It’s pretty safe to say that we had an active year. And you can also say that we didn’t skip too many meals. Or any. We travel through and find some of Iowa’s best places to eat and kickback with our stomachs guiding us at times. I can’t tell you how proud of Iowa I am with the ever changing culinary landscape. The classics are still being served and we seek them as well. However, not only are delicious, unique ethnic restaurants popping up all over the state, but also casual-fine and fine dining opportunities in rural and urban areas. There’s a higher demand for locally sourced ingredients with chefs and business owners answering the call. Many homegrown cooks are returning to Iowa and/or staying put and contributing to an epicurean wave that is sweeping through the cornbelt. Enjoy our unofficial gastro-tour of Iowa from the past 12 months. By the way…..we’ve incidentally increased our hiking, dog walking, and trips to the treadmill too. (Please click on the pictures for descriptions and the links below to see the blog that features these great establishments)

From Iowa farm to your favorite table, these restaurants are striving to support small Iowa growers and livestock producers to bring you some of our states most delicious creations… from specialty dairy products to heritage breeds… from certified fruits and veggies to state of the art hydroponic produce grown year-round. Iowa always finds away to keep its agricultural edge.

Some of our favorite restaurants showcasing local foods:

Rudy’s Tacos! With new locations popping up in Iowa and Western Illinois, Rudy’s is a homegrown multi-unit concept that knows how to source locally and successfully. http://www.rudystacos.com/about.html

The home team supporting the home teams. Say hello to your local farmers that keep Rudy’s Tacos on the table!

The Farmer’s Daughter’s Market in Hiawatha not only sources locally, but grows many of it’s own ingredients. The classic Iowa Pulled Por BBQ Sandwich with Cream of homegrown broccoli soup! http://www.fdmarket.com/

Brunch at Cedar Ridge Vineyards in Swisher! Griddle’d to order pancakes topped with a “little” butter and smothered with CRV’s own Bourbon maple syrup. Ihttp://crwine.com/

Sunrise Bakery 31154 210th Street Bonaparte, IA. This cheerful Amish family welcomes their guests with food raised and grown right out their front window.

Ladora Bank Bistro in Ladora has a menu loaded with ingredients from Iowa farmers. http://www.ladorabank.com/

A trifecta of homemade sodas from Fresh Deli in Daveport, IA. They make their own syrup and use their own Nostalgia Farms berries and grapes in these flavor varieties. On tap today was raspberry, huckleberry and concord grape! https://www.facebook.com/FreshDeliNostalgiaFarms?fref=ts

The award winning Grinnell restaurant, Prairie Canary is also championing the local movement. Grilled cheese with jam. You heard me right! Emily and Monie ordered the same meal and out came a duo of the best grilled cheese sandwiches we’ve ever had.http://www.theprairiecanary.com/

Vesta in Coralville plated up Iowa corn chowder with Iowa bacon and one of the best Reuben sandwiches ever! Made with Iowa raised Elk pastrami. https://twitter.com/vestaiowa

Tacos, Soup & Sandwich, Pancakes , Amish Meal, Charcuterie, Sodas, Grilled Cheese, Reuben Sandwich

Amazing Ethnic Restaurants:

That was JayJay’s selection at Ginger Thai Cuisine in Downtown Cedar Falls. Kang Massaman! Massaman curry with shrimp, cocnut cream and tender potatoes. https://www.facebook.com/Ginger-Thai-Cuisine-239170746164073/

Those are the real deal. When we say authentic we mean it. And so does La Juanita’s!

Little Vientiane in Storm Lake specialized in flavors and cuisine Laos. https://www.facebook.com/LittleVientiane

You’ve found Clue #2 of 8! Click HERE to go back to the Scavenger Hunt page and see the next clue.

