You don’t know unless you try it. It’s cliché, sure, but it’s also the entire premise of Open Sesame, a Lebanese restaurant in Des Moines’ East Village that’s spent nearly two decades convincing Iowans there’s more to eat than pork tenderloin.
Imagine going all your life never experiencing crumbly and warmly spiced falafel, fried with a crisp shell that gives way to a soft, herby center. It’s tucked into pita bread that is slightly charred from the griddle, still warm and pliable. Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes are tossed in a creamy tahini sauce to round out the dish. And if you don’t know that taste… I pity you.
For 17 years, this Mediterranean spot has quietly held its ground in Des Moines, and after one visit, it’s easy to see why regulars keep coming back…