Versatile Mainframe’s spaces range from hardworking studios to fun-loving reception halls.
By Wini Moranville
Mainframe Studios, the downtown event venue and workspace for artists, will open its doors for something a little off the beaten path this Valentine’s Day. The irresistibly titled Come Pho Love (+ Beer) gathering will offer food, beer and art all in one space.
Each of the six food stations will showcase a food specialty along with a 3-ounce beer pairing from Peace Tree Brewing Co. (Additional beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase.) Food will come by way of theTangerine Food Co., the Des Moines caterer that also operates the Des Moines Art Center Restaurant. Options include curry-spiced popcorn (paired with Orange Gose), Iowa banh mi (with Mile-Long Lager), pork-butt pho (with Blond Fatale) and a cheese and charcuterie station (with East Village IPA).
For dessert? Warm chocolate-chip cookies served with an ice-cream float made with Peace Tree Cold Brew Coffee Stout.
It gets even better: Peace Tree owner Megan McKay will be available to talk about her beers. Artist studios will be open, with some artists offering add-on art activity options, including Valentine painting with Claire Sedovic, felting with Gretchen Bohling, glass etching with Jess Quin and monoprint making with Molly Spain. Sign up in advance for these mini-workshops—some will require a separate purchased ticket.
According to Tangerine owner Susan Madorsky, while couples are welcome and will enjoy the event, it is by design not couples-centric. “We wanted to offer something that people who weren’t in a couple might like to go to — something that wasn’t the usual dinner out at a restaurant,” Madorsky says. “This will be an event you can come to with a group a friends, with kids, your mom, whomever.”
The event will be this Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14; doors open at 5 p.m., with food stations open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mainframe Studios is at 900 Keosauqua Way. Tickets cost $36 in advance, $45 at the door. Event tickets and tickets for individual workshops are available on this Come Pho Love (+Beer) Facebook page.
Wini Moranville writes about food, wine and dining for dsm magazine and dsmWeekly. Follow her on Facebook at All Things Food–DSM.
