🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍣 Happy hour sushi that disappears fast and the roll I’ll be ordering every time.
🚴 Thinking about riding more this spring? This free event will have you dreaming of sunshine and trails.
🍽️ If winter had a love language, it would be this five-course Nordic dinner at Centro.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Wasabi Urbandale | 2301 Rocklyn Drive, Urbandale |
Photo: Crunchy Crab Roll & Marilyn Monroll | Emily Johnson
Happy Hour Is A Great Move – We hit Wasabi for happy hour (Mon–Fri, 3–6 pm, dine-in only) and the place filled up which is always a good sign. The Urbandale location is beautifully renovated and feels fresh and welcoming, whether you’re tucked into the dining room or eyeing the patio for warmer days. (See other locations in the metro here.) Prices are right, portions are generous, and the vibe makes you want to stay awhile.
What We Tried & Recommend – Start with the Spicy (Garlic) Edamame, then go straight for the rolls. The Crunchy Crab Roll disappeared fast, but the real standout for me was the Marilyn Monroll. It was so good that I’ve already decided it’s a permanent order going forward. If you’re the kind of person who likes to try something new every time, you’ll have plenty of options. Beyond sushi, the menu is deep: soups, ramen, noodle and rice dishes like pad thai and kimchi fried rice, so even non-sushi folks will be happy.
Great Service – The staff was genuinely friendly and super helpful when we asked for recommendations. I loved pairing my rolls with a Mango Passionfruit Lemonade (Dry January win), while my husband went with a Toki Old Fashioned. This is an easy, reliable spot you’ll want to come back to again and again. 👉 View the menu here.
🤝 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. Find it on Amazon #ad at https://amzn.to/4bmno67
Photo: West End Salvage | https://www.westendsalvage.com/antiques-and-vintage
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🍷🧀🍫 Splurge 2026 | West End Salvage
If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, this is the event. Splurge 2026 at West End Salvage is an all-out evening of unlimited wine, cheese, and chocolate set inside one of Des Moines’ most eclectic, browse-worthy spaces. Wander the store, sip and snack as much as you like, and soak in the relaxed, celebratory vibe that makes this event feel equal parts fancy and fun. It’s indulgent in the best way and a great excuse to dress up a little and get out of the house. | January 23 & 24, 6pm-9pm |Tickets $75 | westendsalvage.com
🎸 Big Head Todd and the Monsters | Hoyt Sherman Place
A night of rootsy rock and blues-driven sound from a band that’s been doing it for decades. Big Head Todd and the Monsters bring their signature mix of soulful guitar, gritty vocals, and fan-favorite hits to the historic Hoyt Sherman Place. It’s the kind of concert that feels timeless, and deeply satisfying — perfect for longtime fans. | Friday, Jan. 23rd, 7:30pm | hoytsherman.org
😂 Charlie Berens: The Lost & Found Tour | Des Moines Performing Arts
If Midwest humor feels like home, this one will hit just right. Charlie Berens, the Emmy-winning comedian and creator of The Manitowoc Minute, brings his Lost & Found Tour to Des Moines with the kind of observational comedy that feels especially relatable here in Iowa. Expect laughs rooted in small-town life, regional quirks, and that shared Midwest experience we all recognize. It’s warm, hilarious, and the kind of show where you’ll find yourself nudging the person next to you saying, “Yep… that’s us.” | Saturday, Jan. 24th, 8pm | desmoinesperformingarts.org
🚴 Iowa Bike Expo 2026 | Iowa Events Center
If riding your bike more this spring and summer has been on your “maybe this year” list, this is where inspiration turns into action. The Iowa Bike Expo is a free, one-day event designed to spark ideas, answer questions, and get you excited about what’s possible on two wheels. Browse bikes and gear, discover new trails and cycling destinations, and learn from passionate experts whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up. | Saturday, Jan. 24th, 9am-3pm | FREE | iowabikeexpo.com
❄️🍽️ Under the Northern Lights: A Feast from the Fjords | Centro
Lean into winter with a one-night-only dining experience inspired by Scandinavian flavors and tradition. Under the Northern Lights is a five-course mid-winter feast highlighting cherished family recipes from Centro Sous Chef Billy Wallace, featuring dishes like handmade lefse with cured salmon, Finnish salmon chowder, braised lamb with cabbage, and a stunning prinsesstårta to finish. (And if you don’t know what that is, maybe you should go!) Guests can add a curated beverage pairing with beers, wines, and cocktails designed to complement each course. It’s intimate, comforting, and the kind of slow, intentional night to savor. | Saturday, Jan. 24th | Doors 6:15 pm; Dinner 6:30 pm | $75 (+tax) includes food, welcome beverage, & gratuity | Limited seats | Tickets here
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Photo: Mango Passionfruit Lemonade & Toki Old Fashioned at Wasabi | Emily Johnson
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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