Place: Flanigans, on the corner of MLK and Ingersoll
Pitcher of Harps: $8
Patio seating: Complimentary
Awkward moment from a nosy waitress: Priceless
Waitress: Oh, aren't you two just the cutest couple...
Me: *shuffles feet awkwardly* Uh, thanks.
The Boyfriend: *laughs awkwardly*
Waitress, as she seats us on the patio: Let me guess: for such a cute couple, you two must be married?
Me: Uh, eh... well, no.
TB: *blank stare*
Me, trying to talk over the loud music: Dating, actually.
Waitress: Getting married?! Oh, I knew it!
Me: Oh, oh no, we're just dati--
Waitress, unable to hear my correction: That's so exciting! I could just tell...
Me: *blank stare*
Boyfriend: *deer in the headlights look*
Waitress leaves with our drink order, and proud look on her face.
We look at each other.
TB: So, I was thinking a winter wedding?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Fleur Cinema and Cafe / Bottle Shock
Part I: Fleur Cinema and Cafe
One of my favorite places in Des Moines is situated in a commercial plaza area near the airport and next to a HyVee. It is one of the most unlikely spots for a place like this, but it is a treasure not to be missed. Fleur Cinema and Cafe is a four-screen movie theatre which serves pop and buttery popcorn in addition to desserts and a selection of beers and wines. When most theatres are showing all the mainstream fare--which I won't deny liking--Fleur shows the lesser-known, but often more substantial releases. Oftentimes they will host indie directors and screenwriters who are promoting their films all in an artistic setting, yet one that never lets you forget you are in a theatre.
Part II: Bottle Shock
It's always nice to be able to read a review in the New York Times and be able to see the movie that night, without the inconvenience of having to catch a flight to NYC in order to do so. The Boyfriend and I agreed that the movie Bottle Shock can be best described as a red, table wine: dry, ambitious, full of varied--often incongruous--notes, yet with enough character and whimsy to make it a necessary part of a good evening. If you see this movie for any reason, it should be for Alan Rickman, who never fails to deliver a perfectly-tuned performance, whatever his roll may be.
One of my favorite places in Des Moines is situated in a commercial plaza area near the airport and next to a HyVee. It is one of the most unlikely spots for a place like this, but it is a treasure not to be missed. Fleur Cinema and Cafe is a four-screen movie theatre which serves pop and buttery popcorn in addition to desserts and a selection of beers and wines. When most theatres are showing all the mainstream fare--which I won't deny liking--Fleur shows the lesser-known, but often more substantial releases. Oftentimes they will host indie directors and screenwriters who are promoting their films all in an artistic setting, yet one that never lets you forget you are in a theatre.
Part II: Bottle Shock
It's always nice to be able to read a review in the New York Times and be able to see the movie that night, without the inconvenience of having to catch a flight to NYC in order to do so. The Boyfriend and I agreed that the movie Bottle Shock can be best described as a red, table wine: dry, ambitious, full of varied--often incongruous--notes, yet with enough character and whimsy to make it a necessary part of a good evening. If you see this movie for any reason, it should be for Alan Rickman, who never fails to deliver a perfectly-tuned performance, whatever his roll may be.
Zen Sushi Bar
For the second time, I went to Zen Sushi Bar on Walnut Street in Des Moines. I was only recently introduced to sushi, having had my first roll on the campus of MSU in Lansing, MI. I don't claim to be a sushi fanatic--I haven't graduated to nigiri or sashimi--but I do experience the phenomenon of "sushi cravings"; they happen unexpectedly and there is little that can be done, save for a short trip downtown.The prices at Zen are quite reasonable for a more upscale place, the average around $8 or so for a roll. Favorites so far: the Iowa and Buddha Tempura. I like to begin the meal with a bowl of miso soup, which is the perfect appetizer for this kind of experience. And if you're feeling adventurous, the Zen Signature Martini is a delicious way to top off the night.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
El Bait Shop
On Sunday, The Boyfriend and I decided to put some free tickets to good use and headed out to the Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park. Needless to say, we lasted a whole 30 minutes due to the 90+ degrees in the shade. I love baseball, beer, and frozen lemonade as much as the next girl, but I do have my limits. :) We did, however, start the afternoon off right at El Bait Shop on the corner of 3rd and MLK Parkway, a local favorite.The decor is decidely eclectic; colorful wooden tables, dark-colored booths, vintage arcade games, bicycles hanging from the ceiling, and random posters--including an impressive wall mural from the cover of the children's book, Where the Wild Things Are--adorn a renovated car
garage. (For proof, there's even a brightly colored, tiled shower on one side and a working garage door on the other.) Instead of the usual burgers and fries that one would come to expect from a place like this, you can find unique Mexican fare that includes barbacoa tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and chips and salsa among other things. At since it's one block from the ball park, there really is no better place to start an afternoon of baseball, especially if it only lasts half an hour.
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