DES MOINES, IOWA (October 28, 2019) — On November 18, in conjunction with the Iowa Hospitality Convention and Expo, the Iowa Restaurant Association will host its Annual Tasting Gala and Celebrating Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Iowa Events Center. The awards honor hospitality industry leaders across the state. This year’s winners include:  

2019 Award Winners

Restaurateur — Robert Johnson, B-Bops, Des Moines

BETTENDORF, IOWA (October 2, 2019) — Students in culinary education programs at three Iowa high schools will go head-to-head in a “Top Chef” style cooking competition. Davenport Community Schools, Cedar Rapids Community School District, and Mt Pleasant High School will participate for prizes and bragging rights. The event will be held at The Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center on October 17, 6-8PM. The event is open to the public and includes dinner for $20.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (July 31, 2019) — Join the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) and Music Director Mark Russell Smith as we kick off 2019-20 Season with an evening at Wide River Winery in the Village of East Davenport. Enjoy delicious wine from Wide River Winery, great music from the QCSO Brass Quintet, and charming company, all while helping to support the QCSO. Wine will be sold by the bottle and 50% of your purchase will be donated back to the QCSO!

DES MOINES, IOWA (July 24, 2019) — The Iowa Restaurant Association is accepting nominations for its annual Restaurateur, Chef, Employee (host, server, bartender, etc), Emerging Hospitality Leader, Philanthropist, and American Dream Award. The public is invited to nominate outstanding people in Iowa’s restaurant and hospitality industry for any of these awards honors.