Kitchen 324 | Restaurant Review | OKC Food Photographer

I promise, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for me going to Kitchen 324 three days in a row. With my camera. Causing a scene.

Well..let me explain.

I’m always keeping my eyes and ears open for new restaurants and when I heard about this one, I was thrilled. It sounded like it was made for me. Local, fresh, homemade food located downtown and uniquely delicious; I was dying to try it. I grabbed my camera (Day 1) and planned on snapping a few quick photos. But I couldn’t help myself, everything was beautiful. I couldn’t resist the simple, modern-yet-elegant atmosphere. Or the shiny new espresso machine. Or the smell of fresh-baked pastries. Once the food arrived, I was hooked. What a wonderfully refreshing take on breakfast. It’s places like this that are really contributing to the growth and transformation of OKC.

Later that day, I had an email in my inbox from Slice magazine. They wanted to me to shoot a new restaurant downtown called Kitchen 324. Hm, how ironic. So, (Day 2) I walked in with my camera and took over a spot in the corner, hoping to be out of the way as much as possible, and avoiding eye contact with anyone who might have noticed me doing this exact same thing the day before. But once again, I got carried away with my subject. Can’t say that the latte or the carrot cake donut survived.

The next day was my friend’s birthday. We knew that we wanted brunch, but she needed suggestions. What can I say? I had Kitchen 324 on the brain. As I entered (Day 3) I took a quick glance around. I didn’t see anyone who looked familiar, so I thought I’d be ok. I mean, I wasn’t planning on eating there every day…it just kinda happened. We found our seats and when the waitress came to take our order I had to laugh, it was the same woman who I had spoken with about the blog and magazine the past two days in a row. “Yep, I’m back…but I promise it’s for her birthday, and (this time) I didn’t bring my camera!”

But really, there’s no need to justify showing up three days in a row to the employees at Kitchen 324. Because they understand. So go ahead, come everyday. There’s no judgment here.

Smoked Salmon

Carrot Cake Donut

Carrot Cake Donut

Green Eggs & Ham

Green Eggs & Ham

Steel Cut Oats

Latte

Pineapple, Green Apple, Lemon, Mint Juice

Greek Yogurt with Seasonal Preserves

That’s right, even the water has personality here.

Coffee Bar

Kitchen 324

Kitchen 324

Kitchen 324

To see a much more eloquently written article in Slice Magazine, click here. For more information on Kitchen 324, check out their website and menu, here.

Have a restaurant you’d like to see featured on the blog? Leave a comment!

Flint | OKC Restaurant Review

There’s nothing I love more than breaking the Oklahoma stereotype. Tornadoes, cowboy boots, teepee’s.. yeah that stuff is out there. But there is a whole side of Oklahoma that’s just waiting to be discovered. One of the places contributing to the growth of OKC is my new found breakfast obsession, Flint.  It’s located at the bottom of the historic Colcord hotel, across from the newly renovated Myriad Gardens. Looking out the window at the downtown view, you don’t feel like you’re in Oklahoma. Flint is the perfect blend of cozy and upscale. Its lounge area and unique fireplace not only sets the restaurant apart, but also makes it the place to be now that fall has arrived.  As if that isn’t enough comfort, just try the food. This visit I decided on the lemon ricotta pancakes with papaya chutney, while Hannah ordered the heart healthy omelet. Both had the melt-in-your mouth deliciousness factor. (Very important.)  Though I’ve yet to try it, Flint is open for lunch and dinner as well. If it’s anything like breakfast then I think we’re in for a treat.

Breakfast is serious business. Thanks for putting up with me and my camera, Hannah.

        For more info and to see a menu check out their website! http://flintokc.com

        15 North Robinson Ave. OKC, OK  -Free valet parking during your meal (up to 90 minutes).

Nebu | OKC Devon Tower | Restaurant Review

Confession: I have an infatuation with the Devon tower. It has become a compass when I’m lost and a landmark when giving directions.  It surpasses all other buildings in our little skyline so much that it looks out of place. Not to mention that it’s extremely photogenic. As if I needed another reason to love this tower, now there’s Nebu.

