Des Moines and San Francisco: a subjective view

Last month I visited family in the Bay Area of California – plenty of time to see some differences between Polk County in Central Iowa and San Mateo County just south of San Francisco. In the earlier post, more objective, quantifiable data were compared.

While some of the differences can be easily compared, it is harder to quantify other differences, such as

• food, gardening
• travel, commuting
• baseball, activities
• stress

Grocery shopping? California may have a big edge here.

• CA has New Leaf, Whole Foods, and Andronico’s, natural food stores where you can get everything you need; while the prices are a little higher on some items (especially the meat), the produce is ripe and fresh – likely because it doesn’t travel far.
• The only places like that in IA are the farmers’ markets: Des Moines Farmer’s Market, and other local markets; Iowa City’s New Pioneer Food Coop; Ames’ Wheatsfield Grocery. In contrast to CA, Des Moines-based New City Market and Campbell’s Nutrition are quite small by comparison.
• When it comes to the commercial chains (except for the produce) IA’s Hy-Vee and Dahl’s compare favorably with Safeway in CA.

Home gardening? This will get your attention! There is a wait of 4 to 7 years to get a 100 sq ft garden plot in the Fort Mason Community Garden. That is a plot about the size of a very small bedroom. We’ve had picnics at Fort Mason more than once, and it is a beautiful spot as you can see on the right; but it’s easier to find a spot to garden in Iowa.

Food, in general? My impression is that

• Iowa wins on beef and pork
• California wins on fruits and vegetables

Driving? I find it easier to drive in the Bay Area, but enough said about that.

Cars? This is a strange experience. I drove my sister’s hot rod Lincoln for 4 weeks, and you wouldn’t believe what I have seen and have not seen.

• I saw only ten 2009 Chevrolet Impalas in 20 days
• instead? Toyota, Mercedes, Lexus, Hyundai, BMW, Acura, Honda, Volvo and a few Ford cars and Chevy trucks

Public Transit? The Purple Wren and I stayed in a coastal California community about the size of Grinnell, Iowa and took lots of public transit too.

• twice to San Francisco and back (SamTrans bus and CalTrain)
• once to Oakland and part way back (walked a block to SamTrans buses then BART right to the Coliseum)
• around San Francisco (Muni)

Baseball? Definitely a lot of winners here! Whether you live in the Bay Area or Des Moines, you can see good professional baseball: San Francisco Giants; Oakland A’s; Iowa Cubs. I saw the A’s and the Tigers and my favorite Tiger Curtis Granderson (shown left), but the best part was spending the afternoon with my nephew John who rode BART from Berkeley. We had great seats, but you know, it’s hard to beat an afternoon in Principal Park right here in Des Moines!

Activities? There is more to do in both places than I can ever get to.

Stress? I am not sure that stress is the right word – intensity might be better. The pace is faster, and the crowd is larger in CA. It is a line-up kind of place, and longer lines – at the movies, banks, grocery stores, restaurants, traffic, bus/CalTrain/BART stops. It’s all exciting and intense, but it creates a little more stress. When the Purple Wren and I moved back after a year in CA 10 years ago, I said, “I could live in CA, but I wouldn’t live as long.” I’ll stand by that.

Well, you win some, you lose some, and sometimes you tie. I’m happy to be here; I was happy to be there.

2009 Two Art Festivals in Des Moines

First, the Des Moines Arts Festival is the big one. It’s coming up so be prepared to show up in Western Gateway Park.

• Friday, June 26, 4-10 pm
• Saturday, June 27, 10 am – 10 pm 
• Sunday, June 28, 10 am – 5 pm

The festival website is so thorough and easily navigated that I couldn’t add anything worthwhile; you should go there for all of the information: 

• a listing of artists and links to their websites
• listing of performing artists with links
• the live music
• street theater
• interactive arts
• food

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Des Moines Arts Festival is free. 

The second show in town is ArtFest Midwest. It’s at the Fairgrounds and it’s also free.

• Saturday, June 27, 10 am – 6 pm
• Sunday, June 28, 10 am – 5 pm

There will be a free shuttle between the two events.

photo by James G. Lindberg

July 4th 2009 around Des Moines

 

Lookin’ for something to do on the 4th of July? Maybe this will help. You can check out the Web sites for most cities and towns of Central Iowa for updates or try the selections below.

Why not start celebrating on July 2nd with the Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops Concert?

• concert: Thursday July 2nd, 6:30 pm, west of the Iowa State Capitol Building, Roxi Copland Band
• concert: Thursday, July 2nd, 8:30 pm, same place, The Des Moines Symphony
• fireworks: following the concerts
• food, fun, fireworks, free
• bring food to donate

Urbandale always has some of the best of the metro’s 4th of July celebrations.

