🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🧀 I ordered a “half” order of nachos. It showed up on a large pizza pan. 😳
🎶 A jazz night that feels timeless (and very date-night worthy).
🍺 A winter tradition that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
The Chicken | 4221 SE Orilla Rd A, West Des Moines |
Half order of nachos. I repeat - HALF ORDER!
Happy Hour That Accidentally Turns Into Dinner – We met for happy hour (Mon–Thurs, 2–5 pm) and I ordered a half order of nachos thinking I was being reasonable. Friends, the half order arrived on a full-size pizza pan. Easily 6–8 servings! I cannot picture what the full order looks like. If you’re going with a group, this is a fantastic $15 shareable. And yes, I added chicken because, well… it’s The Chicken.
Comfort Food That Understands the Assignment – If you want cozy, filling, and unapologetically comforting, order the Orilla Chicken Bowl. Mashed potatoes, hand-cut fried chicken, seasoned corn, bacon, cheddar, and gravy all living happily together in one bowl. This is not diet food. This is “it’s January and I deserve this” food.
Location Perks You Don’t Expect – One of my favorite surprises? The restaurant sits right next to a bike and walking trail. It was 50 degrees in January (wild), so we literally walked off the nachos after eating. Add in the great outdoor patio for warmer months, and this becomes an easy meet-up spot that works year-round. Casual, generous, and exactly the kind of place you want in your regular rotation. 👉 View the menu here.
🍷 🍽️ Local Event Highlight: Winter Wine & Dine Week | Winefest Des Moines
January is the perfect month to linger over a great meal and Wine & Dine Week gives you every excuse to do just that. Restaurants across the metro are rolling out special prix-fixe menus and curated dining experiences designed to showcase seasonal flavors, thoughtful pairings, and the creativity of our local chefs. It’s an easy way to support Des Moines restaurants during a quieter month while treating yourself to something delicious.
📅 Jan. 9th–18th
👉 Browse participating restaurants and book your table: winefestdesmoines.com
Pro tip: Make reservations early. The most popular spots fill up fast.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: It’s A Date!
Want to add some novelty to date night? Scratch it. Reveal it. Do the date. It’s a Date makes reconnecting fun again. Comes with 40 scratch off dates in the box.
Pick a card that matches your vibe including time of day, length, and cost
Our date last week when the weather cooperated! Recommendations for bird-watching books?
🎟️ Buy Tickets Now for this Family-Friendly Pick
❄️💃 The Snow Ball | DSM Parks & Rec at the Science Center of Iowa
Bundle up for a night of magic and connection. The Snow Ball invites children to spend a special evening with a favorite parent, relative, or role model in a sparkling winter wonderland. Dance under shimmering lights, create eye-catching crafts, enjoy chocolate fondue, and capture a keepsake photo to remember the night. Plus, families can explore the Science Center’s hands-on exhibits together. It’s a sweet, meaningful way to make winter memories that last.
📅 Saturday, Feb. 7th, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 pm
💲 $30 per duo + $10 per additional child
👉 Register here: DSM.city/Snowball
Photo: The Des Moines Playhouse https://dmplayhouse.com/events/red-riding-hood/
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🎭🐺 Red Riding Hood: Both Sides of the Story | Des Moines Playhouse
This isn’t your standard fairytale retelling. Red Riding Hood: Both Sides of the Story flips the script by telling the classic tale from the wolf’s perspective — adding humor, heart, and plenty of unexpected twists along the way. Was the wolf really the villain or just misunderstood? With clever storytelling and lots of laughs, this family-friendly show invites audiences to question everything they thought they knew about the story. A fun, thoughtful winter outing for kids and adults alike. | Dates & times vary | dmplayhouse.com
🌀🏺 Pottery & Tarot | Five Monkeys Inc.
Get your hands a little dirty and your intuition tuned in. Pottery & Tarot blends creativity with reflection as you shape clay while also receiving tarot insights to spark thought and conversation. It’s part art class, part soul check-in. Perfect if you’re craving something hands-on, a little mystical, and totally different from your usual night out. Come curious, leave grounded (and with something you made). | Friday, Jan. 16th | Details & registration: fivemonkeysinc.com
Step into the golden era of the Great American Songbook. Vocalist Max Wellman and his big band bring the timeless music of Frank Sinatra to life along with favorites made famous by Dean Martin, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bublé, and more. Featuring newly commissioned arrangements and a dynamic, ever-evolving set list, Fly Me to the Moon is both classic and fresh. It’s sure to be an elegant night of jazz, swing, and storytelling in one of Des Moines’ most intimate and beloved music venues. | Friday, Jan. 16th 7pm | nocedsm.com
🍺🦴 Chewbocka Fest 2026 | Confluence Brewing Company
One of the quirkiest winter traditions in Des Moines is back. Chewbocka Fest brings Star Wars flair to the brewery scene with themed fun, costumes encouraged, and great beer flowing. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, here for the laughs, or just love a good excuse to get out in January, this event leans fully into joy and community which is exactly what we need. | Saturday, Jan. 17th | confluencebrewing.com
🏀 Iowa Wolves vs. Long Island Nets | Casey’s Center
If you’re craving big-game energy without the big-league price tag, an Iowa Wolves game always delivers. Expect fast-paced basketball, music, in-game entertainment, and that fun, buzzy arena atmosphere that makes even a winter night feel electric. Whether you’re a hoops fan or just want an easy night out, this is a solid pick. | Sunday, Jan. 18th 3pm | iowaeventscenter.com
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Got a pet-in-a-sweater pic? Reply to this newsletter with your pic. Your pet can be famous!
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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