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOBGUc32jgflr1SqNIJytFLeBaBi9hf8Zx_GjAeF_-cc6p-KvcTJFBaEddmz3Q4nXNK2f7Uociju6Oc8w2dBRQl30IBqILJeNgBCK4LmUEBUC-1ozoVggtOx-ghLLofgDBwYJDAwGTuw/s1600/ext5.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
I had heard about Scooters Pub and seen their facebook page a couple years back. A recent trip to Oskaloosa and back meant that I could finally visit this place. Its owned by a lady named Sharon, in the city of New Sharon. <br />
<br />
<b>Location: </b>108 East Maple St in New Sharon, Mahaska County in Central Iowa.<br />
<br />
<b>Directions: </b>New Sharon is best reached by taking Highway 63 from Oskaloosa or the Interstate. Scooters is half a block off the main drag on Maple Street.<br />
<br />
<b>Online at: </b>Facebook page is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scooters-Pub-Grub/238392879527328">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FDcGTUz4GHVv7prcDMc3G-1we4TvBKPilTdXbe0gSLHs8pTNLKZX12zbpnZ8khkT2ICa1Bg0VWqrQO0aIpq7nSRiywt1XW_I-a3BpAOnNhcp02QE3uFKGKZLgErTkKbLH5C1BArnwG8/s1600/loin79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FDcGTUz4GHVv7prcDMc3G-1we4TvBKPilTdXbe0gSLHs8pTNLKZX12zbpnZ8khkT2ICa1Bg0VWqrQO0aIpq7nSRiywt1XW_I-a3BpAOnNhcp02QE3uFKGKZLgErTkKbLH5C1BArnwG8/s1600/loin79.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>The Tenderloin:</b> This is listed on the menu as the B.A.T. for big tenderloin. Size was good and this nearly filled the to go box with the waffle fries. The breading had a good crunchy layer of bread crumbs. The meat was bright white and tenderized to be soft. Served on a buttered and toasted bun. Overall 8.2 out of ten.<br />
<br />
<b>Price:</b> $7.99 with a side.<br />
<br />
<b>Also on the menu: </b>the menu is a gigantic with multiple pages of steaks, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and bar foods. There is also a cajun tenderloin.<br />
<br />
<b>Service:</b> There is table service in part of Scooter's or bar service at the bar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgUhmy1NWARQN79lzxFz_7c2tVrb0ChNVedAeygWOkYUQVtkp7YKOq30l07R1sdOL2yp-D5caEtXy9ha2ASGefSZrC15w5veNltvsfbprjzUS_VepVX-f3tHPkZ8v_ws3524Nviokhyc/s1600/loin86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgUhmy1NWARQN79lzxFz_7c2tVrb0ChNVedAeygWOkYUQVtkp7YKOq30l07R1sdOL2yp-D5caEtXy9ha2ASGefSZrC15w5veNltvsfbprjzUS_VepVX-f3tHPkZ8v_ws3524Nviokhyc/s1600/loin86.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Ambiance:</b> This is a small town bar and grill or roadhouse with tons of space inside. They have pool tables, booths, a bar, and decorations with beer signs. They also have a karaoke night with free shots for people who take the mic.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> I've been to a lot of small town bars and roadhouses and Scooters Pub is a relatively new place with a good tenderloin. I may have to update my list of the Best in Central Iowa soon to account for some new places that have opened since my last update.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3INuZoQgZtz4uUxGAzwp04wr_oheCUwIMakeAhjfA06fjhG_GLjYBGlQnVmcUyUBJFZ_UI7a70EroYFStq103KqcVWjyx-JQ-YnXDGeYQdGDnUjBk-fryhBXAWsJFZzbUuZ2I7HtL8M/s1600/sign76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3INuZoQgZtz4uUxGAzwp04wr_oheCUwIMakeAhjfA06fjhG_GLjYBGlQnVmcUyUBJFZ_UI7a70EroYFStq103KqcVWjyx-JQ-YnXDGeYQdGDnUjBk-fryhBXAWsJFZzbUuZ2I7HtL8M/s1600/sign76.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/169/1546878/restaurant/Iowa/Scooters-Pub-Grub-New-Sharon"><img alt="Scooters Pub & Grub on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1546878/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Tyrgyzistanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04275002590952071601noreply@blogger.com0