I have heard rumors of a city in the middle of no where with an insane food culture, winos, beer lovers and super creative people. When we flew into Des Moines for a new business opportunity, the flight only helped to reinforce that this was the most well kept secret in the midwest. The plane in was perhaps the smallest prop plane I have ever flown on commercially and the airport didn’t even have a stoplight at the intersection. But maybe the fact that there isn’t alot of traffic from the outside world is the “special sauce” to why this city is so amazing. There is no traffic. The downtown is walk-able and there is an appreciation for the art of agriculture that brings about the very best food experiences you can imagine. We ate at Alba – perhaps one the best farm-to-table food experiences I have had in a long time. The sauces and innovative approach to ingredients were truly innovative. And the people, well they are genuine, kind and hard-working. I met some pretty special Iowans in our new business pitch and heard inspiring stories. And the zombies, well they were pretty cool too. 

After our presentation, we wanted to celebrate our hard work with a comfort food meal – so we had some pretty remarkable burgers. The theme was hilarious and the food was well executed. I got the Shaun of the Dead – and it was a cheese experience I will not soon forget. They had a decent craft beer menu as well. I hope we are back soon – because I gotta get me a t-shirt that let’s the world know what I think of Iowa –  “Des Moines: Hell Yes!”.