Tis the season for chestnuts roasting on an open fire and all the delectable culinary delights of holiday dining in Iowa. From bites of buttery lobster tails and filet mignon to syrupy pancakes and hot cocoa with Santa, let the seasonal feasting begin.
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Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Des Moines
This season, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is serving a Winter & Wine menu as well as a new chef’s three-course winter menu. Winter & Wine pairs a remarkable one-pound rock lobster tail with bone-in filet mignon–a well-marbled, distinctive cut–and a taste, glass or bottle of Silver Oak. For the most exquisite holiday dining in Iowa, the steakhouse’s chef’s three-course winter menu starts with a salmon poke wonton, followed by a citrus, frisée salad, filet mignon and a lobster tail, and concludes with a delightful espresso martini chocolate mousse.
To book: www.flemingssteakhouse.com.
Exile Brewing Company
Des Moines
Snowglobe DSM is a Christmas-themed pop-up bar and brunch experience located in Exile Brewing Company, open now until Jan. 7. Eat, drink and be merry with house favorites like bacon-wrapped meatloaf and beer-braised chicken. The whole family is warmly welcomed, and the full-service brewpub has a dedicated children’s menu, including kid-friendly favorites mac and cheese and loaded hot chocolate with whipped cream, sprinkles and doughnut holes. On Saturday, Dec. 16, enjoy a princess and Santa brunch to ring in the holiday season.
To book: www.exilebrewing.com/snowglobe.
Republic on Grand
Des Moines
We all know Rudolph is a star of the reindeer lineup, but so much so that in Des Moines he even got his very own rooftop dining! Republic on Grand’s Rudolph’s Rooftop offers a festive atmosphere where the magic of the season comes alive, open until Jan 7. Enjoy a seasonal menu, including a cheese board with local and European cheese, roasted apples, parmesan crostini and candied walnuts, bacon jam minis, brisket brie and miso-grilled Norwegian salmon. Sip on specialty cocktails, including Polar Espresso Martini, It’s Cold Out-Cider, Santa’s Eggnog and Fireside Old Fashioned.
To book: therepublicongrand.com/rudolphs-rooftop.
Willow on Grand
Des Moines
Warm up with a cup of cheer at a special holiday brunch with Santa at Willow on Grand, a gorgeous holiday party venue in Des Moines. On Sunday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., indulge in fluffy pancakes from Chris Cakes, a hot cocoa bar and a full bar with signature holiday cocktails, Bloody Marys, mimosas and more. Tickets include a cookie-decorating kit and the kid’s craft zone to keep all entertained. Enjoy face painting and a pop-up shop with local vendors, The Boho Vase, The Vinyl Studio and Link x Lou.
Cost: $15 to $30.
Tickets: willowongrand.com/event/brunch-with-santa.
The Webster
Iowa City
The Webster, a cosmopolitan restaurant with a Midwest heart, is serving Christmas Eve dinner of its renowned contemporary American Fare in a relaxed but refined environment. Delightful and flavorful items with an homage to the holidays include buttermilk biscuits with Joe’s Bee’s honey butter; marinated seafood salad; smoked Berkshire pork coppa; roasted Grimm Farm chicken and cornbread stuffing; savory sides, including braised chicory; and more. For dessert, a cookie jar that even the jolly man himself would covet.
Cost: $84.
To book: www.thewebsteric.com.
Gilroy’s
Des Moines
Ho, ho, ho, Gilroy’s is ready for holiday dinner to-go! Available for pick-up, on Saturday, Dec. 23, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., with easy-to-follow reheating instructions, savor the season stress-free. Enjoy holiday classics, including honey-glazed ham, parmesan scalloped potatoes, garlic green beans with bacon, cobb salad, spinach and artichoke dip, jumbo shrimp, rolls and French silk pie for four to six guests. Place your order by Sunday, Dec. 17.
Cost: $190.
To book: gilroyskitchen.com/holidaydinner.
Big Grove Brewery
Des Moines, Iowa City, Solon and Cedar Rapids
The chefs of Big Grove Brewpub have you covered this Christmas with a delightful take-and-bake dinner to serve your party of up to 12. This holiday dinner includes four-cheese lasagna or Italian sausage lasagna, roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, cheesy garlic rolls and pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Pick-up on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24.
To book: biggrove.com.
The Machine Shed
Urbandale and Davenport
Enjoy the culinary delights of Christmas with the comforts of home. The Machine Shed is offering a catering menu this season making holiday dining in Iowa stress-free. Choose from boneless turkey breast or traditional boneless ham, with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes and gravy, old-fashioned sweet potato casserole, sage stuffing, green bean casserole and corn. As for dessert, dig into a selection of freshly baked pies, including apple, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, coconut cream or lemon meringue.
Cost: $89.
To book: machineshed.com/holiday-meals-to-go.
New Pioneer
Iowa City, Coralville and Cedar Rapids
With made-from-scratch ready-to-heat meals, exceptional cuts of meats and sides, New Pi’s holiday offerings are a go-to throughout the season. The New Pi Pan-Asian holiday dinner, available for five or 10, includes chicken pho with noodles, sweet chili chicken or bulgogi beef brisket, vegetable fried rice and matcha cheesecake. Order sweet treats a la carte, including chocolate-cherry bread, apple pie and gingersnap cookie dough. Pair with New Pi’s special holiday wines six-pack with a variety that will complement the flavors of the holidays.
To book: shop.newpi.coop/holidays.