dsmWeekly: July 12, 2023

Slurp oysters on the half-shell with a perfectly paired glass of wine at Proudfoot & Bird, which received an award of excellence from Wine Spectator magazine this month.

FOOD AND DINING

3 local restaurants among America’s best for wine

Writer: Karla Walsh

Let’s raise a glass to Des Moines’ latest national accolades: Three of the city’s downtown eateries landed in the July 11 issue of Wine Spectator magazine. Among its 2023 Restaurant Awards, 801 Chophouse, Proudfoot & Bird, and Splash Seafood Bar & Grill all received awards of excellence for their special focus on California and/or Italian wines.

For the past 42 years, the Wine Spectator has honored restaurants that offer exemplary wine lists. The awards fall into three categories:

Award of Excellence: For wine lists that deliver quality options for “discerning wine lovers.” (2,001 winners this year)
Best of Award of Excellence: For wine lists that include significant choices from many years or a diverse supply of bottles from multiple wine regions. (1,411 winners)
Grand Award: For wine lists that offer mature vintages, wines from top producers, stellar presentation, and thoughtful pairings with food. (93 winners)

While 3,505 wine restaurant award-winners might sound like a lot, keep in mind: There are more than 749,000 restaurants operating across the country, according to the latest industry data. That means the Wine Spectator award winners represent about 0.4% of the nationwide restaurant industry — and three are right here in Des Moines.

If you’d like to celebrate Iowa’s four other award winners, hop in the car and hit the road to Martini’s Grille in Burlington, Maxwell’s Beach Cafe in Okoboji, Montage in Cedar Falls, and Rubaiyat in Decorah.

Jim Benda plays Mr. Mushnik (left), Katie Hughes plays Audrey II – puppeteer (center left), Morgan Wolfe plays Audrey (center right), and Keelin Reilly plays Seymour (right) in the Des Moines Playhouse production of "Little Shop of Horrors." Photo: Steve Gibbons.

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND
Suddenly, see more theater at the Playhouse

The horror comedy classic “Little Shop of Horrors” opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Des Moines Playhouse. See what happens when timid floral shop assistant Seymour Krelborn befriends a mysterious plant that’s quietly plotting to take over the world.

The show continues through July 30, with evening performances Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. A pre-show talk starts 30 minutes before each performance.

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

Stars of Tomorrow (7:30-9 tonight): Opera’s rising stars take the stage for a recital at Sheslow Auditorium. Des Moines Metro Opera’s 40 apprentice artists from around the country perform with the opera’s festival orchestra for an unforgettable night of arias and duets.

Celebration in Brass (7 tonight): Head to Ankeny to see the Drum Corps International on its annual summer tour. The lineup includes the Dubuque Colts, Wyoming Troopers, Illinois Phantom Regiment and Massachusetts Boston Crusaders, among others. Individual tickets start at $22, but there are group discounts.

The Dead South (6 p.m. Thursday): This folk-bluegrass group performs at Lauridsen Amphitheater in Water Works Park. The four-piece string band from Canada is touring in support of its latest release, “Easy Listening for Jerks, Part 1 and 2.” Canadian country artist Corb Lund opens.

Architecture on the Move (5 p.m. Friday): Go on an architect-led walking tour to discover unique stories behind Des Moines’ skyline. Gather inside the atrium at Capital Square and choose from four different routes.

Styx (5 p.m. Friday): Playing music from their 17th studio album “Crash of the Crown,” the legendary rock band takes the stage at Lauridsen Amphitheater. Head over early to see rock and country band Jet Black Roses.

Bonne Finken and Jon Locker (8 p.m. Friday): Visit Noce to see the award-winning Iowa artists play music from their new album “execute.” The album blends old-school ’80s rock and pop with ’90s grunge and takes inspiration from icons like Alanis Morissette and Audioslave.

The pool at Foxcroft Estate is surrounded by nostalgic style, right down to the throwback lounge chairs. Photo: Madison Kim-Poppen.

HOME AND GARDEN
Local Airbnbs make for an easy weekend getaway

Let rentals in your dream neighborhood or a rural retreat inspire your next staycation. We found a few highly rated local Airbnb options that would make a nice romantic retreat or weekend with friends. (Rates and availability are subject to change.)

Gardens on Grand
This home’s location near the Des Moines Art Center and outdoor spaces stand out. Relax in the sunroom or outside on the patio or one of the decks. It accommodates 10 guests with three bedrooms, five beds, two baths and a hot tub for a nightly rate of just $199.
Check in if: Your hobby is painting al fresco with wine and nibbling on provisions from Gateway Market.

Iris Aisle ‘Botanist Cabin’
Located on a hemp farm near Winterset, this whimsical woodsy cabin and conservatory features an intimate, lofted sleeping space for two with views into a cedar forest and a firepit outside. Other events may be happening on the property, so check to see if other spaces are booked if privacy is a priority. It’ll run you $135 per night.
Check in if: Your weekend plans involve feeding alpacas at Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm in Madison County.

Spacious Mid-Mod Home
Channel Don Draper at this dog-friendly remodeled midcentury property. Host a cocktail party indoors or out with an open floor plan, pool table, piano and outdoor area for yard games, grilling or an evening bonfire. The home can accommodate eight human guests and a furry friend, with four bedrooms, four beds, two-and-a-half baths and a dog shower. You’ll snag it all for $290 a night.
Check in if: Your two- and four-legged crew all have memberships at Paws & Pints.

Rustic-Industrial Farmhouse & Venue
No need to road-trip to Waco to Chip and Joanna Gaines’ famous Magnolia Market at the Silos. For $249 per night, you can experience farmhouse chic in Norwalk, with living quarters attached to a small event space that can host up to 100 guests. Bonus: You can hang out with the property’s horses and ponies, too. It can accommodate six overnight guests with two bedrooms, four beds and two baths.
Check in if: You live for apple-picking at Center Grove Orchard and your TV never strays from HGTV.

Foxcroft Estate
At Ankeny’s Foxcroft Estate, vintage knickknacks and framed photos pay homage to the owners’ grandparents, who built the house in 1948. Each corner of the renovated home feels like it could be the backdrop for a pivotal scene where guests play starring roles. The bridal suite, basement tiki bar and backyard pool are all primed for parties of up to 10 guests, with four bedrooms, six beds, four baths, a pool and a hot tub for $350 per night.
Check in if: Hello, Marjorie is your go-to spot for a girls’ night out.