Dining
Flora Café
Fans of HoQ, the sustainable farm-to-table restaurant in Des Moines’ East Village, will enjoy the savory goodness from owners Chef Suman and Dr. Cynthia Hoque in their new place at the Botanical Garden: Flora.
One specific ingredient comes from far beyond Iowa’s borders: his mother’s homemade spice blend, shipped directly from Bangladesh. “It’s her own mixture,” he said. “She dries, crushes and blends the spices herself before sending them to me.” Hoque explained that Bangladeshi seasonings aren’t necessarily hot; rather, the spices are light, bringing flavor and aromatics more than heat.
The HoQ Mediterranean Bowl is a popular item from his flagship restaurant (which will no longer serve lunch). This vibrant dish features lentil falafel, seasonal vegetables, turmeric couscous and Milton Creamery quark cheese.
Flora is open 11 am to 2 pm Wednesday through Sunday.
Sunday brunch available from 10 am to 2 pm starting March 2.
Contact Flora at [email protected] or at 515.323.6288
photo 1: DSM Dish Michael Morain
excerpted from article by Wini Moranville
photo 2+3: Flynn Wright Claire Taets
DOME AFTER DARK Flora is open for dinner Fridays 6 – 9 pm with a limited menu for Dome After Dark, as well as a full beverage menu for purchase out of the café. The café will also serve sweet and savory snack options, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks in the garden commons 6 – 9:30 pm.
FARM-TO-TABLE DINNER Featuring Grand View Beef & Wine Pairings from Abu Nawas Thur Mar 13. Limited seating—sign up today!