dsmWeekly: October 29, 2019

Join us today at the Revel Hotel for an unveiling party celebrating the arrival of our November/December issue.

DON'T MISS OUT: UNVEILING TODAY, SAGES NOV. 11

Our November/December issue is here, and you can get one of the first copies at our new-issue unveiling party, starting at 5 p.m. today (Tuesday, Oct. 29). These events are always free and always fun! This one is hosted by Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. We'll be there from 5 to 7 p.m., with brief comments at 6 p.m. Stop in anytime for a drink, some appetizers and the chance to make some new friends.

Also, be sure your calendar includes our Nov. 11 reception honoring this year's Sages Over 70. Tickets are still available, but this always sells out—so don't miss out. Honoring those who have been so generous and influential in our community always fills us with pride and inspiration. For details, click here.

A stylized nightingale soars over a forest of bottles behind the bar of the new lounge Nightingale Cocktail.

NIGHTINGALE TAKES OFF IN THE EAST VILLAGE

By Wini Moranville

The East Village’s Lime Lounge has been rebranded as Nightingale Cocktail, and judging from last night’s visit, I think it will fly.

According to a news release, the venue is named for Earl Nightingale, a radio personality and motivational author and speaker who died in 1989 and is remembered for such quotes as "A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can’t go anywhere till you change it." Nightingale’s work inspires the specialty cocktails on the illuminated menus mounted on the wall; each is listed with a description of the cocktail and a quote from the guru (but curiously, no price—watch that, as one drink we ordered was $8, and the other $14).

A large and glowing aqua-blue nightingale adorns the handsome backlit bar; the rest of the small space is sparsely decorated, with stamped faux-copper drum lamps, a few mirrors and swaths of damask here and there amid high-top tables and cozy booths. Early on this Monday evening, the DJ station and dance floor sat silent, but I could see this venue becoming an intimate hot-spot swirling with a well-dressed get-up-and-dance crowd late on a weekend night.

So, if you’re not there for the dancing, what’s the point? The craft cocktails. Both we tried were thoughtfully made and phenomenally good. I was tempted by the signature Nightingale Cocktail, a tall iced drink with Hendricks Midsummer gin, tonic, grapefruit essence and butterfly tea; however, as good as it sounded, snow flurries were flying and I just couldn’t bring myself to order it. Instead, I tried the Honey Crisp, with house-made apple chai vodka, cider, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup and a sprinkling of apple-pie spice. It was one of those cold, shaken-over-ice cocktails that nevertheless warm you up.

Better still was my companion’s Path to Fulfillment, with brown-sugar bourbon, fresh lemon juice, pear vodka, black walnut bitters and a Luxardo cherry, served on the rocks. We adored the marvelous pear flavors that tempered the bourbon in tone but not flavor—the drink still brought everything we love about that spirit.

Nightingale Cocktail is at 435 E. Grand Ave.; 515.422.9842; nightingale.bar.

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

Musicians and dancers revive the jazz age in Harlem on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Hoyt Sherman Place.

ENJOY HIGHLIGHTS OF HARLEM IN DES MOINES

We've been looking forward to the Civic Music Association production tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 30) at Hoyt Sherman Place: Harlem 100 featuring Mwenso and the Shakes present a multimedia showcase for the sights and sounds of that legendary district of Manhattan that pulsed with the music of artists such as Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and Billie Holliday. The troupe includes Harlem musicians and dancers in a modern variety show, paying homage to great performances at the Apollo Theater, the Cotton Club and other celebrated venues. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., with ticket prices from $30 to $75 at hoytsherman.org.

The wondrous ingredient that enhances almost any recipe is pretty great all by itself.

MORE SIZZLE FOR 'FUN-SIZED' BACON FESTIVAL

Bacon, that beloved staple of Iowa life, doesn't change—but the annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is changing next spring. After years of hosting more than 10,000 lovers of bacon's deliciousness, the festival is moving and downsizing—to be what organizers call a "fun-sized event."

The Iowa Bacon Board predicts that a smaller venue with about 5,000 attendees will provide an "intimate and exciting bacon fellowship experience."

Devotees may recall that the festival began as a bit of bar fun at El Bait Shop and grew to fill four levels of the Iowa Events Center.

The 2020 festival will be held March 7 at the Horizon Events Center, 2100 N.W 100th St. in Clive. The theme, ticket info and other details will be available in early December.

Particularly in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos has some colorful traditions, as documented here by CBS News.

'DAY OF THE DEAD' CELEBRATION AT ART CENTER

Ironically, the Latin tradition of marking an annual Day of the Dead is pretty lively. The Des Moines Art Center is on board, hosting its 19th annual Día de los Muertos celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3.

The free public event honors the lives of deceased members of the community with a festive day of music, dancing, food and drink, art activities, and remembrances for the entire family. This year’s celebration will honor Richard "Chico" Perez, community leader, United Mexican American Community Center co-founder and restaurant owner; and Connie Quijano, translator and advocate of the Latino immigrant community.

According to Ila Plasencia, longtime volunteer for the event and one of this year's Sages Over 70, "Día de los Muertos has been a great way to remember those who made a contribution to our Latino community and that their work has not been forgotten."

The festival will feature many Day of the Dead traditions—mariachi music, art activities, traditional refreshments, merchandise and a film chronicling the lives of the honorees. For details, click here. Parking at the Art Center is free, and additional free parking will be available at Merrill Middle School, 5301 Grand Ave., with a complimentary shuttle to the festivities.

Bring a nonperishable food donation, and your courage, when you hike the hill Thursday.

'HALLOWEEN ON THE HILL' THURSDAY

This time of year, Sherman Hill goes in for seeming haunted as well as historic. This Thursday, Oct. 31, is the neighborhood's 10th annual Halloween on the Hill. Visitors between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. can expect to see ghosts and goblins, historic homes that are haunted for one night only, a live "Thriller" performance, Freddy Kruger roaming the streets, and a 7-foot Frankenstein, among other curious characters.

It's free family fun, but based on collecting nonperishable food items for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry. Hoyt Sherman Place will be the primary drop-off location where you receive a map of the largest Halloween displays in the neighborhood. Visit this website for more information. Click here for a list of the most-needed food items.