• parade: Saturday, July 4th, 10 am along 70th north to Aurora then west to Urbandale Middle School
• fireworks: Saturday, July 4th, 10 pm by Urbandale Middle School (rain date, Sunday July 5th)
• plenty more on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; check it out! 

Waukee celebrations will be held on July 3rd and 4th.

• parade: Saturday, July 4th, 2 pm
• music by Standing Hampton: 6-9:30 in Centennial Park (west of Waukee HS, south of the stadium) 
• fireworks: 9:30 pm in Centennial Park

West Des Moines will celebrate for two days.

• parade: Friday, July 3rd, 6:30 pm starting (map) at Valley High School and heading to Valley Junction
• fireworks: Saturday, July 4th, dusk at Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Avenue, WDM (map)

Windsor Heights has a lot planned for July 4th at Colby Park at 69th and School with access off University Avenue (map)

• parade: 1-3 pm
• Bill Riley Talent Search from 2:30 – 4:30
• kids games, rides, food from 2 pm through 9:30
• music: Throwing Toast from 5 ’til 6:30 and The Blue Band from 7 – 10
• fireworks: 10 pm

The Iowa Cubs are out of town on the 4th but they are home on the 2nd and 3rd, and they’re promoting the Holiday Fireworks Spectaculars at Principal Park

• Thursday, July 2nd, game time 7:05 with the spectacular fireworks after the game
• Friday, July 3rd, game time 7:05 with the spectacular fireworks after the game

Heartland Nationals and the Good Guys Car Show will have fireworks, but it will cost you.

• fireworks: Saturday July 4th, 8 pm, Grandstands, Iowa State Fairgrounds Racetrack,with music by the VanDells 

If other cities update their websites and post their activities, I’ll try to keep up.

Here’s another!

Carlisle has plans that include

• kiddy parade on Friday the 3rd from 6 – 7 pm
• a bigger parade on July 4th at 9:30 am
• fireworks on July 4th at 10 pm
• and more

photos by flickr by brungrll and jmtimages

Fridays at the Fountain in West Glen 2009

People are searching for Fridays at the Fountain. OK, then. Here you go!

Looking for something to do once the work week is over? Fridays at the Fountain started in May and you missed Dick Prall, but there is still time through the end of July to hear music, make friends, and unwind from the week.

Every Friday through the end of July, you can attend Fridays at the Fountain. More details at their website.

• $5 (and you’d better be 21 ‘cuz liquor, wine and beer are sold)
• 5:30 until 8:00 pm (Then what will we do?)
• Fountain Plaza in West Glen Town Center
• just off Interstate 35 and George Mills Parkway
• near Jordan Creek in West Des Moines

Live entertainment – from pop to jazz.

The 2009 band lineup taken from West Glen’s pdf file is:

• June 5:Towncrier (from Cedar Rapids)
• June 12: Standing Hampton (a local band)
• June 19: Hello Dave
• June 26: The Damnwells (a Brooklyn based band with an Iowa connection, Alex Dezen)
• July 3: Final Mix with Del Saxman Jones
• July 10: Tim Mahoney (with many Midwestern connections, especially MN)
• July 17: The Heroes
• July 24: Dazy Head Mazy (They look like Minnesotans to me.)
• July 31: Nelo (from Austin, TX)

Afterwards, go see Bomi Mistry for healthy treats at Fuel.

photo by flickr by MorBCN and by  James G. Lindberg

technorati tags: Home Turf Media, Iowa, West Des Moines, Fridays at the Fountain

2009 Greek Food Fair

It’s a great Des Moines event. Put it on your calendar.

2009 Greek Food Fair (their Web site is so good, I wouldn’t have to say any more, but)

• Saturday June 6, 2009 (always the first Saturday in June)
• 11 am until 8 pm
• Greek Orthodox Church of St. George
• 35th and Cottage Grove
• wonderful Greek food, lovingly prepared
• a la carte (eat what you like for individual prices) or a complete dinner ($12 ahead of time; $14 at the door)
• tours of the church (then or online now)
• Greek dancing (at St. George’s; elsewhere)
• free parking
• kids are welcome too

Your friends will be there!

photos by James G. Lindberg

Beer, breweries, and food science

Do you think you know everything there is to know about beer? Maybe, maybe not, but you will have a chance on Wednesday night to find out.

Dr. Robert Bates is a food scientist and one smart guy. He will be visiting Simpson College to talk about:

• The Chemistry and Alchemy of Brewing
• Wednesday, March 18, 2009
• 7:30 pm
• 215 Carver Science Center (on the map)
• Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa

Dr. Bates retired in 2003 after a 35 year career at the University of Florida in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. He is such a popular speaker that he has been on tour for the American Chemical Society giving many talks each year. He is visiting as a guest of the Ames Section of the ACS, Iowa State, and Simpson; his local host at Simpson is Professor Cliff Meints of the Chemistry Department (515/961-1828 or cliff.meints@simpson.edu).

