Taken from the Des Moines Register's website - http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/ENT...

Review by BY TOM PERRY • REGISTER STAFF WRITER • January 24, 2008

Scene: Open and airy, DuBay's is casual yet sophisticated. The lounge is roomy if there is a wait for a table, and it's smoke-free through dinner. It also has Wi-Fi, if a laptop must be opened during lunch, happy hour or dinner.

Impressive paintings by local artists grace the dining room walls. Located in the Drake University neighborhood, just north of the Varsity Theater, it has been open since April. It can get busy on basketball nights and when there are special events at the university.

DuBay's is one of the only fine-dining establishments in the area that serves dinner after 10 p.m., but diners must call ahead to make a reservation.

Food: Don't fret if a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras is not possible. Hurricanes to rival the legendary rum cocktail served on Bourbon Street are served for a well-worth-it $7.50.

The kitchen confidently reflects chef Brian DuBay's Louisiana training. True Big Easy classics such as the muffaletta ($7) on the sandwich menu and the jambalaya ($15) on the dinner menu join Creole and blackened dishes at DuBay's. We started with a cup of the Gumbo Ya-Ya ($4), which was so good it made me wish I'd ordered a bowl.

Both entrees we ordered, the stuffed pork loin ($16) and honey-barbecued salmon ($19), were splendid, with the salmon especially outstanding. Entree prices range from $15 for the jambalaya to $27 for the restaurant's signature Filet DuBay.

Service: Before we arrived, there had been a rush of fans who were heading up the street to a Drake basketball game, so we came during the calm after fans left. Bread and ice cold water came immediately, and the service was smooth and efficient.

Dessert: Desserts change at DuBay's, so there's no dessert menu. We shared the bread pudding, which was surprisingly light and not overly sweet. Many Louisiana bread puddings are gut-busting, but that wasn't the case here. DuBay's wine list also includes brandy and port, fine liquid desserts.

Leftovers: DuBay's serves generous portions. There was plenty of pork to take home, but we joined to finish the salmon.