There are so many delicious restaurants to try around Iowa. Since moving here, one of my favorites has been “Bravo!” Italian Kitchen nestled in Jordan Creek Mall—a perfect spot for a satisfying post-shopping meal. And for a dessert fix, Crumbl Cookies has become a beloved go-to, especially for us college students seeking a sweet study snack. However, those are only a couple of the numerous delicious places that we have here in Iowa.
Dining Delights at the Corndog Kickoff features multiple popular restaurants in the Des Moines Metro and Central Iowa area. It’s not an event you’ll want to miss – it’s a chance win a gift card to your favorite restaurant or try something completely new. All it takes is a donation of $20, and you’re able to draw a random gift card of $25 or more!
We would like to thank the restaurants who donated in 2023:
7 Stone Pizzeria
A & W - Indianola
A Taste of Italy
Americana
Baratta's
Barn Town Brewing
Biaggi's
Big Grove Brewery
Bravo
Buzzard Billy's
Carl's Gizmo
Central Iowa KFC, Inc.
Central Standard
Chicago Speak Easy
Crumbl Cookie
Dairy Zone
Drake Diner
Eggs and Jam
Exile Brewing Company
Fat Charlie's Tavern
Felix & Oscars Restaurant
Founders Irish Pub
Fresko
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
Kava Des Moines
Latin King
Louie's Wine Dive
Gastro Grub & Pub
Giordano's
G'Mig's
Grumpy Goat
Gusto Pizza Bar
Iowa Egg Council
Iowa Taproom
Maggiano's
Maytag Dairy Farms
Mitzi's
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Now or Later
Olive Garden
On the Border
Opa!
P.F. Changs
Parlor Pizza
Rita's Cantina
Slim Chickens
Smashburger
Smokey D's
Sweet Caroline's Kitchen & Cocktails
Taco John's
Taste of Italy
The Keg Stand
The Other Place
Trostel's Greenbriar
Waterfront Seafood Market
Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew
What The Fries
Whiskey River - Ankeny
Zanzibar's
These generous donations have helped us to make the Corndog Kickoff the delightful event that it is, while raising funds for the historic Fairgrounds. We could not do it without you!
Do you have a favorite restaurant that you’d like to see featured in the 2024 Dining Delights? You may purchase a gift card of $20 or more and then donate it to the Blue Ribbon Foundation. That gift card will then be entered into Dining Delights. That way, you’re supporting a local restaurant as well as contributing to the Foundation. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the Fair season!
Also, it’s not too late to buy your tickets to the Corndog Kickoff. Tickets are available to purchase for $100 through June 30 and $125 beginning July 1. Additionally, patrons at the Blue Ribbon level or higher will receive a reserved table at the Kickoff.
We hope to see you there on Saturday, July 13 at 6:30 pm.
To purchase tickets, become a patron or donor, or learn more about the event, visit our Website.
- Lauren McCullum, Donor Relations Intern