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OKC VIBES: Mel & Lestari's Insider Scoop to the City!

 Fall into the Heart of OKC

Article by Melissa "Mel" Drake & Lestari Kusumawardani

Photography by Harlea Robinson

Originally published in OKC City Lifestyle

Hey there, fabulous OKC lovers! We are Mel and Lestari, your go-to gals for everything amazing about Oklahoma City! Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, we’re thrilled to share our personal picks this October! Fall is in full swing, and we’ve got the inside scoop—from award-winning cuisine to vibrant festivals!

Ready to dive into all things OKC? Let’s celebrate the creativity and diversity that make our city shine!

Where to Eat & Drink

Sip & Savor: Perle Mesta
He's done it again! Can you believe it? Nestled in the iconic Skirvin Hotel, Perle Mesta is the culinary gem from OKC's own James Beard award-winning chef, Andrew Black!

Get ready for innovation and creativity like never before! Who’s ready for this delicious adventure? From mouthwatering steaks to divine desserts, this upscale eatery offers a sophisticated ambiance and impeccable service—just as their "Hostess with the Mostess," Perle Mesta, would have wanted!

Here's what to order:

Cocktails -

o   Smoke & Soil (sprit base: mezcal)

o   Call Me Madame (spirit base: Rose + Elderflower Gin)

o   Silk Roads (spirit base: tamarind-infused bourbon)

Starters -

o   Prawns

o   Roasted garlic lemon baby scallops

o   Butter bean & tomato with grilled Caribbean Indian Roti (so good! Hot tip: ask for extra Roti)

Mains -

o   Roast steak with peppercorn sauce

o   Sorghum-glazed sea bass

o   Artichokes, asparagus, butternut squash, and mushroom truffle pasta (this dish was an absolute stunner!)

Sweets & Things -

o   Flowerless chocolate cake (to be honest, I can't give too many details because we ate it way too fast because it was way too good!)

o   Champagne - a chilled glass of after-dinner bubbles with my dessert? Yes, please!

Perle Mesta

One Park Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

PerleMesta.com

Where to Stay

Spooky Season at The Skirvin Hotel

Fun Fact: The Skirvin Hotel skips Floor 13 (triskaidelkaphobia)! Feeling lucky? Book a room on Floor 14 and see what surprises await!

The Skirvin Hotel

One Park Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

SkirvinHilton.com

What to Do

Experience the Unexpected
Asian Night Market Festival
Military Park, Asian District
1200 NW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Oct. 4-5

AsianDistrictOK.com/anmf

Where to Shop

The “Most Magical Place in Oklahoma"
Craig’s Emporium

1209 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

CraigsEmporium.com

Where to Give

The Power of Community Mental Health Matters
Hope community service

HopeCSI.org/

Until Next Month! 

We hope you loved our first issue of "OKC Vibes: Mel & Lestari's Insider Scoop!" Ready for more insider tips next month? Follow us on Instagram @ThisIsMelDrake and @_le.star_ for more OKC adventures!

Happy fall, y'all! 🍂🎃👻 

Cheers, 

Mel & Lestari

Lestari Kusumawardani

Originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, Lestari has made OKC her home since 2001. As the Oklahoma City Ballet's marketing manager, she has a stellar track record of successful campaigns. In her downtime, she enjoys exploring the local performing arts and culinary scenes.

Melissa "Mel" Drake

Melissa "Mel" Drake is a talented photographer and dedicated classroom teacher based in Oklahoma City. In her free time, she enjoys discovering fun local OKC activities, traveling domestically and internationally, and whipping up delicious cocktails.