French Connections

— by Design presents dsmDining —
Above: The patio at Baru 66 is newly Frenched-up with curtains along the side street and a cheery welcome for diner’s dogs.
By Wini Moranville

Bastille Day (July 14) may have come and gone, but you can still spend an evening celebrating all things French this week, as the new Tony-award-winning musical “An American in Paris”  is at the Des Moines Civic Center through July 23.

To prime yourself, head to Baru 66, where Chef David Baruthio will serve a three-course “An American in Paris” menu to celebrate the local run of this show. The meal costs $39 and is available through Saturday night (whether you do or don’t go to the show).

The special dinner will kick off with a complimentary cocktail. First-course choices include a tartar of tuna and crab, a melon-port combo or a warm goat cheese salad. For the second course, choose from a fish of the day, duck breast with cherry-port reduction or risotto with pan-seared scallops. When it comes time for dessert, diners will have a hard time choosing between the blueberry-lavender clafoutis, a rum baba or a cheese plate.

If you really want to go all French, try Baru 66’s new patio—and bring your furry four-legged friend (yes, in true-to-France fashion, the patio is dog-friendly). The mix of soft seating and intimate cafe tables makes it all quintessentially French.

Baru 66 is at 6587 University Ave., Windsor Heights; 515-277-6627; baru66.com.

Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm. Follow her at All Things Food dsm — Wini Moranville.

You May Also Like

Taking the Cake

Fairy Cakes, dating from the early 1900s, are a precursor to today’s cupcakes. A ...

2 Saucy Nuggets of Barbecue News

This platter from Whatcha Smokin’ will keep even the biggest BBQ beast full: brisket, ...

The Dish on Global Flavors

At dsm’s annual Discover Diverse Des Moines event in May, several community leaders spotlighted ...