Writer: Karla Walsh

No need to dig out that passport or study up on the latest travel restrictions. You’ll feel transported to a beachy vacation seconds after stepping inside Revival House (316 Court Ave.)—yes, even though it’s downtown between Blue Sushi Sake Grill and Hessen Haus.

On my first visit, our server clued us in that many of the rapidly growing mini chain of Blue Sushis (there are 16 and counting open or coming soon across the U.S.) now have “pocket bars” next door. Each has a different style, and Des Moines was lucky enough to draw the tiki card.

Open since Dec. 2, 2020, I was wishing I made the “trip” sooner as soon as my friend and I found our corner on the cozy couches. Every detail was chic and charming—definitely one of those places you’d be proud to share with out-of-town guests. Across the room, a vibrant pink neon “Revival” sign hung from the wall as a savvy Instagram photo backdrop. Tropical plants, beachy bamboo chairs and wood carvings adorned the space.

I opted for the Saturn, as I was tempted by the note that it won the 1967 International Bartenders Association World Cocktail Competition and the fact that it featured gin (which I tend to prefer over rum). Served over crushed ice, the mixed drink included Aviation gin, passionfruit purée, homemade orgeat (a creamy and nutty floral syrup found in many tiki beverages), falernum (a warmly spicy, gingery syrup) and plenty of fresh lime. It was uber-refreshing on a humid evening. My pal was very pleased with her classic Baby Mai Tai, a slushy mixture of Bacardi blend, bitter orange Curaçao liqueur, that same homemade orgeat, vanilla and fresh lime.

With a lovely mix of cocktails, creative spirit-free drinks and snacks from Blue Sushi available to order, I can see myself returning with old friends and meeting new ones in the intimate, transportive space.

Revival House is open Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Learn more on facebook.com/revivalhouse.dsm and keep up with the latest by following @revivalhouse.dsm on Instagram.

This is a condensed version of a story that appeared last week in the Business Record, our sister publication. Read the complete story by Kathy A. Bolten here.

We've been waiting in anticipation for Table 128's next move since it announced in May that it would be relocating. Now we've got an answer. The acclaimed Clive restaurant will be opening in the new Gray's Landing development south of downtown in November. And it'll have a new name: Table 128 at Gray's Landing.


Pritchard said he has signed a 10-year agreement with Sherman Associates to lease 2,400 square feet in the southwest corner of the Des Moines building that is located at 220 S.W. Ninth St.

“I’m very excited about the location, the accessibility, the parking,” Pritchard said. “We’re going to be downtown but won’t have some of the headaches that come with being downtown. Our customers will have access to surface parking, which is really important.”

The interior of the new Table 128 is being designed by Simonson & Associates Architects and Ryan Staiert Interior Design. In addition to inside seating, the restaurant will have patio seating for about 40 people. Table 128 will also be able to use the building’s rooftop terrace for private events.

A musical poking fun at the uber-popular TV show "Friends" will come to Hoyt Sherman Place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 16. "Friends! The Musical Parody" features the same characters as the hit sitcom as they deal with a runaway bride in New York City. Organizers say the show "recreates our favorite moments from all 10 years of 'Friends' through an uncensored, fast-paced musical-filled romp."

Tickets range from $33 to $53, with a limited number of VIP tickets available. Sales start Friday.

If you don't follow us on social media, you're missing out on a regular feed of restaurant and cultural news, magazine stories, videos, community and dsm happenings, and newsletter pieces. Here's a roundup of some of our more popular recent posts:

dsm unveiling: We had a blast on July 1 at our first in-person event since March last year, showcasing the new July/August issue and celebrating with community members. Exec 1 Aviation threw a terrific party with food trucks, tours of private planes and more. The biggest hit of all? Our charming, delightful and oh-so-adorable cover model.

Mural celebration: Our publisher, Suzanna de Baca, attended the July 9 celebration of a new mural at the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families. The bigger-than-life piece by local artist Jill Wells honors the legacy of the late J. Barry Griswell and depicts Black homeownership, setting goals, community and success.

Smoke Out Hunger: We were glad to see this Food Bank of Iowa annual event return on Sunday. Located at Cowles Commons, it featured local barbecue spots, local breweries and live music.

Find these posts and more on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.

Here's a show we've been looking forward to since it was announced back in May. Max Wellman and his 18-piece big band—led by composer and pianist Nate Sparks—will perform "Back in Business" at Hoyt Sherman Place at 8 p.m. Friday. The performers will focus on jazz and cabaret standards. “It will be a classic kind of big-band variety show … mixed with Broadway,” Wellman says.

Tickets are $35 general admission or $65 VIP and are available through Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Hoyt Sherman box office or by phone at 800-982-2787. Capacity in the 1,200-seat theater will be limited to half, or 600.

Read our exclusive story about the show here.