Beneath the historic Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club is undergoing a renaissance.

The restaurant is a tribute to Tom Archer, the original owner of the Val Air.

The opera cake — a layered almond sponge dessert — is a standout, rotating seasonally between lemon vanilla in summer and dark chocolate coffee in fall and winter.

Beneath the historic Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Country Club is undergoing a quiet but powerful renaissance. The restaurant has evolved into a deeply personal tribute and a culinary destination, thanks to a new chef, a passionate team, and a menu that blends nostalgia with innovation.

Executive chef Joe Messina joined the team this summer, bringing with him a rich culinary background that

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