April 06, 2016 by justin
in Belly Up To..., Cover Story
Granite City has been a staple restaurant and brewery in Clive for 15 years, especially as the spot for one of the best brunches in Des Moines. In those 15 years, Granite City’s buffet-style brunch has seen little change, until now. “We’ve had one of the more successful brunches in
Read More →
April 06, 2016 by justin
in Featured Story, Food Dude
From nowhere, Des Moines became a solid barbecue town in the last two decades. Beginning with Flying Mango’s opening in 1997, central Iowa and barbecue initiated a sudden love affair. Woody’s, Jethro’s, Smokey D’s, Uncle Wendell’s and others followed soon behind. Other than Jethro’s, those stores all evolved from the competition
Read More →
April 06, 2016 by justin
in Featured Story, Perfect Pairings
As I peer into my backyard, a shade of green catches my eye. Among the unraked leaves are small clusters of chives reaching for the sun. It is the beginning of Iowa’s bountiful growing season. It lasts for more than three-quarters of the year and includes everything from asparagus
Read More →
April 06, 2016 by justin
in Center Stage, Featured Story
Few community theaters would take the risk Tallgrass has in “Children of a Lesser God.” The 1986 movie made a star of Marlee Matlin, the first deaf actor to achieve such success, but Hollywood made a Hallmark card of her romance with her speech pathologist. In its original form
Read More →“The Girlfriend Experience” takes sex seriously; “Dice” rolls snake eyes. “The Girlfriend Experience” Sunday, April 10 (Starz) Series Debut: No Starz series has ever arrived with as much critic-melting pageantry as “The Girlfriend Experience.” The 13-episode series is produced by Steven Soderbergh (and based on his 2009 movie of the
Read More →
April 06, 2016 by justin
in Film Review
It’s not a historical revelation to say that Christians have had a good run. Sure, things were hairy for Christ’s followers back when the date was still in triple digits, but it’s not a huge stretch to say that the past millennium has solidly been God Country. So it
Read More →The American in Britain has written another book, this time a further exploration of his much loved adopted country, which was the subject of a prior book, “Notes from a Small Island.” He does not go to the same places, but instead he visits new sights while he tries
Read More →
April 06, 2016 by justin
in Tech Talk
Usually around early spring and early fall, technophiles start brimming with excitement. If the seasons are about to change, you can safely bet your house that the big manufacturers in technology are about to unveil the next iteration of their flagship smartphones. Firms roll out the red carpet for
Read More →
April 06, 2016 by justin
in Featured Story, Joe's Neighborhood
Temperatures continue to drop this day in late March. It is now below freezing, and the drizzly rain has turned sharp with just an edge of ice. The grey sky is an old Dutch Masters’ painting — dark and a little foreboding. A Rembrandt sky. And the wind? Busily
Read More →For years, Aaron Earl Short has been known as half of the husband and wife duo The High Crest, where his sharply honest lyrics and bluesy sound have drawn fans from around the country. However, when The High Crest has some down time, Short indulges in an act he formed
Read More →
