Palmer's

If you live anywhere near Des Moines, you've probably eaten at a Palmer's Deli by now.  

There are now locations in West Des Moines, Urbandale, Downtown, Ankeny and Ingersol Ave in Des Moines.

While I have always been a fan of their tasty soups, large salad selection and fresh sandwiches, what I'm most is excited about is that now most of their menu can be prepared gluten-free. Even the soups and sandwiches.

On my last visit I ordered the apple orchard sandwich on gluten-free bread and it included roasted turkey, provolone, granny smith apples and apple butter.  Yum!  They even had gluten-free cookies for dessert.

They also have spectacular egg salad which the hubby ordered.  Just fresh eggs, the right amount of Mayo and not too many fillers.  Awesome.

I will warn you that they get pretty busy during the lunch hour, so try to go when you can get there early or have a few extra minutes to wait in line.  Well worth the wait though.

You are sure to enjoy anything you order.  Make sure to try a brownie for dessert if you aren't gluten-free...Ah-ma-zing!

Don't forget about their breakfast!  The omelets are awesome and so is the Challah french toast!

Raul's

I drive by Raul's Mexican Restaurant on 8th Street in WDM all the time and finally stopped in.  The sign out front for the lunch buffet sign caught my eye.  Tuesday thru Friday they offer an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet from 11-2 including salad, corn and flour tacos, enchiladas, pizza, rice and beans and more.  For $7.95 it didn't look like a bad deal.  But since it was my first visit I wanted to order something off the menu.

The decor was impressive and the restaurant was bigger than I'd expected from the outside.

I was greeted by a friendly server and presented with warm tortilla chips and salsa.  It wasn't my favorite salsa, but I was hungry and it was good with the warm chips.

The owner also stopped by to say hello and make sure my drink order was taken.  I definitely felt welcome.  The were a lot of "Regulars" that came in for the buffet since I heard a lot of statements like "good to see you again" and "back again!"  It was nice to see that the staff appreciated their customers.

I was excited to see that they offered a full gluten-free menu and they had kids meal specials on Tuesday and Wednesday nights where kids eat for $1.95.

I ordered the 1/2 order of chicken fajitas for $7.95.  The chicken was sauteed with plenty of fresh veggies and came with rice, salad, sour cream and gauc and tortillas.  Everything was very tasty.  I especially liked the fresh gauc.  Even though I like guac, I often skip it in restaurants because of the sketch factor.  but not here, I happily applied it to my tortillas and enjoyed.

I'd certainly return again to try some of their other menu items.  I was totally stuffed after my fajitas so I didn't get a chance to sample more, but I'll update you when I do!  I'll be back.

Abelardo's

 

So I had a chance to stop in to the Abelardo's on Ingersol the other day.  I knew there were a few locations around the area, two in WDM and one in DSM.  I didn't realize they had locations in Nebraska, Kansas and Washington as well.

Abelardo's is basically a fast(er)-food version of the sit-down Mexican restaurants we have all over the area like Monterrey and Cabo Sol.

It was pretty neat to just walk up and order and then hit the salsa bar before picking a seat and then being called up (in a matter of minutes) to get my food.

Combo choices included tacos, burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, etc.  I ordered the combo fajitas and was really impressed with the fresh, house-made tortilla that came with my meal.
The size of the meal was impressive but I was a little disappointed with the quality of the chicken.  It was mostly thigh meat and I'm a white meat only kinda gal.  The shrimp was tasty and the veggies were a-plenty.

While I wouldn't say I'd pass up a trip to Tamale's Industry, Tequila or Dos Rios to come to Abelardo's.  It was certainly a good stop for a quick, filling meal that wasn't anywhere as low on the totem pole as a Taco Bell or Taco Johns, but even has a drive-thru and really quick service.

The drive-thru is open 24 hours a day and the prices are good.  Drive-thru for a midnight snack or anytime you need a quick Mexican fix and don't have time for a sit-down full-service joint.

Sakari

I'm officially on a Bento Box kick.  I love the boxes at Miyabi 9 and recently had a great one a Sakura Sushi in West Des Moines and Wasabi Chi on Douglas near Merle Hay Mall, so I decided to go for it at Sakari Sushi Lounge on Ingersol.



 The first photo is someone else's meal  I just had to snap a shot of since they were making it right in front of me at the sushi bar and it looked cool.

