Rolling Prairie Rolls In

By Wini Moranville

If you, like me, aren’t quite ready to give up meat but wish to make thoughtful choices about the meats you do eat, then let me remind you about Wallace Farms. This family farm in Keystone, Iowa, is devoted to raising grass-fed beef. In addition, the family works with a network of small farms to purvey other artisan meats, including chicken, pork, lamb and (admittedly from farther afield), wild Gulf shrimp. Ordering is easy: You simply select from thNick Wallaee 120-plus products on their website (see link below), then pick them up at a specified time at one of the drop-off locations in West Des Moines, Waukee and Johnston. Orders can also be shipped to your home.

But … what if you don’t cook all that much? Nick Wallace has you covered with his Rolling Prairie rig. This food truck/catering business offers pick-up-and-go dinners (akin to the Grateful Chef’s modus operandi), with all dishes anchored by the same high-quality proteins that Wallace Farms grows or purveys.

Running the kitchen is Iowa native Gabe Stielow, who operated a catering business in California before returning to Des Moines, where he worked as a lead prep cook for Americana. He later served as a private chef/caterer for a few select clients in the area before partnering with Wallace on Rolling Prairie.

Recent menu items have included free-range organic turkey and noodles, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, cider-brined chicken, and beef and shrimp fajitas. Sides are equally thoughtful: Last week’s menu featured mixed roasted vegetables (including parsnips—yum), fresh buttermilk biscuits, shallot mashed potatoes and a green salad with locally grown vegetables. All were included in the price of the menu package; each serves four to five diners and costs $50 total.

For now, Rolling Prairie offers its takeout for every-other-Wednesday pickups; Wallace says they hope to offer the service every week in the near future. Meals can be picked up between 4 and 6 p.m. at The Hall in West Des Moines.

Keep track of what Rolling Prairie is up to—including how and when to order and what’s on the menu—by following them on Facebook here. Their next takeout day is scheduled for Sept. 25. Find out more about ordering meats from Wallace Farms on their website. 

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