It can sometimes be difficult for a locally-owned pizza place to differentiate itself from the chain-dominated competition. Fortunately, that is not the case with Tomaso’s Pizza in Cedar Rapids, which is best-known for its deliciously unique “Detroit-style” deep dish crust.
Like traditional Chicago-style pizza, the cheese and toppings are placed first on the crust, with the sauce added last. The difference with the Detroit-style pizza is the absence of a “lip” for the crust. This allows the cheese to melt and caramelize along the edges of the pan, resulting in an excellent pizza unlike anything else in the area.
If you make a trip to Tomaso’s, expect superb pizza and a well-kept dining area but not a formal dining experience: after you place an order, you will be responsible for gathering white styrofoam plates, red plastic cups and metal forks for your pizza.
A few miles north of the community of Kalona, Iowa, sits Stringtown Grocery, a small but delightful store that sells fresh produce, baked goods, plus bulk groceries and spices.
When you walk in, you’ll see a few cakes and cookies for sale on the front shelf of this Amish-run store. Peruse the aisles and you will find bulk packages of everything ranging from flour to brown sugar to chocolate chips to pasta. There are no gimmicks here: prices are extremely reasonable and goods are packed in plastic bags with hand-written or hand-stamped labels.
The entire area has a certain charm to it: take a drive down the country roads near Kalona and you’re likely to see an Amish family working in the field or riding down the road in a horse-drawn carriage. And, make a point to stop by Stringtown Grocery, located just off Highway 1.
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.
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.
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.
