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April 27th, 2009
Located in the heart of Marshalltown, Iowa, is Zeno’s Pizza, an established restaurant serving well-prepared, thin crust pizza at a reasonable price. Zeno’s keeps things simple with their menu, featuring garlic bread and lettuce salads as the only options besides their classic pizza pies.
When ordering, choose from a handful of specialty pizzas (including an intriguing bacon-sauerkraut option), or opt to build your own pizza from a number of standard toppings. The pizza begins with a thin, perfectly crispy crust, followed by a layer of tomato sauce, your choice of toppings, and an ample amount of cheese.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere satisfies the “old-fashioned pizza house” requirements, complete with textured mustard-yellow walls and padded wooden booths. We found the wait-staff to be incredibly friendly and efficient, turning around the salad, pizza, and refills in an extraordinarily prompt manner. If you’re in the Marshalltown area, Zeno’s is a worthy dinner destination.
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Brian McMillin |
Food, Places |
March 26th, 2009
Much like the Midwestern chain restaurant of similar name, the Jes-Rite Sandwich Shop in Fairfield, Iowa, specializes in loose-meat hamburgers. With a menu that also includes tenderloins, chicken strips, and fries, at first glance it may seem like just another run-of-the-mill greasy spoon.
Yet, there’s a charm at Jes-Rite that’s not always found at local restaurants and is especially devoid at most chains. At the counter, the wait staff is particularly helpful and courteous when taking your order. And, while you’re waiting for the food to be brought to your table, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with one of the friendly townspeople.
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Brian McMillin |
Places |
February 14th, 2009
Once bustling with many shops and businesses, Martinsburg, Nebraksa, has suffered the fate of many small communities. The town mill closed in the 1920s. The dance hall where Lawrence Welk’s big band performed was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. The school was consolidated, and the post office left the town in the 1980s.
While the population’s dwindled and stores have closed, there’s still one major attraction in the northeast Nebraska community. It’s Bob’s Bar, a popular gathering place serving locals and out-of-towners alike. The bar features huge hamburgers, tenderloins, and giant portions of greasy (but extremely tasty) appetizers.
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Brian McMillin |
Food, Places |
February 9th, 2009
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there’s no better place to turn for flowers than Stejskal Florists in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They’ll cheerfully answer your questions and provide useful tips and recommendations, whether you’re purchasing a single wrapped rose or a giant bouquet. Their top-notch customer service is complemented by the consistently excellent quality of flower arrangements they sell. As a regular customer when I lived in eastern Iowa, I was never once disappointed with my purchase.
You may pay a little more for your arrangements than you would at a big box store, but the difference in quality outweighs any difference in price. Plus, by shopping at Stejskal’s, you’ll be supporting a family-owned business that has been part of the Cedar Rapids community for over 60 years. Located in a bright pink building near the intersection of Wilson and Bowling Avenues, it’s a hard place to miss - and one you won’t want to miss anytime you’re buying flowers.
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Brian McMillin |
Places |
January 26th, 2009
There are times when nothing sounds more tasty than a simple, well-prepared steak: a thick-cut, juicy piece of meat without the fancy marinades, seasonings or sauces. If so, your taste buds can be satisfied with a stop at Piccolo Pete’s, an old-fashioned Omaha steakhouse that has been in business for over 75 years.
Meals are served with a traditional set of sides. The main course is preceded by bread and real butter, along with a shredded lettuce salad served with your choice of thick, but flavorful dressing. Our bacon-wrapped steaks were complemented by a hot baked potato and small serving of the featured vegetable.
The steaks stand out and the service shines at this traditional Omaha establishment. If you’re in the area, Piccolo Pete’s is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday.
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Brian McMillin |
Food, Places |
December 25th, 2008
Most residents of southeast Iowa are familiar with the villages of Van Buren county. The small community of Cantril features the Dutchman’s Store, a block-long store selling dry goods, frozen foods, and more. An old grist mill in Bonaparte is home to a popular restaurant, while a new creamery in Milton specializes in specialty cheese curds.
The largest town in the county is Keosauqua, with just over 1,000 residents. Being the second-smallest county seat in the state, you won’t find a single big box discount or dollar store in the city limits. Instead, you’ll enjoy a refreshingly simple downtown district with a local grocer, pharmacy and other small businesses.
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Brian McMillin |
Food, Places |
December 18th, 2008
Though the building facade and drug store sign have changed over the years, the tenets of a great drug store are still in tact. An underwhelming atmosphere is made up for by a long tradition of great drinks and ice cream snacks, plus some of the friendliest service you’ll ever find at a soda fountain.
Beyond the traditional pops, sodas and sundaes, you’ll want to try their special salad sandwiches. Choose between homemade ham or chicken salad, served with a slice of lettuce on plain or toasted bread. Add a drink, and your lunch will run just over $5.
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Brian McMillin |
Food, Places |
November 25th, 2008
You won’t find any big box stores or urban sprawl along the outskirts of Corning, Iowa. Instead you’ll find a quiet, caring community home to one of the best downtown districts in the state. With a variety of local restaurants, retailers, and even a movie theatre, there’s plenty to do for a day trip or weekend getaway.
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, you’re bound to find some great gifts at the downtown boutiques and shops. Purchase Iowa-made soy candles at Something Special, or peruse the Fickle Frog art gallery and gift store. Peterson Floral is worth a stop if you’re looking for fresh flowers or holiday decor.
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Brian McMillin |
Cities, Places |
November 10th, 2008
The small community of Sidney, Iowa, is home to the state’s oldest pharmacy. Located on the west side of the square, Penn Drug Co. has been in business for nearly 150 years.
Enter the front door and you’ll find perfumes and lotions behind glass on antique shelving lining the north wall. If you’re not stopping to fill a prescription, you can peruse the selection of Russell Stover chocolates, pick out a greeting card, or grab a seat at the old-fashioned soda fountain.
The entire soda fountain is charming, with surprisingly comfortable stools and a classy black marble counter. For under a dollar, you can enjoy one of their featured flavors of ice cream, while pops and phosphates are even cheaper.
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Brian McMillin |
Food, Places |
October 26th, 2008
Fascinating old local photos adorn the walls, while an orange and blue soda fountain graphic remains at the top of a front window, a remnant of the Rexall drug store that used to occupy the dining room. The drug store was one of two historic downtown buildings which were restored and connected to create The Buckaroo, a top-notch dining destination in Hudson, South Dakota.
One-half lounge, one-half steakhouse, The Buckaroo combines a relaxing atmosphere with a delicious menu including chicken, steak, burgers, and more. My wife enjoyed a peppered steak topped with melted blue cheese, an entree not seen at many small-town restaurants. I opted for their juicy “Iowan” burger, which featured cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce and a couple delicious slices of bacon.
It’s always a treat to find creative, well-prepared dishes in small town restaurants like The Buckaroo. Twenty miles off I-29, and less than an hour from Sioux Falls, it’s is well worth a stop if you’re in the area.
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places |
