Many Oklahomans have been keeping up with the transformation of the National Building into a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel. Even more exciting for a foodie like myself is the new restaurants that will be a part of the hotel experience. The Tellers Restaurant, The Great Hall Bar, and the just-opened Library of Distilled Spirits (located in a bank vault) are open, with Stock and Bond Steakhouse coming soon. I recently had the opportunity to dine at Tellers Restaurant to experience the bar drinks from Hall Bar and the great Italian food from Tellers. I was pleased to discover an authentic, fine Italian dining experience.
The restaurant sits on the right side of the Great Hall Bar and offers impressive views of the original bank lobby with its high ceilings. The seating is spacious, giving an intimate feeling to each table. For Dinner, I started with the National Old Fashioned as I am a bourbon fan. The drink was perfect. I also ordered a bottle of wine from Montalcino. This bottle is personally significant to me as my oldest daughter will be getting married in Italy at this vineyard, and I became acquainted with it in February while in Italy.
We choose different appetizers, Yellowfin Tuna Crudo and Beef Meatballs, for a sea and land taste of the menu. Both are excellent and well presented. For the main course, I went with Parmigiana. Being of Italian descent and growing up eating a lot of Italian food, I always choose something very basic when I try out a new Italian restaurant. A great Italian restaurant will make a basic dish extraordinary. This dish hit the mark. I am not a dessert person, but my wife Tara is. She ordered the Chocolate Panna Cotta; if you love desserts, you will love it. I was tempted into a few bites.
June 18th, 2022, will be my wife and I's 28th anniversary. With my daughter's wedding only a few months away, we choose to stay local to celebrate. I booked a suite at The National and another dinner reservation at Tellers to celebrate.
I am looking forward to another great meal with my bride and trying out the recently opened Library of Distilled Spirits.
