Entertainment editor and dining reporter Susan Stapleton

Job: Entertainment editor and dining reporter

Years at the Register: This time, 3½ years. Previously, 15 months.

I grew up in: I was born in Omaha but grew up in Eldridge, north of Davenport. We also returned to Elkhorn, Nebraska, when I was in sixth grade, and returned to Eldridge in eighth grade.

I live in: Oak Park in Des Moines, a block from Lachele’s Fine Foods, which is dangerous.

I graduated from: North Scott High School and the University of Iowa with a degree in journalism and mass communications, minor in Spanish and emphasis in business.

Family: Marmalade, my crazy orange cat, and Butch, my St. Bernard/Newfie mix. My mom, Marjorie, moved to West Des Moines when I returned. My brother, Scott, and his family (wife, Chelsea; daughter, Olivia, and sons, Theo and Benji) live in West Des Moines. I love being close to my family.

Email:  [email protected]

Why journalism? I always loved English and usually took advanced classes in junior high and high school. I didn’t discover journalism until my boss at a jewelry store in Iowa City told me about her classes. I liked that the University of Iowa required journalism majors to specialize in a second area. I loved the chase, too. I once went to Madison, Wisconsin, in search of Scott Dikkers, the editor of The Onion. I found him and scored an interview.

I like my beat because: I enjoy telling stories of the restaurants in the region, finding the novelty, and learning about family recipes. And everyone loves to eat. On the entertainment side of my job, I think culture is an important part of Des Moines, and showcasing it gives readers different ways to see the city.

Some of the major stories I’ve covered recently: I wrote about Jeff Chelesvig retiring from Des Moines Performing Arts. I compiled my essential restaurant picks in Des Moines, this time with 31 that feature everything from Singaporean cuisine to steakhouses. I wrote about America’s most treasured views for USA TODAY.

Some stories I’m working on next: I have a piece on the changes at Hinterland Music Festival in St. Charles, Iowa. I am wrapping up the second edition of USA TODAY’s Bars of the Year. And the Iowa State Fair is right around the corner. I consider that the biggest food festival in Iowa.

When I’m not working, I like to: Go to the farmers market, play 500 with my family, cook and bake, read, write a novel, dine at new restaurants, discover new places on a random road trip, and nap.

My favorite Iowa haunt: I love the new Lachele’s Fine Foods in Highland Park. Oak Park is hands down my favorite restaurant here. I frequent Bubba and Clyde’s Fine Diner a lot. Prime & Providence is a true gem. Hello, Marjorie and The Bartender’s Handshake are my go-to bars for cocktails.

Fun fact about me: I won a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for arm wrestling in fifth grade. My rotator cuff cries when I think about that.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet Des Moines Register and dining reporter Susan Stapleton