There’s nothing quite like a girls’ night to reset your soul, but this time, Lestari and I decided to level up our tradition. Why not trade sleeping bags and late-night pizza for plush beds, decadent dining and skyline views?
May’s theme for the mag, The Ladies Issue, was practically begging for the ultimate girls' staycation. Cue the Ellison Hotel and an evening at Milo. Spoiler alert? This was slumber party goals.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (and Luxury)
It had been one of those weeks. Lestari was on her A-game wrapping up all things OKC Ballet’s Ballet Ball, and I was ready to kick back on Spring Break after a busy week of teaching.
This escape? Needed. Walking into the Ellison, we knew we’d made the perfect choice. The hotel was sleek yet welcoming, with some serious Oklahoma vibes (shoutout to Ralph Ellison).
But let's talk about that suite! A corner king suite awaited us, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the best city views, a walk-in closet big enough for all our overpacked luggage, and the coziest king-sized bed that might’ve been heaven-sent. Even the oversized bathtub felt like luxury personified. Honestly, if snapping selfies on our iPhones was a sport, we’d have taken home the gold. Laughs? Unlimited. Girl Talk? Check. Best vibes? Totally unmatched.
Sip & Savor - Milo at The Ellison
If you’re wondering what to order, here’s what we devoured—and what you absolutely can’t skip:
Cocktails
Lovely Pear—Vodka, pear syrup, spiced pear liqueur, lemon and the finishing touch... bubbles. It’s fresh, sparkly and feels like a celebration in a glass.
Cucumber Martini—OK, listen. This isn’t even on the menu, but our amazing bartender whipped it up, and we’re here to say this crisp, refreshing masterpiece deserves its own spotlight.
To-Be-Named Berry Martini—Another off-the-menu surprise crafted custom for us by our bartender. Bright berry flavors, perfectly balanced, and honestly? She could’ve called it Mel & Lestari’s Signature Martini,” and we’d believe her.
Starters
Pimento Cheese Dip—Creamy, indulgent and a little zippy, thanks to the pickled peppers. Pair it with their house-made salt and vinegar chips, and suddenly, you’re wondering why this isn’t a full meal.
Crab Cakes—Golden on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth perfection on the inside. Add the fennel aioli and fennel radish salad, and you’ve got real fancy food satisfaction!
Smoked Salmon Dip—Creamy smoked salmon served with chow chow and crunchy salt-and-vinegar chips. (A little Southern flair goes a long way!)
Mains
Mel’s Pick: Creekstone Ribeye—This dish was the moment. Juicy ribeye with a smoky cowboy rub dressed up with fingerlings, oyster mushrooms, roasted tomato butter and green beans. Honestly, a mic-drop plate.
Lestari’s Pick: Half Duck—Leg confit, pan-roasted breast, broccolini, summer peaches and fingerlings. Savory meets sweet perfection, and yes, Lestari did her little happy wiggle after that first bite.
Harlea’s Pick: Creekstone Beef Tenderloin—Tender and elegant, served with a silky potato purée, broccolini and a rich roasted beef demi-glace.
Sweets & Things
Spoiler alert? We tried all the desserts. Zero regrets.
Cheesecake—Creamy, dreamy and paired with seasonal fruit.
Mixed Berry Shortcake—Sweet macerated berries topped with fresh whipped cream. Rustic and magical.
Seasonal Cobbler—Warm, gooey perfection served with vanilla ice cream.
From the first sip of those cocktails to the last spoonful of cobbler, Milo turned “dinner out” into a full-on experience. Every bite and every moment felt special.
Slumber Party Magic - The Ellison Hotel
Back in our suite, we ditched our heels for robes, poured some sparkling water and stretched out on that unreal bed with Oklahoma City glowing outside the windows. Between laughs over our dessert overload and girl talk about life, love and everything in between, it hit us. Nights like this? They’re what it’s all about.
Until Next Month!
OKC fam, don’t wait to make this happen. Book the king suite. Order the Pimento Cheese Dip. And don’t forget to toast the night away with a Lovely Pear martini in hand. Trust us, Milo and the Ellison are calling your name.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @ThisIsMelDrake and @le.star for more insider vibes.
Cheers and hugs,
Mel & Lestari 💕
Ellison Hotel & Milo Restaurant
6201 North Western Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
https://ellisonhotel.com/
https://milookc.com/