Your guide to area dining.

To place a listing, call Rebecca at 515.953.4822 ext. 303

Bars & Grills

Blue Moon Dueling Pianos Bar & Restaurant
High energy dueling pianos! Piano players from around the country tickle the ivories and test your singing ability. With dueling black grands, there is double the fun, twice as much energy and even more songs to be sung. But don’t worry, they’ll fuel your fire with delightful cocktails and light-fare eats. And during the week, they’ll take it down a notch with jazz, blues and lunch-time treats. In the West Glen Town Center at 5485 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines. (515) 564-7300.

Fat Boyz Saloon & Grill
Great homemade food, fun and nightly dinner specials. Twelve TVs, pool and games. Full bar with happy hour 4 - 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. - close, Monday - Thursday. Private party room. Grimes. (515) 986-0355.

Pelican Bar and Nightclub
208 Third St., Des Moines. (515) 243-4456.

Sapphire Bar and Grill
520 Army Post Road, Des Moines. (515) 285-3555.

Skybox
When you’re looking for the premier place to watch sports in Des Moines, your one and only stop should be Skybox Lounge. With 10 TVs and a fully stocked bar, you can watch your team while having a beer or sipping on a martini. Come to Skybox Lounge and experience a luxury sports atmosphere that’s a level above. Located just off I-235 at 1261 8th St., West Des Moines. Call (515) 223-8808 or visit http://www.skyboxit.com for more information.

Star Bar
A variety of pastas, burgers, sandwiches and other menu items mean that Star Bar has something for everyone. With their extensive list of martinis, beers and wines, you should be able to find the perfect drink to match your meal or to just drink by itself. Now also serving brunch starting at 9 a.m. on weekends. Star Bar is located at 2811 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines. Call (515) 244-0790 or visit http://www.starbardsm.com for more information.

Winston’s
601 Locust St. #200, Des Moines. (515) 245-5454.
Ethnic

India Star
The variety of food offered at India Star can’t be beat, with an extensive menu offering lamb, chicken, beef, vegetarian, curries and more. When you are in the mood for Indian food, India Star needs to be at the top of your list. With a lunchtime buffet you can satisfy your cravings all day long. New location at 5514 Douglas Ave., Des Moines. Call (515) 279-2118 for take out and catering services.

Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
Authentic Mexican food. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Open daily at 11 a.m. Take out available. 9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive. (515) 334-9693.

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Authentic Mexican food. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Open daily at 11 a.m. Take out available. 8801 University Ave., #29, Clive. (515) 457-8900.

Namaste India
Namaste India offers both South Indian and North Indian cuisine with very experienced chefs in their areas and styles. They now offer a candle light dinner in the evenings. A full menu is served during the day with a lunch buffet available as well. A variety of beer and wine are served. Come enjoy authentic Indian food. 7500 University Ave., #4, Clive. 50325. (515) 255-1698.

Samurai Sushi and Hibachi
Come enjoy our fusion of American and French cuisines wit traditional Japanese sushi techniques. Bring your friends and be entertained as you watch our hibachi chefs prepare your meals right at your table. Relax with a drink while you listen to trickling sounds of our custom-built rock water wall. 7125 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines. (515) 223-4888.

Wok in Motion
Wok in Motion may not have the quantity of dishes of other places, but they more than make up for it in their quality. With only a few signature and traditional dishes, you know that you are not getting any standardized Japanese food. When you are looking for the real deal, come by Wok in Motion to satisfy your sushi needs. Wok in Motion is located at 5515 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines. For more information call (515) 564-7888 or visitt http://www.wokinmotion.com.

Zen
A variety of noodles, rolls, and of course, sushi, make Zen Sushi & Noodle Bar your place to go for authentic Japanese food. Zen also offers an extensive list of sakes, beers and wines to accommodate every taste and help you find the perfect beverage for your meal. Located at 400 Walnut St., Des Moines. Call (515) 288-9637 or visit http://www.zendsm.com.

Italian

Bella Petras
Bella Petras serves a variety of homemade Italian and American cuisine. Each item on our menu uses the freshest available ingredients and our homemade dishes are one of a kind. With a warm and cozy environment, we are the perfect place to spend an evening with friends and family. 800 1st St., Suite A, West Des Moines. (515) 255-1644.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
Biaggi’s is a fun, casual, white-tablecloth restaurant that offers an extensive menu featuring a full selection of house-made and imported pasta, soups & salads, pizza, seafood, fresh fish, chicken, veal, steaks and desserts. Fresh. Affordable. Italian. 5990 University Ave., West Des Moines. (515) 221-9900.

