Datebook Diner: Splash is still top D.M. seafood choice

By W.E. Moranville,

Datebook Diner Special to Metromix February 3, 2010

Splash has passed a rigorous evaluation conducted anonymously to qualify as a DiRoNA Award recipient. Our consistently, incredible food and excellent service have made us one of only two restaurants in the State of Iowa to have earned this distinction.

The DiRoNA Award results from an independent and anonymous restaurant evaluation. Inspectors visit restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Candidates for evaluation are identified by the DiRoNA Distinguished Dining Advisory Council though a multitude of resources, including requests for inspections that are submitted to DiRoNA headquartes by operators hoping to become DiRoNA members. The team of inspectors in unknown to the Board and DiRoNA Members.

To qualify, a restaurant must be in business for three years before it is eligible for inspection, and once a restaurant earns the DiRoNA Award, it must be re-inspected within four years in order to maintain the award.

A rigorous list of criteria is used to evaluate the restaurant on quality of overall environment, cuisine, beverages, and service. The physical property and decor are also evaluated with comfort, cleanliness, room temperature, and light levels observed.

Cuisine quality is the most important criterion in the decision to confer a DiRoNA Award to a restaurant. The menu is examined for accuracy, variety of items, cooking techniques, creativity and originality, as well as for health and nutrition-oriented items. The food is evaluated on temperature, appearance, and quality of ingredients. Beverages offered by restaurants are evaluated on the basis of variety, availability, value, and food affinity.

The service criteria evaluate guest interaction with the service staff, starting from the reservation process, greeting and seating, service throughout the meal, and assistance with departure. The staff's knowledge of the menu is tested and their friendliness, attentiveness, cleanliness, and attire are appraised. Finally, the restaurants's procedures for handling the check are evaluated by verifying that the check is a consolidated bill that is accurate, legible, and professionally presented.

Fine dining establishments that pass this rigorous inspection are invited to join the other elite North American restaurants that proudly hold the DiRoNA Award.

The winelist at Splash has been awarded The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for ten consecutive years. The Award recognizes and honors the winelist for its extensive selection and variety. We stock wines in our cellar from around the world that will complement and enhance our fresh seafood, Prime steaks and shellfish.