Archive for the 'Food' category
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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, Nebraska, 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, Nebraska, 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 |
Eastern Iowa, 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, Western Iowa |
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, Western Iowa |
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, South Dakota |
