🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🥢 A Southside staple serving up egg rolls, banter, and “ the best ever” Mongolian beef.
🎶 Two nights. Five stages. Twenty acts. Winter Blues Fest is turning up the volume and keeping the cold outside.
🎯 Skip the clichés and aim for something different this Valentine’s Day.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Sam’s Fine Food Egg Rolls | 3300 SW 9th Street Unit #4, Des Moines |
Photo: Mongolian Beef | Emily Johnson
Photo: Orange Chicken | Emily Johnson
🌟A Southside Staple That Just Works – Sam’s has been doing its thing on the corner of SW 9th and Park for years, and most of the action is take-out (you’ll see why the second you walk in). There isn’t much room to dine in, but you absolutely can, and we did. Sitting there chatting with Sam, soaking in the no-frills vibe, reminded me why places like this become community favorites. He can banter with the best of them, and the energy feels as authentic as the food.
🚘 The Kind of Food You Talk About on the Drive Home – We ordered Mongolian Beef, Orange Chicken, egg rolls (obviously), and crab rangoons. We had zero chance of finishing it all. Thankfully, everything comes in carry-out containers anyway. My husband declared the Mongolian Beef “the best I’ve ever had.” The Orange Chicken played it safe on the spice level, but I have a feeling if I asked Sam to turn up the heat, he absolutely would. And those egg rolls? A given every time.
🏈 A Super Bowl Tradition in the Making – If you know, you know. For the Super Bowl, Sam offers $1 egg rolls and crab rangoons. When we stopped in two days before the game, he was already up to 2,500 egg rolls ordered. Some traditions just work. Make a mental note for next year because this is the kind of local ritual worth keeping.👉 View the menu on their Facebook page 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
💛 Reserve Tickets Now for This Giving Back Event: Spay-ghetti & No Balls at Opa!
Looking for a way to do a little good while enjoying a plate of pasta? This one’s clever and impactful.
Join the Animal Rescue League of Iowa for Spay-ghetti & No Balls at Opa Italian & Greek Restaurant on February 22 from 4:00-7:00pm for a playful fundraiser supporting spay and neuter efforts that help reduce pet overpopulation in our community.
Enjoy a delicious meal while knowing your dollars are directly helping animals in need. Events like this support lifesaving programs, affordable spay/neuter services, and the care of thousands of pets across Iowa each year.
If you’ve ever adopted, fostered, donated, or simply love animals, this is an easy way to give back.
👉 Learn more and grab your tickets at arl-iowa.org
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
💕 Pretty-in-Pink Valentine’s Pop-Up | The Republic on Grand, Downtown Des Moines
If you’re leaning into the romance (or just love a themed cocktail moment), The Republic on Grand is going all-in this month with their Pretty-in-Pink Valentine’s Pop-Up. Think festive décor, Valentine-inspired cocktails, decadent desserts, and a space designed for date nights, girls’ nights, or just an excuse to dress up and toast to love. One of their drinks is shareable and called “Sitting in a Tree.” 😊 Adorable.
Whether you’re planning ahead for Feb. 14th or just want a fun excuse to get out during these winter weeks, this one sets the mood. | All month long | therepublicongrand.com
🎸 2026 Winter Blues Fest | Des Moines Marriott Downtown
If February has you craving live music and a reason to stay out past sunset, Winter Blues Fest delivers in a big way. Hosted by the Central Iowa Blues Society, this two-night festival brings 20 acts across five stages — all under one roof inside the Downtown Marriott ballrooms. No hopping between venues in the cold. Just great music, cozy rooms, table seating, and dance floors in every space.
What started back in 1994 as a small, one-night showcase has grown into a full-blown weekend celebration featuring local, regional, and international blues talent. There’s a full-service restaurant onsite, plus drinks and concessions throughout all three festival floors. Settle in and make a night of it.
🎟 $60 Weekend Pass
🎟 $30 Friday | $40 Saturday
(Advance tickets available until 10pm on Feb. 12th — prices increase $15 at the door.)Grab tickets and see the full lineup at cibs.org
💐 Build-A-Bouquet Happy Hour | Surety Hotel Lobby, Downtown Des Moines
Skip the grocery store scramble and build something personal instead. During Valentine’s Week Happy Hour, you can hand-select flowers by the stem and create your own swoon-worthy bouquet right in the lobby at the Surety. Pair it with festive drink specials from Mulberry Street Tavern and call it a creative, low-stress date night win. | Thursday, Feb. 12 & Friday, Feb. 13, 5–7 pm | suretyhotel.com
🏹 Archery Date Night | Jester Park
Looking for a Valentine’s plan that’s a little more adventurous than dinner reservations? Head to Jester Park for Archery Date Night where you and your favorite person can try archery, axe throwing, and even bouldering in one fun, active evening. Instruction, equipment, and light refreshments are all included. All you have to do is show up (and maybe show off a little 😉). | Saturday, Feb. 14th | 5–6:30 pm or 7–8:30 pm | $5 | Ages 18+ | Registration required by Feb. 12 | polkcountyiowa.gov
❤️🪵 Red Flannel Run 2026 | Wellmark YMCA Event, Des Moines
Seen as the unofficial kickoff to outdoor race season, the Red Flannel Run has been warming up winter in Des Moines for 35 years. What started with two single guys who didn’t have Valentine’s Day plans has grown into the longest consecutively produced race in the metro.
Suit up in your best red flannel (the more creative, the better!) and choose between a 5K or 10K. Even your dog can join the fun. It’s freezing fitness with heart while supporting the YMCA’s mission to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. | Saturday, Feb. 14th at 9 am | runsignup.com |
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
💛 A Little Love Note from Me
I just want to say thank you.
Every time you choose a local restaurant, buy a ticket to a show, wander through a market, or share this newsletter with a friend, you’re helping shape the kind of Des Moines we all get to live in.
Thank you for supporting local. Thank you for reading. And thank you for being part of this growing little community.
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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