🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🥘 Comfort food you didn’t know you were missing: This week’s restaurant spotlight will turn first-timers into Ethiopian food fans forever👇
🏀 Big energy, early holiday magic, and books galore: Five ways to fill your weekend with local fun
📍Made in Des Moines, for Des Moines: Bringing you the best of DSM each week. If you love it, please share it!
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Gursha Ethiopian Grill | 2316 University Ave, Des Moines |
“Meat Combo” includes Ziggini beef, Beef Tibs, Chicken Tibs, Beef Alicha, and Doro Wot chicken.
“Veggie Combo” includes Missir Wot, Shiro Wot, Gomen, Alicha, and Kik Alicha Wot veggies.
Flavor, Comfort, and Culture in Every Bite – Gursha Ethiopian Grill has earned its place as a Des Moines staple. After years of waiting for a tried and true Ethiopian spot, Gursha is here to serve the community with authentic East African flavors made from the heart. Whether you dine in or order online, expect vibrant dishes, generous portions, and the kind of meal that feels both grounding and deeply satisfying.
Try It All (You’ll Want To) – I ordered both the Meat Combo and the Veggie Combo through the Eatfuti app because I couldn’t decide — and honestly, that’s the move I recommend. It’s the perfect way to sample a little of everything, from tender stewed meats to flavorful lentils, greens, and spiced vegetables. If you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine, don’t be shy about asking for recommendations (or letting them choose for you when you go in person). And a tip — if you prefer mild heat, mention it when you order as some dishes bring a spicy kick.
It’s Worth Going Right Now Because – Gursha is the kind of cozy spot that reminds you how powerful simple, soulful food can be. Grab a bottle of red wine, tear off a piece of injera (the soft, spongy bread), and dig in. This is comfort food at its best — rich, flavorful, and made to be shared. 👉 View the menu here.
Photo: Iowa Wolves https://www.iowaeventscenter.com/teams/detail/iowa-wolves
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
Iowa Wolves Opening Night | Casey’s Center (old Wells Fargo Arena) | Tip off basketball season with the Iowa Wolves home opener. The first 1,500 fans score a free T-shirt, and the arena atmosphere brings NBA-level excitement with up-close action, entertainment, and energy. | Friday, Nov. 7 | Doors open 4:30pm | Game time 6:30pm
Midwest Metaphysical Expo | Horizon Events Center, Clive | Step into a weekend full of wonder at this year’s Midwest Metaphysical Expo. Explore energy healing, crystals, astrology, and intuitive readings from over 80 vendors and practitioners. Whether you’re deeply spiritual or just curious, it’s sure to be a fascinating experience.| Saturday, Nov. 8, 10am-6pm. Sunday, Nov. 9, 11am-5pm | $7 admission for 16+. Under 16 & veterans FREE.
Des Moines Holiday Boutique | Iowa Events Center, EMC Expo Hall | Get your holiday shopping started in style! The Des Moines Holiday Boutique features hundreds of vendors offering home décor, boutique clothing, gourmet treats, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a festive weekend full of inspiration and fun — perfect for a girls’ day out or a family tradition in the making. | Nov. 7–9 | Hours vary by day | Admission $14 day of show
Valley Junction Sip & Shop | Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines | Grab your friends and ease into the holiday season with an evening stroll through Valley Junction’s charming shops. Enjoy complimentary sips, exclusive discounts, and festive vibes as local boutiques, galleries, and restaurants stay open late. It’s the perfect mix of small-town charm and big holiday spirit. 🎄 | Thursday, Nov. 6, 5–8 pm
Young Women’s Resource Center Book Sale | Iowa State Fairgrounds, Elwell Family Food Center| Book lovers, this one’s for you! Browse thousands of gently used books while supporting the Young Women’s Resource Center. From novels and cookbooks to children’s picture books, there’s something for every reader and every dollar helps empower local girls and young women through YWRC’s programs and services. | Thursday-Sunday, times vary. https://ywrc.org/events/booksale/
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Photo: Des Moines Holiday Boutique https://www.desmoinesholidayboutique.com/
💸 Local Deal of the Week
Manhattan Deli | 3705 Ingersoll Ave. DSM | It’s that time of year — the Turkey Todd is back! This legendary sandwich layers oven-roasted turkey, Swiss cheese, Granny Smith apples, homemade stuffing, and cranberry cream cheese - all topped with rich turkey gravy. It’s basically Thanksgiving on bread. In-the-know locals wait all year for it. Only available until Tuesday, Nov. 26. | $14
Photo: “Turkey Todd” https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanDeliDesMoines
💛 Giving Back
Host a Food or Fund Drive for Food Bank of Iowa | With food pantries seeing record demand and SNAP benefits reduced, community support matters more than ever. Hosting a food or fund drive is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to help fight hunger across Iowa. You can organize one at your workplace, church, or even with a few friends or neighbors.
The most-needed items right now include:
🥜 Peanut butter
🍐 Canned fruits and vegetables
🐓 Canned meat and fish
🍝 Boxed meals and pasta
🥣 Breakfast items including cereal
🧼 Personal and paper products like soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper
Cash donations go even further, allowing the Food Bank of Iowa to purchase food at bulk prices and fill gaps where supplies are low.
It’s simple to start your own drive or donate directly. Everything you need to get going is here:
👉 foodbankiowa.org/get-involved/fooddrive
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up: Shake a Turkey Feather
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
📩 Did a friend send this to you? Want to make sure you get the newsletter every week? Sign up at AroundDSM.com.
AroundDSM sometimes partners with local businesses or uses affiliate links. We may earn a small commission — at no cost to you — if you make a purchase through our links. We only share what we truly love!