LaCorsette Maison Inn

Erected in 1909, LaCorsette Maison Inn is a mission-style mansion. The Inn is elegant, yet comfortable, with cozy nooks and alcoves. It is on the National Historic Register. Kay Owen, the innkeeper, is also a gourmet chef and specializes in continental food with a French flair. The Inn offers deluxe accommodations and exquisite meals to travelers. The original Mission oak woodwork, Art Nouveau stained and beveled glass windows, and brass light fixtures highlight the decor.

Location
23 m E of Des Moines. 7 blocks from center of town. From Des Moines, go E on I-80 and exit at Newton. Go E on Hwy. 6 (First Ave.) to inn.

Accommodations
3 suites, 5 doubles -all with private bath and/or shower, telephone, air-conditioning. TV available. 3 with double whirlpool or soaking tub, 2 with fireplace, CD player. 2 suites in adjacent Sister Inn. Guest rooms are eclectically furnished with French country motifs, with down comforters and pillows.

Amenities
Restaurant with pianist, living room with fireplace, den with fireplace, atrium. 15 miles to lake for swimming, fishing, boating.

Meals
Few would think of this town as the place to go for a leisurely gourmet dinner, served by tuxedoed waiters to the accompaniment of a pianist playing a baby grand. Kay Owen has always enjoyed cooking, and in 1984 she opened LaCorsette as a restaurant and inn. There's no choice of menu at dinner; the entree of the evening is determined by the first caller to make reservations. The rest of the six-course meal is decided by Kay and what's fresh in her garden. A menu may include cheese ramekins, onion soup, greens with Maytag blue cheese and orange vinaigrette, salmon filet, mushroom potatoes, asparagus and baby carrots, French bread, and pecan meringue torte. Breakfast is served in a spacious dining room on an oak table with Kay as hostess

Children: by arrangement

Smoking: no

Pets: by prior arrangement

Rates: $75-$170

Payment: Major credit cards