New Dining Opportunities

Above: Owner and chef Tag Grandgeorge of Le Jardin has a special menu planned for National Grits Day—you know, April 14.

By Wini Moranville

If you’re wondering where to spend your dining-out time and money this month, these events might help you narrow the great options in town.

• Grits Throwdown at Le Jardin: April 14 is National Grits Day (who knew?), so Le Jardin’s chefs Tag Grandgeorge and Ashton Cross will duke it out to see who makes the best. This three-course dinner costs $34 and includes grits in each course. Guests will taste two entrees, one from each chef, and vote on which main dish is best. Reservations must be made by calling 515-255-5787. Le Jardin is at 2815 Beaver Ave., Suite 101.

• Tuesdays with Julia at Table 128: Back by popular demand, this Tuesday-night dinner series offers entrees inspired by the classic French cooking of Julia Child. On the menu tonight (April 3): lamb stew with spring vegetables ($25). Upcoming evenings will feature Sole à la Dieppoise — fish with mussels and shrimp — on April 10 ($27); Quiche Lorraine on April 17 ($19); and Lobster Thermidor on April 24 ($35). Table 128 is at 12695 University Ave.; 515-327-7427. The restaurant’s regular menu also will be offered on these nights.

• Wine from a Texas Vine at Bubba: Owner Chris Diebel has been working for more than a year to bring wines from his native state to Iowa. On April 19, Bubba will unveil four wines from the High Plains of Texas, serving them alongside a four-course Southern-inspired tasting menu. Courses include a citrus-avocado salad, black bean and poblano soup, cherry-chipotle glazed pork loin and a strawberry rhubarb sweet biscuit shortcake. Held in conjunction with Winefest Des Moines, the event starts at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $45 and are available through tikly. Bubba is at 210 10th St.; 515-257-4744.

Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm magazine and dsmWeekly. Follow her on Facebook at All Things Food–DSM.