The New Table 128

Writer: Karla Walsh

I recently caught up with chef Lynn Pritchard in the new Table 128 space, which is set to open at 222 S.W. Ninth St. in February or March. He had an important message: "I learned a lot about my psychology during my semiretirement," Pritchard said. "I’m most excited about seeing my guests. I miss them so much."

Regular Table 128 guests will appreciate the return of some familiar staples, like the Lynn Burger, Brussels sprouts salad and chocolate chip sea salt cookies, alongside more seasonal new American fare on the menu. “I’m really embracing a constantly evolving menu," Pritchard says, explaining no entree will remain for more than a week. Expect many familiar faces, too. The core team—11 of the 14 staff members—will return, with plans to add on more staff, he says.

Tables in the new location will be surrounded by saturated jewel tones—think navy, silver and gold—and dark wood accents. A canopy will greet guests at the entrance, as will floor-to-ceiling drapes just inside the doorway. A large patio on the western side of the new building means 40 additional seats will be available (compared with the Clive location) when it’s warm. For a more intimate setting, there will be a private dining room for 10, served by the kitchen staff so it will feel like a chef’s table.

The kitchen is lit in a brilliant way I had never considered before. “The lighting in the kitchen will match the exact tonality of the dining room so chefs can see what diners see,” Pritchard says, just one of many details that nod to his mastery of hospitality. In the dining room, expect lighting in many places: under the bar, around the private dining room, and 96 hidden dimmable LED lights in the ceiling. Plus, 14 chandeliers will be installed to set the scene.

"There are only so many ‘firsts’ left in my career, and I want this to count," Pritchard says. "I want this to be a spot that embraces large city standards and Midwest sensibility. Expect a sense of luxury ... without it feeling stuffy or austere.”

The first month will be dinner only, then lunches will be reintroduced. Come biking season, or around April, look for Sunday brunches. All of the above will have reservations available via Tock.

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Scott Bush is one of Des Moines' foremost leaders in the whisky business, creating Foundry Distilling Co. and Templeton Rye.

A WHISKEY CONVERSATION WITH SCOTT BUSH

Writer: Karla Walsh

In our Nov./Dec. issue, we interviewed three whiskey connoisseurs from around the metro. Here's a conversation with Scott Bush, founder of Foundry Distilling Co. in West Des Moines and creator and former owner of Templeton Rye.

Tell us about how you first became involved with Templeton.
My great-grandfather Frank Schroeder was born in Templeton and was one of the “not quite legal” producers of Templeton Rye during Prohibition. I had heard the family stories while I was growing up. After working at JPMorgan Chase in Chicago and New York after college, but feeling the itch to do something entrepreneurial, I started working on the legal version of Templeton Rye in 2002 when I was in business school at MIT Sloan.

What’s your go-to whiskey drink?
I drink more wine than whiskey at home, actually, and typically only drink whiskey when we have guests. The beauty of brown spirits is introducing them to friends and enjoying them while catching up and having a conversation. There’s no need to overthink it! When I’m out and about, there are some great cocktail bars in Des Moines, but I think we make the best cocktails in the city at our bar at the Foundry Distilling Co. My favorite drink is a glass of the Real Stuff (a smooth bourbon distilled at the Foundry with notes of caramel and vanilla and a silky smooth finish) with one ice cube.

I’ve heard from local businesses (like Bubba) and charities (like the Variety Club) that they’re making custom bourbons with you. Can you tell us more about your make-your-own-barrel program?
The Foundry Private Barrel Club is one of the most unique offerings in the industry. Individuals or groups work with our team and create around 200 bottles of their own special whiskey and learn a ton about how it is made along the way. One of our whiskey tastings is like auditing a college class, and joining our Private Barrel Club is like earning a degree in whiskey. We designed our distillery to be experiential.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your two decades of distilling?
It has been nearly 20 years since I started Templeton Rye, and I have seen thousands of new brands come about since. It can be overwhelming for consumers. I always tell people to just drink what they like.

The East Village will be decked out for the holidays during the upcoming Holiday Promenade, kicking off Friday.
Photo: Greater Des Moines Partnership

HOLIDAY PROMENADE RETURNS IN THE EAST VILLAGE

It's time for some holiday cheer. The annual Holiday Promenade in the East Village kicks off of Friday, the first of five weeks of events. Starting at dusk each Friday until Dec. 17, there will be holiday-themed activities, entertainment and shopping—East Village shops are encouraged to remain open until 9 p.m. At 6 p.m. this Friday, organizers will light up the Christmas tree at the Brenton Skating Plaza.

Other Promenade themes include a 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt (Nov. 26), a horse-drawn trolley ride (Dec. 10) and a fireworks show (Dec. 17). Find the rest of the schedule on the Partnership website.

Music Director Joseph Giunta will lead the Des Moines Symphony in its third Masterworks series performance of the 2021-22 season. Photo: Des Moines Symphony

SYMPHONY PAYS HOMAGE TO BEETHOVEN AGAIN

The Des Moines Symphony will present "Beethoven's Violin Concerto," which will feature scores from Beethoven, Anna Clyne and Jean Sibelius, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Civic Center.

Paul Huang, a violinist and recipient of the prestigious 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant, will take center stage for Beethoven's "Violin Concerto," the final act in the show. The symphony will open with Clyne's "Masquerade," which is "a rollicking tapestry of sound based on an old English drinking song," organizers say, followed by Sibelius' Symphony No. 7 in C Major. Tickets start at $15.

HOME DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

ENJOYING A MODERN SPACE TO ENTERTAIN

Entertainment areas such as the one in this Ankeny basement by Kimberly Development allow a lot more flexibility when it comes to design—there’s no need for major cooking appliances, so there’s more space for open storage and fun zones.

For the bar, geometric metallic tiles at the back create a striking focal point that complements the open shelves with interior lighting, providing a natural showcase for barware and contrast to the matte black slat-front cabinets.

This project was an entry in dsm’s 2021 Home Design Awards. See the 2022 winners in our March issue, to be released March 8.

Organizers say all 5,000 square feet of the Exile Brewing Co. space will be covered in holiday decor.
Photo: SnowGlobe Des Moines

DRINK TO THE HOLIDAYS AT THIS POP-UP BAR

Drink and be merry at Exile Brewing Co., which will host a Christmas pop-up bar—adorned with thousands of lights and holiday decor—starting on Nov. 23. The event, called SnowGlobe Des Moines, will run through Dec. 31 and will feature weekly themed brunches, which are family-friendly and include a visit from Santa on Dec. 12. Exile also will offer its traditional lunch and dinner menus.

On the bar side of the brewery, Exile will serve special holiday-inspired cocktails and encourages patrons to show up in their ugliest sweaters. Find more information and make reservations online.