dsmWeekly: October 22, 2019

REMINDER: DSM EVENTS OCT. 24, OCT. 29, NOV. 11

We like to think we're always pretty busy here at dsm magazine. But that's rarely more true than in the weeks coming up—and we hope you may want to join us for these great events:

• Oct. 24: LGBTQ Legacy Leader awards. In partnership with the advocacy group One Iowa, we'll honor community leaders from—and for—the ranks of LGBTQ Iowans. For more info and tickets, click here.

• Oct. 29: A dsm new issue unveiling party. Hopefully, you already know how fun these free events are. 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. We think you'll want to stay.

• Nov. 11: Sages Over 70. This is always an inspiring event, honoring those who have been so generous and influential in our community. You'll come away filled with pride and inspiration. For details, click here.

Fresh pork and other hearty cuisine are staples at this new Ankeny eatery, positioned deliciously close to a bike trail.

PIG 'N PEDAL SET TO OPEN IN ANKENY

By Wini Moranville

"This is my life’s work, finally coming together," says Jason Kapela of his soon-to-open Pig ’n Pedal. Kapela, who was one of the co-founders of Louie’s Wine Dive and also helped launch RoCA, hopes to open this new restaurant around the second week of November. It’s in the Uptown district of Ankeny, next door to the Firetrucker brewery.

While the venue’s milieu—near the High Trestle Trail—is designed to appeal to cyclists, its meat-centric menu will likely draw carnivores from throughout the area. The most unique-sounding feature may be the live-action butchering that will take place within the building.

"I’ve got a butcher shop set up in the restaurant, and it is completely visible to the public. People can see us breaking down whole hogs from the waiting area," says Kapela, who learned the craft of butchering about 15 years ago. (Good to know: In this case, the butchering does not include the slaughtering, but rather cutting and trimming the pork. Meat geeks will likely be riveted.)

On the menu: Pork, of course, including house-made pâtés and terrines. The burgers will be made from a proprietary house blend of beef brisket, sirloin and short ribs ground fresh every day. Hot dogs and sandwiches, complete with pickles and mustards made in-house, round out the handhelds. Also find updated chili and mac-and-cheese options, but don’t expect homey, diner-style food.

"It’s not comfort food," says Kapela. "It’s hearty, but very refined and precisely made."

Pig ’n Pedal will be at 710 S.W. Third St., Ankeny. Keep up with their progress on Facebook.

The Mambo Kings will perform a program of Latin music with the Des Moines Symphony Saturday.

SOPRANO, MAMBO KINGS JOIN SYMPHONY CONCERT

Originally from upstate New York, the Mambo Kings have spread the joy of their stirring Afro-Cuban rhythms from coast to coast. Along with vocalist Camille Zamora, they will perform with the Des Moines Symphony at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct 26, at the Civic Center.

The symphony promises a "sultry, passionate and exciting evening of Latin music from Spain and the island of Cuba." And they know these things. Tickets are $35-$90, available through the Civic Center ticket office.

Chili verdi cauliflower is one of the best-selling main dishes at Proof—and it's meatless.

3 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT THE 'NEW' PROOF

By Karla Walsh

If first impressions of Proof 2.0 are proof of things to come in the local dining scene, sign us up. With kitchen and service staff helmed by under-30 innovators (including executive chef Diego Rodriguez-Negrete, sous chef Jaydon Hernandez, general manager/sommelier Jared Giunta and bar manager Karli Sandos), former chef/owner Sean Wilson left his restaurant in brilliant hands when he departed for the non-profit world late summer 2019.

Here are three highlights from our "first look" visit at the restaurant since it reopened just west of the downtown sculpture park:

1. Vegetables can be hearty mains. As mentioned in the September/October issue of dsm magazine, meatless options—even vegan ones—are becoming more common around town. At Proof, their sorcery with flavor boosters (such as pickled shallots, roasted corn powder and a good-enough-to-eat-by-the-spoonful 16-hour simmered marinara sauce) might just make your fellow diners who order the rib-eye jealous of your Tomato-Braised Fennel or Chile Verde Cauliflower. According to the staff, these are two of the top sellers on the current menu.

