Des Moines Travel Guide: Des Moines Is More Than Corn Fields and the State Fair — Here’s What We Love About This Midwest Capital

"If you think Iowa is only corn fields and fried food on a stick, do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Head to Harbinger immediately after your flight lands or you drive into town. A businessperson from Los Angeles recently asked where to entertain clients, and he selected Harbinger from my shortlist of suggestions. His review: “I’m very pleasantly surprised. Everything was on par with D.C., and maybe even L.A.!” With a focus on fermentation, preservation, and seasonality, Harbinger’s menu of exciting vegetable-forward small plates celebrates Iowa ingredients while tipping a cap to the culinary team’s extensive travels throughout southeast Asia. “Harbinger is famous for their five-course chef tastings, unique wine list, and, oh my, those steamed bao buns,” Handfelt says. This Ingersoll gem, owned by five-time James Beard-nominated Joe Tripp and with a kitchen run by executive chef Ryan Skinner, is one of the best restaurants in the Midwest, all while being approachable and affordable enough to make it your "Cheers." - Karla Walsh Karla Walsh Karla Walsh is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. She has written about travel, health, food, wine, psychology, fitness, beauty, and beyond for more than 15 years. She has visited four continents and near