There's a place in Wisconsin (the Elegant Farmer) that bakes apple pies in a paper bag--my favorite store-bought pies ever. BUT...Kathy's pies are a good fix for me, and definately the best I've had in Iowa. Congrats, Kathy!
Not bad coffee, but I'm surprised they won this category. I have never felt welcome at any Java House. There are actually signs up telling customers that they can't stick around for very long. Atmosphere is *very* important for a coffee house, and I feel like a number at Java House.
I have both bought and sold here, and it's good as consignment places go. If you're into fashion, you can find like-new brand name stuff...also antiques in good condition. There are some issues--I've seen items missing parts, for instance (power tools without the cords--I even checked with the staff), which could be solved with a more rigorous intake process. And, one personal pet peeve of mine--it's pronounced "ET-cetera", not "EK-cetera", for those staff members who do the announcing over the PA system. That said, I've gotten a lot of stuff there, both good quality and quirky stuff for a buck. Good place.
Don't forget their fair trade section, where you can buy amazing objects of art and musical instruments from around the world, made by real people who have been paid fairly for their work and goods. I love to wander that part of the store, planning where my next available bit of money will go :)
I agree with anonymous, Jeff is great. We have been able to order brand new merchandice through him--couch, chair and ottoman, kitchen table--and we are very happy with the quality, service, and prices.
These people *get dogs*. They understand them. Not only are the staff friendly, with a great facility, but I have never been the slightest bit worried about leaving Hogan in their care. We can't even say the words "Lucky Pawz" around our dog without him going into wide-eyed play mode. Discounts for students, and for hospital patients too, if I'm not mistaken.
My wife and I have been eating here since we've been in town, ten years. (Literally, we walked here the day we moved into Hawkeye Ct all those years ago :) I'm not Thai, nor Vietnamese, and I have had friends from Thailand tell me that the Thai food here has a Vietnamese 'flair' to it. Okay. :) It's *great* food, the prices are very, very good, the staff is friendly, and if you ask, they will actually make your food spicy. I mean, not "This guy is an American so tone it down spicy"...they will make it actually spicy if you ask, which is hard to find. The prices are great, so you need to try them at least once. And try the lemonade, too.
Ate there for the first time last weekend, and the food was marvelous. I was skeptical of the 'Big Island Burgers' at first, imagining a chicken burger piled high with pineapple or something. :) My fault at being skeptical, they were *terrific*. I know, I know--burgers, at a 'real restaurant'. But they were great. My wife and I have made it a point to get back there soon.
Only one complaint--the 'big a** ice cream pie' is just way too big. Honestly. We were told that the half piece would be good for the two of us, and...the half piece would have been good for FOUR people. I was surprised that a place specializing in small plates and lots of different tastes for a meal would take a page from the TGIChiliBee's book with a desert that overly-huge. It tasted good, but it was not in keeping with the rest of the meal. Offer smaller deserts, just like you do with the meals, and it'll be perfect.
The food is quite good. Only downside was on our last visit, just stopping in for appetizers--a small sashimi order (4 pieces total) and bowl of cucumber soup took 30 minutes to get to the table.
Very good food, local ingredients, part of the 'slow food' movement (as opposed to 'fast food'). My wife and I love the atmosphere--not overly formal, but still a place where you can dress your best. I like Linn Stree Cafe too, right next door, but where Linn St. is a bit formal and maybe a bit daunting at times if you're not feeling up to the formality, Devotay is more comfortable (Linn St, I do like you guys too, though). Oh, and Chef Kurt--if I'm supposedly an owner, as 'Ogo' says, I want my share of the profits! lol
Well, let's see: great food, warm owners and staff, beautifully decorated, live music, good wine selection...all with easy parking, and no struggling though crowds of, ah, 'revelers' from bars. :) Plus, Kalona is only *15* minutes from Iowa City, not 30. Just take Highway 1, you'll be there in a flash.
I have tried most of the coffee shops in Iowa City/Coralville over the years, and I have become very comfortable at Terrapin. Unlike other local coffee shops, I feel *welcome* there. There is no sign, for example, telling me that I should leave after 20 minutes, as I have seen elsewhere. What others have been saying is true--the customer is top priority, and once you come back a few times, they will know exactly what you want. Comfortable atmosphere, and I haven't even talked about the drinks, which are excellent. Others just don't compare.
Whatever the occasion calls for, our elegant meeting and function rooms offer an ideal setting to entertain family and friends, staff, and business associates . We can accommodate parties from 12 to 250 guests. Our staff... Brown Deer Golf Club
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