My name is Derek Brooks

In the Spring of 2019, my hometown buddy, Mitch told me his friend was opening a restaurant in Des Moines and that it was going to be done well.

That Summer, signage started to go up in the East Village and by fall we got a look at the beautifully designed bar. It was clear that Mitch's friend was both experienced and meticulous, and we were excited to give it a shot.

As soon as Clyde's Fine Diner opened, my buddy, Thome and I went to check it out while my wife, Kari was out of town. I got the fried chicken and peas, which was something you don’t see on the menu every day and just pure comfort food. You might imagine that Kari was jealous and a little mad that I went without her, hahah... but, I brought her back in the following week. …