04 Oct 2011

Food experts tell it like it is on Best Food Facts

By Best Food Facts

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What's Cookin'?

Recently we've talked with University-based food experts/researchers about these topics

Check out all the Food for Thought posts!

03 Oct 2011

Machine Shed Restaurant Celebrates National Pork Month

By Stacy Christofferson

With special features, promotions and contests all month long

October is National Pork Month.  Since the doors first opened in 1978, Pork has been a staple on the Machine Shed menu selling over 300,000 pounds of Pork every year.  Here's what guests will find at the Shed this month:

  • Enjoy specially priced 2 for $25 pork dinners
  • Enter to win a $25 gift card in a Facebook "Blue Ribbon Picture" photo contest
  • Learn tips, recipes and fun facts on the Machine Shed Blog
  • Download a complimentary recipe eBook with eight chef inspired signature recipes
  • Enter to win great pork related gift packs
Celebrate National Pork Month at the Machine Shed.  To learn more about all the Machine Shed Pork Month events, visit their website at www.machineshed.com.  For more information, please call the Machine Shed Restaurant at (563) 391-2427. The Machine Shed is located at I-80 and Northwest Blvd in Davenport, IA.
03 Oct 2011

Figge features free family fête

By Rick Martin

Davenport, Iowa - September 2011 - In celebration of the French poster exhibition, "Turn of the Century Posters from the Krannert Art Museum", the Figge will be hosting a free event for the whole family! On Saturday, October 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., "A Fabulously Fun French Family Event" will feature plenty of activities for even the youngest artiste. In studios 2, 3 and 4 families will be able to design posters, learn printmaking techniques from St. Ambrose instructors, and enjoy French-themed treats!

After the studio activities, families can listen to children's stories from France, learn simple French words and phrases, and enjoy a film about Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec?France's most famous poster designer!

A tour of the "Turn of the Century Posters" exhibition using the Parent & Child guide provided by the Figge is also encouraged. The guide can be downloaded from the museum homepage and explains four of the most popular posters in the exhibition, how they were designed, and why they were so successful. There will also be real-life objects from the posters on display! Families are invited to sketch the opera glasses, bicycle and people dressed in period costumes. Missing out on this free family event would be a real faux pas!

This event is sponsored by John Deere and Butler Insurance Services.

For more information about "A Fabulously Fun French Family Event" please contact Ann Marie Hayes-Hawkinson at 563-326-7804, ext. 7887 or at ahayeshawkinson@figgeartmuseum.org.

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in Downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, Sundays noon to 5 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  To contact the museum, please call 563-326-7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
30 Sep 2011

Grand Opening of the Café at RME

By The Buzz Gallery of modern Art

Friday, September 30, 2011

Grand Opening of the Café at RM

(Davenport, IA)  Thanks to the Scott County Regional Authority, River Music Experience (RME) is proud to announce that its first floor renovations are complete.  The first floor space, formally Mojo's, will now be known simply as the RME, and all performances in the space will be on the RME Community Stage, as always.  Improvements include a new menu featuring items from Woodfire Grill, booths, and an updated performance area. Additionally, a modular, sliding wall was installed at the south end of the space to improve the listening experience for patrons when there are simultaneous performances and events on both floors of the RME.

"We're very excited about the fact that the new improvements will enable us to host a wider range of performances and educational programs on the RME Community Stage," said Tom Swanson, Executive Director of the River Music Experience. "We're truly grateful to the SCRA and all of the RME's community partners, including Lujack Lexus of the Quad Cities, WQAD, the RDA, Quad City Cultural Trust, Bechtel Trusts, and all of the sponsors and donors that made this long-time vision become reality. We look forward to providing the Quad Cities and the region with an even better experience here at the RME."

In addition to the myriad offerings already taking place at the RME, two new programs will be featured on the RME Community Stage. Mandolin Junction, a bluegrass and old-time music jam is a friendly, free, open jam aimed at encouraging the performance, preservation and appreciation of bluegrass and old-time music. The program is open to listeners and all musicians who play fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass and other acoustic instruments.

Blues Café is a blues improvisation program featuring professional musicians from the area, as well as the occasional visiting artist or special guest.

Fans of the RME are encouraged visit the new space for lunch or participate in the organization's array of educational programming and live performances.

