![Smoke row coffee](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52336252977_577886abac_o.jpg)
Smokey Row Coffee Co. is located in and around the Iowa capital city of Des Moines.
![Smoke row coffee](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52337444428_8f5a42fce6_o.jpg)
They have the standard coffee offerings, plus specialty drinks and a soda fountain. I went with a caramel milkshake. I think caramel should be a more standard option for milkshakes, to join the big three: chocolate, vanilla, & strawberry. It's sweet, but has those deep rich flavors.
![Smoke row coffee](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52337444423_f4a97b9dbc_o.jpg)
To go along with that icy, cold milkshake, I ordered a bowl of hot cheeseburger chowder: "our signature soup with a hearty cheese flavor, featuring ground beef and shredded potatoes." Warm, comforting and very flavorful.
![Smoke row coffee](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52337208081_0cb2580135_o.jpg)
Grade: A
![New China Garden](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53910119380_d4cca8d801_k.jpg)
New China Garden, a Steubenville, Ohio, Chinese restarant, delivers all the way to Wellsburg so it was perfect for a cozy dinner at home. I got crab cheese wontons, honey chicken and beef lo mein.
![New China Garden](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53908780952_768841b30b_k.jpg)
Honey chicken was good; the crab wontons were good; and beef lo mein was OK. The first two were pretty par for the course, but the lo mein seemed like it had been sitting for a while.
![New China Garden](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53908780932_302349f064_k.jpg)
Grade: B
![Kita - lucky 7 lounge](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53527801767_5c208939f9_k.jpg)
Kita is a creative Asian fusion restaurant in Charleston.
![Kita - lucky 7 lounge](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53527801827_2e528e06e2_k.jpg)
I've been there several times and enjoyed their regular menu.
![Kita - lucky 7 lounge](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53528701761_afaa5c567b_k.jpg)
But, did you know they have a secret lounge?
![Kita - lucky 7 lounge](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53528701941_9004b37b44_k.jpg)
It is hidden behind a bookcase, and it has its very own menu only available there.
![Kita - lucky 7 lounge](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529133705_bb389eefc5_k.jpg)
I ordered the "shrimp in a jacket," which is the cutest name. It was shrimp fried in a spring roll wrapper. Crunchy, and that sweet chili sauce is crucial to balance it all out.
![Kita - lucky 7 lounge](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53528883968_b72b5580d3_k.jpg)
Steamed pork buns are one of my favs. The texture of the bun is pillowy soft, and it gives way to this sweet and sour pork.
![Kita - lucky 7 lounge](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53528883963_6f97e55278_k.jpg)
It's the experience here that stands out to me. It feels special and exclusive. The decor is unique, and it's like private dining at no extra cost.
![Kita - lucky 7 lounge](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53529133460_23baa35e9a_k.jpg)
Grade: A
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53320524289_d29ef5a7a4_k.jpg)
Baker Cheese Company is a "gourmet grazing company that provides boxes, boards and tables for any event."
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53320638480_4bdb98118c_k.jpg)
They also have an in-store cafe with a menu of larger size meals featuring the specialty meats, cheeses and spreads you'll find on their charcuterie boards.
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53320840923_f0f4dd2711_k.jpg)
Kitchen accessories, snacks, condiments, candles and more are also available to purchase. It was difficult for me to not buy one of everything.
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53319734122_a9b2c0af85_k.jpg)
I ordered the "Brie Mine" - Brie, Prosciutto, Fig Jam, Arugula, Mayo, Dijon on a Baguette.
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53320410513_09eb17ba33_k.jpg)
This was a delightful sandwich. Light, but elevated. Artisanal. And a lovely blend of creamy, sweet, tangy and salty.
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53320638375_63dedb68c6_k.jpg)
I have also had their charcuterie boxes before, and I was obsessed. They were so well-rounded, and I loved every bite.
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53320171706_466647b53d_k.jpg)
The shop is really an extension of that. High-end products skillfully curated and expertly paired.
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53319303817_ae3281c69e_k.jpg)
Have you been?
![Baker Cheese Co](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53320171551_34a7c2a1ea_k.jpg)
Grade: A
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