The coup de gras after I ran the Des Moines Marathon: I walked myself down to experience Dirt Burger in downtown Des Moines. What I got was the best damn veggie burger - no, the best BURGER that I've ever had. Why? It was slutty and savory, saucy and full of different textures. It was a perfect mouthful. Like a Big Mac, only without the disappointing patties and bread in the middle. I know, you're going to say that I forgot and what meat tastes like. I haven't. I know for some folks the ideal burger is a meat patty with grease that runs down your arm. I get it. I happened to prefer a veggie burger, and I think this is more interesting with lots of unctuous flavor, and it ain't health food - except that with so many whole food ingredients it kind of is. But it felt really indulgent to me, especially when I paired it with their real potato french fries and the tiger sauce the staff recommended. And she was so, so right. As they said once on my beloved show "Chef!" with Lenny Henry, "I've never had a liquid as good as that in my life." They had vegan shakes that looked absolutely amazing, but I didn't have anyone to split with, and I knew I would be in pain after I packed it all in... Also, I'm weird, but I had some granola at the hotel room that I was pretty excited about. Anyway, all this and gluten-free since I ordered it on the GF roll. Staff was also incredibly friendly. I'm seriously jealous that Iowa has this joint, but it's all for the best since I would gain 5 lb a week if this place was down the street.