Food Network’s Visits to Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

There's a feature on Food Network's website that allows viewers to see a map of every eatery that has been featured on a Food Network show, so we decided to see which places were chosen to represent Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. We discovered Food Network could stand to give us a little more love, but this is a good start.

The list isn't very long. In fact, all of these locations were featured on the same show, in the same episode. But hey, we'll take what we can get. In the "Mid-American Pie" episode of Feasting on Asphalt with host Alton Brown, our area got roughly five shoutouts. Here's a list of those locations and a description of their food, because we know you're going to want to visit!

1. Clam Shell Diner - 115 West Mississippi Drive, Muscatine, IA 52761

"Specialty Dishes: Pearl City Dog
While filming Feasting on Asphalt, Alton Brown couldn’t miss the Clam Shell Diner. It’s a genuine Valentine Diner of the standard eight-barstool variety — "a little slice of Americana." See for yourself and try their popular Pearl City Dogs and chocolate shakes."

(This Yelp review says that this place is only open during the summer, so you might want to plan accordingly--if the place is even still in operation. They don't have their own website, and certain articles online have indicated that they closed their doors, but we couldn't confirm)

2. Breitbach's Country Dining - 563 Balltown Rd., Balltown, IA 52073

"Specialty Dishes: Prime Rib
Since 1852, Breitbach's has been making Iowans their favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner from scratch. Alton and his Feasting on Asphalt crew devoured Breitbach's pies with flavors like walnut, black raspberry and rhubarb custard. If it's Saturday, go for the prime rib dinner."

(Breitbach's has gotten other shoutouts from national publications before, like the one time their pork tenderloin was rated the best in Iowa)

3. Baxter's Vineyards and Winery - 2010 E. Parley Street, Nauvoo, IL 62354

"Specialty Dishes: Captain's White Wine
You'll find the oldest winery in Illinois in the historic town of Nauvoo. For a hearty glass, try Baxter's American grape varietals. On Feasting on Asphalt, Alton loved Brenda's Blush Wine and Captain's White Wine, which has a hint of vanilla."

(The Food Network's review only mentions the wine, but this place also has a bakery that makes over 20 varieties of delicious pies as well as all sorts of other goodies)

4. Kalmes Restaurant & Bar, Store & Gas Station - 100 North Main Street, St. Donatus, IA 52071

"Specialty Dishes: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Chicken Livers
Located in the small town of Saint Donatus, Iowa, Kalmes Restaurant & Bar is home to big

backcountry flavors. Alton and the Feasting Asphalt crew loved dining on chicken livers. Don't miss the handmade noodles, which are sauteed in butter, salt, peppers and crushed saltine crackers."

(If you just can't get enough of this place, they cater too)

5. The Niota Fish Market and Quality Fisheries - 157 Arbor Street, Niota, IL 62358

"Specialty Dishes: Cajun Carp
Niota's location right off the Mississippi River gives them access to a variety of fresh fish and smoked fish. Step inside and you'll find smoked Cajun carp, catfish, Buffalo ribs and spoonbill. Alton learned that the Niota Fish Market also carries fragrant morel mushrooms."

(The owner of this place also happens to be the President Emeritus of the ICFA, a group that's actively working to rid the area of invasive species of fish and preserve the biological integrity of the Mississippi Basin ecosystems, so you should feel extra good about supporting this business!)