Café Madeleine — Restaurant in Des Moines

My Wife follows Chef Baruthio on Instagram if not other platforms... My Wife was Very Excited that Chef Baruthio was opening a Restaurant in Des Moines and asked me to to try and get a reservation for her Birthday, I was able to make a reservation for March 4th (My Wife's Birthday is the 3rd). We arrived at Cafe Madeleine @ 7pm (our Reservation was at 7:15) and were seated immediately and greeted by Chef Baruthio and Thanked for choosing to Celebrate my Wife's Birthday at his Establishment. Cafe Madeleine is Very Quaint and Intimate for dining and the staff is Very Attentive and Friendly and provides an incredible dining experience for the patrons. As we were being seated Chef Baruthio came over to our table and introduced himself and was most gracious and Thankful that we had chosen to have my Wife's Birthday dinner at Cafe Madeleine!!! On this Night Chef Baruthio had set a 12 Course Dinner with Bottle Service (Optional) to pair Wines with the courses that were prepared for our palette's, we did not choose to have the Bottle Service last night, although a table of 6 who came in after us did choose the Bottle Service and appeared to enjoy the Wines that were paired with different courses that were served... Once seated, Chef Baruthio presented us with complimentary Champagne for my Wife and I for her Birthday and talked with us for a few minutes with my Wife and myself about the Menu he was preparing for us that night. Then the Deliciousness of Chef Baruthio's genius began!!! The Whole Evening was filled with Fantastic Dishes prepared by Chef Baruthio and his staff!!! The Flavors of each of the 12 Courses were beyond reproach and were served with the utmost presentation along with an explanation by either Chef Baruthio or his protégé describing each course and the flavors that we can expect or discover in the courses that we were served through out the evening. The Final Course was 4 different deserts that were all delicious and each were refreshing in their separate ways. Overall, I could go on and on about our Experience at Cafe Madeleine and Chef Baruthio and his genius with each course that we had. If you have the opportunity, I would definitely recommend Cafe Madeleine for an Exceptional Experience in Dining. Thank you Chef Baruthio and Staff for an Amazing Birthday Celebration for my...

Dining here is like having like going to a friends home if that friend was also a master chef. The intimate atmosphere with only a few tables results in an experience that is closer to the food than ever before. 2 chefs providing cuisine that brings the world to you.

We were served some of the most excellent French food, wagyu braised short ribs, puréed celeriac root and duck generously topped with black truffle, Tuna Niçoise, scallops with beurre d'orange sauce, and some of the best deserts I’ve ever had in Iowa and beyond.

The first desert was an aromatic blue cheese, stewed pear, beats and a hint of white balsamic. Reader, believe me that this paired with Lucious Sauternes is heaven on earth. The layering of flavor and the integration of sweetness and earthiness was so incredible that you simply must try it to understand how sublime it is.

Next a chocolate desert with homemade marmalade and ginger, with raspberry sauce on the side pushed us further into decadence. The chocolate was deeply intense but well balanced with the slight bitterness and citrus notes of the marmalade.

At the very end we were delighted with a crème brûlée. Typically these are too sweet, too dense, and makes you feeling 10 pounds heavier. But this one was light, clean, and so delicate. The cream was just the right amount leaving you sated without feeling heavy. It was a perfect ending to an excellent meal.

You will be well rewarded if you plan a visit here. Do keep in mind walk-ins are not accepted so call and make your reservation in advance. With limited seatings you would be good to call sooner rather than later. Expect to pay $100 a person, but keep in mind this is for a 10 course meal. This is an insane value for quality found at only the finest restaurants and one you do not want to miss out on.

Be well and...

I was previously unaware of the magical portal that lies at the corner of 6th and Walnut. Upon arrival, you step out of Des Moines and into a cozy world created by Chef David Baruthio. Tile floor, soft lighting, a handful of intimate tables, a warm welcome and a tasting menu that transitions with the seasons.The evening of our visit we enjoyed "A Journey Through France". Exceptional food, unpretentious but polished service and thoughtful wine pairings create a dining experience unique to the Des...