Nebu is a cafeteria style restaurant with a fresh twist. Although it’s located inside the Devon tower, you don’t have to be an employee to come here. It’s menu offers salads, sandwiches, pizza, and sushi; along with other hot items like pasta, burgers, and burritos. Nebu is taking a step in the right direction for OKC, offering healthier, simple solutions for lunch. When you’re short on time usually eating right goes out the window, but that doesn’t have to be the case. And the best part? It won’t break the bank.

Nebu is located in the garden wing of the Devon Tower. Open Monday-Friday  7:30 am – 2.pm. *Coming Soon* Illy Coffee to be opened in August. Future blog post? I think so!

My taste-tester for the day.

 

Local | OKC Food Photographer | Restaurant Reviews

Local defines everything I love. Their philosophy is to eat real food from farmers in the area, to be self-sustained and creative, and over all, to simply be original. Oklahoma has needed a restaurant like this for a long time.
Local’s originality is the key to their success. Although they might be a little under the radar for now, I have a feeling it won’t be like that for long. They do things differently, right down to serving lime in the water instead of lemon. It’s the little thoughtful things that make a difference.
Their location is a bit deceiving from the outside it looks like it might be a small cafe in a strip mall. After going inside I was more than surprised. It’s spacious and has a modern vibe to it. Who says that you have to be a hipster-tree hugger to eat healthy? Local has some unique features that set it apart.

•  Localville – a space created just for the little ones. It’s completely separate from the rest of the restaurant so it’s a perfect place to bring the kids and still fit in some alone time. They can play and eat in this supervised area. The only problem being they might not want to leave.
• Local Market - a take-out version of Local, where you can purchase fresh and frozen foods to be prepared at home.
• Private Event Space – A dining room available for private parties. The room will feature different artwork throughout the year and it even has a  private entrance for VIP guests or surprise visitors.

But as great as all that is, what about the food? I tried the Sweet Potato Ravioli with brown butter and swiss chard. The homemade pasta was light and smooth and the brown butter sauce was richly divine. But I must admit, I was stealing bites of my mom’s Turkey Lasagna the entire time. Initially, I thought the portions looked small, but I think that was just because my eyes were bigger than my stomach. Local offers a long list of atypical lunch and dinner items, we just happened to be in the mood for the two italian ones, so don’t think that’s all they offer. I still managed to find some room for dessert, Banana Split Bread Pudding. It’s served with a whole banana, vanilla gelato, and then lightly drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauces. I saw the table next to us throwing jealous glances our way a few times. Not that I’d ever let that stop me. The service we had needed some improvement, but given that Local is still in its beginning stages, we can’t be too hard on them. After all, it’s hard to find a place that’s taking strides not just to stand out, but to stand for something.

You can view Local’s menu here.

2262 West Main Street Norman, OK 73069

Tuesday-Saturday at 11am.

Friday and Saturday there is a Late Night menu from 10pm-2am.

 -Oh and next time, I’m trying the cookies and milk. Sound boring? Not if it’s peanut butter infused milk and a chocolate cookie.

Cafe Plaid | OKC Food Photographer | Restaurant Reviews

Unless you are currently attending OU, you probably won’t find yourself frequenting Campus Corner very often. And in doing so, you could very well be missing out. When I first discovered Cafe Plaid it was pouring rain. I was being towed along by one of my best friends who insisted that I would love this place. She was right. As it turns out, Cafe Plaid is the perfect complement to a rainy day.

The atmosphere seemed even more inviting in comparison to being pelted by the rain and wind outside. It has a cozy and relaxed vibe that conveys that you should come and stay awhile. Study, catch up with friends, hang out, read. Don’t rush. This element alone sets the cafe apart from so many others.

