a short but productive hiatus

good news, bad news.  I'll be on vacation next week so there will be a lull in posts BUT I am going to what is considered a food truck mecca so I hope to return with lots of good pics and stories.

Footlongs in the haus

Hessen Haus

Des Moines

I've blogged about a lot of places over the years but somehow neglected to ever write up the one place where I'm a regular and they know what I want when I walk in the door (if the right server is there). Hessen Haus is an authentic German bier hall located in downtown Des Moines. They serve a wide selection of beers (drinking them out of an enormous glass boot is optional) and German food. For a while they took on the menu of a cajun place that had gotten flooded out, which created some interesting choices/variety on the menu.  Anyway, I walked in for lunch and had the usual: footlong brat with kraut, spaetzle and one of their pickles (made in a jar above the bar, as it should be).  I was particularly hungry the day I went and ate this down in about a minute flat.

On the Bourdain trail

Calumet Fisheries
Chicago, IL

clam strips and scallops

view from Calumet Park.  That is Indiana in the horizon...

After hitting the eco-pasty truck I had the thought to hit this place up on my way out of town.  I'd seen it on Anthony Bourdain's show "No Reservations" (Travel Channel) and was intensely intrigued by its history and remote location.  Located in an industrial area, Calumet fisheries serves all things aquatic fried or smoked.  I hope they're not fishing them out of the river from the back porch.  it's a tiny spot (i felt awkward and touristy snapping pics inside so I passed on that) so I heeded the advice of some online reviews and headed to a nearby park- good choice on my part!  it was a lovely day and I got to dip my feet in Lake Michigan.  Both the clams and the scallops were quite good- well-seasoned and accompanied by a spicy sauce.

If you write me, I will come (to your food truck)

 Bridgeport Pasty

Chicago: various locations

Fully electric and capable of going 40 miles on a 5-hr charge

bird´s eye view

I had the presence of mind to stop mid-devour and take a pic

The owners of this truck reached out after my tv appearance and I took them up on their offer to stop by when I was in Chicago last week.  A pasty (pronounced PASS-tee, so nothing to do with burlesque dance attire) is described by them as a ¨hand held pot pie.¨ From my frame of reference, it´s like an oversized empanada with a heartier crust.  I chose to sample the thai chicken ft. ginger, tomato and cauliflower.  Delicious and filling.  I especially enjoyed the crust!

Pizza Fusion in Downtown DM

Fong's Pizza
Des Moines

Thai chicken pizza with peanut sauce, carrot, celery, onion, and cilantro

cheese egg rolls with mozzarella

Fong's is a downtown institution of sorts for the young, hip and boozy.  Housed in an old chinese restaurant, traditional and fusion pizzas (think thai chicken and crab rangoon) are the specialty with an array of exotic drinks in novelty glasses.