Recent eats at favorite haunts: Wig and Pen; Zanzibar's; Mr. Filet.

Some smaller bites enjoyed recently at the Wig and Pen in Ankeny includes their spinach lasagna, and the Minitoni – a smaller serving of their signature baked pasta, the Wigatoni [see blog post]. The lasagna was a little dry but still enjoyable. The Minitoni exhibits everything I like about its big brother: a thick melty cap of cheese with crusty sides, large chunks of Italian sausage, and firm pasta swimming in flavorful red sauce.

Steamed eggs with scallion tops and white cheddar, plus a toasty Linda Special at Zanizbar's Coffee Adventure. A favorite breakfast of mine! If available, get your Linda on a slice of potato-rosemary bread.

A hearty ham and cheese omelet at Mr. Filet; some Louisiana Hot Sauce and a dash of black pepper completes it for me. Also from Mr. Filet, a plate of hand-grated hash browns plus eggs over easy. How many places do you know of that grate potatoes? Or better yet, baked potatoes left overnight in the fridge to firm up.