Hawkeye Hotels announces the opening of their new restaurant Proudfoot & Bird, located on the ground floor of the soon-to-open historic Hotel Fort Des Moines at 1000 Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa.
The fine-dining restaurant pays homage to the deep history of the 102-year-old hotel while ushering a luxurious modern dining experience. Proudfoot & Bird is named for the original architects of the building and throughout the restaurant, diners will see historic elements of the space lovingly restored to their former splendor, including craftsmanship from descendants of the Proudfoot & Bird names. Design details include marble tables with plush soft seating, hand painted gold ceiling accents, and a grand circular bar. Murals of both Mr. Proudfoot and Mr. Bird adorn the walls. Two semi-private dining rooms are available, seating eight and 10 guests, respectively.
The culinary team is led by renowned executive chef Andrew Wilson, multi-year recipient of the Best Chefs America award and past contestant on Beat Bobby Flay. Chef Wilson’s decades of culinary expertise shine through in the menu which features handmade pastas, humanely raised poultry and waterfowl, prime cuts of beef, sustainably caught seafood, and locally sourced produce. The menu highlights local and internationally influenced flavors including the Prime Filet de Burgo, an Iowa tradition that dresses a perfectly seared beef filet with a creamy and herbaceous butter sauce. As the director of food & beverage, JC Shurts ensures the whole experience compliments every meal. His wine and beverage program features 100 labels including many award-winning wines and local craft beers as well as a craft cocktail program to offer the perfect meal pairing.
“It brings us great joy to welcome the community back into this historic location in its new iteration as Proudfoot & Bird. Originally called the Ivory Room, this space has played a pivotal role in Des Moines’ culinary history for over 100 years. This space has hosted multiple generations of Des Moinesian diners, and has featured all of life’s special moments, from celebratory dinners to casual working lunches. Reopening one of the most notable dining rooms in Des Moines is truly an honor,” says Raj Patel, Owner of Hotel Fort Des Moines and Chief Development Officer of Hawkeye Hotels.
Proudfoot & Bird is Hawkeye Hotel’s 6th Restaurant in Iowa. Later in 2021, Proudfoot & Bird will be joined in the Hotel Fort Des Moines by the coffee shop and wine bar Hobnob, and a hidden, subterranean speakeasy, as well as a fast casual Indian restaurant slated to open in 2022.
