Des Moines, Iowa, a city known for its rich agricultural heritage and vibrant cultural scene, has been featured on the popular Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Host Guy Fieri has visited several eateries in the city, showcasing the unique flavors and dishes that make Des Moines a food lover’s paradise. In this article, we’ll explore the episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives that feature Des Moines, Iowa, and highlight some of the must-try restaurants and dishes.
Episode Guide: Des Moines, Iowa, on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Guy Fieri has visited Des Moines, Iowa, on several occasions, featuring a variety of restaurants and eateries on the show. Here are some of the episodes that showcase the city’s culinary scene:
- Season 10, Episode 13: “Iowa Classics” – This episode features Guy Fieri visiting The Machine Shed, a restaurant located in Urbandale, just outside of Des Moines. The Machine Shed is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and traditional Iowa dishes like pork tenderloin sandwiches and chicken fried steak.
- Season 15, Episode 14: “Midwest Classics” – In this episode, Guy Fieri visits Alba, a contemporary American restaurant in Des Moines’ East Village. Alba is known for its creative dishes like foie gras and roasted bone marrow, as well as its extensive cocktail menu.
- Season 20, Episode 13: “Iowa Eats” – This episode features Guy Fieri visiting The Cheese Shop, a Des Moines institution that’s been serving up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and other comfort food classics for over 30 years.
Must-Try Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa
While there are many great restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa, here are a few must-try eateries that have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives:
- The Machine Shed: Located in Urbandale, just outside of Des Moines, The Machine Shed is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up traditional Iowa dishes like pork tenderloin sandwiches and chicken fried steak.
- Alba: Located in Des Moines’ East Village, Alba is a contemporary American restaurant that’s known for its creative dishes like foie gras and roasted bone marrow, as well as its extensive cocktail menu.
- The Cheese Shop: This Des Moines institution has been serving up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and other comfort food classics for over 30 years.
Other Great Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa
While these restaurants have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, there are many other great eateries in Des Moines, Iowa, that are worth trying. Here are a few recommendations:
- El Bait Shop: Located in Des Moines’ East Village, El Bait Shop is a casual Mexican restaurant that’s known for its tacos and burritos.
- The Iowa Taproom: Located in Des Moines’ East Village, The Iowa Taproom is a craft beer bar that serves up a variety of Iowa-brewed beers, as well as delicious pub fare like burgers and sandwiches.
- La Mie Bakery: Located in Des Moines’ East Village, La Mie Bakery is a French-inspired bakery that serves up delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Des Moines, Iowa, Food Scene
Des Moines, Iowa, has a thriving food scene that’s influenced by the city’s rich agricultural heritage and cultural diversity. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to the city’s unique culinary landscape:
- Farm-to-Table Cuisine: Des Moines is surrounded by fertile farmland, making it the perfect place to experience farm-to-table cuisine. Many restaurants in the city source their ingredients from local farms, ensuring that their dishes are fresh and flavorful.
- Midwestern Comfort Food: Des Moines is known for its traditional Midwestern comfort food, including dishes like pork tenderloin sandwiches, chicken fried steak, and mashed potatoes.
- Cultural Diversity: Des Moines has a diverse cultural scene, with a strong influence from European, Latin American, and Asian cuisines. This diversity is reflected in the city’s restaurants, which offer a wide range of international dishes.
Food Festivals in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa, hosts a variety of food festivals throughout the year, showcasing the city’s culinary scene and celebrating its rich agricultural heritage. Here are some of the top food festivals in Des Moines:
- Iowa State Fair: Held annually in August, the Iowa State Fair is one of the largest and most popular state fairs in the country. The fair features a wide range of food vendors, offering everything from classic corndogs and pork tenderloin sandwiches to more exotic dishes like fried butter and chocolate-covered bacon.
- Des Moines Food Truck Festival: Held annually in June, the Des Moines Food Truck Festival features a variety of food trucks from around the city, offering everything from tacos and burgers to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream.
- Iowa Craft Beer Festival: Held annually in September, the Iowa Craft Beer Festival celebrates the state’s thriving craft beer scene, featuring a variety of Iowa-brewed beers and delicious pub fare.
Conclusion
Des Moines, Iowa, is a food lover’s paradise, with a unique culinary scene that’s influenced by the city’s rich agricultural heritage and cultural diversity. From traditional Midwestern comfort food to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Des Moines. Whether you’re a fan of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives or just looking for a new food destination, Des Moines is definitely worth a visit.
