dsmWeekly: September 11, 2018

The dozen participants in the Sept. 20 "summit" on America's heartland include (clockwise from upper left) author Brian Alexander; Elisabeth Buck of United Way of Central Iowa; Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana; Amy Johnson, CEO of Lifeloop; Mick Cornett, former mayor of Oklahoma City; and AOL founder Steve Case.

SUMMIT TO ASSESS STATUS OF U.S. HEARTLAND

The cultural magazine The Atlantic will present a dozen community leaders from several states in a public conference on the health of America's heartland in Des Moines Thursday, Sept. 20.

The magazine's rationale: From Appalachia to the great plains, the Heartland is the backbone of America, providing the products we use, the food we eat, and the energy that helps make America what it is.

The Heartland often finds itself overlooked as resources and attention are paid to the large and growing urban areas from coast to coast. The Atlantic will gather policy makers, business and community leaders for an in-depth conversation on what the future holds for the middle of America. From education and the economy to agriculture and manufacturing, what does the societal future look like and how are communities working to provide opportunity for all?

The Heartland Summit will be from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Curate, an assembly hall at 322 E. Court Ave. Panelists will include mayors plus business and civic leaders—among them, Brian Alexander, author of "Glass House: The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town," and Elisabeth Buck, president of United Way of Central Iowa. For a list of speakers and details, including registration to attend, click here.

Tempura temptation: The veggies' fried coating is described as "heavenly—generously dappled yet delicately light and crisp."

LUNCH OF THE MONTH: MIYABI 9
By Wini Moranville

When you go to Miyabi 9 for lunch, it’s tempting to order one of the lunch specials. After all, when you only have an hour—including getting there and back—how much time do you have to poke around the extensive menu? At a place you trust, having someone else choose the selection isn’t a bad way to go.

Certainly, I was quite pleased with the recent Sushi Lunch Special I ordered; the tuna, salmon, yellowtail and shrimp nigiri all arrived as bright, firm, and sparkly fresh as you’d expect at our city’s premier sushi spot.

But when we augmented that special with some well-chosen appetizers, lunch wasn’t just tasty, but life-enhancing—the kind celebratory break in the day I only wish more lunchtimes out could be.

To get the most from Miyabi 9 at lunch, I suggest heading here with at least three diners, preferably four, and ordering a smorgasbord of delights. That way you can sample much, without over-ordering. Insist on the veggie tempura, and forget any predictable, lackluster versions you’ve ever had. Not only did our recent mix include unexpected finds such as okra, Japanese lotus and kohlrabi (alongside more classic squash and green beans), but the fried coating was heavenly—generously dappled yet delicately light and crisp. Superior frymanship was also notable in the crisp, never-heavy egg rolls. Also snag an order of steamed shrimp dumplings—moist, lightly chewy morsels with some serious shrimp flavor.

Then order enough nigiri (rice topped with fish) to go around. Personal favorites include salmon caviar—those little bright orange bubbles popping salty-funky flavor, as well as the pristine tuna and yellowtail. I also find the green mussels-topped nigiri irresistible.

For dessert, split some Mochi Ice (ice cream encased in a sweet rice shell), and be on your (very) merry way.

Miyabi 9 is at 512 E. Grand Ave.; 288-8885; miyabi9official.com.

Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm magazine and dsmWeekly. Follow her on Facebook at All Things Food–DSM.

Painter Ben Schuh shares a unique perspective of Des Moines, one that helps us appreciate our city in new ways.

EXHIBIT FEATURES PAINTINGS BY BEN SCHUH

With murals splashed colorfully around town, artist Ben Schuh is a part of the local landscape. He and longtime friend and collaborator Scott Kaven create dynamic images painting together under the nom de brush "Gustav." Now a number of Schuh's personal (and portable) paintings are on exhibit at Polk County Heritage Gallery, 111 Court Ave.

The exhibit, "Spotted On Location in DSM," features images of local landmarks and scenes—including images of cows in unlikely places. An artist's reception is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Restaurant Week contest winner Traci Rimbey and husband, Guy, enjoy local dining events, including Oktoberfest.

