Great Ethnic Eats in Iowa City/Cedar Rapids? (Des Moines, Burlington: sale, college)

[KoryO]

Just moved here (North Liberty) in March, and now I'm frankly dying for some good ethnic chow. I tried the local Italian restaurant and honestly....I can and have done better in my own kitchen. Considering how wonderful the beef and pork is around here, that's a crying shame.

When I ask about good Chinese or Japanese, all I get is a recommendation for a buffet. I have never had good food at a buffet, and can't believe that there isn't a decent Oriental restaurant in this area.

Where can I get some really good food here? I'm not looking for the cheapest place in town, and I am not interested in some place that serves giant portions like the Claim Jumper chain.

I have found one great place (Al & Irene's in CR), so I know it's out there somewhere. I just don't want BBQ all the time.

I would LOVE to know where I could get some good Indian food, and is it even possible to have decent sushi this far inland?

As long as it's not vegan (sorry), I'll be willing to try it. Can't give up butter or real cheese. If it's a little bit weird (ie. Afghani goat kebabs, Ethiopian roast camel), that's fine with me as long as it's good. Just let me know if I gotta head north to CR or south to IC.

Please help!

[Old Surrender]

I'm a fan of the Brown Bottle (Italian) in downtown Iowa City and Thai Flavors which is on Burlington in Iowa City as well.
I'd also reccommend the Red Avacado ... but it's all vegan. :-P.
In general, I think you'll have better luck in Iowa City than Cedar Rapids ... college town vs. blue collar Midwestern city.

[jinxer]

You may want to try China Inn in CR if you like Chinese food.
Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar - CR - 1st Avenue
Beijing - Mandarin, Szechuan and Hunan cuisine - Edgewood NW - CR
Kaji Janpanese grill - Old Marion Rd NE in CR
Mind you I have not eaten at the above - just giving info to you!!

[WoodwardGirl]

I think Kaji has the best sushi in Cedar Rapids. I'd give the others on your list a miss for being thoroghly "midwesternized," Jinxer. Thai Moon on 16th Ave in CR is quite good, although I am not a Thai food connoisseur, just like to eat there (but don't bother with their sushi!).

For unusual ethnic, you can't beat Zindrick's Czech restaurant in the Czech village! And the Vernon Inn on Mt. Vernon Rd. is good Greek. Casas Las Glorias and Haciendas Las Glorias have very good Mexican food but you might want to call ahead; have seen them shut down unexpectedly at times when INS was around. I've not had anything that I considered to be non-generic Chinese food in CR since the Dragon closed all those years ago...

Last year, there were also good ethnic foods on sale at the Farmers Market, especially when it is downtown as it is on June 7. It's not as big as Des Moines' by any means, but is about 1000 times better than it was up until last year! Anyway, aside from "vendor" food, there were some frozen middle-eastern meat-filled pastries that were to die for, some great breads, great sauces.

[KoryO]

Thanks so much, everyone! My sweetie is talking about going up to CR this weekend, so we'll have to try one of the suggestions you guys have made.

I knew it couldn't be bleak out here with food choices!

(And will be looking to see if I can get our happy butts out to the different farmer's markets around here. NL just started a tiny one.)

[DMRyan]

You didn't really expect to find 4-star ethnic restaurants in North Liberty did you? You can just tell by looking at the place that's it's not that kind of town.

[WoodwardGirl]

Oddly enough, a former co-worker used to bring us spring rolls (Vietnamese style) from North Liberty and they were INCREDIBLE. I can't remember where she got them, though, and she is no longer in the area.

[SharpHawkeye]

Thai Flavors (Thai, duh), Formosa (Japanese), India Cafe (Indian, duh) and Takanami (Japanese/French fusion if you can believe that) are all within about three blocks of each other downtown in IC.

I've never been to any (I have the palate of a farm boy), but I've heard good things about all. In particular, I hear very good things about sake bombs at Formosa and lunch bento boxes at Takanami.

Really enjoyed the Brown Bottle when I was there. You should also look into Devotay. It got "best restaurant" honors in the paper this year, and for several years. They're not huge on meat, but you won't suffer for it.

Here's the "best of" list for Iowa City. Sounds like you need to get down here more often...

[KoryO]

I'm not looking for four-star, I'm just looking for something decent. I've had good food in strip mall joints, and horrible in candlelit linen-napkin establishments.

[KoryO]

SharpHawkeye, I'm trying, I really am!