The Food and Drink Guy

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  • Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor (Le Mars, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Being a huge ice cream fan (have some almost every night before bed), I couldn’t wait to visit this place after hearing it was the Ice Cream Capital of the World.  We finally had a chance during a recent trip home when we had a little extra time to spare.

    The building was modern, clean and full of energetic employees and the ice cream was delicious.  There was a great gift store to complement the ice cream counter as well as a small media center / showhall that shows a history of the family and company.

    If you have the opportunity to swing a little out of the way on your trip up I-29, I highly recommend a quick stop in this quaint little town.

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  • Wise I Brewing (Le Mars, IA) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.33* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    We stopped in LeMars for the Blue Bunny ice cream visitor center, then learned of Wise I as the location for Theology on Tap during Mass.  We couldn’t leave town without sampling another of my favorite things on my Birthday…

    There was nothing spectacular about the exterior, but the selection of beer was great as was the service.

    If you are in town for the ice cream, be sure to stop for some great beer also!

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  • Wasabi Waukee (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    Stopped for dinner tonight and was impressed with the food quality and taste.  We started with an order of edamame and a beer, then ordered several rolls to share.

    We ordered the Salmon & Avocado, Shrimp Tempura and King Crab Crunch rolls (see picture) and enjoyed all of them.  My favorite was the King Crab Crunch – creamy, spicy and delicious.

    Visit 2 Update:. Had a similar great experience in our most recent stop.  I ordered the Thai Mango Chicken and thought it was delicious – a great combination of mango / sweet and spicy.  I highly recommend this dish.

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  • Flavory Bistro (Ankeny, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.5* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    We stopped here for dinner last night and while it was on the pricy side, the quality of the experience was top notch.  Our waiter Matthew was fantastic, with multiple stories to share about the food, the owner and himself.  While we didn’t get to meet Lisa the owner, the story we heard of her Mom traveling the world with her and pushing her to identify what was in the global foods based on taste was fantastic!

    As to the food and drinks, we’ll start with the Fresh Margarita.  While pricy @$12 and small, it was one of the best margaritas we’ve had.  I ordered a Beef Gyro (which had lamb mixed in with the beef).  Both the Gyro and the tzatziki sauce were delicious.

    My wife ordered the Seafood Paella and we both really enjoyed it.  My wife makes our favorite Paella, so we both have become critical of most restaurant Paella.  While we are used to lemon in the recipe, Lisa’s alternate use of lime and green olives were unique and added to the character of the dish.

    The only thing holding me back from a 5 on the Food rating was the Baklava (see picture).  Again, my wife had made some really good Baklava and we have enjoyed it on numerous occasions at restaurants and food festivals.  As the picture demonstrates, this serving was average at best…thin, square, dry and relatively bland in taste.  A disappointing end to the meal given how fantastic the main courses were.

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  • Big Al’s BBQ (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 3*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    We stopped here for dinner as we really enjoyed the Adel location (one of my 5* ratings) and wanted to try out the new location.  In comparison, we were disappointed with the food at this location, but did enjoy the live entertainment as well as the friendly, attentive staff.

    I ordered the wings, as we really enjoyed them at Adel, while my wife ordered the medium Pork Tenderloin.  The wings weren’t as smoky as what we remembered from Adel and I believe they were fried too long (crispy, dry and the meat shrinking / pulling away from the bone).  Given the Top 5 rating for his Tenderloins, our expectations were high and we were left disappointed.  The portion was small and there didn’t seem to be a distinct smoky flavor.  If you order the Tenderloin, I would recommend trying the large size in hopes that it is a bit more juicy and smoky.

    The highlight of this visit was the Blueberry Cobbler for dessert (see picture – delicious) and Jesse and the Medicine Men’s live entertainment in the bar area.  Jesse mingled in the crowd during break and was a good enough singer / entertainer that we moved to the bar for another drink and listened through their last song.  He did some great classic country music and really seemed to enjoy entertaining us.

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  • Saints Pub & Patio (Waukee, IA) Review

    Saints Pub & Patio (Waukee, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    09/04/2021

    We stopped here for an early dinner after golfing and both enjoyed our meals (see pictures).  The Saturday college football games were on the multiple TVs and we enjoyed sitting at an outside table.