Cafe Plaid serves sandwiches, soups, and salads; as well as having their own coffee bar complete with a mouth-watering selection of baked goods. All of their bread and baked goods are freshly made in-house. (Totally worth the carbs.) Most of their sandwiches are served on Focaccia bread. Since Italian is completely foreign to me, I had no idea how to pronounce Focaccia. Upon realizing the pronunciation (foh-kah-chuh), I tried my hardest to refrain from ninja slicing the air and yelling, “Fo-Kah-CHUH!” from the top of my lungs.

Admit it. You’re thinking about trying it right now. Go ahead..

My friend ordered the Tomato Provolone (pictured above). While after much contemplating I decided on the Grilled Veggie. It includes fresh zucchini, squash, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce; lightly drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, which gives a hint of tangyness to the vegetables. Of course, it all rest upon the homemade focaccia bread, adding an almost fluffy texture opposite of the slightly crunchy vegetables.

*Note the Grilled Veggie originally comes with Pesto Mayo, which I substituted for oil and vinegar.

And I could not forego the soup, especially because of the weather. Cafe Plaid has a handful of different soups each day. I chose the Tomato Basil and was not disappointed. It has a nice balance between being too creamy or having too much broth, and it’s infused with just the right amount of herbs. The soup tasted even better when paired with the sandwich.

And of course, I couldn’t leave the comfort of the warm indoors to re-enter the windy trek back to the car without a coffee in hand. All of Cafe Plaid’s coffees are 100% Fair Trade and 100% Organic, not to mention roasted locally to ensure they are as fresh as possible. I ordered a Coconut Mocha that in my opinion, trumps Starbuck’s.

What started out as a somewhat dreary day turned into a lovely one. It’s amazing what good food, coffee, and friendship can do.

To view Cafe Plaid’s website, click here.

Address

333 West Boyd Street

Norman, Oklahoma 73069

Directly across from the North Oval at the University of Oklahoma.

*Be aware of the lunch rush. If you visit during prime eating hours, expect a long line.

Hours

Monday thru Friday – 7:30 am to 4 pm

Saturday – 9 am to 4 pm

Sunday – 10 am to 4 pm

First Watch | OKC Photographer Carli Wentworth | Restaurant Reviews

Reviews have become somewhat of a strategic adventure for me. The name of the game being, how appetizing can I make these pictures look with as little equipment as possible, all the while trying to go unnoticed? My goal is to always be seated near a window. Luckily, the entire entrance of First Watch is filled with windows. Not so lucky for me however, the only tables by the windows seated at least a party of 8.. I brought my mom along with me for this review and upon seeing the huge tables she asked me, “Now are you sure you need the windows?” Of course I did. Needless to say, the hostess had an inquiring look upon her face when we requested one of the large tables. There were only two of us after all, and plenty of smaller seating options around. When our food arrived I attempted to discreetly take my huge camera out of my bag, along with a white foam board for a reflector, silently hoping to draw as little attention to myself as possible. No such luck. But it was all worth it in the end. I got the photo. And then it was time to eat..

First Watch is not a locally owned business in OKC, but after eating there a few times, I decided I needed to make an exception and tell you about it anyway. Hidden away in Quail Springs Marketplace, First Watch can easily go unnoticed. It is camouflaged by stores and you might not even realize that it’s actually a restaurant. First Watch is a self-proclaimed “daytime cafe” serving only breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. They close at 2:30pm so if you want to go, don’t plan on making a midnight pancake run like you might do at IHOP. And for good reason, First Watch isn’t just another pancake house. It’s more like an IHOP on steroids–better service, atmosphere, flavor, ingredients, and overall experience.

