Bartender’s fight against cancer during coronavirus crisis gets a boost Oct. 10

October 2, 2020May 6, 2021 Christine Hawes

IOWA CITY – We’ve known for months that bar and restaurant workers are hit especially hard during the coronavirus crisis. But some such workers are getting hit even harder than others. And one of those is Lis Wolf. A long-time bartender in the Iowa City area, Wolf was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in June, after a fast-growing tumor caused her leg to swell up to the point of interfering with her blood circulation. Now undergoing aggressive chemotherapy while still trying to squeeze in a few hours of work each week…

Shakespeare’s focuses on coming through with comfort food during coronavirus

July 17, 2020August 8, 2020 Christine Hawes

Building on its historic strength of providing comfort food at an affordable price has been the focus of Iowa City’s Shakespeare’s Pub & Grill since mid-March when the coronavirus crisis first began. Throughout an unpredictable four months that included 11 weeks of being shut down to in-restaurant dining, Shakespeare’s has found ways to expand on its specialty of fun food. It was among the first restaurants in Iowa City to begin offering no-touch curbside service, and has bolstered its marketing of delivery through Chomp. Shakespeare’s also offers daily specials every…

Fairfield store stands proud with LGBTQ Pride, Black Lives Matter message

June 26, 2020December 28, 2020 Christine Hawes

FAIRFIELD — A few years ago, Paul Praither saw a headline that wrenched his heart: a teenager that worked for him at Everybody’s Whole Foods, who was undergoing a transition from one gender to another, had chosen to end his life. “He was a really nice kid. I wish he would have said something. I wish I would have said something,” Praither said. The tragedy inspired Praither to lead an LGBTQ renaissance at Everybody’s — a visual explosion of acceptance, equality and diversity that has blossomed this summer into a…

Pho real, how many Pho places do we need?

March 18, 2019June 4, 2021 Guest Writer

Back in the early 2000s, I knew of only one place in the Corridor that served Pho: Mekong on South Riverside Drive It was my “go to” restaurant whenever I felt the slight whiff of a cold coming on. The rice noodles, flavorful broth along with the fresh garden of herbs, a splash of Sriracha and Hoisin (never soy sauce) was comfort in a bowl. Back then, few of my friends knew about the dish. Today, you can’t go far without finding Pho. I Love Pho #1, I Love Pho…

Sugar detox: a necessary struggle

February 10, 2019June 4, 2021 Guest Writer

It’s pure. It’s white. It’s deadly. No, I’m not talking about Iowa’s recent polar vortex — or cocaine. I’m talking about a product that has become a pervasive household good, stocked in nearly every kitchen in the US, causing obesity, cancer, dementia, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, acne, infertility and impotence. I’m talking about sugar. Most of us consume way too much sugar: 57 pounds of added sugar per year, according to the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). That’s almost 17 teaspoons, or more than 70 grams, per…

Food, fitness, alcohol: transformation

January 19, 2019July 1, 2021 Guest Writer

In 2017, I was living what I thought was my best life. My businesses were fully functioning machines, I was in love with my partner of 6+ years, I had the most amazing pack of dogs — and since I was childless, plenty of extra money to spend on alcohol and dining out. My life was a party, and I friggin’ loved it. Yeah, I was overweight and often tired. But that was the price to pay for drinks and dinners with friends, wasn’t it? I worked hard and deserved…