This place was busy!  Definitely a fun atmosphere and the chefs were were having a great time behind the bar.

The bento box was $12 which is a little more expensive than the other restaurants in town, but instead of the standard 1/2 roll you usually get, this included your choice of any of the special rolls they offer.

The menu said you could get a salad or miso soup, but I didn't specify and it came with a house salad which was fine.

While I prefer all white meat, the chicken teriyaki was very tasty and a good portion.  The highlight of the box though was the dynamite shrimp.  I have found a new addiction.   These are shrimp and cream cheese lightly tempura battered and fried.  OMG.  Amazing!


All-in-all I loved the fun atmosphere here.  I can see having a great time with friends eating sushi and drinking some cocktails.  The bento box portions were slightly larger than others, which was good because of the increased price and the dynamite shrimp was worth every calorie!  The sushi was beautifully presented and fresh.  Great meal!  And if I had any room left I would have went for the green tea cheesecake.  Next visit.

Goodsons-Beaverdale

 I had a chance to catch up with my good friend who lives in Beaverdale over lunch at GoodSons, a popular Beaverdale restaurant.  


I had only been there for drinks and appetizers before and enjoyed the hummus plate and friendly service.


They offer a selection of panini's, salads, cold sandwiches and desserts.  Appetizers are only $5 on Monday's.



The restaurant was pretty empty at lunchtime on a Wednesday afternoon, but half of the parties there had kids along.  GodSons doesn't offer a kids menu but a grilled cheese panini is on the menu and if your kiddo isn't picky could easily share.  The tables are actually chalk boards and they have chalk available to go to town on the tables with. That really helped to keep my friend's kiddos entertained while we ate.  They also didn't mind that we brought along some snacks from home for the kids.  


While it took a little longer than we hope for our meals to arrive, it was worth the wait since they both came out hot and fresh.  My vegetarian friend was impressed by the uniqueness of the veggie panini. Lots of fresh roasted veggies with a good amount of heat (spicy) and very filling.  I really liked the cheeseburger panini with lots of gooey cheese.  The crunchy panini crust was a welcome change from a normal bun.  The potato salad wasn't particularly noteworthy, but it was cold and tasty and went well with our panini's.  At around $8 for a panini it was nice lunch and would make a great dinner as well.   Check it out and don't be afraid to bring the kiddos along for lunch.

Ritual Cafe

I had a great experience hanging out at Ritual Cafe the other morning.  I had some blogging to do, so I brought my computer, grabbed a few (gluten-free, woohoo) snacks and did some work.

Located downtown, right near Proof restaurant, Ritual Cafe serves up coffee, smoothies and even vegetarian food.  They had an awesome selection of vegan and gluten free pastries at the front counter and I was super impressed with my gluten-free banana-chocolate chip bread and apple cider cupcake. Yes, I had to try both.  And they were out of pumpkin spice syrup, so I got a gingerbread-flavored iced coffee and it was really good! 

They also offer a full menu of breakfast items like bagels, oatmeal, and a breakfast plate with eggs and toast.  For lunch they have panini's, quiche, hummus plates and more.  They even have a kids grilled cheese sandwich meal available for kids.  

What a cool place to hang out.  Of course it's a great place for Vegans, but anyone can enjoy these healthy menu items and casual atmosphere.  I'll be back to chat with a friend over coffee or use the free wi-fi to get some work done.  

They also offer live music many nights of the week.  You can check the schedule here. Very cool.

Noodles & Co. Jordan Creek

I had the opportunity to check out the brand new Noodles & Co. location at Jordan Creek today!  The official opening day is Monday, September 30th, but I got a little sneak preview of some of the new fall dishes available. What makes it even more special is that these dishes can't be found at any other Noodles location in Iowa right now either!  With the new location, they rolled out the new fall items early and the other stores won't get them for a few more weeks. And you're in for treat with these new dishes!

We got to try the Thai Hot Pot first.  Wow! It's a curry broth with fresh veggies, rice noodles chicken and pork and served with a side of Asian flatbread.  I loved this dish!  

We also tried the new Alfredo MontAmore which was surprisingly decadent. Not a soupy Alfredo like you get at some other chains.  This rich and cheesy sauce stuck to the spaghetti noodles because of the four cheese blend they use. With the added mushrooms, tomatoes and chicken, this is a complete meal and I really enjoyed it.

