Archive for 2007
September 27th, 2007
Onion rings, pizza, and the town’s only stoplight are highlights of the character-filled Checkerboard Restaurant in the charming town of Pleasantville, Iowa.
The atmosphere is memorable, as antique signs and tools fill the wall. A funtioning stoplight hangs from the ceiling where you wait to be seated. The newspaper-styled menus are fun to read before you place an order, and the waitstaff is usually at the top of its game.
Add top-notch food into the mix and you have all the traits of an absolutely fabulous restaurant. The hand-battered onion rings are worth the drive alone. If you’re in central Iowa, definitely make Checkerboard a destination: you won’t regret it.
Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Food, Places |
September 19th, 2007
If you’re craving awesome homemade ice cream, Ted & Wally’s is an excellent choice. Housed inside an old gas station, this quaint destination lies in the heart of the Old Market district in Omaha.
There is nothing flashy about the atmosphere, and employees seemed to have an indifferent attitude toward their jobs and customers. But, the ice cream is ridiculously good. With innovative flavors that are constantly changing, Ted & Wally’s is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the Omaha area.
Brian McMillin |
Food, Nebraska, Places |
September 7th, 2007
If you’re looking for a quality steak, one of the best Southeastern Iowa destinations is Bogie’s Steak House.
My wife and I almost always order the extraordinarily tasty steak sandwiches, along with a baked potato and can of Coke. For an extra couple bucks, you can take a plate through their reasonably-well-stocked salad bar.
Even though I have always enjoyed dining at Bogie’s, I’m obliged to note it isn’t for everyone – vegetarians would have minimal choices and the atmosphere leaves something to be desired if you’re on a romantic date. Nonetheless, for hearty home-cooked meals, a trip to this Albia, Iowa, eatery is highly recommended.
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
August 29th, 2007
My wife and I really like corn nuggets, and the English Valley Malt Shop in North English, Iowa, is one of the best places to get them. In addition, this little restaurant serves other fryer food and sandwiches, along with a variety of ice cream creations at reasonable prices.
My favorite part of the dining experience, however, is the atmosphere. While the booths and tables are nothing special, a strong sense of community prevails when you enter the restaurant. Students are working behind the counter, local memorabilia appears on the wall, and a bookshelf contains a bevy of high school yearbooks to peruse.
Anyway, the malt shop is just a short drive off I-80 and worth a stop – especially if you haven’t tried corn nuggets!
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
August 19th, 2007
Best. Hamburger. Ever. I’ve had good hamburgers over the years, but nothing beats the delicious loose meat sandwiches they serve at Canteen Lunch in the Alley, located in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa.
Situated under a parking ramp, the one-room yellow brick building features about a dozen stools around the U-shaped counter. Once seated, one of the ladies from behind the counter will bring a glass of water and take your order. Regulars will reel off their order in a few seconds – a ‘cheese everything’ sandwich features cheese, ketcup, mustard, onion, and pickles.
If you’re going through (or traveling anywhere near) Ottumwa, the Canteen is a stop you won’t want to miss. Make the most of your meal by ordering a milkshake and trying a slice of pie to top things off.
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
August 9th, 2007
Smokey Row has been a favorite of mine since we first discovered their original Pleasantville location several years ago. I love the nostalgic atmosphere of the coffee house/soda fountain, which features wood floors, brick walls, and retro booths.
My wife and I originally made Smokey Row a destination for soda, as they were one of the only places in southeast Iowa to serve ice-cold glass bottle of Mountain Dew. Unfortunately, the nearby bottling plant ceased operation of their returnable bottle line in 2005, so we had to look to other menu items for our more recent visits.
It turns out the desserts we’ve tried have been top-notch. You can’t beat the ‘Green River’ from the soda fountain, and the food options make for a great, informal lunch. If you aren’t planning a trip to Pleasantville soon, you can find Smokey Row locations in Pella and Oskaloosa, too.
Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Food, Places |
August 1st, 2007
A few years ago, Amanda and I ventured to the Cordova Park Observation Tower for the first time. Located near Lake Red Rock in Iowa, it’s a fun summer destination.
The observation tower was first opened to the public in 1998, after the addition of 170 spiral steps and a viewing platform to an old water tower. The climb is rewarding; at the top, you’ll enjoy a ridiculously good view of Lake Red Rock and the surrounding area on a clear day.
Finally, a fun piece of trivia. According to the Red Rock Area website, the Cordova Park Observation Tower features the longest continuous fiberglass staircase in the world.
Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Places |
July 30th, 2007
Ocheyedan Mound used to be known as the highest point in Iowa – that is, until a 1971 geodetic survey determined that distiction actually went to a farm north of Sibley, Iowa.
I had to check this mound out on my way to Minneapolis earlier this month. The parking lot was easy to access, but climbing the mound itself was made difficult due to a poorly-mowed path. Rising 170 feet above the surrounding plain, the mound offered a nice view and is worth checking out if you’re nearby.
Brian McMillin |
Sites, Western Iowa |
July 24th, 2007
Located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Lincoln Cafe tops my list of all-time favorite restaurants. During our days at Cornell College, Amanda and I ate there frequently, enjoying superb food for lunch and dinner.
Along with incredibly innovative specials and desserts that change on a weekly basis, Lincoln Cafe has a solid regular menu. The everyday options include a hamburger with blue cheese, a BLT with avocado mayonnaise, and a spicy grilled chicken sandwich. You get a welcomed dash of creativity along with a reasonable price tag.
It’s a popular destination, so be aware a wait may be in store for evening dining. Nonetheless, if you’re in the area, Lincoln Cafe is an essential stop.
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
July 17th, 2007
Located in downtown Albert Lea, Minnesota, Jake’s Pizza is a true gem. It’s home to one of the best thin-crust pizzas I have ever tasted.
The perfectly-prepared crispy crust was reminiscent of pizza in Italy, far superior to the “thin crust” equivalents found at major chain restaurants. The savory sauce had just the right amount of tang, the cheese and toppings were generous but proportionate, and the entire pie was cooked to perfection.
Be alert the restaurant is small and can be busy on weekend nights – we had a seat but the wait for pizza was a little longer than expected. Call ahead (507.373.7350) if you have any questions.
Brian McMillin |
Food, Minnesota, Places |
