CRANKSGIVING NOV 22

Join Mars Café, the women of Punk Rock Cycling, and cyclists from across the state at the annual Cranksgiving bike race/food drive Saturday, Nov. 22. The fun begins and ends at Mars, with registration opening at noon, and the race at 1pm. We'll serve up coffee, bottled drinks, beer, and food all morning.

What is Cranksgiving?
Mars Café is proud to co-sponsor Cranksgiving, the adrenaline-spiked treasure hunt that supports a great cause: The Food Bank of Iowa. Collect 12 items from 12 local stores on bike. A tip of the bike helmet to these other sponsors: Punk Rock Cycling, Rasmussen Bike Shop, and Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo.

For Cranksgiving details, visit Punk Rock Cycling's blogspot at http://www.punkrockcycling.blogspot.com/


FEATURED COFFEE DISCOUNT

Wake up your taste buds with this month's featured coffee, crisp and flavorful Harvest Blend. This Fair Trade and Certified Organic mix of coffees from Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Sumatra is sure to warm you up. And it's available only during the month of November, so try it today.

Save 50 cents per pound on each month's Featured Coffee. Plus take an additional 50 cents off when you reuse your black Mars bulk coffee bag. What a delicious way to help save the earth!


FLAVORS OF THE SEASON

While sipping a cup of Harvest Blend coffee or perhaps a hot Spiced Apple Cider, sample our fall desserts, including delicious Pumpkin Pecan Tarts and Ginger-Apple Spice Cakes.


NEW BREW TASTING

Join us for a free beer tasting of brews from Olde Main Brewing Company, 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, hosted by Olde Main's brew master.

Check out these two brews included in the tasting and now available at Mars – just $2/bottle during our double Happy Hours (4-6 pm and 9-close):

Dinky Wheat
Flavored with coriander, chamomile, and orange peel, this brew is named for the train that used to run from downtown Ames to the Iowa State University campus.

Long Face Amber Ale
Caramel and malt flavors balance several American hop varieties in this tasty beverage.


MARS WEAR

New Mars T-shirts are now available! Local artist, DJ, and Mars barista John Solarz designed the limited-edition wearable works of art. John's work has been featured in various venues around Des Moines including SMASH in the East Village.

Also check out the sale on our classic Mars Ts – they're going fast.


SCENTED VINYL MONDAYS

Hear vinyl records, interviews, and live performances from local musicians every Monday night at Mars 7-10 pm during Scented Vinyl. Enjoy Happy Hour prices all night long while taking in the show, based on a live studio session format, hosted by Mars barista and Capital 106 DJ Daniel Bosman.

On tap:

November 24 - Gilbe

For more info and to hear music samples, visit Gilbe's MySpace page

December 1 – Cashes Rivers

For more info and to hear music samples, visit Cashes Rivers' MySpace page


Check out past and upcoming sessions, and find out how to be on the show, at scentedvinyl.com or on MySpace.


Scented Vinyl T-shirts featuring the new Scented Vinyl logo, designed by the guys at SMASH in the East Village, are now available exclusively at Mars! An ideal gift for the music lovers in your life.



LOCAL MUSIC CDS AT MARS

Like what you've heard playing in the café? Take the tunes home with you -- check out Mars local music selection, featuring artists who have played at the café. Featured albums include Aeon Grey, Beati Paoli, and Little Mojo.