Three restaurant reviews

I've been putting this off for a while- but our recent trip to Sbrocco really pushed me to type up my visits.

First, an old Des Moines hangout. After we did the 4th of July parade, Angel wanted to eat out. She wanted me to pick the place- (which is weird to me when someone really wants to go out- then wants you to pick the place- no thoughts on her part either) Anyway, my blood sugar had dropped enough that I would be delighted to pull up to the first greasy fast food place in sight. We are driving down Merle Hay and spot J. Benjamins. They're open- let's go.

They had live jazz- which was nice and not overpowering at all. Small cozy place- which was staffed by 12 year olds. It must of been the parent's night off because everyone working there was under 22, and maybe not even shaving yet. I do jest, because I poked around on the web I found out the owner, Simon, who greeted us at the door, happens to be all of 24.

Typical Italian fair- which is something that I normally don't go out for because I can cook it well enough at home, and for a lot cheaper. I had the stuffed manicotti with a combo of meatless marinara sauce and alfredo. I had to order the meatless sauce- because they do add graziano's sausage to their marinara- which thank you so much for putting that on the menu- saved a trip back to the kitchen for my dinner. Angel had the baked pasta, which was a huge portion. Both entrees were about 11-13 each, and came with a salad and bread. My only suggestion would be to add a side vegetable to the manicotti- that nice splash of green would be a very welcome sight. The dessert we split was absolutely superb. Simplistic but elegant- a square of freshly baked puff pastry topped with summer fresh local strawberries and whipped cream.

Their pizza options looked great which I think I'll order that next time. All in all, nice local neighborhood restaurant, very cozy place for a date or intimate chat.

******

Since the burrito craziness has subsided, I decided to treat myself after work on Saturday to a burrito from Chipotle that opened this summer in Valley West Mall. After I very busy day, my feet were very tired, I didn't want to cook and I was hungry- now!

One thing that really has me hooked it that they buy a lot of their ingredients locally. All of their chicken and pork is raised by family farmers, naturally raised with sustainable farming methods. Not only does the meat taste better, naturally raised meat doesn't have excess antibiotics, and has lower fat and cholesterol levels, and chicken tastes more like chicken.

The menu is a little limited- I wish they had more veggies to pack in. But my burrito was great! And like $5- woohoo! I had the vegetarian burrito, cilantro-lime rice with black beans, guacamole, roasted tomitillo hot sauce, sour cream & cheese. Great to have a quick option for dinner with a conscience and helps support my community at large. Thanks for coming to Des Moines.

*****

Lastly (but not least) leads us to Sbrocco, our new wine bar and shop on Court Avenue.

Here's their website, so you can peruse the menu http://www.sbroccowine.com/home.asp

Just a great addition to the Des Moines dining scene. A great place to stop in for a little snack after work, like to share a cheese plate and glass of wine or have a fabulous dinner. Their wine prices are very reasonable, they start at $4, and a nice variety as well. I had just a salad, which was great, nicely ripe pears and fresh creamy goat cheese on greens and the duck skewers with pomegranate rhubarb barbeque sauce. The duck was awesome, just perfectly cooked for my taste, and the sauce was a little tart and sweet and didn't overpower the duck. Angel had the salmon oscar. If I ate salmon, I would totally get this next time. It was a huge buttery salmon fillet covered with sweet succulent crab meat and hollandaise sauce all over a bed of fluffy rice. For dessert, we split the amazing chocolate stout torte. And I have to admit, if there is a most dangerous place in Des Moines, its between me and my slice of chocolate cake.

Enjoy- seek out those local neighborhood gems in your town. Life's too short to eat at Olive Garden every month.