Blink, and you've already missed it. Once a thriving rural community, Ladora, Iowa, like so many rural communities throughout the Midwest has seen better days. All that remains of the once vibrant downtown, are three vacant stone buildings, a burned-out grain elevator and a gothic looking structure - The Ladora Savings Bank. Once the pride of the county, the Ladora Savings Bank closed its doors long ago, and was destined to crumble until the fateful day Dimitri Makedonsky noticed it on a motorcycle trip. Impulsive by nature, Dimitri immediately began seeking information as to the owners of the structure and in a matter of weeks, bought the old bank. After approximately four years of toil the building reopened as the Ladora Bank Bistro and now offers customers an incredible array of small plate offerings and a wine and beer list that rivals any in the state. Travelers come from all regions of the Midwest to experience the bistro's hand-made delicacies, and take-in the ambiance of this architectural anomaly. Iowa, being the nation's largest pork producer (there are more pigs in the state than humans), affords the bistro numerous opportunities to exploit this savory, white meat. When you go, make sure to reserve a table, as the place only seats around thirty people, and make sure to order the Devils on Horseback (dates stuffed with pine nuts, wrapped in an apple smoked bacon) or their world renowned La Quercia Prosciutto platter (served with capers, Greek olives, a drizzle of olive oil and served with warm French baguette). The Ladora Bank Bistro should definitely be a part of any "Foodies" bucket list.
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