myWaukee | Waukee Iowa Community News

You are here: Home / Archives for Food

Make Your Health #1 in 2021

by

The average American diet is more unbalanced than ever, resulting in a diet that is low in fruits and vegetables and high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. But don’t derail your diet any longer! Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian Erin Good shares her secret weapon for weight loss and better overall health—Operation: Fiber Up! 

Fiber is a highly underrated nutrition powerhouse. Think about it: 

  • Want to lose weight? Eat more fiber. 
  • Looking to lower your cholesterol or achieve better blood sugar control? Eat more fiber. 
  • Sick of relying on powdery supplements to relieve constipation? Eat more fiber.  

Unfortunately, fiber isn’t nearly as sexy of a subject as protein, the keto diet, or even your new exercise regimen, but when only six percent of Americans* meet the recommended daily intake of fiber (25 grams for women and up to 38 grams for men), it deserves more attention from nearly everyone! 

Fabulous Tasting Fiber: A Delicious Upgrade From Cardboard

  1. Eating more fiber doesn’t need to be difficult or time-consuming. Nosh on a fresh pear (6 g fiber), one-third of an avocado (3 g fiber), or half a cup of canned black beans (7.6 g fiber) for an easy daily boost.
  2. What type of music best describes your eating habits? Hopefully, it’s not “pop.” Become the family “wokstar” in your kitchen and enjoy more homemade stir-fry! Simply pick your protein (such as chicken breast, shrimp or lean beef), pair with brown rice, and pile on the fiber-filled veggies (such as carrots, broccoli or cauliflower). Add a splash of lower-sodium soy sauce, sprinkle red pepper flakes, a squeeze of fresh ginger paste and ROCK ON! You’re now eating more fiber! 
  3. Veggies still not your jam? Then go nuts! Eating a one-ounce handful of almonds, pistachios or walnuts daily can easily add around three grams of fiber to your diet. Allergic to nuts? Snack on a serving of pumpkin seeds or steamed edamame for an extra two grams of fiber.  

Need more inspiration, motivation or clarification on what foods are best for a healthier you? Ask an expert! Your Hy-Vee Dietitian is highly skilled in providing you with the best tools to kick your old eating habits! Together let’s conquer your health goals! Connect with Erin virtually today.

Erin Good, RD, LD

Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian

egood@hy-vee.com 

*Source: Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Click to access PartD_Ch1_CurrIntakes_first-print.pdf

Brews for You & Your Kin Kinship Brewing Company

by

One might think a global pandemic would be just about the last time during which anyone would want to open a brewery. With restaurants and bars still operating at reduced capacity, plus masks and social distancing, an owner could be forgiven for thinking twice. But while the pandemic may have altered schedules slightly for Kinship Brewing Company—which will be open north of Hickman in Waukee by the time you read this—it hasn’t altered what owner Zach Dobeck and his team envision for their space: a place where residents can enjoy a great beer, let their dog off the leash, and build a community everyone can enjoy.

Dobeck, born and raised 45 minutes outside Atlanta, Georgia, had an interest in branding from a young age. “I grew up in a family of storytellers,” he said. “When it comes to branding, that’s what you’re doing.”

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in political science, he initially considered going to law school. Instead, he ended up at a design agency, where he received valuable experience in advertising, marketing and branding. His path eventually led to a job as a project manager in software development. By this time, he’d met his future wife, Ann, who hails from Waukee and had moved to Georgia for school, and the two had immersed themselves in the Atlanta community.

But Dobeck, who’d been brewing beer at home with his brother as a hobby and creative outlet for years, couldn’t quite get the idea of opening his own brewery out of his head. “[The idea] was in my mind for probably 12 years,” he explained. Although the company where he worked was growing, Dobeck found himself questioning whether that was what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. “It wasn’t enough for me,” he said.

Finally, on July 27, 2017, after years of kicking the idea around, Dobeck made a bold declaration. “I said out loud to my wife, ‘I want to do this for real. I’m tired of talking about it.’” Ann’s response became the guiding philosophy behind building Kinship Brewing: “Do it right.”

“That has been the theme of this brewery—doing it right,” said Dobeck.

