You’ll find a selection of rotating appetizers at the New Northwestern Cocktail and Wine Bar, such as this crostini featuring smoked salmon stuffed with goat cheese and cucumber. It’s served on ciabatta with double-cream Brie cheese. Photographer: Duane Tinkey.
Writer: Karla Walsh
As the temperatures began to dip, the metro area’s dining scene showed no signs of chilling. From fine dining to new locations for old favorites, here’s recent food and beverage news you may have missed.
Parlor, a new Detroit-style pizza-focused bistro, opened in November in Beaverdale. The latest project from Jason Simon and an A team of veterans from sister properties Alba, Eatery A and Motley School Tavern, the restaurant also serves an enticing variety of small plates, salads and more. (4041 Urbandale Ave., parlordsm.com)
The New Northwestern Cocktail and Wine Bar opened in the fall in a 1916 building in the East Village. Tell the staff what flavors you tend to gravitate toward, and they’ll customize a gin flight for you. Mezze, crostini and charcuterie selections rotate weekly. (321 E. Walnut St., thenewnorthwestern.com)
Proudfoot & Bird in the Hotel Fort Des Moines is a well-designed dining room where you might feel like you’re strolling into a European bistro. Classic cocktails join oysters, prime filet and duck breast on the splurge-worthy menu. (1000 Walnut St., facebook.com/ProudfootBirdIA)
Gazali’s moved from the Drake neighborhood to a larger, airier space in Clive. It’s still home to some top-notch gyros, dolmades and more. (15700 Hickman Road, Suite 110, Clive, gazalismediterraneancuisine.com)
Shawarma City, where warm Middle Eastern spices and fresh herbs take center stage, offers falafel, hummus, kabobs and, of course, shawarma. (4994 Franklin Ave.)
DeMo Pizza Co.’s specialty pizzas are available by the slice or by the pie. Try the Elote, a Mexican-inspired mashup that’s drizzled with lime mayo and garnished with cilantro. It gives a nod to Iowa’s most prolific crop, corn. (604 Locust St., Suite 104, demopizzaco.com)
Franka, which has a location in the East Village, opened a western outpost in the former Red Rossa space. The massive and stunning pizza oven makes a statement at the heart of the open-concept restaurant. (12695 University Ave., Suite 100, Clive, frankapizzeria.com)
Coming Attraction:
Table 128, which closed its location in Clive last summer, will still be the place to enjoy creations from one of the city’s most renowned culinary talents: chef Lynn Pritchard. His creative new American cuisine will be available in Gray’s Landing downtown. (220 S.W. Ninth St., table128bistro.com)
