🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🌮 Breakfast for lunch, a salsa bar that’s basically choose-your-own adventure, and a birria omelet I’m still thinking about.
💘 Date night made easy — scratch it off, order something sweet, and let Valentine’s plans take care of themselves.
❄️ When it’s cold outside, the best plans involve cooking, learning, and eating really well.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Faustino’s Breakfast & Tacos | 2800 University Ave. Ste 400, West Des Moines |
Photo: Faustino’s Birria Omelet | Emily Johnson
Photo: Faustino’s Breakfast & Tacos Interior | Emily Johnson
Breakfast for Lunch = Instant Win
This newer University Ave. location specializes in breakfast every day until 2:30 pm, which honestly feels like a public service. I went all in on the giant birria omelet—three eggs, juicy birria, cilantro, onions, queso fresco, and avocado served with roasted potatoes, a side of consommé (for dipping!), and sourdough toast. Everything is made to order and deeply satisfying in that “would it be weird to come here every day?” kind of way.Tacos, Salsas & Choose-Your-Own Adventure Energy
My husband’s breakfast tacos with carnitas were just as solid, and the salsa bar deserves its own moment. Avocado salsa, salsa verde, mango, mild/medium/hot—and even a salsa specifically for their thick, crunchy tortilla chips. It’s fun, flavorful, and very much a “try a little of everything” moment.Colorful Vibes + Fun Extras Worth Knowing About
The space is bright, funny, and full of personality (we watched it fill up quickly over lunch). Insider tips: they now have all-you-can-eat street tacos for $16.99 Wednesday–Saturday from 5–8 pm, and birria pizza is a thing (hello, Super Bowl plans). This spot feels casual, joyful, and perfect for both a quick bite or a linger-a-while meal. 👉 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
💘 Valentine’s Day Idea (Easy, Local, and Impressive)
If you want to wow your Valentine without stressing over reservations or cooking, Main Street Cafe & Bakery has you covered. They’re offering adorable Valentine’s treats and a cozy take-and-bake meal for two — all available to order online and pick up in Ankeny.
Baked goods can be ordered here. ❤️
Take-and-bake meal for two can be ordered here. ❤️
Photo: Gracie Le, dance instructor at Dine & Dance event | https://events.humanitix.com/cultureall-dine-and-dance
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🫖 Bridgerton Bingo Tea Party | Crème, Des Moines
Dearest reader, if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to dress like Madame Delacroix and sip tea with a little drama, this is it. In honor of the upcoming season of Bridgerton, Crème is hosting a cheeky Bridgerton Bingo Tea Party complete with a beautiful snack board (think chocolate, cheese, mini cupcakes, cucumber sandwiches), tea from Red Dragon Herbs & Teas, cocktails, bingo prizes, and playful take-home souvenirs. Dressing up is strongly encouraged, gossip is implied, and spots are limited. | Thursday, Jan. 29th, 5:30–7:30 pm | $50/person | 18+ only | https://www.cremecupcake.com/
💃 Dine & Dance with CultureALL | Heavenly Asian Cuisine, Des Moines
Dinner and a dance floor? Yes, please. CultureALL kicks off its curated Dine & Dance series with an evening at Heavenly Asian Cuisine that blends food, culture, and movement. Hosted by Chef Nhina Chau, this experience starts with cocktails and appetizers, then invites you to learn how to make your own custom wraps (Cheeseburger Egg Roll Wrap, Lettuce Wrap, Spring Roll — with great vegetarian options, too). After dinner, the night turns interactive with dance performances and instruction featuring global styles like K-pop, Tango, and Hip-Hop, led by Gracie Le and Xavior Scott. | Thursday, Jan. 30th, 6 pm | $60/person (includes dinner, drinks & entertainment) | Tickets
😂 Comedy XPeriment: Winter Improv Fun | Tallgrass Theatre, West Des Moines
If you love comedy that’s fast, unpredictable, and fueled by audience ideas, this one’s for you. Comedy XPeriment — Des Moines’ longest-running improv troupe — takes the stage at Tallgrass Theatre for a night of winter improv fun. Expect short sketches, one-liners, musical numbers, and even full-length plays, all created on the spot based on your suggestions. It’s clever, lively, and refreshingly family-friendly, making it a great pick for a mixed-age night out. | Thursday, Jan. 30th, 7:30–9 pm (Doors at 7 pm) | Tickets
✨ Vision Board Workshop + Conversation with DSM Girls Club Founder | Surety Hotel, Des Moines
Get inspired and then work your plan. This two-hour workshop blends guided vision boarding with a candid, heart-to-heart conversation with DSM Girls Club founder Kristen Falatea about how she brought a women-led community to life right here in Des Moines. You’ll create a vision that feels actionable, then leave motivated with real momentum to take next steps. Hosted by Blaise Training Never Settle, DSM Girls Club, and COZY, Pls. Matcha. An afternoon for dreaming and doing. | Sunday, Feb. 1st, 1–3 pm | Surety Hotel | Tickets required
🍳 Culinary Annex Cooking Classes | 304 5th St. West Des Moines
If winter has you craving something cozy (or hands-on and delicious), the Culinary Annex is serving up some can’t-miss cooking classes this week — BYOB, take-home leftovers encouraged, and zero pressure to be perfect in the kitchen.
Rustic French Cooking w/ KP Kreations 🗓 Monday, Feb. 2nd, 6–9 pm
Step into the warmth of the French countryside with Chef KP as you cook a full, comforting menu from scratch — think French onion soup, steak au poivre with pommes frites, and chocolate pots de crème. This is classic, cozy, and indulgent in the best way.Dumpling Extravaganza! w/ Chef Cass 🗓 Wednesday, Feb. 4th, 6–9 pm
This one’s all about abundance. You’ll make a boatload of dumplings (shrimp wontons, pork gyoza, pork & chive, mushroom mania), cook some to enjoy on-site, and freeze the rest to take home for future you. Practical and delicious.✨ Free parking on 5th St.
✨ Bring containers for leftovers
✨ BYOB
✨ The Annex is tucked down a charming alley to the left of the building (black benches = you’re close)Other classes are always popping up, too, so it is worth a browse if cooking brings you joy.
👉 See all classes & register: https://www.dsmculinary.com/classes-and-events
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Photo: Faustino’s Breakfast & Tacos | Emily Johnson
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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