---end---
19 Sep 2011

The Red Avocado Beer Dinner

By The Red Avocado
Reservations are available for our Autumn Beer Dinner next Week on Wednesday 21st at 6pm. We will be featuring Madhouse Brewery from Newton, Iowa. Visit website for menu updates. It will be an all-Iowa meal with all produce being local. Call (319) 351 6088.

We will raffle off two 50% vouchers for the beer dinner. Simply reply to this email with beer dinner raffle in subject line before midnight on Saturday 17th. Each voucher is for 50% off a beer dinner for two.

On Wednesday 28th we will donate 10% of dinner proceeds to The Iowa United Nations Association. 5:00-9:00pm

We will continue lunch/brunch Tuesday-Sunday through Hallowe'en. From Hallowe'en to Spring we will be open for lunch/brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and for dinner Tuesday-Saturday.
15 Sep 2011

Happy Joe's Launches Breakfast Program Chainwide!

By Kristel Ersan


The    Happy    Joe's    company,    based    in    Bettendorf,    Iowa,    plans    to    launch    a    chainwide    breakfast    program    
September    15,    2011.    Along    with    the    breakfast    rollout,    the    company    will    also    launch    a    new    text    mobile    
marketing    program    where    guests    can    opt    in    to    their    favorite    Happy    Joe's    mobile    club    and    receive    
exclusive    offers    from    Happy    Joe's    all    year    long.        

The    Happy    Joe's    breakfast    program    will    focus    on    two    main    items,    omelet    pizzas    and    home?    style    
cinnamon    rolls,    which    will    be    available    for    dine    in,    pickup,    and    delivery.    Kristel    Whitty?Ersan,    Marketing    
Director,    stated,    "We    have    had    good    success    with    our    breakfast    items    at    over    20    stores    and    we    are    thrilled    
to    expand    the    program    chainwide.        Much    of    our    success    with    this    program    has    come    through    our    delivery    
program    to    businesses    as    our    omelet    pizza    and    cinnamon    rolls    work    well    for    morning    business    meetings."    

All    locations    will    be    offering    the    omelet    pizza    and    cinnamon    rolls,    and    will    have    the    option    to    add    gourmet    
coffee,    breakfast    burritos,    and    Happy    Joe's    Scramblers    (similar    to    a    breakfast    skillet).        Happy    Joe's    omelet    
pizza    is    served    on    a    pan?style    crust    with    scrambled    eggs,    cheese,    and    your    favorite    pizza    toppings.    Happy    
Joe's        most    popular    omelet    pizzas    include    the    Denver    with    green    peppers,    onions,    tomatoes,    and    diced    
bacon,    the    3?Meat    with    sausage,    Canadian    bacon,    and    bacon,    and    the    Bacon?Bacon    with    Canadian    bacon    
and    bacon.    

Happy    Joe    Whitty,    Founder    of    the    company,    stated,    "I    used    to    belong    to    several    business    groups    back    in    
the    '80s    and    we    would    meet    at    a    local    diner    for    our    morning    meetings.    One    day    I    realized        we    weren't    
meeting    at    my    restaurant    for    our    weekly    meetings.    A    couple    of    the    members    reminded    me    that    we    didn't    
serve    breakfast!    I    responded    that    the    following    week    we    would    meet    at    my    place    and    I'd    whip    something    
up.    That's    when    the    breakfast    pizza    was    born.    For    years    we    only    made    it    for    special    meetings    and    internal    
events.    Finally    my    kids,    who    now    run    the    company,    said,    'Dad,    this    pizza    is    so    great,    we    should    really    offer    
it    to    our    guests.'    So    now    we're    in    the    breakfast    business!    It    always    makes    me    feel    great    when    I    hear    the    
compliments    we    get    on    these    breakfast    items."            

If    you    would    like    more    information    on    Happy    Joe's    breakfast    program    or    would    like    to    interview    Happy    
Joe    Whitty    or    Kristel    Ersan,    Marketing    Director,    contact    the    Happy    Joe's    Support    Center    at    563?332?8811,    
or    Kristel    at    563?650?4680    or    kristele@happyjoes.com.        

