Brunch Options with a Bonus

Above: With the right forecast, meals can be enjoyed poolside at Tangerine at the Art Center.


By Wini Moranville

Looking for brunch opportunities that offer a little extra? Here are three ways to enjoy a pleasant meal along with something uplifting to do before or after dining. P.S.: Reservations are essential – it’s Mother’s Day, after all.• The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Wander through the beauty of the gardens – then enjoy brunch on-site at Trellis Cafe, with lovely views of downtown from across the the Des Moines River. Choose from the fresh-focused soups, salads and sandwiches on the May menu. A few brunch selections, such as seafood-oyster Florentine and an egg, spinach, and bechamel dish will also be offered. Served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations: 515-323-6288.

• Tangerine at the Art Center: Served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the $25 prix-fixe menu kicks off with house-made pastries and a small appetite-rouser of either fresh fruit or crostini (gravlax or chicken liver). Then, choose from seven entrees, including shrimp and grits, asparagus-Brie puff pastry, and waffles with roasted strawberry and rhubarb compote. Afterward, stroll through the galleries and enjoy some art, or take a walk through adjacent Greenwood Park. The pond, with its trilling red-winged blackbirds, croaking toads and sunning turtles, is especially lovely this time of year. Reservations: 515-271-0332.

• Harvey’s at the Hotel Pattee: Remember when Sunday drives were a thing? Probably not. Still, you can revive this leisurely custom with a drive up to Perry, and see fields and woodlands at their spring-green best. Served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the buffet-style brunch costs $25 ($14 for ages 12 and under) and offers both breakfast and lunch items, including smoked salmon, pork roulade, egg dishes, breakfast meats, plus a salad bar, soups, desserts and a chocolate fountain. Get tickets through Eventbrite.

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

You May Also Like

Caterers Do Curbside Pickup, Too

Recently picked up from Taste! To Go: steak with chimichurri sauce and corn salsa. ...

Coffee Shops to Try: New, Newer and Coming Soon

Northern Vessel has a modern yet warm atmosphere; in addition to coffee, it serves cold ...

New Eatery Offers A Different Take On Pies

Domestic Bones, a new hand pie pop-up spot, serves flavors including ham, three-cheese and ...