Their third new item is totally cool.  It's a Pork Adobo flatbread.  To add to their list of culture-inspired dishes, this one is Spicy Latin with flavors of toasted cumin, spicy Fresno peppers and fire-roasted tomatoes.  This dish packs some heat!  Very flavorful.  I think this one will be a hit.  

It's really nice to see them branching out with different flavor combinations and meal choices.  Noodles is great for the indecisive family who can't choose between Thai, Italian, Japanese, etc. for diner.   You can literally just come here and have it all. There is something for everyone.

Like I said in my last write-up (which you can read here) I appreciate that they source locally whoever possible and really give back to the community they are in.  For example, Eat, Play, Love Des Moines is hosting an event on November 7th to benefit Buy Fresh, Buy Local Des Moines and the Jordan Creek Noodles location had generously offered to serve noodle bowls at the event and donate 100% of the profits to Buy Fresh, Buy Local. How awesome!

The staff at the Jordan Creek location was super friendly and you could tell they were excited about their offerings and giving customers a great experience.  Welcome to West Des Moines Noodles & Co.!

China Cafe

Upon recommendation from a friend, I headed to Johnston to check out China Cafe.  China Cafe is definitely a favorite for lunch in the Merle Hay area since it filled up quickly.  The friendly staff was very efficient though and meals came out very fast.  

When I first perused the expansive menu I was nervous that this was going to be just another so-so Chinese place when I saw that meals were only about $5 and included soup, a spring roll, entree and rice.  But much to my delight it wasn't so-so at all.

The hot and sour soup was tasty and not overly-salty.  I requested an order of crab rangoon and was asked if I would like a half order since I was alone which was lovely since I didn't need 6, and I didn't know you could get half-orders.  I was super impressed that upon receiving two crab rangoon, my server informed me that another was being cooked for me since one of my three fell on the floor in the back.  How honest!  I wonder how many restaurants would have just wiped it off, plopped it back on the plate and called it good.  Especially where they were so busy and they were freshly cooked.  They were some of the best crab rangoon I've had in Des Moines to boot.  Sweet and creamy and fresh out of the fryer.  Perfect.


For my entree, I ordered the cashew chicken.  I was shocked to see that all of the veggies were fresh.  With the one exception that I would have liked to see all white meat chicken, this was a fantastic meal.  And my total bill with a diet coke...$8. I'm impressed.  Check out China Cafe if you get a chance.  I give it an "A" for value, quality and service.  

Two people just this week have suggested I try China Cafe (not knowing I was already there last week) =)  They say it's just as good for dinner or take-out.  Check it out!

Bang Bang

If you haven't visited BangBang Mongolian Grill on Mills Civic in West Des Moines across from Red Robin, in a while, you might notice some changes.  


If you haven't been to BangBang before, it's a lot like HuHot Mongolian Grill with some neat additions.  The main meal is a meat and veggie station where you gather everything you want in your dish, pick your sauces and bring them to the grill to be cooked up right in front of you.


In addition to the grill items. they have soups, salads, appetizers you can order, a kids menu for kids who'd rather not do the grill, a chips and queso station and a frozen yogurt bar.  The appetizers, kids menu, chips station and yogurt station are additional charges from the grill price.  The grill is around $12.99 on weekends and $10.99 on weekdays I believe.


They have $2 martinis on Monday nights and kids eat free on Tuesday night.  They also just began doing Sunday Brunch where in addition to everything they normally have they have an omelet station set up and buffet including breakfast items like egg casserole, biscuits and gravy, French toast, donuts and fruit.  

The chips and queso station also had flour tortilla available to make fajitas from your grill items if you wish.  This station is an additional $2.49 to partake in, but that gives the whole table access for that one price.  It is actually a great deal for us because our picky 6 year old makes his whole meal out of tortilla and cheese and chips and we do not buy him a separate meal from that.


If you have a big appetite, come to BangBang, you'll definitely get a bang for your buck since you can take as many trips to the grill as you like.  



The frozen yogurt station is also set up pretty nicely with at least 30 toppings available all included in the $3.49 (ish) price


The only downside I've experienced is that you can go through the whole process of picking out your items for you meal, picking out sauces and waiting for your meal to be cooked and then maybe not like what you picked.  The good part is that you can just go through the process until you find a combination you like.  The bad part is that you have to go through the process again until you find a combination you like.  Luckily they have lots of recipes posted above the sauce station so you can play it safe and follow those and you'll usually come up with something you enjoy the first time around.