Food & Drink

Cedar Rapids now has its first crepe shop. Tasty Crepe is open in the cloud kitchen near Lindale Mall.

New data from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance shows that Cedar Rapids is starting to shed its reputation as a “chain restaurant city” as it becomes a state leader in independent restaurant trends.

See the seven foods, desserts and drinks that impressed us the most at Iowa City’s in-person return of Top Chef Iowa City.

The Eat Shop in Solon had a line going down the block Saturday as customers eagerly supported the fundraiser for Ukrainians fleeing or staying to fight the Russian invasion.

The new restaurant in northeast Cedar Rapids will offer a different take on Mexican food, with specialties from the owners’ native La Piedad and Guerrero regions of Mexico.

This Chocolate Crunch Cheesecake gets its texture from a homemade cookie crunch, which just adds to the whole chocolate experience.

Red grape varieties developed to survive Iowa’s harsh winters have low levels of tannins, which help prevent oxidation. Aude Watrelot, an Iowa State University enologist, is studying native reds in Iowa to develop best practices for winemakers.

At SOMM Wines in Fairfield, Iowa, owner Krista Matthes loves giving guests expert advice on wine selections and pairings. This week, she pairs Chablis with the rich textures and flavors of buttered sea scallops.

This pizzeria serves the world’s first pale lager brewed in the Czech Republic since 1839.

Aaron Hall, baker at The Local Crumb, was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker. He is one of only two Iowa semifinalists for the prestigious award in any category.

Donutland will be expanding in Iowa City, filling in for Daylight Donuts after it closed on Sunday.

Mama Pearls, a new soul food restaurant offering fried catfish, gumbo, gizzards and smothered pork chops, opened Feb. 18 at 4444 First Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids near Lindale Mall.