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.
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
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.
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.
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


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.
Hot new restaurant: Oak Park in Ingersoll

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.
Colorado cult favorite WeldWerks heading to Iowa

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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