CONTEST WINNERS 'LOVE RESTAURANT WEEK'

Traci Rimbey, a senior research associate at Dupont Pioneer, did all the research required to win this year's Restaurant Week prize: dining deals worth $600 and the use of a Cadillac for a weekend. Her name was drawn from among those who submitted receipts for meals at four restaurants participating in Restaurant Week, which is presented by dsm magazine.

Traci's response to the news of winning was enthusiastic: "We love Des Moines Restaurant Week so much and will continue supporting the local scene!" She plans to share the prize with her husband, Guy, whom she refers to as "my restaurant partner in crime."

The young model and actor Nick Nolte, an Iowa native, as pictured on the cover of his memoir, "Rebel."

TWO IOWA AUTHOR EVENTS ARE BOOKED

Find new authors and interesting books Saturday at the fifth annual Iowa Author Fest in the atrium of Capital Square downtown. Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event will include "a wide variety of genres for the reading pleasure of the public from children’s book to adult novels," promoters say. To learn more about the authors and about this free event, visit iowaauthorfest.com.

And on the subject of Iowa authors, actor and Iowa native Nick Nolte will be featured Friday, Oct. 5, in the Des Moines Public Library Foundation's annual Iowa Author Awards Dinner. The benefit event will be at the new Hilton Des Moines Downtown. Tickets are $200 per person. Get details here.

Beaverdale gets a little extra energy this time of year, when the neighorhood's Fall Festival spins into action. Photo: John Holtorf.

FESTIVE WEEKEND DOWNTOWN AND IN BEAVERDALE

The forecast calls for a spectacular autumn weekend with two popular annual festivals: The World Food & Music Festival downtown Friday through Sunday and the Beaverdale Fall Festival Friday and Saturday.

The 14th Annual World Food & Music Festival will be at Western Gateway Park. The festival offers international cuisine, live music and cultural dance, cooking demonstrations, wine and craft beers, and a vibrant atmosphere. More than 50 food vendors representing more than 25 countries and culinary regions will be featured. See the full schedule of performers and events here.

Less international but oh-so neighborly, the Beaverdale Fall Festival has parades (including a dog parade), music, carnival rides and other festive stuff, detailed at fallfestival.org.

Sean Wilson of the restaurant Proof demonstrates the use of infused smoke in this video. He is among the chefs participating in a fundraising dinner for Meals on Wheels this Thursday.

CHARITY MEAL SHOWCASES CELEBRITY CHEFS

Experience the culinary expertise of five of the city's top chefs in a single meal Thursday, Sept. 13. That's when
the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Gala will showcase the skills of Sean Wilson (Proof), Joe Tripp (Harbinger), Shawn Bennigsdorf (Aposto), Lynn Pritchard (Table 128), and pastry chef Catherine Drummond (Bash).

The chefs will create a multi-course culinary experience, with all donations from the $150-a-plate event supporting the work of Meals on Wheels. The organization delivers hot, hearty meals once a day to Central Iowans—primarily older adults, but also military veterans of any age—who have difficulty shopping or cooking for themselves.

"We deliver about 230,000 meals annually, and the demand only continues to grow," says Rob Kretzinger, CEO of WesleyLife, which provides services for older adults and is the host of the fundraising gala.

The Celebrity Chef Gala will be at Bash Events and Catering, 1312 Locust St. A cocktail reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a five-course dinner starting at 6 p.m. The evening also will include an auction. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit wesleylife.org/giving/celebrity-chef-gala.

Standing 10 feet tall, the white-painted bronze sculpture "Miffy Fountain" depicts a tearful storybook bunny.

WEEPY RABBIT JOINS LOCAL PUBLIC ART

The sculpture "Miffy Fountain" by American artist Tom Sachs is coming to downtown Des Moines as a memorial gift to the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation.

"Miffy Fountain" will be located on the north side of Locust Street between 10th and 12th streets, near the Des Moines Public Library. The gift comes from Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan, Gene Bucksbaum and Glenn Bucksbaum, in memory of their mother, Melva Bucksbaum.

The gift "reflects the importance of public art in our community," says M. Jessica Rowe, director of the Public Art Foundation. "The gift allows us to present Tom Sachs’ extraordinary work of art, as well as move us closer to our goal of becoming a world-class destination for public art."

The sculpture was inspired by Miffy, a rabbit from in a series of picture books drawn and written by Dutch artist Dick Bruna.