###
01 Sep 2011

Happy Joe's New Joegurt Concept Opens Second Locatio

By Kristel Ersan

Happy Joe's has launched a new frozen yogurt concept, appropriately named Joegurt. Joegurt was first introduced at the Bettendorf location June 17th and has been receiving rave reviews. Now the company has opened the second Joegurt location in the upper level at the Happy Joe's located at 201 W. 50th Street in Davenport. Joegurt is real frozen yogurt that tastes like decadent ice cream. Both locations offer 10?12 flavors and 5?6 twist options. Some of the flavors offered are Tahitian Vanilla, Strawberry Sensation, Harvest Peach, Cookies 'n Cream, Red Velvet Cake, Birthday Cake, Cappuccino, and a non?dairy Orange Sorbet. Many of the flavors offered are also gluten?free. Joegurt contains probiotics which are healthy bacteria that are good for general digestive health. It also has fewer calories and less cholesterol than ice cream. Kristel Whitty?Ersan, Marketing Director for Happy Joe's, stated, "This is basically like really good ice cream without the guilt! Our guests seem to love it and we've seen many return visits just for the Joegurt."

The way Joegurt works is you fill your own cup with the Joegurt flavor(s) of your choice and then visit a toppings bar where you can add fresh fruit, candies, granola, nuts, and cookies, and there are three flavors of Ghirardelli syrups available. Guests weigh their Joegurt creations and pay a per?ounce price. Jenny Culp, Head Coach of the W. 50th Street location stated, "The kids love to go through the line and make their own creations. It is fun for them to make their own choices."

Guests who would like to try a sample of Joegurt can opt into Happy Joe's new Mobile Club by texting HJ26 to 87365. They will receive a coupon for a free Joegurt at Happy Joe's located at 50th and Welcome Way.

Happy Joe's new Joegurt concept is the only one of its kind in the Quad City area. The company plans to open the next Joegurt concept in Cedar Rapids.  

###

23 Aug 2011

Apple Cake Takes First in Healthy Creations Contest at State Fair

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (08/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Shirley Steele of Washington was awarded First Place Overall in the Healthy Creations contest judged Monday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Steele's Raw Apple Cake also earned first place in the desserts category .

Entries were judged on flavor, healthiness, appearance, originality, creativity and ease of preparation.

Additional results below:

Entrées

1) Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines

Appetizers

1) Diane Rauh, Des Moines

2) Deana Wright, Colfax

Desserts

1) Shirley Steele, Washington

2) Cindie Robinette-Anderson, Des Moines

3) Laura Snell, Norwalk

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

23 Aug 2011

Bettendorf Cook Bowls Over Judges in State Fair Soup Contest

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (08/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Norita Solt of Bettendorf won first place and a $100 cash award in the Souper Soups competition judged Wednesday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Kyle Barton of West Des Moines took second place and $50. Ginger Johnson of West Des Moines claimed third place and $25.

Krista Kulas of Johnston received an honorable mention.

Entries were judged on taste, appearance and uniqueness.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

09 Aug 2011

Young Business Owner Opens Local Confectionary's Newest Franchise

By Natalie Linville-Mass

Davenport, IA / August 9, 2011 -- An ambitious young business owner is helping expand the roots of an ice cream hot spot that got its start in the Quad Cities with the Grand Opening of the local chain's newest franchise on 53rd Street just east of Division in Davenport. New Country Style Ice Cream and Hawaiian Style Coffee owner Cristina Sanchez, 26, is pleased to offer the community another convenient location to visit the popular chain, despite an economy that can often present a roadblock for new businesses.

"I am extremely overwhelmed with excitement to open a well-known name such as Country Style Ice Cream here in   Davenp or t  ," said Sanchez. "Luckily, I will have the supp or t of my family to help me out. Especially my Mother, Karen, who will be my experienced latte artist during the m or ning drive."

Sanchez is no stranger to the industry and spent six former years working on the Country Style team, while also attending high school and college. She remembers joking with current Country Style/Hawaiian Style owner Kent Kindelsperger, her employer at the time, about one day opening up her own storefront.

"He would say, 'One day I'm going to sell you a store.' Now here I am at the age of 26, one decade later, purchasing a Country Style Ice Cream and Hawaiian Style Coffee franchise," said Sanchez. 

The Grand Opening will be Thursday, August 18th from 4pm to 6pm. A ribbon cutting will kick off the festivities at 4:30pm, with do or  prizes and refreshments to follow. Ice cream enthusiasts both young and old are invited to swing by to enjoy free soft-serve kid cones and show their supp or t toward the company's recent growth. Visit or s also can take advantage of half-price specialty shakes, available in a variety of mouth-watering flav or s,  or  just stop out f or  the fun.

 

For More Information:

Contact: Natalie Linville-Mass

Telephone: 309-786-5142

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