    I ordered the Blackened Salmon and my wife ordered the Shrimp Tacos – the salmon was moist and tasty and the shrimp tacos were spicy and delicious.  Although the salmon was cooked to near perfection, I especially enjoyed the rice…not sure if it was a special variety or just cooked to the shorter end of the range, but it was plump and also firm.

    This place is definitely worth a stop to give it a try.

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  • Kone’s Kreamery (Fargo, ND) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    8/14/2021

    I can’t speak to the Asian-inspired comments that some have made, but I do love gelato and can tell you that you won’t be disappointed with their gelato.  There are some unique animal-faced cone options for the kids, but just a scoop of Snickers gelato, a scoop of coffee gelato and a drizzle caramel topping (see picture) was perfect for me.

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  • The Boiler Room (Fargo, ND) Review

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    4.5* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    8/14/2021

    Shout out to Megan and crew!  We were celebrating my friends Birthday and came into Boiler Room, not knowing they were closing in 15 minutes; Megan was so gracious and made us feel so welcome!  Service and hospitality was stellar!!  We highly recommend making the Boiler Room a must do when you are in Downtown Fargo!

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  • Lucky’s 13 Pub (Fargo, ND) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 5*

    8/14/2021

    We met or son here for breakfast Saturday morning primarily due to its proximity to his work location and all enjoyed our selections (see pictures).

    For starters, they bring you a bowl of popcorn (which was very good and not overly salty).  On the waitress’ recommendation, I ordered the Hangover Quesadilla (very good and fresh – see picture).  My wife ordered the Eggs Benedict (see picture) and my son ordered the Breakfast Burrito (see picture).  All were on the waitress’ recommendation list and all tasted great!

    You won’t regret stopping here for breakfast…lots of good options.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

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  • Rolls & Bowls Asian Cook House (Brooklyn Park, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    8/11/2021

    Stopped here for lunch after church on Sunday and really liked the food.  Their selection wasn’t as good as we would have hoped…they were out of ingredients to make several dishes we were interested in trying (were told the owners were going on vacation and closing for a week).

    What we tried though was very good.  I ordered the Fall Roll (see picture) and my wife ordered the Spicy Kimchi Ramen (see picture).  The flavors in both were great and I’d recommend both.

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  • Rock Elm at the Grove (Maple Grove, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: n/a

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    8/8/2021

    Stopped to take advantage of the CraftApp special and enjoyed the atmosphere and tap beer selection (see pictures).  The service was good and the beer was cold.  They have $5 beers for Happy Hour every day from 3-6 and after 9.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Lava Burgers and Wings (Owatonna, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    8/6/2021

    Stopped here while driving through to Minneapolis and we’re impressed with the Volcano Burger.  The burger was large as was the helping of french fries.  I didn’t plan to eat but ended up eating half of it to help my wife.  Both the burger and the fries (crispy, seasoned crust and soft inside) were delicious.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Zorbaz (Pelican Rapids, MN) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    4.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    8/1/2021

    We stopped here for lunch today and as usual, enjoyed the good food and open, lively atmosphere.  We used to live in Fargo, so got to one of the Zorbaz at least once a year (more often when the boys played hockey games and went to camps  in Detroit Lakes), so it was great to get back to one.

    We ordered the Lowden Special (see picture) and really liked the combination of peanut butter and jalapenos included on what otherwise looks like a pepperoni pizza.  Yes, it sounds odd…but believe me, don’t knock it until you try it!

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

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  • The Grumpy Goat Tavern (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    8/1/2021

    Didn’t know this place was even here, but stopped here to pick up my wife after a work party and really liked the atmosphere.  Ideally I like to see more tap options with a greater variety (and they were sold out of my first 2 choices), but still liked the stop.

    We ordered blackened chicken quesadillas and smoked chicken wings appetizers and enjoyed both of them.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

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  • Coaches Kolaches (Urbandale, IA) Review

    Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

    3.5* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 3*

    7/26/2021

    We stopped here after Mass on Sunday expecting to sit down for a relaxing coffee and a couple of kolaches.  It was immediately obvious that I should have done some more research, as the place is great for take out but simple and uncomfortable for sitting and trying to dine-in.

