Archive for the 'Central Iowa' category
February 21st, 2010
On a whim last December, I decided to pick up a five-game pack of tickets to see Iowa State University Women’s Basketball games at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. The Cyclones have had a long stretch of success under veteran head coach Bill Fennelly, and this year has been no exception. Though many expected it to be a rebuilding season, the Iowa State women have racked up 20 wins, are near the top of the Big 12 conference standings, and are all but guaranteed an 11th NCAA Tournament berth.
Australian native and senior point guard Alison Lacey is the unmistakable team leader and face of the program. Last night, she cemented her place in Cyclone history, becoming the first player to tally 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. Six-foot-seven post player Anna Prins is one of four exciting freshmen to watch, while Senior Denae Stuckey consistently brings energy to both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.
There is a group of talented Iowans on the team as well, including Ida Grove native Kelsey Bolte, a junior point guard who is one of the best three-point shooters in the nation. Freshmen Chelsea Poppens and Amanda Zimmerman, from Applington and Huxley, respectively, have also been key contributors this year: Poppens leads the team in rebounds, while Zimmerman is averaging over 5 points per game and shooting over 50% from the floor.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa |
February 18th, 2010
When I first saw All Star Chocolate’s university-branded chocolate bars at our local grocery store, I wrote them off as a gimmick. After all, it was hard to imagine the quality of the candy inside living up to the cutesy packaging design. Fortunately for chocolate fans, my initial assessment was wrong.
They’re produced by Bochner Chocolates in Iowa City, made with superior ingredients, and competitively priced at under a dollar. Officially licensed and branded for five Midwestern schools, there are two varieties available for purchase – milk chocolate with peanut butter and milk chocolate with caramel. You can’t go wrong with either – the peanut butter is incredibly creamy, while the caramel filling is unbelievably smooth.
These chocolates are not only great for a university sports-watching party, but also make for a tasty snack to keep stocked at the office or around the house. They can be purchased at many Fareway and Hy-Vee grocery stores across the state, or find them at the Bochner Chocolates store in Coralville, Iowa.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Eastern Iowa, Food, Western Iowa |
February 12th, 2010
We first experienced beef jerky from the Stanhope Locker a little over a year ago, during the trek from central Iowa to southeastern South Dakota for Amanda’s graduation ceremony. Instead of the quick but uninteresting interstate trip, we drove along several two-lane state and county highways including a stretch of State Highway 17 through Stanhope, Iowa.
On the west side of the Highway, the Stanhope Locker is one of a handful of businesses in the small community. Parking is easy, as you can pull your car over to either side of the road. Spend a few minutes exploring the store, which includes a nice selection of sauces and seasonings to accompany the traditional meat locker purchases.
The Stanhope Locker’s signature product is beef jerky, which is thick-cut and well-seasoned with a combination of brown sugar, peppers, and spices. It’s made in small batches, marinated and smoked for several days to produce optimal flavor. The jerky is vacuum-packed and can usually be purchased in quantities ranging from $5 to $20. If you plan to eat the jerky in the car, pick up a reasonably-priced soda within the store or from the machine outside.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa |
January 30th, 2010
Downtown Oskaloosa is home to a number of local businesses, including the aforementioned Smokey Row Coffee House. Though I’ve stopped at the coffee shop many times, I never had a chance to stop by the independent bookstore next door. It’s located in a wonderfully restored bank building and is a must-stop shop if you’re looking for a great read for yourself or others.
The Book Vault is cozy and well-organized. Step inside the door to find the best sellers along the north wall. A small nook in the middle of the store is dedicated to all things local; it’s definitely the best selection of Iowa-related books in the area. The back room features a fabulous selection of cookbooks and features a working kitchen for regular cooking demonstration events. The upstairs Children section is fun, while a third floor nook features some cozy chairs for reading and relaxing.
Beyond the books, you’ll find a nice selection of gift items, including local puzzles of Oskaloosa landmarks, like the county courthouse which dates to 1886. As an added bonus, sign up at checkout, and you’ll automatically get a $10 credit for each $100 you spend at the store. Best of all, you’ll get great service at the Book Vault. If you have a question, need a recommendation or have a special order request, just ask at the front desk. They’ll be happy to help.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa |
January 16th, 2010
Located on the square in Chariton, Iowa, Piper’s Grocery is a local institution. It has been a part of the community since 1903, and located in the same location since 1905. While you can still find some basic groceries available to purchase, the main reason to make a trip to the store is for their homemade candy.
