Checking in with flooded restaurants

It wasn’t so long ago that a fellow Gazetteer and I marveled at how fortunate we were to work downtown.
We loved the freedom of being able to leave the office, walk a couple of blocks and find a java fix on those “I’m so tired” days, a chocolate truffle on those “I’m so stressed” days [...]

Notes from Portland

I spent most of last week in Portland, visiting some old friends and their new baby. And their kitchen.
The good news: In my month without a kitchen of my own, I haven’t forgotten how to cook. (Though I did manage to fill the entire first floor of their condo with smoke while making Peach-Spiced Lamb Chops on a [...]

What’s your favorite Mexican restaurant?

Fellow Gazette staffer Todd Dorman is looking for some recommendations for great Mexican food over on his blog, 24Dorman. So, foodies, where do you like to get your south-of-the-border fix? Recommended so far: Villa Patio in Marion (one of my favorites), La Salsita, Gringo’s (really?!) and Hacienda/Casa las Glorias. Hop over and add to the comments [...]

Where to go for CR’s best cheap eats?

Since we’re talking about my upcoming kitchen remodel, I could use some recommendations.
While my husband and I hope to use our grill and microwave to prepare some meals while our kitchen is, um, dismantled, we also know we’re going to end up eating a lot more restaurant food than usual.
What are your favorite places for good, inexpensive, [...]

Iron Chef Cedar Rapids, Year 2

Iron Chef Cedar Rapids just keeps getting better.
In its second year, organizers added new features, including a Really Big TV broadcasting a live feed from cameras circulating around the kitchen, live music, and a chance for attendees to win the opportunity to be an honorary judge and sample each of the contestants’ offerings. 
This year’s competitors were chef teams [...]

More on downtown dining

Check out this story from Gazette business editor George Ford from yesterday’s paper: Downtown C.R. developing ‘critical mass’ of eateries
According to George’s story, downtown CR has reached a “critical mass” - or a large enough number - of businesses to attract people to the downtown area. If you haven’t ventured downtown lately to dine, now’s [...]

Restaurant news: Cafe del Sol’s grand opening

Coralville-based Cafe del Sol Roasting has been roasting coffee beans and selling them to local grocers, restaurants and coffee shops since 1990. According to their web site, devoted customers include acclaimed restaurants like Devotay and Lincoln Cafe.
Now you can try their gourmet organic fair-trade blends by stopping by their new coffee shop, Cafe Del Sol Coffee & [...]

Get down(town) Monday night.

I do a lot of my dining downtown. That’s partly because I work downtown - so the coffeeshops, cafes and restaurants here are an easy walk from the office and perfect for a quick break during the day. But it’s also because the burgeoning restaurant and nightlife scene make it a great place to grab [...]

Restaurant news: Motley Cow has moved

The Motley Cow in Iowa City has moved to a new location with more seating and an expanded kitchen. The new address is: 160 N. Linn St. The restaurant’s phone number remains the same. (319.688.9177)
Check out the business section of tomorrow’s Gazette for more on the changes — or lack of them — at the [...]