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 Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth by deecat
Their motto seems to be: "You'll think that you are in Italy"! They do have Mediterranean-inspired food and decor, but it's difficult to image Italy right here in this mid-American town. Warren and Paula Miller are co-owners and have recently added a room that seats 30, and it called Top of the Moon. [That brings the seating capacity to 90 with the downstairs and the patio.] This new room will no doubt be used for business meetings, rehearsal diners for weddings or for graduation parties and the like.
We visited on a Tuesday, May 22, 2007 with the intend on eating our lunch here. However, we discovered that it was closed on Tuesdays [even though the advertisements indicated otherwise.].
It advertises that Dinners are available Wednesdays, Thursdays [5 p.m.- 9 p.m.] and Fridays and Saturdays [5 p.m.-10 p.m.]
Lunches were to be served on Tuesdays through Saturdays [11 a.m.-2 p.m.]
For dinner, Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth features Salads, Appetizers, Pasta, Steaks [Beef Tenderloin, Porterhouse Steaks, and Ribeye], and Seafood. They are famous for their Desserts, especially their Cheesecakes. They offer Specials daily.
For lunch, they offer Appetizers, Salads, Wraps, Pasta, an 8-oz. Black Angus Burger along with many other specials.
I wish that we could have experience this delightful restaurant; however, we were satisfied with our alternative, The Fireside .. Leave a Comment Theme: ItalianPrice: US$21-30 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 203 5th Street, Kalona 52247Phone: (319) 656-3315Website: tuscan-moon.com Other Contact: tuscan@kctc.net
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After a fast-paced tour of historic downtown Main Street Dubuque, Jill and I were quite thirsty so we went to Cafe Manna Java. They advertise that they use only the finest natural ingredients, which was a plus as far as we were concerned. Not only is it a coffee/tea shop, but they also serve wood-fired oven pizzas, European breads, handcrafted pastries, cheesecakes, soups, and sandwiches.
They have Hot Paninis as well as sandwiches. The hot sandwiches are baked on a grill, and all sauces are made from scratch They make all their own artisan breads. Some of the unusual sandwiches and Paninis are:
Raber's Special, Black Forest Ham, white cheddar, red onions, spring mix lettuce with cranberry mustard on a Sesame Semolina bread.
The Sofia, chicken breast with white cheddar and Swiss cheeses, organic spinach, red onions, with a cranberry citrus sauce served on Cranberry Walnut Bread with apple butter.
The Wood-Fired Pizzas come with such names as:
Florentine, La Carnivorum, Greek Vegetable, Proscuitto & Montclaret, Four Cheese Primo, The Friedrick, to name just a few!
Jill and I had the Spinach Fruit Salad that contains Spinach, red onion, apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, mandarin oranges with a vinaigrette. We both agreed that it was quite delicious. It was far too large for our small appetites. The cost is $6.50.
I had one of their specialty coffees, and Jill ordered tea.
It was crowded with people purchasing the homemade breads and pastries as well as the people eating there. Leave a Comment Theme: LocalPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: 269 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 52001Phone: 563-588-3105
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BE SURE TO SEE ALL OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS
On our last night in Iowa, we stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Davenport. The owner of the B&B suggested that we have dinner at The Boat House Davenport.
What a great suggestion that turned out to be!
The location alone was spectacular. It is located right on the Mississippi River. We were able to watch boat traffic as we ate.
It's obvious that the locals come here regularly. It was quite full on a Friday night, probably because of the delicious fish that they prepare.
The menu is extensive and includes such appetizers as Crab Cakes, French Fried Lobster, and Thai Chicken to name just a few.
They also offer soups and salads such as Bavarian Steak Soup, Clam Chowder, Grilled Chicken Salad, and Caesar Salad..
The entrees include such items as Prime Rib Au Jus, BBQ Ribs, Mahi Mahi, Catfish Platter, and Chicken Forester [grilled chicken breast topped with cognac mushroom sauce]. Of course, this is only a few of the main courses that are offered.
They have a Feature of the Day, which the waiter/waitress explains. Also they have many Combination Platters with you choosing one land and one sea item. Some choices would be Chicken, Prime Rib, Top Sirloin (1) teamed up with either Catfish, Shrimp, or Crab Legs (1).