Budget fifteen minutes to a half hour to get the most out of your stop. The helpful staff can answer questions and help hand-pack your desired combination of candies into the gift box of your choice. Their most popular candy is the turtle, made from pecans topped with caramel and chocolate. My mom’s favorite choice is their pecan-wrapped caramel rolls, while my wife’s top pick is their English toffee squares.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Food |
January 2nd, 2010
While we regularly enjoy trying new restaurants, it’s important to have a local place to turn to for consistently good food. When we were students at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Lincoln Cafe was our favorite dining spot. During our time in South Dakota, a trip to Alcester Steakhouse always brought great eats. Now that we’re settled in central Iowa, we’ve found a new favorite in Aunt Maude’s, an excellent restaurant in downtown Ames.
The menu at Aunt Maude’s provides great variety without overwhelming diners with an exorbitant amount of choices. The Chef’s Features section of the menu changes regularly and definitely worth review. The Pastas and Entrees lists feature several fine options like the Blackened Chicken Angel Hair Pasta tossed with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, garlic and a light cream sauce.
If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the sandwich options; Maude’s Burger and the Bacon & Swiss Grilled Chicken are each served with tasty thin-cut French fries. Light eaters will appreciate the Bistro Classics After Five, which offers smaller portions of five entrees along with soup or salad at a lower price than their full-portion counterparts. Try a hand-made strawberry lemonade with your meal and save room for dessert. Their Creme Brulee, served with two dark chocolate cookies, is the terrific.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa |
December 17th, 2009
Across from the courthouse in downtown Marshalltown, Iowa, is Sub City – an independently-owned sub shop serving big sandwiches at small prices. When you enter, you’ll find a large framed menu on the east wall listing all 30 sub possibilities, composed of various meats and cheeses. Each is available on wheat or white bread, in either whole (foot-long) or half length.
What sets Sub City apart from its chain-store competitors is your meat and cheese is cut specifically for your sub order. The standard “works” New Jersey-style set of toppings is recommended (tomato, lettuce, onion, oregano, salt, pepper, oil and vinegar), especially for your first visit, but feel free to customize your sub from their extensive list of extras.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Food |
August 3rd, 2009
Though Iowa is home to many one-screen movie theatres, few have a more compelling story than the Windsor Theatre in Hampton, Iowa. Located on the northwest corner of Hampton’s picturesque courthouse, the theatre plays first-run movies nightly, with extra shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Windsor Theatre was constructed in 1913 and in continuous operation through May 1996. When the theatre ceased operation, the community took action. A group of students and adults banded together to form a non-profit organization dedicated to reopening the theatre. Over a quarter-million dollars was invested to purchase and renovate the facility, which re-opened in mid-1999.
The beautifully-remodeled theatre features a large screen, plush seating, and sound and picture far superior to most small Iowa theatres. Arrive a few minutes early to peruse the cozy lobby and grab a glass of soda and bag of popcorn to enjoy during the film. Movie tickets are $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for youth; seniors may want to check out the Sunday matinees for the $2.00 special.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Entertainment, Places |
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 |
Central Iowa, Food, Minnesota |
June 30th, 2008
I have made the most of my recent trips to Des Moines by enjoying several meals at Tsing Tsao, a fast-food Chinese restaurant with three metro locations. Housed in small strip malls, the restaurants aren’t fancy or pretentious. The interiors are sparsely-decorated and the windows feature neon paintings advertising their latest specials.
While the atmosphere isn’t special, the food certainly stands out. Each meal is prepared fresh, and the quality ingredients help set it apart from the competition. I have tried a number of entrees in a half-dozen visits to Tsing Tsao, including their Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef, and I have yet to be disappointed.
Prices are pleasing, too. A majority of their entrees can be made into lunch or dinner specials, which include a good-sized portion of the main dish, rice, an eggroll, crab rangoon and even a cup of soup — all for around $5. If you’re in the area and looking for cheap, quick, and tasty Chinese, Tsing Tsao is a destination you can’t miss.
Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Food, Places |