2. Desserts go far beyond cake and ice cream. Although pastry chef Megan Snyder and Hernandez have put their Proof spins on those, too, save room for the Sweet Corn Ice Cream with Maple-Bacon Blondie or the vegan Deconstructed Blue Hubbard Squash Pie.

3. The next-level wine program wows. Giunta curated a unique collection of bottles to feature on his reserve list. For the curious or new-to-vino visitors, the menu thoughtfully explains tasting notes and origins of each and offers an opportunity to try new varietals not commonly found in Des Moines. Share what you generally select in terms of body and flavor, and he’ll gladly guide you to a new sip you’re sure to love—similar to Amazon’s "You Might Also Like" feature.

Proof is at 1301 Locust St., Suite C; proofrestaurant.com.

The story of this painting of Apollo and Venus has been well documented since its discovery in a murky corner of Hoyt Sherman Place, but there's more to learn from the conservation work that unveiled its mysteries.

ART CONSERVATOR TO EXPLAIN MYSTERIES OF WORK

According to master art conservator Barry Bauman, every painting has a secret. During his 46-year career he has revealed many of them from studios in Chicago—including lost signatures, hidden dates or entire images that have been overpainted. He has also been able to determine if a painting is a fake, and, in some cases, to correctly identify its original artist, owner or history.

On Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m., Bauman will present "A Triple Discovery: Hoyt Sherman Place’s 'Apollo and Venus,' " an hourlong review of the treatment and research procedures that uncovered the secrets behind this historic painting. (It’s a story so remarkable that it spread from dsm magazine to the New York Times. Read the dsm story here.) Bauman's presentation will be held in the Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, followed by a viewing of the painting on permanent display in the Art Gallery. This event is free and open to the public.

The New York Times says Dorrance Dance is "entirely glorious."

DORRANCE DANCE AT CIVIC CENTER TONIGHT

Whatever the style, the beauty and grace of dancing has a joyful quality that we always find uplifting. So we’re looking forward to award-winning New York City tap dance company Dorrance Dance, performing at 7:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, Oct. 22) at the Des Moines Civic Center.

This group has earned praise for redefining tap dance, pushing its boundaries rhythmically, technically and conceptually. Founded in 2011 by artistic director Michelle Dorrance, the company has earned accolades for performances across the United States and abroad. The New Yorker has called Dorrance "one of the most imaginative tap choreographers working today." Tickets, $16-$76, are available at dmpa.org and the Civic Center ticket office.

Paintings by Sarah Grant, left, and Scott Charles Ross, right.

POPULAR LOCAL ARTISTS IN MOBERG EXHIBIT

The work of local artists Sarah Grant and Scott Charles Ross will be featured in an exhibition at Moberg Gallery opening with a free public reception Friday, Oct. 25. Grant has been a colorful, popular artist since before 1992, when she founded Sticks, the distinctive creators of painted furniture and decorative objects. Ross paints imaginative scenes, often focused on structures. Friday's reception runs from 5 to 8 p.m.

Traditional needle crafts have been making a comeback for, among other reasons, the meditative value of communal mending.

LEARN MENDING FOR CLOTH AND MEDITATION

Comedy keeps us in stitches. So will a workshop on mending quilts, scheduled 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Olson-Larsen Galleries in Valley Junction. The workshop coincides with a current exhibit of work by female artists called "Women's Work."

The "Collective Mending Session" is led by artist Catherine Reinhart, who will teach basic mending to cultivate care for textiles and community through the meditative practice of slow stitching. All skill levels welcome. All materials provided, along with light refreshments. Donations are welcome to help cover food.

Click collectivemendingsessions.com for more information about the artist, project and community partners. A ticket link on that site will allow you to register for free.