After transitioning out of his job in software development, Dobeck spent time working with several brewing industry mentors in the Atlanta area, supplementing his marketing and branding experience with business acumen. He wanted to gain as much knowledge as possible as he took his brewery—originally named Roots Brewing Company—from a hobby to a business. “You have to understand the business side of it,” he said, adding that he intentionally gave himself time to let a business plan evolve.

He had been impressed by how welcomed he felt on trips to Iowa to visit his wife’s family, and the couple eventually decided to relocate here and open the brewery in Iowa. After establishing contacts at several Iowa breweries, Dobeck set about finding a location.

He initially had his eye on downtown Des Moines, but “a small part of me was like, ‘Maybe you should consider Waukee,’” he said. Having heard about undeveloped land near the Raccoon River Valley trailhead in Waukee, Dobeck drove out to see it for himself, and said, “The location just felt right.”

At the time, the property didn’t have a road to it other than the bike trail. But Sunrise Drive was being built to the north of Hickman Road, and “that was my timeline,” said Dobeck. “Once that was completed, we bought it—we closed on the land.”  After that, construction was able to get underway. “Now,” said Dobeck, “if I stand where I stood that day, I can see my brewery.”

At 13,000 square feet, Kinship’s substantial building sits on just over six acres of land. Most of that space will be dedicated to production. In addition, Kinship’s spacious taproom will hold up to 250 people, and there will also be a private event space. Outside of the taproom, the outdoor beer garden will eventually have 12 tap lines of its own, in addition to the 24 inside, said Dobeck. Also outside will be a dog park where local canines can safely play while their owners imbibe nearby.

The brewery is striking not only in size, but visually. Kinship tapped a local artist to do an ancient Japanese siding technique on the building’s exterior called shou sugi ban that preserves wood by charring it with fire. This makes the wood water-resistant and gives it a distinct black color. Once inside the brewery, visitors will see a large, colorful mural on one wall, featuring an imposing black and white tiger, mouth agape. (Fun fact: The tiger’s name is Sheila.)  An Atlanta artist named Greg Mike agreed to do the mural after Dobeck, who’d admired Mike’s work while still in Georgia, reached out to him on Instagram. The artist’s message of “Live life loud” resonated with Dobeck, and the same message is featured on the Kinship mural.

According to Dobeck, the nature of the tiger’s expression—she could be yawning, roaring, singing or laughing—was purposely left up to the interpretation of the viewer. That creativity, he said, “is the epitome of what Kinship represents.”  Also inside the space is a paint-by-numbers mural on a large canvas on an easel. Dobeck hopes the striking visuals, inside and out, will intrigue and entice visitors. “Hopefully, you’re already sold by the time you get to the beer,” he said.

The beer, of course, is at the heart of Kinship Brewing. Each of Kinship’s beers is named for a particular person or concept. “It’s fun to play and tell a story through that,” said Dobeck. Oh Billy, an homage to one of Dobeck’s friends, is a lighter beer, at 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). Dear Annie—a beer that Dobeck describes as “a love letter to my wife”—is a hazy IPA brewed with mosaic hops that comes in at 6% ABV. Off the Leash, a 4% corn lager, is designed to appeal to a broad range of palates. And Kinship’s Russian Imperial Stout, Sheriff Dobeck, is a “big, bold beer” dedicated to Dobeck’s father. In addition to Kinship’s proprietary offerings, the brewery will also offer wine, spirits and cider options from local cideries.

While the brewery’s primary emphasis is on beverages, Kinship’s food concept will lean toward smoked meats and pizza, courtesy of Des Moines’ 515 Pi and Up in Smoke food trucks, which will serve customers in the parking lot through the month of January. Kinship’s kitchen will be open after that. “We want to be able to feed the masses,” said Dobeck.

Kinship will have a series of soft openings during the week of December 26 and is aiming to open its doors to the public for the first time on January 1, 2021. Dobeck said there’s a certain symbolism to this: “It represents something about having a clean slate, a redemption year.”

He said his experience thus far with Kinship Brewing has reinforced for him that he made the right decision. “This is something I was meant to do,” he said. “I love the name Kinship. I love what it represents. It’s built on community. Kinship has already proven to me that people want to come drink beer here.”