The atmosphere is calming and inviting; from the warm hue of the walls to the appetizing, yet artistic paintings of coffee and pancakes. Thankfully, you won’t find any loud, overplayed, pop music draining away your morning happiness here. The menu is diverse and accommodates a variety of preferences. Whether you are looking for healthier options, low-carb, gluten-free, or to indulge; there’s something for everyone. They use fresh, flavorful ingredients like avocados, honeydew, pineapple, berries, red peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and a variety of cheeses (just to name a few). My personal favorite thing to order is the Siesta Key Cocktail (featured above). The bottom is filled with crunchy granola, then layered with two kinds of creamy organic yogurt, nuts and fresh fruit, then sprinkled with sugar for an unexpected bite of extra sweetness. And oh so delicious. It comes with the muffin of the day. I find the muffin to be good, but nothing to brag about. Since I have visited a few times, I have had the opportunity to sample a variety of menu options and have not been disappointed. They have pancakes in unexpected flavors from Muesli and Multigrain to Bacon and Cheddar, Chocolate Chip, and Banana Crunch with Granola. Their lunch items are equally satisfying as well. (Just imagine a gooey sandwich filled with Swiss, Havarti, Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses; melted between a grilled parmesan-crusted, sourdough bread, accompanied by a rich Tomato-Basil soup.) Basically, you can’t go wrong. The prices are reasonable and I have never had bad service. They bring a personal pitcher of water and coffee to your table. It’s something I wish more places would do because it really makes things easier for everyone. Next time you find yourself craving breakfast, skip the fast food and give First Watch a try. And don’t mind the girl with the camera, she’s just doing what she loves.

• See the First Watch Website, including their full menu, here.

Quail Springs Marketplace 
W. Memorial Highway & N. Pennsylvania Ave.
2328 W. Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
405.748.3447

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

The Wedge Serves Up Local Flavor | Carli Wentworth Photography Reviews

    Since I am always on the look out for new restaurants and recipes, I thought why not share them with you. So in the New Year there will be more food. Not your typical resolution, I know. This year I will be featuring at least one recipe and restaurant review every month. Now I know I am in no way a professional food critic. But from one normal person to another, I promise to offer my honest opinion. I want to do these reviews because not only do I love creating, tasting, and photographing food, but also because I want to showcase what Oklahoma has to offer. No, it’s not what comes to mind when people think about an exotic, glamorous place. But take another look, and just beneath the surface, you’ll find that there is something charming about this state that can’t be found anywhere else.
While living in Massachusetts, I found a wood fire pizza place that left a hole in my heart ever since I moved back home. A craving would hit for Margherita pizza and I would have nowhere to go. That is until this month when I finally tried The Wedge.
As soon as I opened the door I noticed two things: the aroma of wood fire pizza and the atmosphere. The atmosphere had a quaint, vintage feel to it. The location is relatively small, but comfortable. Clips of black and white movies were playing on the TV and there wasn’t any loud, annoying pop music being blasted. It was calm and welcoming. A nice change, really. The menu offers a variety of signature pizzas, as well as a build your own option. Besides pizza, they have a variety of appetizers and salads. I ordered The Wedge salad which included cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and fennel with a herb vinaigrette. It was a refreshing alternative to your average dinner salad. As for the pizza I tried The Perfect Margherita (tomato, basil, roasted garlic, and mozzarella) and The Vedge (garlic, red bell peppers, artichokes, crimini mushrooms, pinenuts, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella). Both were outstanding. I will have a hard time going back to “normal” pizza after my experience here. Of course, in order to get the full effect I had to get dessert. And oh my goodness. If you go, be sure to save room for dessert. They serve an array of different gelato flavors. I tried the Cappuccino and Coconut, but I’d have to say, even for this coffee lover, the Coconut is to die for. The service was just right. Not overly attentive, but always there when I needed something. If I had to list a complaint about this place, the only thing I can come up with would be that the straw was too short for my glass.. And if that’s my only complaint, well, you know it must be good.

To check out The Wedge’s website click here.
Been to The Wedge? Have a restaurant you’d like me to review? Recipe to make? I’d like to know! All feedback is appreciated.