When I tell people that one of my favorite weekend vacation destinations is Oklahoma City, they wrinkle their brows and look at me like I’m a little crazy. OK, maybe a lot crazy.
I get the same look when I sing the praises of Branson to my much younger, hipper friends. They can’t quite wrap their heads around the idea.
Last weekend I opted for a couple days of vacation therapy and OKC was just what the doctor ordered. It has a great selection of restaurants, affordable lodging, good tap houses and the Bricktown entertainment district’s nightlife make OKC a prime spot for a weekend getaway.
Pinot pleases
A regular stop when I’m in town is Pei Wei near Penn Square Mall. The fast-casual Asian bistro offers good food at an affordable price. Pei Wei is owned by the same company that operates P.F. Chang’s China Bistro on The Plaza in Kansas City, so you know it’s good.
A nice thing about Pei Wei is the price. Entrees run around $8. Chicken lettuce wrap appetizers are around the same price and you can get a bottle beer or a glass of wine.
Here’s a hint: Buy the bottle. A bottle of Benvoleio Pinot Grigo set me back $21. The product information on the bottle played up the apple and pear flavors on the wine. The crisp sweetness of the vino paired well with the spicy mongolian beef and pepper chicken I ordered.
Pei Wei is a bargain for another reason, too. You order in a deli-style line and don’t have to tip. Two entrees, an appetizer and the bottle of pinot was less than $50.
Not cheap, always good
Another spot to try in Oklahoma City is Deep Fork Grill. It’s not cheap, but it always pleases.
Deep Fork offers a good wine list by the bottle or the glass, a couple of beers on tap and a good selection of high-end liquors. A glass of Lindeman’s Bin No. 50 was $6. A glass of Toad Hollow Riesling cost $8. A pomegranate martini set me back $10. A pint draft of Sam Adams Noble Pilsner was $7.
A place like Deep Fork isn’t for everyday dining … at least not on what a newspaper guy gets paid. But, for a night out celebrating a special occasion it’s the best.
Drinks and dinner for two including smoked prime rib, beef stroganoff, a duck ravioli appetizer, a pair of cordials with coffee and dessert to go with tip came to $180. Like I said, it’s a special occasion kind of place.
Up late in OKC? Check out Deep Fork’s late night menu.
OKC casual
If you’re in OKC and feel like a more casual experience, give The Wedge Pizzeria a try.
The Wedge serves up wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas topped with a variety of meats, cheeses and fresh herbs. The kitchen is open and the pizza chefs put on a good show.
The adult beverage selection is thin, but I always find something to suit my taste. They offer several import beers and domestic craft beers in 750 ml bottles, which are great to share with a friend.
Here’s a hint: Try the prosciutto-wrapped pears for a great starter. I’m told the beet salad is a winner and the Italian Stallion all-meat pizza was enough for two.
I tried a Monteith’s Pilsner and was impressed. The New Zealand-brewed lager went down smooth and wasn’t bitter, like Pilsners can be. Just right.
Wine by the glass was $8, Peroni $4. Pizza $14. Appetizers cost around $7. Dinner and drinks for three: $57 plus tip.
Add to this list of reasons to take a quick trip to Oklahoma’s capital city the always-changing Bricktown district. Dozens of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and, for you country fans, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill. You can’t go wrong with an OKC weekend.
Cheers!
Dave Woods is new media editor at The Joplin Globe