That emphasis on community, said Dobeck, is what sets Kinship apart. “We want to be something different and change your expectation of a brewery,” he said. “We want people to walk away thinking, ‘Wow, this is something worth paying for.’ And, of course, we want you to come back!”

How to Stick to Healthier Habits, with Erin Good

by

January 1, 2020 marks the beginning of not only a new year, but a new decade. And of course, New Year’s brings with it the traditional resolutions—for many of us, they include eating better and exercising more.  However, it’s also notoriously difficult to stick to these resolutions.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the failure rate for New Year’s resolutions is around 80 percent, and most people have abandoned theirs by the middle of February—not exactly encouraging odds.  Even worse, the demoralized feelings this can cause can lead to a lack of motivation and confidence that can permeate other areas of our lives.

So, if we want to use the start of a new decade to make permanent, positive changes in our eating and exercise habits, how can we best set ourselves up for success? 

Luckily, Waukee Hy-Vee Dietitian Erin Good, RD, LD, has some great ideas.

Good, of course, is very familiar with the struggle to stay committed to healthier habits from her work in nutrition.  One thing she recommends to help you stay committed is adding the word “no” to your vocabulary, pointing out that “saying ‘yes’ to your New Year’s resolution may mean saying ‘no’ to something else.”

 “Say ‘no’ to a TV show to choose exercise, say ‘no’ to lunch out at work to choose bringing leftovers from home, [and] say ‘no’ to overcommitting yourself and instead keeping time for yourself and your needs, health and happiness,” she advised.

Two other strategies Good recommends for people working to implement new habits are to start small and consider convenience.  In terms of healthier eating, “Are you more likely to eat more vegetables if they’re already cut and cleaned for you?” she asks.  “Would you roast more veggies if all you had to do was toss them in oil and season to taste?”

Considering the simplest ways to make things more convenient can go a long way.  Frozen veggies—many of which are available in steamable packages that are ready to eat after five minutes in the microwave—are another easy way to work in more servings per day.  

According to Good, considering convenience can also be crucial when considering workout options.  She recommends finding a gym with a convenient location and drive time.

She also said that it pays to consider which forms of exercise are most motivational for you, and to determine whether you would benefit more from attending group classes or having a workout buddy for extra accountability.

In terms of healthy habits, the ones Good recommends to just about everybody are some of the most familiar.  Upping your water intake is one of them. She says you should aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily.  “Carry your water bottle with you everywhere, like you do your wallet,” she said.

And we could all stand to keep a close eye on our added sugar intake.  Many people are surprised to learn that the dietary recommendation for daily added sugar is no more than 25 grams per day.  (For reference, a 12-oz. can of Coke contains 39 grams. Yikes!)

To make things worse, added sugar can be found in items like salad dressings and pasta sauces, in addition to the usual suspects, like soda and candy.  Good recommends being thoughtful about how you spend your daily added sugar allowance, deciding whether you would prefer to enjoy it on things like candy, cookies or your favorite condiments.  Less added sugar means fewer empty calories, making it easier to keep off unwanted pounds.

Other habits Good universally recommends to clients include—yay!—sleeping more.  “Find two to three days per week that you can go to bed 15-30 minutes earlier, and/or wake up later,” she advises.  “Extra sleep equals extra control of your hunger hormones.” Think of this as permission to relax (and maybe sleep in) a bit more often.

Good also points out that being connected with others can help boost a healthy mindset.  “Surround yourself with friends, family and coworkers that have similar health goals as you,” she said.  It can be easier to stick to healthier habits when those around you are trying to do the same.

And of course, don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Committing to making healthy changes is difficult in the best of circumstances, and we could all benefit from added guidance now and then.  If you’re not sure where to start, or need more inspiration, motivation or clarification on which foods are best for you, Good recommends scheduling a free, personalized nutrition tour with your local Hy-Vee dietitian.

“Dare to do this new decade differently, starting with the foods you place in your shopping cart,” she said.  “Walk with a nutrition expert by your side aisle-by-aisle at Hy-Vee and find the best foods to keep you fit, focused and full of energy in 2020.”  

With some smart planning, support from the people in our lives and extra shut-eye, this can be the year our New Year’s resolutions finally stick.  Armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle as we head into a new decade!