    There are only a few high stools and a couple of short bar-height counters along the wall (not comfortable for my wife in her dress).  We ordered coffee, but it was cold and all that they have is powder creamer.  After asking, found out that the warmer switch on the coffee machine was turned off.  The lady at the counter put it in the microwave for us, but it just wasn’t that good of coffee.

    I ordered the jalapeno cheese sausage kolache and really liked it, but unless you want to stand by a high counter to eat and drink canned soda / pop, it just isn’t that comfortable to dine-in here.

    Long story short, if you like kolaches and want to pick some up to bring home and eat, this would be a good place.  I would not recommend this place for dining-in though.

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  • The Keg Stand (West Des Moines, IA) Review

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    3.75* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 4*

    Atmosphere: 3*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    7/25/2021

    We stopped here to try some new beers last night and enjoyed the selection to choose from (78 beers on tap…see picture).  The beers were fresh, good and cold and the chicken wings tasted great (see pictures).

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

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  • Revival (Minneapolis, MN) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    4.25* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 4*

    Value: 4*

    Service: 4*

    4/17/2019

    Definitely worth stopping to eat here.  My wife wanted to check it out after seeing the owner competing against Bobby Flay and reading about their fried chicken.  The chicken was really good (the full-wing appetizers as well as the Chicken and Waffles).  Even though the hush puppies appeared over-done, they tasted very good, as did the cheddar drop biscuits.

    However, the thing that stood out to me the most was the cheesy grits side dish – which were the best grits I’ve ever had.  We topped it off with a piece of lemon cream pie.  As much of a dessert-lover as I am, I was less than impressed with it.  It had very little flavor and although I like desserts that aren’t really sweet, I swear they somehow found a way to make this without any sugar in it at all.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Watertown Brewing Company (Watertown, SD) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    5.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 5*

    9/22/2018

    Excellent stop for beer and food on our trip to Watertown.  The primary beers were really light for the typical SD patron, but we really enjoyed the food.  Highly recommend the cheese curds (large gooey chunks with a light batter) and the Asian Excellence wings.

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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  • Lemongrass Cafe (Moline, IL) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    5.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 5*

    4/25/2018

    This is easily my favorite restaurant in the Quad Cities and I try to stop by every time I visit the area.  I enjoy spicy food and the waitress recommended the Gra Pow.  I tried to order it Very Hot like the last visit, but she recommended starting with Hot to be safe and adding the Prik Nam Pka spicy sauce to taste at the table, as it complemented the fish well.  It was delicious and I’d my new favorite!

    5/28/2017

    I had my favorite Som Tum here over 5 years ago, so drove a little further when I was back in town to come back.  I said I enjoyed the Som Tum in the past and asked for a recommendation if I liked spicy.  The waitress recommended the Dancing Salad, which I ordered with steak.  I ordered “Hot” on the mild, medium, hot and Thai hot scale and loved it – caused my nose to run and lips to burn, just what I wanted.  And to top it off, they were so impressed that I liked the Hot and didn’t have any dessert on the menu, so she brought me a special mini brownie made just for me!  I think I have a new favorite for my next trip!

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

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  • Cool Basil (Clive, IA) Review

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    5.0* (out of 5)

    Yelp Review

    Google Review

    Food: 5*

    Atmosphere: 5*

    Value: 5*

    Service: 5*

    4/23/2018

    Can’t think of anything that could have been better with this dinner!  It was Sushi Happy Hour when I arrived (Monday and Tuesday evening), so I started with the Spicy Tuna and Spicy Salmon.  The coconut soup was highly recommended by the hotel hostess, so ordered that very hot with chicken.  It was so cranky and delicious – I highly recommend it.

    Lastly, my waiter recommended Coconut Milk Custard for dessert and it was also delicious!  This is a great restaurant with a fantastic, lively and modern atmosphere that I highly recommend!

    If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. To receive Tweets of the latest Reviews, follow on Twitter: @TheFaDGuy

    For the best Happy Hours and Food Specials in Des Moines, visit: happyhourdesmoines.com

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