Here is the press release on the talk:

Beer making, one of the oldest examples of biotechnology, is a fascinating study of chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering. It combines well recognized and controllable reactions and operations with complex, poorly understood phenomena, including the psychosensory response. Surprisingly, some of the most sophisticated science and technology are employed in the efficient production of mass advertised, mediocre beers. In contrast, traditional alchemy-driven methods can produce exceptional yet under-recognized beers. Fortunately, there is an achievable balance between these extremes. This presentation will cover the brewing process from raw material selection and preparation through fermentation to consumption. Emphasis will be on major pathways employed by brewers to produce a wide range of beers. These are exciting times for brewers and beer connoisseurs in the U.S. Future industry developments of relevance to consumers will be mentioned. With dedication and practice, the average chemist can brew above-average beers; so can the experienced kitchen alchemist.

It’s a short trip. Take advantage.

photo by flickr by pete4ducks

St. Patrick’s Day in Des Moines, O’Iowa

The folks at the State Historical Museum have a little green up their sleeve. Last year was their first annual Irish Fest in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. It was quite the family event, and true to their word they will do it again! It is quite the event:

• music (Barn Owl Band, The Foy Irish Dancers, Flatland Ramblers, Mackenzie Highlanders, Aran Daughters)
• dancing – learn some!
• art
• workshops

Want to see what they did last year? It is a definite winner!

I love a parade, and there’s going to be a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Des Moines.

• noon, Tuesday, March 17, 2009
• St. Patrick’s Day
• along Locust Street from 15th Street going east to the Embassy Suites

Who would be better with the parade details than the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick?

But remember. Don’t report back to work with green foam on your upper lip!

If you’re not in Des Moines, check this list of St. Patrick’s Day parades worldwide.

photo by flickr by toyohara and Dave Schumaker and Allen’s Vision

Chocolate? Not always

Will it melt in your mouth or stick to the roof of your mouth?

Maybe they hoped you wouldn’t notice, but The Hershey’s Company changed the formulation for some but not all of their candy. The news broke in September, 2008. Now Hershey’s has changed the names of some of their products because they can’t call them milk chocolate. What’s that slogan again? Is it, “If it’s Hershey’s, you’d better read the label?” I am not sure I have it quite right, but it’s something like that. I’m afraid, we’ll just have to read the label carefully. With an American icon like Hershey’s, I shouldn’t have to do that. Some of it’s milk chocolate; some of it ain’t.

Chemists use the term formula to describe the mixture of particular materials (ingredients) and amounts that go into various products, especially those that are sold to the public. It might be food, paint, steel, medicine, paper, ink, glue, or plastic. The term formulation describes the process of putting it together. Every commercial product has its own formula.

By law you can’t call a product milk chocolate unless it contains cocoa butter. In 2007, according to the New York Times (and elsewhere) in spite of lobbying by U. S. manufacturers to cheapen the ingredients, the FDA held their ground on chocolate.

On Friday when I told a friend of mine about the recent changes in some chocolate-like candy, she talked about her perception of the difference between real chocolate and the chocolate-like candy that looks like chocolate but now lacks the name. She talked about the oily film that formed on the roof of her mouth with some products. We talked about some of the better chocolates including European chocolate. She asked me what brands. When I suggested Lindt’s as one, she happily showed me the Lindt chocolate her husband had given her for Valentine’s Day. Lately I have found European chocolates Lindt, Toblerone, and Ritter Sport and American chocolate Ghirardelli in a lot of local grocery stores.

Of course you can always find great chocolates at Chocolaterie Stam right here in Des Moines too.

If you see a little chocolate on the Purple Wren’s beak this week, it came from Chocolaterie Stam on Ingersoll.

Real chocolate costs a little more, but after all it’s not my lunch, it’s dessert!

photo by flickr by fensterbme and eszter

Dos Rios

After we voted early on Saturday, we went around the corner to Dos Rios at 316 Court Avenue. We loved the tacos, but the special treat for us was a half order of Guacamole Mashed Tableside shown on the left. The avacado, tomatos and other vegetables were cut, mixed, and the guacamole spiced to our liking in the stone bowl shown on the left.

Yum! Check out the menus.

See you there.

photo by James Lindberg

WiFi, coffee shops, bookstores

I am sitting in Caribou Coffee in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, using their free internet access, drinking coffee, and writing about Des Moines. I started at Barnes & Noble; internet access is not free at B&N in Sioux Falls! So what about Des Moines? Where will you be given free internet access?

• Barnes & Noble? Nope. Access is not free; you can buy access on site through AT&T.
• Border’s? Nope. Access is not free; access is available to T-Mobile customers.
• Caribou Coffee? Yep. Access is free.
• Panera Bread? Yep. Access is free.

I  buy a lot of books. I think I’ll go to Caribou Coffee and Panera Bread and order a few of them from Amazon.

photos by James Lindberg

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