Business Profile – El Guapo

by

Tequila! The owners of Gusto Pizza Co. are reopening their location on the border of West Des Moines and Waukee with a new, upscale “south of the border” concept. El Guapo’s Tequila and Tacos will offer street tacos and more than 50 different types of tequila.

Co-owners Jared Weiss and Josh Holderness said after six years as Gusto Pizza Co. and experiencing nearly half a dozen pizza places pop up within a one-mile radius, it was time to do something different.

“Waukee has had some unbelievable economic and residential growth, and that’s not going to slow down any time soon. We are committed to the neighborhood and enjoy being here. We wanted to create a concept that allows us to continue fostering relationships in the community,” said Holderness.

When gathering ideas from friends in the area on a new establishment, Holderness said the desire for a neighborhood bar kept coming up.  “There are a lot of options for craft beer in Waukee, but not for cocktails.”

Weiss, a southern California native with a marketing background, was particularly interested in a bar with Mexican flare—and a story. The tale concerns El Guapo (“the handsome one”), an immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico (tequila’s place of origin), who traveled to West Des Moines in 1926 as a distiller. 

“Not a lot is known about El Guapo, but we’re bringing to light to who he was and where he came from,” said Weiss.

In addition to tequila, El Guapo will serve beer—primarily Mexican, but also some domestics—as well as custom cocktails unique to the bar. Weiss said the menu will be simple, with well-thought-out traditional Mexican recipes, including tacos with house-made tortillas.

The DIY concept can also be seen in the newly-designed aesthetics of the space. Everything from the bar to the lighting and the hubcap art installation were crafted by the owners. 

Weiss said they wanted to give the location a totally different vibe and ambiance in its latest incarnation. “I think we’ve done that with finishes you’ll see. It’s really coming together with different textures and elements.”

El Guapo is comprised of three sections—a Day of the Dead room, the Agave Courtyard and the Lower Rider Lounge, which will feature a more relaxed setting with couches. TVs will be placed throughout the bar for customers to catch a game—both football and futbol.

Weiss said that while the restaurant will be family-friendly, it will transition to a bar at night with brunch available on the weekend.

Regular tasting and educational events also will be held at the bar. “We want to show people the many different types of tequila, and how to drink it and pair it with great tacos,” explained Weiss. 

Holderness feels tequila is often misunderstood, and there’s much to learn about it. “It’s a beautiful spirit,” he said.  “We want to teach people how to really enjoy and savor it.” 

The bar’s grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 1, just in time for Dia de los Muertos—the Mexican “Day of the Dead” holiday that follows Halloween. Weiss said Waukee residents can look forward to celebrating El Guapo with a costume party and a mariachi band—and, of course, tequila!

Business Spotlight: B-Bop’s Waukee

by

Des Moines fast food institution B-Bop’s has been delivering fast food with a retro flair to central Iowa residents for decades.  Now, Waukee residents will have a B-Bop’s location right in their backyard, as construction nears completion on the franchise’s newest location.

Construction began in the fall of 2018 on the 2,200-square-foot restaurant, which will be located at 855 East Hickman Road, near the Waukee Hy-Vee.  The location will offer seating for 60 inside, as well as eight tables on the patio and, of course, a drive-thru. The layout will be very similar to the B-Bop’s location on Stagecoach Drive in West Des Moines.  With the addition of the new store in Waukee, B-Bop’s will have a total of nine locations in Iowa, joining the existing stores on Fleur Drive, Southeast 14th, and East 14th in Des Moines, as well as their locations in West Des Moines, Altoona, Ankeny, Urbandale and Ames.

B-Bop’s is a much-loved fixture in the metro fast food landscape, but its owner got his start one state over.  B-Bop’s owner Bob Johnson embarked on his career in the fast food industry with the Mr. Quick franchise in Bollingbrook, Ill., in 1970.  He began as an assistant manager, a position he held for eight months. Impressed with Johnson’s ambition and skill, Mr. Quick’s corporate office offered him the opportunity to become a franchise partner in the business.  Johnson accepted this offer in 1973, moving to Newton, Iowa, and opening a Mr. Quick there. He later opened stores in Fairfield and Muscatine as well. In 1983, Johnson and his partners changed the restaurant name from Mr. Quick to Sizzlin’ Sam’s.