Cosi Cucina
Cosi Cucina is the well-known West Des Moines Restaurant with an innovative Italian cuisine featuring homemade dishes and daily specials prepared with only the finest ingredients and served in a casual atmosphere. The extensive wine list offers over 36 wines available by the glass. 1975 N.W. 86th St., Clive. Call (515) 278-8148 or visit http://www.cosicucina.biz.

Fine Dining

Alba
Alba is contemporary American dining at its best. The menu is small but impeccable, seasonal and inventive. Don’t miss the funky decor, especially in the dining room, where antique doors hang from the ceiling. With a full bar, you can find the perfect drink to compliment your unique dining experience. Alba is located at 524 E. 6th St., Des Moines. Call (515) 244-0261 for reservations.

Azalea
Azalea features modern American cuisine with locally grown, seasonal foods with Mediterranean, Asian and regional American influences. The lounge menu offers appetizers, sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas, as well as a dining room menu that offers fresh fish, pasta, steaks and chops. Azalea’s wine program offers wines from around the world. Call (515) 288-9606 for reservations. 400 Walnut St., Des Moines. http://www.azaleadsm.com.

Bistro Montage
Offering contemporary French cuisine and wine bar. View a complete menu and wine list at http://www.bistromontage.com. Urban. Distinctive. Ambiance. 2724 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines. (515) 557-1924.

Café di Scala
Contemporary Italian with a calabresse style served in a charming old Victorian home. The food is simple, yet elegant, based on recipes from the southern part of Italy and made from locally grown and produced ingredients. Lunch Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dinner Thursday – Saturday 5 – 10 p.m. 644 18th St., Des Moines. (515) 244-1353.

Chianti
Italian name, but born here in Des Moines, thanks to all of you for your support. We are happy and gratified to prepare for you the homemade old country Mexican, American and Italian food. It is our pledge to treat each guest with old fashioned courtesy and make dining out a pleasant and relaxing experience at Chianti. Family owned and operated! 207 4th St., Des Moines. Call (515)-288-3880.

Graze
Graze is an eclectic restaurant in its second year in West Des Moines. Enjoy entrée-size appetizers and a full drink list with specialty martinis made from fresh juices. Open Monday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. – midnight. 5513 Mills Civic Parkway Ste. 100 West Des Moines.

Mojo’s
Fresh, bold and innovative are the trademarks of Mojo’s cuisine. Mojo’s blends classic Cajun and Creole influences with rich, deeply flavored local produce. Mojo’s is an upscale causal restaurant featuring a modern design, including dark wood tones, concrete accents and an open kitchen. The private wine room has southwestern influences and is dining with a view. They invite you to come out and enjoy passion on a plate. 6163 N.W. 86th St., Johnston. Call (515) 334-3699 or visit http://www.mojoson86th.com for more information.

Trostel’s Dish
You’ll love the unique dining experience offered at our restaurant. Small dishes with fresh flavors from around the world, plus wine and cheese flights. Private dining area for business meetings or intimate gatherings. Lunch: Monday – Friday. Dinner: Monday – Saturday. 12854 University Ave., Clive. (515) 221-DISH.

Trostel’s Greenbriar
Enjoy four-star food with your friends and family at our fine-dining establishment. Order from our “Wine Spectator” awarded wine list. Our bar and patio offer a more casual atmosphere and menu, as well as drink specials. Lunch: Wednesday – Friday at 11:30 a.m. Dinner: Monday – Saturday at 5 p.m. 5810 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines. (515) 253-0124.
Family

Chef’s Kitchen
Located on the corner of Franklin and beaver in historic Beaverdale, Chef’s Kitchen is the perfect spot for homemade soups, salads as well as a full menu of traditional dishes. 1902 Beaver Ave., Des Moines (Beaverdale). (515) 255-4411.

Chips
Indulge yourself with an oak-fired pizza at our lakeside location, or treat your friends and family to our world-famous rotisserie chicken and complimentary “chips”. Party rooms are available for special events. We serve lunch and dinner seven days a week. 2502 S.E. Tones Drive, Ankeny. (515) 964-2112.

