Jan 12, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Des Moines restaurant unveils caucus-themed food, including "Meatball Ron"

Linh Ta

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A burger with spaghetti toppings on top. — "Mom-Aswamy's Spaghetti," a smashed vegetarian meatball patty with fried spaghetti, marinara croquette and mozzarella ($15.99). Photo: Courtesy of Zombie Burger

Zombie Burger's downtown location unveils its Iowa caucuses-themed food menu Friday.

The quirky downtown restaurant is starting with "Mom-Aswamy's Spaghetti" ($15.99) — a sandwich made with spaghetti and meatballs that is a nod to Vivek Ramaswamy, the GOP candidate who used Eminem's music on the campaign trail before getting hit with a cease-and-desist letter.

Driving the news: The sandwich kicks off a weekend of $15.99 caucus creations:

Saturday: "Meatball Ron," a meatball patty with mozzarella, fried banana, marinara and a "hidden" garlic bread lift.
Sunday: "American History 101," a double pimento cheese patty with pulled pork, bacon, fried okra and Carolina Gold sauce.
Caucus Monday: "Day One Dic-Tator" — a Flamin' Hot Cheetos orange kielbasa with Russian dressing.

The intrigue: If you don't want a meal, try a "Sleepy Joe Shake" with Sleepytime tea-mint syrup ($9) or the "Dark Brandon Shake" with Red Hots candy ($9).

If you go: Zombie Burger is open seven days a week. But the caucus sandwiches are available 11am-10pm Fri.-Sat.; 11am-9pm Sun.-Mon., 300 East Grand Ave.

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Des Moines restaurant unveils caucus-themed food, including "Meatball Ron"

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