Iowa food and wine aficionados have only a few short months remaining to dine at one of Iowa's historic culinary gems.

Ladora Bank Bistro at 811 Pacific St. in Ladora is closing its doors after 15 years of bringing upscale food and wine to this small farming community.

The restaurant has been a culinary destination for many foodies in the area who enjoy hopping into their cars to seek out small-town Iowa dining experiences.

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"‪It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that we will be closing our doors as of February 18, 2019," said a post on the restaurant's Facebook page. "My wife, Holly, and I are very grateful to everyone whom we have met and has supported us. In the past four-plus years, we have had the privilege to host our guests in the‬ beautiful Ladora Savings Bank. For that, we are grateful and hope to see you in the next few months. Thank you again for your support. - Jim & Holly Vido and the Ladora Bank Bistro staff"

"P.S. 'When one door closes, another door opens,'" wrote chef and owner, Jim Vido in the same post. "Although the Bistro is closing, I will remain in the business. Please stay tuned for details of where I will be in the near future."

In February, Thrillist magazine named Ladora Bank Bistro the 'best small town restaurant in Iowa.' Ladora has a population of 274 people and is located about 90 minutes east of Des Moines.

Dishes at Ladora Bank Bistro are locally sourced and meant to be shared. Those include:

Puff pastry encased fennel and onion sausage en croûte with stone ground mustard and a blueberry-horseradish jam

Maytag bleu cheese mousse-stuffed dates wrapped with Dayton Meat's peppered bacon and drizzled with mango gastrique

Lightly-smoked fall burrata cheese with butternut squash purée, shiitake mushroom compote, balsamic reduction and La Quercia prosciutto, served with warm sourdough bread.

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Beer and wine are the focus of the beverage program. Wines from across the globe grace the menu, ranging from sweet to dry reds and whites. Beers are regional, like SingleSpeed Brewing's 16 Days, a German-style marzen from Waterloo.

In 2004, Dimitri Makedonsky discovered the building while traveling through Ladora on a motorcycle ride and embarked on a four-year renovation project. Chef Jim Vido joined the bistro in January of 2014. Jim and wife Holly took over the business in May 2014.

On August 3, 1990, Ladora Savings Bank was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Valentine's Day Food & Wine Pairing

Ladora Bank Bistro is hosting a special Valentine's Day Food & Wine Pairing dining event for its final weekend. Each dinner will consist of a 4-course food and wine pairing for each course.

Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 14-15 and will start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16.

The cost is $75 per person and the menu will be posted on Ladora Bank Bistro's Facebook page when completed. Reservations can be made by calling (319) 623-7766 or email info@ladorabank.com.

Gift certificates are not redeemable for either night of this event, so be sure to use those beforehand.

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The Ladora Bank Bistro

Location: 811 Pacific St., Ladora

Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.

Contact: (319) 623-7766; ladorabank.com; Facebook