Food and Drink

Linh Ta
17 hours ago - Food and Drink

Try freeze-dried Skittles, peach rings at this Iowa business

Freeze-dried Skittles ($5) from Rebel Farms. Photos: Linh Ta/Axios

A local business is turning beloved household candies on their heads.

Driving the news: Rebel Farms in Mitchellville is selling freeze-dried candy, such as Skittles, peach rings and taffy.

Linh Ta
Mar 6, 2023 - Food and Drink

Crème serves up Cheez-It peanut butter cookies

A peanut butter and Cheez-It cookie ($3). Linh Ta/Axios

👋 Linh here with an admission — Cheez-Its are one of my all-time favorite snacks.

  • It's difficult to find a more perfect junk food. They have a baked oomph with cheese that doesn't taste too artificial.

Panka Peruvian Chicken opens in Des Moines

A photo of a restaurant.

Panka Peruvian Chicken owner Mariela Maya last week at her new restaurant. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios

Panka Peruvian Chicken opened earlier this month at a former Fong's Pizza location near Drake University.

Catch up fast: It's the second DSM restaurant by Mariela Maya, who was born in Lima before moving to the U.S. in 2001.

Linh Ta
Feb 16, 2023 - Food and Drink

The best thing Linh ate this week: Scallops at Barbarian

Barbarian's scallop dish ($34). Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

Barbarian Restaurant is the metro's newest fine-dining location in an unexpected spot — Kinship Brewing in Waukee.

  • The seasonal menu is crafted by Chef Jacob Demars, known for Trostel's Dish in Clive and RI Restaurant in Windsor Heights.
Linh Ta
Feb 3, 2023 - Food and Drink

Crème offers late-night cupcakes, cocktails and ramen

Cupcakes from Crème. Photo courtesy of Sammy Mila

The new owner of Crème is bringing late night desserts back to the Ingersoll bakery — but with her own little twist.

Driving the news: Sammy Mila launched "Midnight Munchies" at the beginning of the year.

Axios Des Moines readers: Hold the tips

Data: Axios survey; Chart: Axios Visuals; Chart: Axios Visuals
Data: Axios survey; Chart: Axios Visuals; Chart: Axios Visuals

Gratuities have increased in recent years, partly because more credit card transactions are prompting them, Axios' Nathan Bomey reports.

  • Sometimes the ask even comes before the service.
Linh Ta
Feb 2, 2023 - Food and Drink

Hot new restaurant: Oak Park in Ingersoll

Ian Richardson

Chef Ian Richardson. Photo courtesy of Oak Park

One of the most anticipated new restaurants in Des Moines this year is Oak Park, set to open in Ingersoll's newest Block 39 development.

State of play: The modern American restaurant is expected to seat nearly 100 people.

Linh Ta
Feb 1, 2023 - Food and Drink

Colorado cult favorite WeldWerks heading to Iowa

WeldWerks beer

Juicy Bits from WeldWerks Brewing. Photo courtesy of WeldWerks

Beer connoisseurs, rejoice: popular Colorado brewery WeldWerks is expanding its beer distribution into Iowa.

Driving the news: The nearly eight-year-old brewery is branching into 12 states, including Iowa starting next week.

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