During the mid-1980s, as Johnson continued to open businesses, he took note of a new, burgeoning concept: the double drive-thru.  These were popping up throughout the Sun Belt states and encountering great success, and Johnson was interested in the possibility of opening one himself.  In 1988, Johnson found a building at 1500 East Euclid Avenue in Des Moines that he felt would be an ideal location for a double drive-thru. Within six months, the first B-Bop’s was opened on that spot, and the rest, as they say, is history.  (The original Euclid location has since been demolished—a new B-Bop’s was built around the corner on East 14th Street to replace it in 2016.)

It’s fair to say that B-Bop’s is known just as much for its atmosphere as for its food.  The old-school vibe inside each location, with the carefree music of an era gone by and the distinctive, colorful décor, take customers back to what many consider a golden, simpler time.  The beloved local chain, with its simple, tried-and-true menu, has won Cityview Magazine’s Best of Des Moines award in the Best Burger category for an astonishing 26 years in a row. B-Bop’s has also been a runner-up for Best French Fry in Cityview’s annual poll for the past five years, and its quarter- and half-pound burgers and fries also earned it the 2016 runner-up for Best Hangover Food.  

With the new store in Waukee set to open soon, residents will soon be able to satisfy their craving for a classic burger with a side of fries and a soundtrack that will take them right back to the olden days.  B-Bop’s represents just the latest exciting addition to the boom of new restaurants in Waukee!

Wauk-Eats! New Waukee Restaurant Guide

by

With the constant construction and expansion going on in Waukee, it’s no surprise that a slew of new restaurants have popped up on this side of town.  This past year saw a host of dining locations open their doors, providing a variety of new options for hungry residents. Here are a few new additions from the past year and a look at things to come!

Smoothie King

If your New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier and get more fit, Smoothie King is here to help you reach your goal.  With a stated vision of being an integral part of every health and fitness journey, Smoothie King’s offerings are designed to help you power through a workout, lose weight or unwind.  The franchise, which began in 1989, has grown to over 800 locations worldwide, and the Waukee location opened this past year on the corner of University Avenue and SE Alice’s Road.

Smoothie King offers four different categories of smoothies: Fitness Blends, Slim Blends, Wellness Blends, and Take a Break Blends. All smoothies, regardless of category, are formulated and blended using the franchise’s “cleaner blending” philosophy, with an emphasis on more whole fruits and vegetables and fewer artificial additives. There’s no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors or preservatives in any of Smoothie King’s selections, and there’s no added sugar in more than 50 of their menu options. With a full roster of Kids’ Blends also available, the entire family can find something they like.

Customers can also add various enhancers to their smoothies. Enhancers include a “Super Grains” blend with essential amino acids, an “Immune Support” offering with additional vitamins and minerals, and a “Probiotic” option to support digestion and gut health.

For menu options and hours of operation, visit smoothieking.com.

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches

If your smoothie from Smoothie King hasn’t quite filled you up, head north just up Alice’s Road and grab a sandwich at Which Wich. This sandwich chain opened a location in Waukee this past year. From a Greek gyro to a Vietnamese cuisine-inspired banh mi sandwich, their menu spans a wide range of influences.

Their Signature Favorites include everything from the classic Philly Cheesesteak, to a Superfood Wich (featuring a vegan black bean patty and quinoa on a spinach tortilla) to a Brunchwich that includes rotisserie-roasted beef and lamb gyro slices and a sunny-side-up egg.  Which Wich’s proprietary Wicked sandwich comes loaded with turkey, ham, roast beef, pepperoni and bacon—the customer then chooses three cheeses to add, along with any additional toppings.

Customers can also build their own sandwiches or choose a salad or wrap instead.  With a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options also available, Which Wich caters to those with dietary restrictions as well. Their menu and hours of operation can be found online at whichwich.com.

Central Standard Burgers

Central Standard, which opened on University Avenue in July of 2018, is the second location of a restaurant that got its start in Bettendorf, Iowa, about five years ago. According to General Manager Andy Crounse, the restaurant was developed as an alternative to more traditional “cookie-cutter” burger joints.

