Sunday Brunch in Des Moines, Iowa

September 11, 2007 9:53 AM

Des Moines, Iowa. Sunday Brunch. My google-fu fails me. Is there any nice place out there for Sunday Brunch?

We used to go to the Crystal Tree; not often, but occasionally. I'd like to find somewhere comparable. It should be nice, upscale, pleasant and not yet-another-Chinese-food-in-a-steam-table place. I have nothing against fried rice and cashew chicken. I like fried rice and cashew chicken. I just want a place that does made-to-order omelets and rare roast beef, and tropical fruit salad, and roast chicken, and a bunch of other things hot and cold. With a signature item (Crystal Tree always had a variation on Eggs Benedict.)

Bonus points for linen napkins, china dishes and crystal wine glasses. Plastic is OUT.

Is there such a place in the area? Des Moines, Altoona, Ames, Ankeny, etc?

posted by davereed to Food & Drink (6 answers total)

Here's one.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:19 PM on September 11, 2007

GAH! More inside, I curse you!
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:19 PM on September 11, 2007

Centro (downtown on Locust), La Mie bakery, and I've heard Granite City Brewery (a chain, in West Des Moines) are good. 25th St. Cafe used to have one but I believe that no longer exists.
posted by mikeh at 12:28 PM on September 11, 2007

The Granite City in my town is decent, and does eggs benedict. The Centro is excellent for Monday-Saturday eating, but I've never gone for brunch.
posted by the christopher hundreds at 1:53 PM on September 11, 2007

You must try Chowhound for recommendations. They have never failed me. The wisdom of the regulars on the boards there is amazing.
posted by scottso17 at 5:34 PM on September 11, 2007

I've been told by an Iowan that there is a rotating Holiday Inn with a brunch. Not sure on the made-to-order omelet part though.
posted by o0dano0o at 7:39 AM on September 12, 2007