What is Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is a popular American food reality television series that premiered in 2007. The show is hosted by Guy Fieri, a chef, restaurateur, and food enthusiast, who travels across the United States in a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, sampling the local cuisine and meeting the chefs and owners of various diners, drive-ins, and dives.
The show features a wide range of restaurants, from classic diners and drive-ins to hole-in-the-wall eateries and gourmet restaurants. Each episode typically features three to four restaurants, and Guy Fieri samples a variety of dishes at each location, often with a focus on local specialties and unique flavor combinations.
What is the focus of the Des Moines, Iowa episode?
The Des Moines, Iowa episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives focuses on showcasing the city’s vibrant food scene, which features a mix of traditional Midwestern comfort food, farm-to-table cuisine, and innovative fusion dishes. Guy Fieri visits several local restaurants, including diners, drive-ins, and dives, to sample the best of what Des Moines has to offer.
From classic Iowa comfort food like pork tenderloin sandwiches and fried Iowa corn fritters to more modern dishes like Korean BBQ tacos and gourmet grilled cheese, the episode highlights the diversity and creativity of Des Moines’ culinary scene. Guy Fieri also meets with local chefs and food enthusiasts to learn more about the city’s food culture and traditions.
What are some of the restaurants featured on the Des Moines episode?
Some of the restaurants featured on the Des Moines episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives include The Cheese Shop, a gourmet cheese shop and deli that serves up creative grilled cheese sandwiches and other comfort food classics. Another featured restaurant is Fong’s Pizza, a unique fusion restaurant that combines Asian flavors with traditional pizza.
Other restaurants featured on the episode include The Machine Shed, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up classic Iowa comfort food with a focus on local ingredients, and El Bait Shop, a casual Mexican restaurant with a wide variety of tacos and other traditional dishes. Each of these restaurants offers a unique perspective on the Des Moines food scene.
What are some of the dishes featured on the Des Moines episode?
Some of the dishes featured on the Des Moines episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives include The Cheese Shop’s famous “Thanksgiving Sandwich,” a grilled cheese sandwich filled with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Another featured dish is Fong’s Pizza’s “Kung Pao Pizza,” a spicy pizza topped with chicken, peanuts, and scallions.
Other dishes featured on the episode include The Machine Shed’s “Pork Tenderloin Sandwich,” a classic Iowa comfort food dish featuring a breaded and fried pork tenderloin served on a bun, and El Bait Shop’s “Carne Asada Tacos,” a traditional Mexican dish featuring grilled steak, sliced and served with fresh cilantro and salsa. Each of these dishes showcases the unique flavors and ingredients of the Des Moines food scene.
How can I visit the restaurants featured on the Des Moines episode?
Visitors to Des Moines can easily visit the restaurants featured on the Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode by checking out the show’s website or social media pages for a list of featured restaurants and their addresses. Many of the restaurants are located in the downtown Des Moines area, within walking distance of each other.
Each of the featured restaurants has its own unique atmosphere and menu, so visitors can choose the ones that best fit their interests and tastes. Some of the restaurants may offer special deals or discounts for fans of the show, so it’s worth checking their websites or calling ahead to ask about any promotions.
What is the best time to visit Des Moines for foodies?
The best time to visit Des Moines for foodies is during the spring and summer months, when the city’s farmers’ markets are in full swing and the local produce is at its peak. This is also a great time to visit the city’s many food festivals, including the Des Moines Food and Wine Festival and the Iowa State Fair.
During the fall and winter months, visitors can enjoy the city’s many indoor restaurants and cafes, which offer a cozy and warm atmosphere perfect for escaping the cold. Many of the restaurants also offer special seasonal menus and promotions during this time, so it’s worth checking their websites or social media pages for updates.
Are there any other food-related attractions in Des Moines?
Yes, there are many other food-related attractions in Des Moines that visitors can enjoy. One popular attraction is the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday morning from May to October. The market features over 300 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to artisanal cheeses and handmade crafts.
Another popular attraction is the Iowa Culinary Institute, a culinary school that offers cooking classes and workshops for visitors. The institute also has a restaurant on site, which serves up creative and delicious dishes made with local ingredients. Visitors can also take a tour of the city’s many breweries and wineries, which offer samples and behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing and winemaking process.