Among the dozen or so burger options on the menu are the “Oh No,” with cheese curds and fried pickles, and the “Heck No,” with jalapeño poppers and ghost pepper cheese. The menu also includes other sandwiches like the PB & J (pork belly and jalapeño), and various mac and cheese selections.  In addition to their non-traditional burgers, the restaurant is also well-known for its massive, creative shakes.

So if you’re in the market for a burger (and a shake) with a twist, give Central Standard a try.  Their menu and hours of operation can be found online at centralstandardburgers.com.  

R Taco

The “R” in R Taco comes from founder Rusty Fenton, who opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas in 2010.  The Tex-Mex chain arrived on University Avenue in West Des Moines earlier this year. R Taco’s specialty, as one might imagine, is authentic, Mexican street-style tacos, handmade and offered on corn or flour tortillas. With a wide variety of fillings available—BBQ brisket, Baja shrimp, fried chicken, and black beans, to name just a few—there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

R Taco also offers a selection of breakfast tacos, served all day.  If you like a margarita with your tacos (always a delicious idea), the Rusty Margaritas—“always made with fresh lime juice and cheap tequila,” per their website—have you covered.

So if, like Fenton, your motto is, “Tacos are the most important meal of the day,” R Taco is your kind of place.  Check out their menu and hours of operation online at rustytaco.com.

Rosati’s Pizza

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza arrived in Waukee this past November with the opening of Rosati’s Pizza on SE Alice’s Road.  Rosati’s, the first of which opened in Chicago in 1964, focuses on traditional, authentic Italian dishes made from Rosati family recipes that have been passed down through five generations of the family.

Their calling card, of course, is their Classic Chicago Pizza. “With a deep crust cradling the freshest ingredients in town, our deep dish sets the bar very high,” says Jeff Fournier, General Manager at the Waukee location.

Veggies are cut, mozzarella is shredded, dough is made and meats are prepped fresh every day at Rosati’s, says Fournier. This guarantees the quality of the final product.

If Chicago deep dish isn’t quite your speed, no big deal.  Rosati’s has an abundance of menu options, ranging from pastas, sandwiches (like their popular Italian beef), desserts and a variety of side dishes.  The location is “not just a pizza place, but a full Italian restaurant,” according to Fournier.

Rosati’s also features a full catering menu and can deliver anywhere in the Des Moines metro area.  So the next time you have a craving for pizza—particularly if a thin, flatbread pizza just isn’t going to cut it—give Rosati’s a shot! Find their menu and hours of operation online at rosatispizza.com.

Coming Soon

The slew of fast-casual favorites arriving in Waukee isn’t set to slow down anytime soon.  Culver’s, B-Bop’s, and IHOP are all scheduled to open locations in 2019, providing even more dining options for residents.  Keep an eye out for these in the coming year!

Miss NiNi’s Desserterie

by

Finding a good cup of coffee in the Metro isn’t difficult. Nor is it hard to hunt down tasty desserts. But finding both in one spot, with that certain hard-to-define element that accompanies homemade items, can be a little more challenging. That’s where Miss NiNi’s Desserterie comes in.

Janine Knop, whose longtime nickname gives the store its name, has had a passion for baking her entire life. Raised on a farm in North Dakota, she “would sit on our three-legged, wobbly kitchen stool observing Mom as she made dozens of loaves of bread, pies, cakes and cinnamon rolls.” Knop continued to bake all through school, participating in 4-H for a decade and earning her college degree in home economics education and food and nutrition.

After years of farming near Atlantic, Iowa, with her husband Fred, Knop began to enter her baked creations in food exhibits and competitions at the Iowa State Fair (the largest of their kind in the country). Before long, she wasn’t just participating—she was bringing home numerous championship ribbons. According to Knop, this was when she decided to challenge herself by baking professionally.

Knop’s desserts could soon be found at Friedrich’s Coffee locations around the Des Moines Metro and at Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure, where they have been featured for over 10 years. The menu at Des Moines Golf and Country Club also regularly features Knop’s signature creations. The clamor for the desserts increased with time, and in January of 2017, Miss NiNi’s Desserterie opened for business in the Hawthorne Center on University Avenue.

Miss NiNi’s menu features a diverse array of goodies, many of which were awarded championship ribbons at the state fair. “I create recipes based on unique flavor combinations and design,” says Knop.