Thai Shrimp, Tacos & Pho, Cevapi Sandwich

Beloved burgers and pizza:

I give you…. the Dirty Canary from Prairie Canary in Grinnell. A burger with cheddar cheese, BBQ pulled pork, bacon and a fried egg! And by its side is the best soup I’ve ever had in the state of Iowa. A Bayou Potato Soup with Crawfish tails. Geaux seek this out! https://www.facebook.com/prairiecanary

Meet your new best friend, amigos. The potato dough is used for the crispy crust and is topped with duck confit, mozzarella, goat cheese, fresh basil, stone ground mustard and balsamic onion. Ladora Bank Bistro in Ladora. https://twitter.com/LadoraBistro

The Detroit style pizza at Tomaso’s in Hiawatha.http://www.tomasospizzeria.com/

The holy pizza trinity unique to the Hawkeye State. Homemade saurkraut & ham, taco, and breakfast pizzas. The debate between the best places to get these popular varieties may commence.

Thee Baxa Burger at Baxa’s in Sutliff. https://www.facebook.com/Baxas-Sutliff-Store-And-Tavern-266121951280/?ref=ts&fref=ts

What this plate could use is a little more cheese, perhaps. Say hello to the Pretzel Baconcheeseburger at The Sports Page in Fort Dodge.http://www.sportspagefd.com/

Fried Egg Burger, Duck Pizza, Detroit Style Pizza, Iowa Pizzas, Baxa Burger, Mac & Cheese Burger

We always had time for breakfast:

The breakfast buffet at the Edgewater Grille in Coralville. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/cidic-coralville-marriott-hotel-and-conference-center/

Rocks Anchor Grill in Davenport

J’s Home Style Cooking served up Apple Fritter French Toast. Made with their homemade bread. https://www.facebook.com/jshomestylecooking?fref=ts

The #12. One of my all-time favorite meals. Corned beef hash and eggs with buttered toast. The hash is made from scratch and is talked about all over Hiawatha. Thanks, George! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oscars-Restaurant/458149434223381?fref=ts

Just one of the pastry cases at Tom Thumb in Fort Dodge.

Salmon Lox, Biscuits & Gravy, French Toast, Corned Beef Hash, Donuts

Our Collective Sweet Tooth was activated:

Scratch Cupcakery in Coralville. https://www.facebook.com/scratchbakery

Chocolate row at The Shameless Chocoholic in LeClaire.https://www.facebook.com/TheShamelessChocoholic

Bacon wrapped donuts at the BBQ Cookoff in Fort Dodge.

A trip to see The Cheesecake Lady in downtown Fort Dodge. https://www.facebook.com/FDCheesecakeLady/?fref=ts

Old Fashion Strawberry Sodas at Candyland Station in Grinnell. https://www.facebook.com/CandylandStation?rf=177182899005042

Cupcakes, Chocolate, Bacon Wrapped Donuts & Cheesecake, Old Fashion Soda

And we saved room for the classics:

Mineral City’s Baked Pasta in Fort Dodge https://www.facebook.com/mineralcityfortdodge?fref=ts

Nilands Cafe in Colo. The classic Midwestern delight that screams out Iowa to any road warrior passing through. Hot Roast Beef Sandwich topped with wheel barrel full of gravy and served over……..homemade…mashed potatoes. Homemade mashers. https://www.facebook.com/Nilands-Cafe-115980305097923/?fref=ts

The Iowa classic! Pork Tenderloin from the street vendor in Bentonsport.

The Classic Deli in Brooklyn Iowa features one of the greatest brisket sandwiches you’ll ever have!https://www.facebook.com/TheClassicDeliIceCreamShoppe/?fref=ts

….And a Diet Coke, please. Old 218 Tap in Hills.

At Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids. Grilled foot-long with chili, coleslaw, and crispy fried onions. And now me eat! NOM..NOM…NOM!

Extra sour cream please. The Friday special at the Windham Bar and Grill in Windham.

Kinnick on the River in Montrose.

Baked Pasta, Hot Roast Beef Sandwich, Breaded Pork Tenderloin, Brisket, Hills Meal, Montrose Meal, Hot Dog, Windham Meal

We’re wondering where it all went too. 2016 better come with a salad. Check, please!!