by Jo Hill

Not sure if this meat market is actually considered to be in Downtown Des Moines, but if not it should be.

This small market is well worth the walk or drive to see what is there. If you leave the bike path along the river at Indianola Road and walk South on Indianola you will find the market next to the building with the beautiful Italian Mural.

I love Riverbend Trading Co. and am so pleased it is downtown, but was delighted to find this market. I’m sure it has been on Indianola Road for a long time, but I was introduced to it by my grandson, and his wife only a short time ago. I was told they had a very good smoked chicken. Believe me, this smoked chicken is to die for. It is so good, I haven’t bothered trying anything else.

Today, I also picked up a bottle of their BBQ sauce. Eat your heart out Josh. [note: "I hope you plan to share....."]

The smoker has been going every time I have stopped by and the chicken has been warm. Noon brings in a number of regular diners. I find myself dropping in about once a week to pick up another chicken just for me. Everyone who has tried this has loved it. And to a friend’s delight, they also butcher deer for hunters and make deer sausage and jerky. Not something most of us need, but good to know what they can do.

I was invited to a roast beef dinner prepared with Findlay meat and that too was wonderful. I know where I will buy most of my meat now.