Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes

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With Italian steakhouses, the Younkers Tea Room and Stella's Blue Sky Diner, Des Moines's culinary history is tantalizingly diverse. It is filled with colorful characters like bootlegger/"millionaire bus boy" Babe Bisignano, a buxom bar owner named Ruthie and future president of the United States Ronald Reagan. The savory details reveal deeper stories of race relations, women's rights, Iowa caucus politics, the arts, immigration and assimilation. As you read Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes, don't be surprised if you experience sudden cravings for Steak de Burgo, fried pork tenderloin sandwiches and chocolate ambrosia pie, à la Bishop's Buffet. Author Darcy Dougherty Maulsby serves up a feast of Des Moines classics mixed with Iowa history, complete with iconic recipes and vintage photographs and illustrations. 

"Wow! Perhaps my most cherished book in my library! A must-have book for anyone that has ever enjoyed the food scene here in Des Moines. Thank you, Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, for such a fabulous trip down memory lane. This book is one of the best things to come out of the year 2020!"

--Chef George Formaro, Des Moines, Iowa

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“I love this book! It's so good. All the history is so interesting. The thing that really impacted me was how you tied in the restaurants to the history of Des Moines and Iowa as a whole. This was unexpected and very impactful, especially the racial inequality history. I also enjoyed learning about the styles of entertainment through the years-- such as the rise and fall of dinner theaters in Des Moines. I'm so happy you keep publishing such great books. Way to go!” 

--Jennifer Welch, Woodward, Iowa 

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"I can't thank you enough for writing this book. It has brought back so many great memories for my mom and dad who are currently on COVID-19 restrictions in Des Moines. I am now going to buy one for my aunt.  Thank you again."

-- Susan Fenton, Des Moines, Iowa 

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"Hi! I ordered multiple copies of you Des Moines restaurant book. I sent one to my 107-year-old aunt in Des Moines. I thought she might enjoy some of the history and remember hearing about the different places. Of course she knew Younkers Tea Room, and she knew Babe Bisignano enough to speak with him. And she had heard of Ruthie, too! My cousin's wife works as a nurse/aide where my aunt lives, and she has been enjoying the book, too, including the applesauce bread recipe. Your book is enjoyed!"  

--Tedra Towne, Boone, Iowa 

 

 

Paperback : 208 pages
Product Dimensions : 6 x 0.31 x 9 inches
Publisher : The History Press (November 2, 2020)