Jill and I both liked the fact that they also had a Lighter Fare with sandwiches such as Reuben, Catfish Filet, Salmon Burger, Hamburger. Also offered was Chicken Planks [chicken tenders deep fried in a seasoned breading served with ranch dressing] or Crab Cake, or the Slimmer Plate [Choice of Burger or Chicken on Tomato Slices with Cottage Cheese. Once again, these are just a few of the examples.
Our waitress was friendly, efficient, and helpful.
Jill ordered the Catfish Filet Sandwich WITHOUT the bread. She let me try a bite, and it was "out of this world" delicious. She also ordered a House Salad that had garden greens with her choice of dressing [Blue Cheese]. She finished the salad so I assume she enjoyed it.
I ordered a cup of SEVEN LILIES SOUP [seven types of onions topped with a crouton and swiss cheese]. I had never heard of this particular kind of soup, but I soon learned that it is spectacular...subtle, mild, rich in texture, and quite delicious. I also had a salad with Blue Cheese, which I enjoyed very much.
I made sure that I ate a small meal so that I could order dessert! For dessert, I devoured a yummy Hot Fudge Sundae [see photo], and Jill had a Root Beer Float.
All-in-all, we both enjoyed the ambience, the food, and the spectacular scenery, especially the large Paddle Boat that went by. Leave a Comment Theme: LocalPrice: US$11-20 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 1201 East River Drive, Davenport, IAPhone: 563 326-3663
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 Dee and Jill Eating Dessert at
The Fireside Grill by deecat, 4 more photos
The Fireside Grill is open every day from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm. On Thursday nights, the owners and hosts [Riella and Wes Rich] welcome their guests and present by Eddie Piccard's Band. They play from 6:30-9:00 pm. There is no cover charge.
This is like an old fashioned but hip Supper Club. It is quite large and well appointed. I especially liked the mural on the wall.
They offer appetizers, salads, steak pasta, BBQ ribs, salmon, hot and cold sandwiches, wraps and a child's menu. They have a grand dessert menu which includes gelato, tiramisu, cheesecake, chocolate layer cake, homemade pie, sundaes, and floats.
They also have espresso and lattes, soft drinks, and a full-service bar. During weekends, they offer a musician such as a piano player or a saxaphone player.
Jill and I were very pleased with our waiter. He just happened to be from Chicago originally, and he just happened to be the owner's son! What a smile and what a pleasant personality. He made our eating experience even that much better.
Jill and I shared a Chicken Casadilla [we agreed it was the best we had ever tasted!]
Jill also had a "loaded Potato Soup" in a cup. She loved it, too.
But, the very best part of the meal was, of course, the dessert. Our waiter suggested it to us: Coconut gelato with slivered almonds and chocolate sauce. We were "in heaven"! Leave a Comment Theme: SteakhousePrice: US$11-20 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 111 5th Street, Kalona, IowaPhone: 319-656-3001
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 Jill at the OxYoke Inn
Restaurant in Amana, Iowa by deecat, 2 more photos
1. Jill at the Ox Yoke Inn, Family Style Food Since 1940.
2. Homemade desserts at the Ox Yoke Inn Restaurant
3. Inside the OxYoke Inn Restaurant in Amana, Iowa.
The OxYoke Inn Restaurant in Amana has been in operation since 1940. William and Lina Leichsenring opened their restaurant to serve local residents. "At that time, dinners cost 65 cents and were made from Old World German and American recipes passed from mother to daughter". The foods had sources in the Amanas with fresh vegetables, meat from the Amana Colonies smokehouses, and chickens from neighboring farms. That is why OxYoke symbolizes the hard work of life in the Amanas; it also recalls times gone by.
We learned that William Leichsenring was born in the room that is now the Amana restaurant's Amana dining room. His wife, Lina, [when she was a little girl] worked very long hours in an Amana Colonies community kitchen. This "family style" is a tradition of service that is still carried on at the Ox Yoke Restaurant today.
