Just heading back to Napa after a week in the Midwest doing market visits and winemaker dinners, but I set aside the last night to meet with 5 great wine and food lovers at a new restaurant in Des Moines, IA. The chef and sommelier were gracious, 1, to allow me to bring in 6 wines for the dinner (it was a Bougetz Cellars pairing), but 2. to pair the courses with the various wines.
I can honestly say I haven’t had such a wonderful culinary experience in IA. This new restaurant is aiming high, with the plans to have the largest and deepest wine cellar in IA.
The somm (Sam Tuttle) is an experienced Somm, and is doing a great job acquiring both trophy wines, and unique wines around the world.
If you have the opportunity to visit the restaurant, I strongly suggest getting 4-6 people together and book the chef’s table. They have a wonderful dining area set just off the kitchen, and the chef creates a unique dinner each time, with 8 courses. A very creative menu.
Being in the wine industry, I have the opportunity to enjoy fine dining quite often. I cannot begin to express how awesome it is to find a culinary experience at this level, in Des Moines. Check it out if you can. Plan ahead though, I think reservations are 2-3 months out!
Wonderful new restaurant Oak Park) in Des Moines, IA... a truly great culinary experience (and wine)
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