AllSpice Culinarium is our primary go-to when we are replenishing our spice pantry. Beyond stocking…read morea wide variety of dry spices from across the globe, they also carry a large variety of oils and vinegars (which can be taste-tested) for your culinary projects (for those familiar, think vomFASS). AllSpice's staff are usually friendly, always informative, and able to connect you with the right item(s). Their goods come in a variety of sizes making it easy to experiment with something new (umami dust? Porcini mushroom sea salt? Yes to both) or refill a favorite. You can also find a few curated products on their shelves - an example (and our favorite): Col. Pabst Private Stash All-Malt Amber Lager Worcestershire sauce as well as a variety of storage containers, shakers, dispensers, and related kitchenware. Things to know: * AllSpice is located in Des Moines' East Village. * Metered street parking is available, if you can get it. There is lot and ramp parking within a couple of blocks. The East Village offers a variety of shopping, entertainment, and dinning experiences. Consider taking a morning or afternoon to browse. * https://allspiceonline.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooh-GUU8RVZQsW_JUciATjU1HYdSzt6hO8togRDE7l1NhsWMiEL

Nice and well stocked little spice shop in downtown Des Moines. The staff were very friendly and…read morehelpful and will assist you in finding anything that you may be looking for. They have lots of spices and kitchen related accessories.

I found these authentic, delicious meat pies at the Waukee Hy Vee a few weeks ago. When I returned…read moreto restock my freezer I found none in the store. After some research, I found they are made by our friends at St Kilda. I will be ordering directly from them. On the cold, miserable winter day in Iowa, I closed my eyes and enjoyed savory meat pies and imagined I was on the beach "Down Under."

My boyfriend found PIE MATES pies at Hyvee's frozen food section. Its marketed as handcrafted by…read moreAustralian artisan bakers from a 100 year old recipe. My boyfriend bought the 14-hour braised steak (rich peppercorn reduction & balsamic infused caramelized onions). We both wanted to try it so we split it in half and the half portion was plenty filling for each of us AND it was absolutely delicious! When I found out it was a local brand I had to go to Hyvee to try the other flavors. So far the other flavor I've tried is the Chicken Sun dried & cherry tomatoes in a basil béchamel. It was so good! I started with a half portion but it was so good I ate the other in the same sitting. That was a mistake on my part because I was too full eating the whole thing! The pie may seem small but it is plenty filling for two meals. The nutrition facts on the back are based on a half serving and at half size the caloric intake is over 400 calories. But it's to be expected because these things are so good! I can't wait to try the other different flavors I bought of PIE MATES from Hyvee.

I have been to the Johnston location a few times and have always had a great meal with great…read moreservice. My boyfriend and I typically get the Crab Rangoon sandwich. It is the perfect balance of flavors and great for crab Rangoon lovers. One thing I love about this place are all the options! You can get fried or grilled chicken and can choose a sandwhich, salad, or wrap. There's something for everyone. I would also recommend to watch their social media pages as they offer rotating weekly sandwiches.

Review of the latest rating of a chicken sandwich since I pride myself as a southern that knows…read morechicken. Of course many have selective taste and the spices used as well as custom play a huge role. The greeting was friendly and upbeat. The surround decor was clean and mod with character. Parking was easy spacious and plentiful in with a wrap around drive thru. At issue is the price $$ for a batter dipped piece of chicken or crab Rangoon that was a tad salty, but flavorful. Would I take a road trip for another taste of what I can find in the Des Moines area probably not, but you may want to give it a try.

The Graziano Bros. Sausage Mobile food trailer pulled up to where I work at the Crescent building…read morein Urbandale. If you are familiar with the Des Moines metro the Graziano Bros name should be one you already know. Established in 1912 they are a fixture here when it comes to Italian sausage. The ordering process was smooth and the menu was displayed well. The wait wasn't long. I ordered the fried ravioli (beef filled) with marinara and an Italian Chop sandwich. The Italian Chop is almost exactly what it sounds like. It's served cold. Chopped mortadella, pepperoni, capicola, salami, provolone, tomato, onion, pepper rings, and lettuce. Tossed in a creamy Italian dressing. Served on a hoagie roll. The ravoli was served terrifyingly hot. Lol It's a bold tangy marinara. The sandwich is perfect for what it is. Service was excellent for a truck and typical of when there's a line. Busy. Not much time to small talk. I'll definitely be watching our food vendor schedule and trying out more items from the Graziano Bros. Sausage Mobile food trailer. https://www.facebook.com/p/Graziano-Bros-Sausage-Mobile-61572883362883/

3.9 A great old traditional Italian deli/ grocery. Not…read moreChicago, not Detroit level but we love most of it. Great Job!

