In Case You Missed It…
Even the most ardent fans of the Des Moines dining scene needed a scorecard to keep up with all the restaurant openings and closings in recent months. Here are some of them:
Openings:
R I Restaurant, chef-owner Jacob Demars’ new eatery in the former Baru 66 location in Windsor Heights.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill at Court Avenue and Fourth Street.
Nosh Cafe and Eatery in the East Village.
Skol, a Nordic-themed bar and restaurant, in the East Village.
Motley School Tavern, led by restaurateur Jason Simon and chef Nic Gonwa, in Beaverdale.
Pho Real Kitchen and Bar at Fourth Street and Court Avenue.
Giordano’s in West Des Moines.
Wasabi Ankeny in the town’s Prairie Trail District.
Closings:
Reed’s Hollow, led by chef Zach Gutweiler, in Beaverdale.
Baru 66, chef David Baruthio’s French restaurant in Windsor Heights.
Mama Lacona’s, longtime Italian-American spot, in Urbandale.
Orlondo’s, popular south-side Italian-American restaurant and bar.
Fuel’d Cafe in the downtown YMCA.
GoodSons Pizzeria in Beaverdale.
Other news as of press time:
Proof reopened Aug. 31 with a new head chef, Diego Rodriguez. Previous owner/chef Sean Wilson left to become director of culinary operations for the Justice League of Food.
Gusto’s Waukee site closed, but the restaurant’s owners were expected to open El Guapo, a tequila and taco restaurant, in the same space in October.
Jethro’s BBQ has purchased the former Orlondo’s site and plans to expand the building and open its eighth location there in March.
In early November in Beaverdale, Dam Pub is expected to open in the Reed’s Hollow location and Curbin’ Cuisine in the former GoodSons spot.
Clyde’s Fine Diner was expeted to open in October in the East Village.
