I am planning an 80th birthday dinner for my mother in Des Moines, Iowa. I would like to know if anybody has any good ideas on where a party of 12-15 could have a nice dinner. Has anybody tried the new Flemings Prime Steakhouse at Jordah Creek Mall or Allies' at the top of the Marriott? I'd welcome other ideas as well. Thanks!

I just posted this on another thread a few days ago. What's up? Is Des Moines suddenly THE destination?

"Haven't eaten here in a few years. When I go to Des Moines I always go here for dinner. Tursi's Latin King has never disappointed for Italian."

www.tursislatinking.com

indytravel--could you fill me in on the atmosphere at this restaurant and the area surrounding it? Do you know how the steaks were?

You should also post this request on www.chowhound.com, this is the foodie web site and they will have some definite opinions. Hope that helps!

It's to the east of downtown, but not in suburbia yet. So it's in a mix of old residential with some small businesses and little offices in older store fronts. Honestly not the best looking part of town. But hey, I'm there for the food. It certainly will not look like West Des Moines with the sprawling shopping malls, strip malls and McMansions spread over the cornfields like scenes from the movie "Poltergeist."

Inside the restaurant is pretty. A huge open foyer at the entrance, lots of stucco looking walls, wrought iron and plants about.

The closest thing I've ever had to a steak there was a veal chop on special in a marsala sauce. It was the biggest veal chop I've ever seen. Must be that Midwest corn fed concept. It was also delicious, tender and beautifully presented and done. The marsala sauce was perfect.

I've mostly eaten Italian dishes there over the years, pastas, a great lasagna, etc. Most of the steaks as I recall come with a twist of an Italian sauce. I'd imagine you could have them hold the sauce if you were just into steak.

It sounds nice inside--this is an 80th birthday party here-so I've got lots of things to consider. I have called them and can get the reservations. Thanks for your help.
If anybody has had a dinner at the other two I've mentioned-let me know.

What about Jimmy's American Café?

Keith

I've wondered about Jimmy's too-what can you tell me about it...good place for my 80 year old mom and family?

It lives up to its reputation. It didn't have that special "spark" I would have liked for just a couple of people having dinner, but I think it would work well with a group.

Keith

I'd like to know more about Tursi's atmosphere--anybody? Thank you!