Harbinger

This is an absolutely delicious dining experience.
The small plate experience is wonderful if you are looking for fantastic flavors you rarely would taste anywhere.
It is pricy.
The staff are very pleasant.

Note: the comparison here is the *local offer* in *Iowa*, not a general "this is a five star food restaurant" overall.
This is always tricky. I finally managed to eat at the Harbinger (it was my third attempt, after a long weekend extra day off in which they were closed, and a private party). It was actually good, but it prices medium/high for the quantity/ingredients/location so, I'm not 100% that the standard Midwestern would be very pleased with the dollar balance. That said, the place was pretty packed for a random Monday evening, so I guess they have a target.
And I have definitely no problem with the small plates concept. Also, to be honest, if Michelin would rate the Midwest too (it doesn't, as the majority of the US) they would probably have a mention of sort.
Not a Bib Gourmand, no.
But their menu, mostly plant based, is trying very hard to impress. Very.
Hard. I got the salt crusted kohlrabi (with grilled and glazed wild black raspberry vin, compressed beets, lemon thyme) and the lamb loin (with roasted berry sambal glaze, chickpea panisse, pickled black raspberry).
I tried also their signature 割包, the late spring snap pea cake (with calamansi buttercream, toasted pistachio), the cocktail of the day and a French press. The lamb was very good but not like "my soul was touched by how this lamb is cooked" kind of way.
But I added a "very" on that "good", so, I guess I shouldn't lie.
I was impressed especially by the chickpea panisses, almost like tiny, extremely soft falafels, more than the usual French snack. The kohlrabi was good, but the raspberry sauce was too vinegary and too powerful, killing it a little.
Also I have a theory about a very subtle secondary flowery note (not necessarily planned), but I don't have way to test it, so whatever. The 割包 was good.
Not the original recipe (I understand I'm spoiled in that sense), but the pork was *REALLY* well cooked.
And I totally understand that the classic 酸菜 with the peanuts and sugar powder is maybe not for the local taste. The pea cake was extremely creative.
I don't think I ever ate a pea cake before.
The texture and type was like a slightly heavier carrot cake.
I loved it.
Unfortunately for me the buttercream was overwhelmingly sweet.
I know I cannot really judge American taste in sweets, but the lovely citrus note from the calamansi was just a nuance. The place is well decorated, but kind of without a "true character", and the service was lovely, but I hate when I'm alone and right away I'm offered the bar. If I could give 4.5 stars to all the categories I would.

Harbinger is one of my favoirte local spots to celebrate special occasions and introduce newbies to - you're guarenteed unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, setting the perfect tone for the evening.
The menu is a masterpiece of creative flavors that delighted us with every bite.
The staff is always incredibly friendly and attentive, making the night even more special.
Harbinger is a gem in Des Moines and a must-visit for an extraordinary dining experience.
We couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate our dearest friend's birthday!