Do we ever cook meals at home? Great question! The answer is yes, but if you’re a regular reader of The Iowa Gallivant you’d be right to wonder when we’re ever home. We love Iowa and we love the culinary experiences that it produces. Here’s some of what Team Goodvin managed to discover and devour in 2016…

Morg’s-Waterloo, Iowa

Bacon is on! On the Maple Long John that is.

Eggs in Hell from El Banditos in Iowa City

On the Grand Anne’s fine China was our delicious breakfast. An Egg Souffle and tender Sausage Patties. Fresh fruit, yogurt, and all the coffee and orange juice you could want.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we have proved that over and over in 2016. From maple bacon donuts in Washington. Croissant sandwich in Decorah. Giant Belgium waffles in Corning. UFO sized pancakes in Waterloo. Eggs from Hell in Iowa City and unforgettable mornings at B&B’s in Ainsworth and Keokuk.

Street food…..Hell, yea! Some of our favorite stops were in West Point at the Corn Fest, Ethiopian fare in Davenport, and one of the greatest Italian beef and sausage sandwiches in Dubuque.

The Ring Burner Pizza at Forbidden Planet in Iowa City

Pizza didn’t have a chance when it arrived at our table and we happen to find some of the best in the state! Mabe’s in Decorah on Christmas Eve. A late dinner at Mirabito’s in North Liberty. Some of the spiciest pie on earth at Forbidden Planet in Iowa City and an incredible mushroom pizza loaded with local ingredients at Kalona Brewing Company.

Three little piggies! Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders at First Street Grille in Keosauqua, IA!

We have curds yes we do we have curds how bout you!

There was always room for appetizers. Turtle soup in Birmingham. Rumaki in Keokuk. Pulled pork sliders in Keosauqua. Made from scratch onion rings in Kalona. A flight of Iowa craft beers paired with their own tasty app in Fort Madison. Huge Buffalo chicken fingers in Wapello and squeaky cheese curds in Milton.

Gyro Hut-Waterloo, Iowa

One of Iowa’s most beloved donut shops has all but one location left and it’s located in Cedar Rapids. You can read all about it in Iowa Food.

The classic Iowa breaded pork tenderloin!

I was in the “health food” mood. Something to go along with a lettuce and tomatoes. Like fried onion rings and a double cheeseburger. If only the had a Happy Day’s promotional glass to pour my drink in….HEY there’s one! Ayyyyy!

The classics were always represented. A juicy steak from locally raised Wagyu beef in Fort Madison. One of the original loose meat sandwiches in Ottumwa. Giant gyros in Waterloo. Tender smoked brisket in the Quad Cities. Tasty nostalgia at the last remaining Donutland in Cedar Rapids. Iowa’s infamous breaded pork tenderloin in Amana and a double cheeseburger at an iconic diner in Decatur City.

Honey Garden-Waterloo, Iowa

Fried rice and chicken Low Mein from the Oriental Palace in Glenwood, Iowa

How about a dose of roast pork, Czech style goulash, potato dumplings, whipped potatoes with gravy, authentic zeli soup, sauerkraut, and fresh salads. Beets with cottage cheese……always.

The ethnic delights were found all over the state. Norwegian fare in Northeast Iowa. Indian curry in Waterloo. Burmese masterpieces in Columbus Junction. Giant helpings of Lo Mein in Glenwood and a Czech feast in Cedar Rapids.

Classic Strawberry Malt at Jay Drug Co. in Shenandoah, Iowa

Join us for a potluck they said….there’s going to be cake they said. And homemade lemon ice cream! Iowa hospitality at its very definition.

The sweet tooth was officially activated. Gingerbread house workshop in Eldon. Cotton candy with its own orbit in Corning. Traditional Amana pies. Classic strawberry malt in Shenandoah  and a gift of chocolate cake with ice cream from a neighboring camper in Leon.

Tacos El Carbon at El Sol in Solon, IA.

Tacos de la Casa! Fajita chicken, grilled onions, and chipotle creme! Caza Azul in Coralville, IA

And all those tacos, tacos, tacos! The taco tour was probably the greatest idea we ever had. Yes, that’s right. We were the first people to eat tacos all the time. Our 2016 gastro-tour was certainly unforgettable and we’re already warming up 2017 with another. Where you heading to? Seriously, we want some ideas…..