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September 2, 2014
Damon Murphy, general manager
of 801 Chophouse.

A Sane New Option at 801

By Wini Moranville

 

So, where does someone who has written more than 750 restaurant reviews (that would be me) go to celebrate a wedding anniversary? This year, we landed at 801 Chophouse; as usual, we were thrilled with the glorious beef, the opulent surroundings and the expert service.

While the beef at 801 will always be the star, in recent years, I've begun to greatly admire the sides, including the lobster mashed potatoes, sparklingly fresh saut�ed spinach, bright Brussels sprouts with red onion marmalade, and the creamed corn.

That's why I was delighted to stumble on (and take advantage of) a new option: You can now request half-orders of most vegetables and potatoes. That's a boon to couples--rather than choosing one or two immense side dishes, you can opt for half-portions of side dishes perfectly sized (and reasonably priced) for two.

"We have so many side dishes, and they are all so fabulous, we want everyone to have an opportunity to try as many as they can," General Manager Damon Murphy says.

801 Chophouse is at 801 Grand Ave.; 288-6000.

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Photographer Ben Easter takes
a selfie with his two pups, Ozzie
and Harriet.

But First Let Me Take a Selfie

By Belle Du Chene

 

Taking a selfie is a great way to show the social media world your personality. Everybody's doing it--from Academy Award winners to our very own dsm contributors who took a shot at it for our September/October issue. But it's not as simple as pointing and shooting. We asked one of our contributing photographers, Ben Easter, to give us five pointers to land that attention-grabbing and flattering profile pic. Here's his list:
  1. Use natural light. Stand in front of a window but far enough away so you don't blow yourself out with too much light.
  2. Keep it positive and consider posting something uplifting along with your pic.  
  3. Smile with your eyes.
  4. Post only one selfie a day--no more!
  5. Work on your angles. Often, shooting from above produces the most flattering image.

Of course, some artists take selfies a tad more seriously. Read about how the self-portraits of three Des Moines artists offer insights into both the person and the art form in this story in the new issue of dsm.

Julie and Doug Klein at last year's Gatsby Gala.

An Egyptian Gatsby

 

Walk like an Egyptian as Salisbury House Foundation pays tribute to a 1920s best-selling book, "The Tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amen" by Howard Carter, at the 10th annual Gatsby Gala Sept. 6


From 6 to 10 p.m., the pictorial gardens at Salisbury House & Gardens will serve as a backdrop for guests adorned in Egyptian costumes, Roaring '20s glamour or classic cocktail attire (a hair stylist and makeup artist will be on-site to complete partygoers' looks). Expect Egyptian-themed food and libations, as well as dance music provided by Des Moines-based classic rock band The Sons of Gladys Kravitz.
 

Tickets are $150 per person or $100 for young professionals age 21-35 and can be purchased here or by calling 274-1777. Follow the Salisbury House & Gardens on Facebook for updates on the event. You can also take a look at last year's gala, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," on the Gatsby Gala Pinterest page. -B.D.
Hanging art at kitty-eye level balances a soaring space with a ground-hugging feeling of intimacy. Photo by Amy Allen Photography.

Art, Unexpected

 

Have you ever thought of hanging a piece of art below a window? How about above a bathtub? No? You should. Des Moines-based designer Karin Edwards explains why--as well as how to display art in other unexpected and dramatic ways--in an article in the new issue of dsm. Her ideas will show you how to take artworks from somewhat ordinary interior decor to engaging installations. Read the story here

Gabriel Leuders, "Untitled," hand-cut relief print, 25 by 25 inches.

Art as Identity 

 

What does it mean to be human and how do we express our humanity and understand our existence? Is it through our individual behaviors, our history, our language?

"New Work," an exhibit on display at Olson-Larsen Galleries through Oct. 4, features work by artists who explore these questions. Brent Holland, an associate professor in the College of Design at Iowa State University, examines identity through self-portraiture and still life compositions. Inspired by her Greek heritage, Anna Lambrini Moisiadis creates works on paper that reflect her "constant struggle of feeling courageous and insecure." Gabriel Lueders uses art as a way to deconstruct and challenge social convention.

For more information about this exhibit and to see some of the artists' works, click here. To see a story dsm published on Brent Holland, click here. Olson-Larsen is located at 203 Fifth St. in West Des Moines. -B.D.
Belle Du Chene is senior editor of dsm magazine.

Wini Moranville, author of "The Bonne Femme Cookbook: Simple, Splendid Food That French Women Cook Every Day," is a food, wine and travel writer who covers the dining scene for dsm magazine. Follow her at All Things Food DSM - Wini Moranville and catch her food segment on Fridays at 6:40 a.m. on KCWI-23's "Great Day" morning show.

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