Jill and I enjoyed our meal at The OxYoke Inn Restaurant; you could tell the moment that you walked in that this is where the locals still eat. It's obvious that it is a German Restaurant also. Since Jill and I both have small appetites, we decided to share a meal.
We chose to share A Ruben Sandwich which came with crisp Cold Slaw, and Fresh Fruit. It was plenty enough for us, and quite delicious.
Our long-time waitress was efficient, speedy, and humorous too. The Old World ambience, the family-style service, and the home-made food was all outstanding. Leave a Comment Theme: LocalPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than average
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Jill and I decided to have dessert at Potter's Mill Restaurant in Bellevue. Actually, we were excited to see the inside of the mill.
Elbridge Gerry Potter built his "Jasper Mills" in 1843. He used limestone from the bluffs across the Big Mill Creek. He sold his Jasper XXX Flour to wholesalers and grocers in St. Louis, New Orleans, Galena, Chicao, New York, and Boston.
The flood of 1896 washed out the spillway and a steam engine was brought in and then electricity. In 1969 [after 126 years of service] the mill was closed. It's now on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has been restored to its original texture. They did a great job of keeping the structure and the atmosphere of the old mill intact. Now, it serves as a restaurant and bed and breakfast. We did not see the B&B part.
In the restaurant, they have a menu of hearty food, wholesome breads, and delicious desserts.
Jill and I split a dessert which was so rich and delicious. It was a turtle cheesecake like none other I have ever tasted. I also had coffee with my dessert. As we ate, we marveled at the huge timbers, beautiful limestone, and gorgeous old floors still intact. A wonderful experience. Leave a Comment Theme: LocalPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averagePhone: (563)872-3838Website: www,oittersnukk,bet Other Contact: e-mail:info@pottersmill.net
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Although I usually don't even eat at fast foot restaurants, Jill and I could not resist eating at the Subway Restaurant in Bellevue, Iowa! It's location is really incredible: right on the Mississippi River where you can see Bellevue Lock and Dam Number 12!
The photograph shows the beautiful large deck that this restaurant has. Because Jill cannot sit in the sun; instead, we sat inside at the windows that look out over the River. I went outside to take the photo because I knew few people would believe that this location was from a Subway Sandwich Restaurant.
In addition, this was, indeed, the largest Subway Sandwich Shop that I had ever seen. No doubt, since I saw no other Fast Food restaurants in Bellevue, lots of residents stop here. It was around noon, and we had to wait in line.
Both Jill and I ordered A Veggie Subway Sandwich with our choices of vegetables and our choice of freshly-made bread. I had the Italian Cheese Bread, and Jill chose the Honey Wheat bread. In addition, we had the 75 calorie bag of potato chips that are low fat, and a cold drink with as many refills as we wanted.
We certainly enjoyed our meal; it was fresh, tasted delicious, and we loved the view! Leave a Comment Theme: AmericanPrice: less than US$10 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageDirections: Heart of Bellevue on Route 52 next to the Mississippi River
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Happy Joe is from Iowa and the pizzas are fantastic. Not too expensive, and the taco pizza is famous. These pizzas are not available outside the Midwest:)
Taco Pizza Leave a Comment Theme: OtherDirections: Look on the Internet to find the one closest to you, they are all over Iowa!
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This is one of the really fun family-style restaurants located in the Amana colonies, a small German settlement that now makes its living by attracting tourists:) But it is is a really fun setting, very German and old-looking, and has EXCELLENT food!
Family Style dinner Leave a Comment Theme: Other
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Sanctuary Restaurant, South Gilbert St., Iowa City
The Sanctuary is a blessed fixture on the ever-changing landscape of ephemeral Iowa City restaurants. It is subdued, relaxing, yet with highest culinary stands despite a fairly basic menu. It lives up to its name remarkably.
Best pizza in the state and a grand selection of several hundred beers to wash it down with Leave a Comment Theme: OtherDirections: from I-80: Dubuque St exit, south into town maybe 3/4 of a mile until intersection with Church St. Left on Church St. for 3 blocks Right on Gilbert St for maybe 1.5 miles (past bigger intersection atOther Contact: I'm sure you can look it up via
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