It’s difficult to imagine a sweet tooth that couldn’t be satisfied at Miss NiNi’s. If cheesecake isn’t your speed—of which there are 11 varieties on the menu, from Chocolate Raspberry Swirl to Italian Tiramisu—there are also layer cakes, brownies, dessert breads, cookies and coffee cakes available. One highly popular item, the Cupcake-A-Jar, “solves the problem of messy cupcake eating,” according to Knop. Cake and frosting are layered in small glass canning jars, which allows the consumer to eat a few bites now and save the rest for later. The jars are shelf-stable for five to seven days, so you can take your sweet time enjoying them.

In addition to the dessert options, Knop says customers tell them their coffee—made with locally-roasted Zanzibar’s beans and a sophisticated water filtration system—is the best-tasting in town.

With the holiday season just around the corner, seasonal additions have begun to appear in the dessert case at Miss NiNi’s. Among the offerings are pumpkin praline cheesecake, three-layer pumpkin cake with cranberry filling and cinnamon buttercream frosting, decadent flourless chocolate torte with chocolate ganache, and apricot rum cheesecake.

New this year is Miss NiNi’s 8-inch Bundt cake, which comes in pumpkin spice, chocolate chunk, and coconut bliss. One seasonal hit from last year, make-them-yourself Christmas cookie kits, will be offered again this season, along with cookie gift trays, which would undoubtedly go over well at any holiday office party or family gathering.

Knop and her baking team focus on creating beautiful, handcrafted desserts with impeccable homemade flavor and texture—qualities that are often absent in the commercial baking industry, Knop notes. Locally owned and operated, Knop says Miss NiNi’s “would be incomplete without the tremendous support and dedication of my family and talented baking team!”

Customers who visit the desserterie, located at 9500 University Avenue, Suite 1204, in West Des Moines, have the option of enjoying their dessert on-site or taking it to-go. Hours and menu items may be found at missnini.com.

So if you’re in the market for a great cup of joe and a sweet, homemade treat to go with it—and really, who isn’t?—Miss NiNi’s has you covered.

Waukee’s Central Standard Burgers

by

By Kellyn Pappas

You don’t have to look far in the Des Moines metro area to find a good burger. From the classics at B-Bop’s to the slightly less conventional choices at Zombie Burger, there’s something to suit every taste. And now customers have an intriguing new option in Waukee: Central Standard Burgers.

Central Standard, located at 1222 SE University Avenue, is the second location of a restaurant that got its start in Bettendorf, Iowa, about five years ago. According to general manager Andy Crounse, the restaurant was developed as an alternative to more traditional “cookie-cutter” burger joints.

Central Standard proved enormously popular. As the restaurant, along with other eateries owned by the same group, continued to be successful, the ownership group determined the time was right to expand. Crounse said Waukee was selected for the new restaurant because Waukee is “all about family and the community—it’s the key to good living!”

According to Crounse, the menu at the Waukee location will look very similar to the one in Bettendorf, with a few differences on the features menu and in the cocktail offerings. For example, a “Warrior Lemonade” mocktail will appear as a Waukee-specific item.

Perhaps unique among burger restaurants, Central Standard bakes all of its own bread, pretzels and buns for their burgers. And these burgers are not slabs of boring beef with nothing but ketchup. Among the dozen or so burger options are the “Oh No,” with cheese curds and fried pickles, and the “Heck No,” with jalapeño poppers and ghost pepper cheese. The menu also includes other sandwiches like the PB & J (that’s pork belly and jalapeño, not the childhood favorite peanut butter and jelly), and various jazzed-up mac and cheese selections (if, like the writer, your taste preferences occasionally lean in the direction of the kids’ menu).

The restaurant takes pride in its craft beer offerings, with 24 beers on tap at any given time. These are locally sourced as much as possible. Current options include beers from Exile Brewing Company and Iowa Brewing Company. “They’re all Iowa beers at the moment,” said Crounse.

Central Standard is also well-known for its massive, creative shakes—think tall glasses rimmed with candy sprinkles and topped with baked goods. For example, the Cookie Dough shake features an actual cookie sandwich, and the s’more shake— well, you get the idea. All menu shakes can be upgraded to loaded shakes for those over 21. The restaurant also features “Will’s Feature Shake of the Month.” A portion of the proceeds from this specialty shake go to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a partnership which has been going strong for about four years, according to Crounse, and one of which they are especially proud.

