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 spans the fine dining of Oak Park in Des Moines and the pastry kitchen of Left Bank Pastry in Olympia, Washington, where he mastered techniques that now shape the dessert program at Tom Archer’s. Messina also worked at Chicory, a casual fine-dining restaurant in Olympia, and Gravy, a locally sourced restaurant with Southern-leaning dishes on Vashon Island, Washington, before returning to Des Moines and working at Oak Park. His experiences contribute to some of the changes on the menu. Tap the link in our bio for more on this story. #DesMoines #Iowa #DesMoinesFoodie...