The East Village in Des Moines has welcomed a big-city chef who previously worked in Chicago. The traditional favorites served at Clyde’s Fine Diner now have a contemporary touch. New businesses, like DreiBerge Coffee and Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design, are located next door to the 2,500-square-foot space in the 111 East Grand Avenue building. Chris Hoffmann, the restaurant’s chef and owner, wants to bring something fresh to Des Moines’ culinary scene. Hoffmann, a chef at a fine-dining establishment who appreciates strong flavors, is experimenting with new ways to prepare classic meals like tuna casserole and fried green tomatoes. These new dishes take flavors from the beloved classics and transform them into something fresh.

Consider Nashville hot chicken, a popular spicy fried chicken dish in the South. Hoffmann will serve a dish at Clyde’s Fine Diner dubbed “Not Nashville Hot Chicken,” which gives the traditional American meal an Asian touch. The chicken will resemble Sichuan food more. A chicken thigh will be brined before being dredged in pepper-seasoned flour by the chef. After that, the chicken will be stirred with a hot sauce made of gochujang, fermented bean paste, chile oil, and rice vinegar.

Clyde’s Fine Diner also serves zero-proof cocktails like the Neutron Dance, made with red wine reduction, orange, grapefruit, lime, and soda.