Central Standard had a soft open for family and friends the week of July 23 and officially opened for business on July 30. The restaurant currently has about 65 people on staff, and Crounse says they expect to eventually have around 100 employees total. With plenty of indoor space, plus a patio, the restaurant seats around 280 people. Customers can find their menu and hours of operation online at centralstandardburgers.com.

Crounse and his colleagues at Central Standard are excited to bring their unique take on burgers and fries to Waukee. Outside-the-box offerings are their specialty. “We don’t want to be the same old, same old,” said Crounse.

With creative burgers on homemade buns, local craft beers and shakes that provide a lot more than just a cherry on top, Central Standard stands to be an exciting new option for hungry Waukee residents.

 

FOLLOW & LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

https://www.facebook.com/mywaukee

 
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
 
FOLLOW US ALSO ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM!

What’s Cookin’ in Waukee: A Business Expo and Tasting Experience

by

Thank you to all member booth exhibitors and participants who helped make the sixth annual “What’s Cookin’ in Waukee” a success! Guests had the opportunity to get to know local businesses and also enjoy food tastings offered at each booth on Thursday, April 5 at Noah’s Event Venue! A special thanks to our event sponsors, the Chamber’s What’s Cookin’ planning committee and to all volunteers who helped with event details!

Congratulations to the 2018 Best Dish Winners (determined by most guest votes)!

Best Main Course

1st Place: Shottenkirk Chevrolet, Salisbury Steak with Gravy and Golden Homemade Mashed Potatoes
2nd Place: Waukee Hy-Vee, Hy-Waiian Sliders
3rd Place: Waukee Leadership Institute, Pork Burnt Ends

Best Appetizer

1st Place: Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Sweet Piggy Poppers
2nd Place: Smoothie King, Smoothies
3rd Place: Design Alliance, Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Best Dessert

1st Place: Echo’s Cookie Shop, Chocolate Chip Cookies
2nd Place: mi-fiber, LLC, The Coffeesmith Coffee and Muffins
3rd Place: City of Waukee, Caramel Apples

Best of Show

1st Place: Shottenkirk Chevrolet, Salisbury Steak with Gravy and Golden Homemade Mashed Potatoes
2nd Place: Echo’s Cookie Shop, Chocolate Chip Cookies
3rd Place: Waukee Hy-Vee, Hy-Waiian Sliders

Thank You to Our Member Booth Exhibitors:
Achieving Inner Peace LLC, American Trust & Savings Bank, Ankeny Sanitation, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realty, City of Waukee, Design Alliance, Echo’s Cookie Shop, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fareway, First American Bank, Fridley Theatres, Key Potential Chiropractic, McKinney Law Office, Medicap Pharmacy, mi-fiber LLC, Mike Brown State Farm Insurance, Mixed, Optimum Chiropractic, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Prairie Fire Phones, Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Rotary Club of Waukee, Sheraton, Shottenkirk Chevrolet, Smoothie King, State Savings Bank, The Village at Legacy Pointe, Timberline Campground, US Cellular Authorized Agent – Cellular Advantage, Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce, Waukee Area Christian Services, Waukee Area Historical Society, Waukee Family YMCA, Waukee Hy-Vee and the Waukee Leadership Institute.

Join the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce to help welcome new businesses to our community at upcoming Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies! Learn more at waukeechamber.com.

Slices On The Ranch

by

Have you been to the Pizza Ranch in Waukee​? If your answer is no, then where have you been!? Stop by for some slices on the ranch! This is just one of the slices of heaven our great City of Waukee​ has to offer!
Located on 448 SE University Ave, Waukee, Iowa​ 50263
Hours:
Sunday 11AM–9PM
Monday 11AM–9PM
Tuesday 11AM–9PM
Wednesday 11AM–9PM
Thursday 11AM–9PM
Friday 11AM–9PM
Saturday 11AM–9PM
Menu: pizzaranch.com
Order: pizzaranchorder.com

LIKE & FOLLOW US on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/mywaukee

 

© Copyright myTown Magazines