Two great authentic ethnic restaurants here in Washington, Iowa.
This place I HIGHLY recommend if ANY of you come to Iowa or even remotely close to it! This place has received lots of awards because it's been nominated by patrons and visitors. Rated incredibly high for it's fantastic food and atmosphere. An authentic Italian restaurant and shop, called Dodici's. Seriously, people... it would be a massive shame if you drove by and never stopped. If the restaurant is not open, then the shop is and there is plenty of fantastic local and imported wines, plus the soups are THE best ANYWHERE! Really! I've NEVER had a bad soup. Yet? Nope, no yet. Alessandro is that good! He and his family are from Italy though his wife was orginally from here. So, they opened up Dodici's and it's become such a highly acclaimed place because the food is great and so is the people who keep the place. Lots happens there like wine tasting events, social gatherings, even partakes in the "Slow down and Savor" event that takes place in Washington only twice a year! I have NEVER had a bad experience there nor bad food! It's the best!
Another authentic place is the Casa la Grande. It's owned and run by a Mexican family. And they prepare the food fabulously. Real Mexican, not this Mexican-American stuff that's heavily seasoned and all. This is the real deal!
And of course, if any of you have been to the Amanas near Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, that's a fantastic place for great German faire! Colony Inn is the best for a breakfast served family style. And the Ox Yoke Inn is THE best for great German entrees served family style. German potato salad is the best! As Rachel Ray would say ... "Delish!" And even for some of you who my recall... cottage cheese and chives! yes, chives in the cottage cheese! it's fabulous! very flavorful!
I could go on and on about a lot of the restaurants around Iowa. So many of them that are fantastic it deserves it's own thread! Jonesy's near Urbana, Linn Street Cafe in Iowa City (my cousin Frankie's restaurant), John's Shamrock BBQ in Ainsworth, Bryn Mawr between Washington and Columbus Junction, Ced-Rel near Cedar Rapids, The Cheese Factory in Kalona (BEST cheese curds!)...
Oh! and I MUST make mention of Simply Divine in downtown Cedar Rapids. My good friend Pete, she has some of THE most delightful candies, from childhood favs to the best truffles of assorted flavors with NO preservatives or additives. Especially the alcoholic ones! the After 8 and Grasshopper are one of my favs but the best one I had was the Mimosa. These are HUGE truffles, too! The person who makes them are out of Eu Claire, WI.
Ok.. done with my ranting and raving.
But, seriously.... check out some of these places. As I tell my neices and nephew, I shall NEVER steer you wrong with food!
~Lady B