Maid-Rite
We have been serving our delicious loose meat fresh ground beef sandwiches seasoned to perfection and served on a piping hot bun, for many years. Our Maid-Rite menu is made to your order just the way you want it. We are an affordably priced quick service franchise that serves a delicious menu. 4100 S.W. 9th St., Des Moines. (515) 244-8188.

Uncle Wendell’s BBQ
“A Word-of-Mouth Legend.” They do quality pig butts and beef briskets sandwiches made on fresh challah. The subtle but insistent smoke and sweet spice from the killer rub embolden the ribs. They’re suck-off-the-bone irresistible. Catering, dine-in and take-out. 2716 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines. (515) 228–3207. http://www.unclewendells.com.
Steakhouse

Ohana’s Steakhouse
The chefs at Ohana’s Steakhouse welcome you to the most unique dining experience. Ohana in Hawaiian means “family.” This family restaurant serves only the finest steaks, chicken, assorted seafood and spirits. Eating at Ohana’s is almost like going to the theater. The chefs portray comedians, jugglers and magicians. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this dining experience. Ohana’s Steakhouse is located at 2900 University Ave., West Des Moines. Reservations are recommended, call (515) 225-3325 or visit http://www.ohanasteakhouse.com for more information.

Deli

Jimmy Johns
World’s greatest gourmet sandwiches. Jimmy Johns is also known for its obsession with fresh, quality products and high-speed execution. Dine in, carry out and catering available. Seven locations in the area. Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny and West Des Moines. http://www.jimmyjohn.com.

Palmer’s Deli
From traditional classics to local favorites, Palmer’s Deli has five locations that offer a wide array of choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can even turn their electric environment into a private party for you and your guests by renting out any of the Palmer’s locations any night of the week. Ingersoll, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Kaileidoscope and Ankeny. http://www.palmersdeliandmarket.com.

Food & Restaurant Products

Ames British Foods
Ames British Foods specializes in frozen goods since those are the hardest and most expensive to obtain in Iowa. But of course there is a little be of everything. Visit http://www.amesbritishfoods.com for more information. 819 Lincoln Way Suite D. Ames. (515) 598-5179.

Hockenbergs
Since 1908, Hockenbergs has provided its customers with quality foodservice products at top value. Our philosophy of integrity and personal attention has fueled our growth as an industry leader with a full range of solutions – from equipment, supplies, and disposables to consulting and design services. If it benefits foodservice, Hockenbergs has it. 4267 109th St. Urbandale. (515) 282-0033.

Iowa Natural
Iowa Natural Soy Oils are trans fat free and come in the ultra-low linolenic and low saturated fat varieties. The oils are expeller-pressed from non-genetically modified soybeans developed by Iowa State University and produced by Innovative Growers, LLC. For more information about the company and its products, call (515) 720-3702. http://www.iowanatural.com.

Law Equipment
Law Equipment is a full-line restaurant equipment dealer, for both new and used equipment. They sell equipment for both commercial and residential applications. 10095 Hickman Court, Clive. (515) 334-5036.

Chef of the week

Name: Sean Wilson
Restaurant: Azalea Restaurant and Lounge
Position and years of experience: Executive Chef. 15 years of experience.
Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I used to be an actuary.
What’s your favorite recipe you can share with Cityview readers? Goat cheese sorbet, it’s easy to make.
Where do you like to eat when not at Azalea’s? The Café in Ames.
Any big plans for Azalea’s coming up? We just rolled out an early summer month menu and in about two weeks, we will have another version. We also have a Spanish Wine night coming up.
What is your favorite food to eat here? It’s a toss up between two. Brioche and Crusted Halibut.
What is your favorite food to make here? A Reuben or Grits.
What is your establishment known for? I think we are known for having seasonal and eclectic food.
If you could be any animal what would you be and why? I would be a cat so I could lie around all day and others would take care of me.
Anything else you would like to add? Azalea is a family- and locally-owned restaurant, and I’d like to thank the patrons who support the downtown area, especially Azalea’s!

Azalea Restaurant and Lounge
400 Walnut St.
288-9606

What we eat...

Name: Kelley
What did you order? The Cuban.
What do you like about Starbar? It’s my first time here. It’s nice; it has nice art on the walls, and it doesn’t feel crowded.

Name: Angela
What did you order? The Turkey and Bacon Panini.
What do you like about Starbar? I like the atmosphere.

Starbar
2811 Ingersoll Ave.
244-0790

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