Recently had a Veggie Thumper "Bougie PB&J" and I literally drool remembering that sandwich. Who…read moreelse but Lyssa could make something that sounds so plain and turn it into something so delicious. Anyway if you haven't made it to Veggie Thumper in a while I highly recommend hitting them up. It is hands-down the best food truck in town.

I have been following Veggie Thumper on IG for some time and was SO EXCITED to see that the bus was…read moreout and about near my favorite ex-stepmother, so I made it a point to pop by the extremely small Waukee Farmer's market just to get my hands on some of this delicious food. Already stuffed from a late lunch, the fiancé and I split the fried chick'n sandwich with mac & cheese (with added hot sauce, of course) and our tastebuds were blown away. Not only was the flavor on point, but so was the texture. Not even exaggerating, idc if you're a meat loving omni, you need to try the food if you ever come across this bus. Definitely hope to find the bus again when I'm in town again next year. Thanks for making the extra trip worth it!

Nan's has been around forever and there's a reason. Great local shop. My family loves this place…read more Always a good time.

Great service, reasonable prices and quality products! I've been here a number of times and have…read morenever been disappointed! Can't go wrong!

This is the best for all the heat seekers out there! I have been buying spices from Quicks for…read moreabout 5 years and have never been disappointed. They have a wide variety of flavor and heat levels that you can put on any type of food! If you are seeking Heat try the Blazzin and you will get lit from it!!!! The owner Paul and his wife are the nicest people to do business, All orders are shipped on time and completely filled and sometimes a lil extra. Do your self a flavor and try it .

From the owner: My business is focused on a customer's spicy taste buds! I…read moremake seasonings just for that! Designed to sprinkle on your own plate of food. But if you'd like to cook with it, you can! Several flavors to choose from! From super hot to tasty mild!

So fun to just browse the shelves and impulse purchase fresh breads and cakes. The woman at the…read morecounter was so friendly and was treating each customer like a true friend. The shop is tucked away but there is plenty of free parking in the lot, so there is no excuse to not visit.

This is such a neat little market! It's definitely very European, as most of the food they sell is…read morelabeled in one of the many Slavic languages. They have such an interesting variety of food, and, as someone who is nowhere near being Eastern European, I thought it was super cool to see all of these foods I had never tried. If you love chocolate like I do, come to this store because they have a fine selection of European chocolates for great prices. Kinder bueno, anyone? If you haven't tried it, you're missing out, just saying. I would also recommend their tea selection, which is also extensive and cheap. They have everything you'd expect in a specialty grocery store, from spices to meats, from canned foods to sweets/snacks that you definitely wouldn't be able to find at any American grocery store. It truly is an excellent selection. Whether or not you are familiar with the foods, I highly recommend checking this place out. Seriously, the chocolate selection alone will knock your socks off.

I'm a fan of pretty much everything about Dog Patch. Located just a bit east of Merle Hay Road on…read moreMeredith Drive, they are truly an urban garden. Dog Patch has a few different ventures going - including salad dressings and similar products, as well as (and this is my favorite) operating as a venue for farmstand-to-table dinner events. We've attended a few of these over the past year or so, the most recent being at the start of December and held in one of the greenhouses which had been festively decorated for the occasion. The ingredients for these dinners includes vegetables from Dog Patch as well as other local producers of meat, fruits, honey, and more in keeping with Dog Patch's mission of inspiring the health of humans, the community, and the land through supporting local food and farm-inspired products. Chefs vary from dinner to dinner but all are local and well-selected by owner Jenny and her husband Eric. Things to know about their farmstand-to-table events: * They are bring your own bottle if you want to have alcohol * Booking for each dinner starts well before the event, and usually sell out * Even though I'm obsessed with their dinner events, don't forget to visit their website, or the farm, to see what all they have to offer

Purchased my annuals today at Dogpatch Urban Garden. Great selection and good prices and wonderful…read moreservice. Shop local. Check out their website. They have lots to offer!

What a fun little shop! The owner was very friendly and celebrating her 1 year business…read moreanniversary. This location is the store front for funky little gifts to celebrate various occasions. I picked up the perfect card to have on hand in the event a friend has a pet pass away. Be sure to look at their website for curated gift boxes.

From the owner: When life calls for the perfect gift - get happy! You're sure to find something from our wide…read moreselection of curated items including greeting cards, home decor, bar and cocktail, gourmet foods, self care and spa, humor and sass. Our specialty is the Happy Box, a creative twist on the traditional care package. Shop online for ready-to-go curated gifts or BYO (build your own). If you need to send your gift, we can ship for you.