Dear Editor,
For many years now Des Moines has been “My Cape Cod” and every day it seemed farther away until just recently. Our city council has finally seen the resemblance and need for something to ignite a tourist attraction in the form of a “Cape Cod on the Sound” theme. I am all for this concept having shed (S-H-E-D) my last diaper on the cape in Sagamore and finishing the first grade in Onset School.
It is with great pleasure that I send my congratulations to all on the council who voted in favor of this proposition but particularly to the new leadership which we are enjoying in Dave Kaplan, our new mayor. He was quick to identify a long awaited action and brought this issue to conclusion with favorable results.
Dennis Lathrop has finally seen the potential of tourism at a sister city to a Cape Cod entity, identifier. This insight may propel our city into greatness unexpected. Thank you Mr. Lathrop! Not for the talk, but for your action and dedication.
Dave Kaplan has seen and is acting on the need for new direction, dynamic, leadership and change of application of our building codes. His words, “Having guidelines makes sense this discussion has been in committee for the last couple of years” summarizes the new leadership style we have sought.
Tony Piasecki has also backed up the softening up of our building codes with the notice of words like “you should” in lieu of “required”. Under his management there will be no diminishing of public safety or common sense.
Matt Pina was really on top of this scenario and, as a New Englander myself noted that Cape Cod is anywhere along the New England Coastline. He missed Buzzards Bay, Wareham, Sandwich and; up in Maine, Belfast Harbor.
It was interesting to read Bob Sheckler’s comment, and he spoke from my heart with, “Cape Cod is a relative term and most people identify with it as a welcoming style”, because it was this resemblance to where I grew up that instigated our relocation to Des Moines.
Finally, I did enjoy Mellissa Musser who said it all and in few words, “We’re not going to be another Leavenworth; it is a concept identifier, not instructions”. She is so right here! Cape Cod cannot be duplicated any more than Bavaria can be here in the USA but it can be what attracts interest from people “away”*.
Now, I would invite you all to go to Wally’s on Marine View Drive in Des Moines and “feel” Cape Cod. Then, say something nice to and about our council for a change. Also ask, “What can we do to help?”
*”Away” in New England refers to anyplace away from those six states.
– Pat Nardo
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Dear Editor;
Thanks to your publication, my wife and I went to Saltwater State Park and “discovered” The Saltwater Café there! This little jewel surpassed my expectations of what was offered here by way of imitating a Cape Cod beach stand. The menu includes milk shakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, and even pizza by the slice. I tried the pizza and as an official pizza evaluator, I found this pizza to be a very good approximation of Italian fare.
Pizza Evaluation
1. Crust was firm, gently charred
2. Evenly raised outer rim
3. Filet holds shape when lifted -“heft”
4. Transition, chewy, foldable
5. Pelt “topping” adheres to crust
6. Topping well balanced, tasty
7. Absence of doughy pallor
8 Even sauce distribution
9. Eye appeal
10. Service
If a grade were to be assigned to this pizza it would be in excess of 90% but not quite 100%. Having grown up in a predominantly Italian neighborhood I know I am spoiled and this really deserves a further evaluation by customers that should be lining up for this treat. The milk shake was very well balanced and quite generous in portion. Marianne loves strawberry ice cream and that is what she had. Now, I and many of my friends and acquaintances have been clamoring for just such an establishment as The Salt Water Café and I do hope that after reading this, assuming it is published; you will head for the park and become a steady customer for, at least the summer and warmer fall days.
No matter what you choose from this diverse menu, expect dryly friendly service and while there, please say hello to Daxsa (Pronounced Daksha) and ring the little service bell on the counter to wake everyone up. Incidentally, service here rates a 10!
This is definitely a place in Des Moines to return to for a quick lunch with a spectacular view of Puget Sound! Don’t forget though, you will need to pay an entrance fee at the gate unless you have a pass which costs only $30.00 annually for unlimited access to all parks.
Pat Nardo
Pat – So the council has voted in favor of this proposition; GREAT! What now! Are they really going do anything to help our Des Moines Business people make this happen?
I appreciate your invite to “Wallys” it’s one of my favorites and I’m glad we have something we can agree on.