Chew on This: Hip-stir in Marion opens dining room, Kismet Coffee opens in NewBo

After much anticipation, The Hip-stir in Marion opened its dining room on Nov. 3 with unusual design features, like doors on the ceiling.

Up until now, the restaurant at 1120 Seventh Ave., which debuted in early September, was offering only patio service and carryout as it finished renovations inside.

“The goal is to just have nothing over the top — just fresh, good-quality food, the food we’re all proud to do and the food we want to eat,” owner Justin Zehr told The Gazette while the restaurant was being planned in April. “Nothing intimidating. Fun, creative cuisine.”

Tim Oathout, former general manager and head chef at Zeppelins, has helped design the restaurant’s menu, which includes less conventional items like fried bologna sandwiches and miso udon.

Kismet Coffee and Bloom opens

The NewBo coffee shop with a floral touch, Kismet Coffee and Bloom, started unfolding its petals for guests with a soft opening Nov. 7.

The shop offers a flower bar in addition to fresh roasted coffee.

Kismet will have a grand opening Nov. 13 at 1000 Third St. SE, the former Dostal House.

Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com