Steak DeBurgo

I consider myself a foodie, I consider myself an Iowan, I consider myself a fool for having never tried Steak DeBurgo until last week.  A regional specialty and staple at most Des Moines area Italian Joints, the DeBurgo has officially been added to my list of dishes I must seek out each time I return to the motherland. Take a tenderloin grilled sparingly and top with a garlicky butter or cream based sauce and either mushrooms or oregano and basil and you have a piece of meat reposing in a warm dream just begging to be devoured.

As with many iconic dishes the Deburgo's origins are a matter of Polk County lore.  Leading contenders for the progenitor are Johnny & Kay's and Vic's Tally Ho, both now unfortunately defunct.  Irregardless of beginnings the dish now has a convert thanks to Chef's Kitchen in Beaverdale and Mezzodi's near the airport and found a fitting end in my belly.

"Nomade" by Jaume Plensa

Gifted to the Des Moines Art Center by John and Mary Pappajohn, these 4 photos speak louder than words. 

Iowa State Capitol - Law Library

Iowa State Capitol - Law Library, a photo by w4nd3rl0st (InspiredinDesMoines) on Flickr.

I have always loved libraries and bookstores. From Shakespeare & Co in Paris to Powell's in Portland I have been known to get lost in the stacks and require assistance for retrieval. Somehow I have never been into the Law Library at the IA state capital. After viewing this photo that must change the next time I am back home. Love it.

Iowa State Capitol

Iowa State Capitol Reflected in Nearby Office Building, a photo by Jeff Wignall on Flickr.

Clearly the most iconic of all buildings in Des Moines if not the entire state of Iowa, the gold capped state capitol is a thing of beauty. Most area school children at one time or another make a field trip to the capitol and surely come away awed by its nooks crannies and history. The gold the deep dark woods, the topless statue on the grounds, one could go on and on and surely as I discover more amazing photos like this one I will.

Oreon E. Scott Chapel - Drake University

Day 97 - Oreon E. Scott Chapel, a photo by Tim Bungert on Flickr.

Non-denominational chapel at Drake Divinity School. 1st of all I had no clue there was a divinity school at Drake, always thought of it as a place for rural schools to hold proms and track buffs to attend the relays. Secondly what a wonderful space that I must meditate/pray in next time I am back home.

Terrace Hill - Chez Branstad

Built by the first millionaire in Iowa, Benjamin Franklin Allen, Terrace Hill has been the official residence of the Iowa governor since 1976.  Occuypying a stately position on a hill on the edge of dowtown Des Moines, it really is a beautiful home.  No wonder Terry Branstad decided he wanted to run again 11 years after he moved out the first time. 

Bill Stewart - Funk from Iowa

James Brown once exclaimed to drummer Bill Stewart "Ain't no funk in Iowa!" While I am not one to argue with the man, especially when he is feeling good, I have to say that at least there is funk from Iowa.  Check out the video and follow the link to several more tunes where Bill's rhythm is featured.  

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Bill_Stewart.html

Cloris Leachman - With Pigs

Given Iowa's status as the pork capital of the world it is only fitting that Des Moines native Cloris Leachman would host the Muppet Show when pigs took over the show from Kermit and his friends.  More on Cloris later, especially since she is probably the only person that will make this list that has gone on a date with a close blood relative, my Grandpa Hyland.

Blue Ribbon Bacon Fest

Quite frankly I am not sure how any Iowan could ever consider vegetarianism.  Sure there are health benefits, sure the guts on Americans today are ghastly, but when you are raised alongside some of the tastiest pigs in the land it borders on heresy to eschew staples like bacon.  The Des Moines Register's twitter feed reported this morning that this years Bacon Fest has already sold out.  Bacon Fest you say!!  What in the name of greasy goodness is this?  Clearly I have been away too long as the rise of a celebration of bacon in downtown Des Moines is news to me.  Good thing it has sold out or I may have busted the bank simply to secure a last minute ticket.  Oh and Manni Balignasay, 3 time champ of the bacon eating contest and part time personal trainer, you are one of my new heroes but I plan on taking the belt in 2012.  

Graziano Brothers Sausage - Des Moines

http://www.grazianobrothers.com/

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090618/LIFE/906190304/Graziano-s-homemade-handmade-sausage