HarborChase of South Oklahoma City offers so many amenities, it’s tough to single out the most attractive or desirable. Perhaps it’s the beautiful surroundings, which include parks and lakes. Or the housekeeping and transportation services. And what about the club room, classrooms and activity spaces—all designed to foster a sense of community? This community even goes the extra mile to ensure their residents’ safety: a 1800-square-foot room that is FEMA rated to withstand a category 5 tornado!
Many HarborChase residents list the community’s dining options at or near the top of their favorite amenities.
“Mary Campbell, the first lady who moved in with us, said ‘our chef prepares some of the best dishes she's ever eaten, and that's not exaggerating!’” said Willie Ferguson, HarborChase executive director.
“Tom and Marie Lovelace and their family say Kurt's [Kurt Gehlhaar, HarborChase’s executive chef; more on him later] Italian dishes and pizza can rival the best Italian restaurant in Oklahoma City. And when friends of resident Carol Smith asked if we have meals like this all the time, her response was ‘yes, and we eat like this every day. The rolls the chef makes melt in your mouth, they are so good.’”
Willie notes that residents can avail themselves of four different restaurant venues. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available on-site, as well as special happy hour events in the Fusion Lounge (more to come on this in a minute).
“For those residents who want their mealtimes structured, we serve breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m., lunch from noon-1:30 p.m., and dinner from 5-6:30 p.m.,” Willie said. “Additionally, we have a Grab & Go menu available at our Counter Offer, which includes pastries, expresso and ready-made sandwiches; numerous salads; and several items made to order. The Counter Offer is available until 8 each evening to allow the residents the freedom to have food available for their busy lifestyles.”
Most residents gather to enjoy their meals together at Signatures Dining, where they can order from a selection of entrees or order a la carte: included are a variety of sides as well as chicken-fried steak, gourmet burgers and other dishes.
Then there’s The Grille Room, which Willie calls “fine dining at its best.”
“The Grille Room is by reservation only, and can serve up to 16 guests,” she said, noting that this room features fine China, tablecloths, a fireplace and special lighting. “Each meal is prepared to order, and delicacies include your choice of T-bone steak, rib-eye or prime rib—coupled, if desired, by lobster, Chilean sea bass or other items. You can also have chicken prepared to your request, and there are multiple ‘sides’ available.
“Additionally, your meal can be paired with the wine of your choice or other beverage from the Fusion Lounge.”
Yet another dining option is the Zest Restaurant, for intimate parties of up to 8-10 people. “The Zest is great for birthday celebrations or special gatherings,” Willie said.
Finally, the Counter Offer is available for “on-the-go” residents or those who just want to grab a sandwich or snacks for a lighter meal.
“We also have our own stone-fired pizza oven where the chef prepares flatbread pizza for the enjoyment of the residents anytime,” Willie said. “The pizza oven is housed in ‘The Chef's Kitchen,’ where he does food demonstrations.”
To ensure their residents’ dining experiences (as well as their invited guests’) are all positive, HarborChase employs an executive chef, Kurt Gehlhaar, who holds culinary and pastry degrees and has worked at luxury resorts in neighboring states as well as at Vegas Casinos. A sous chef, cooks and prep cooks round out the team.
HarborChase invites potential clients or residents to bring their family members in for a fine dinner for up to eight guests to try the various dining options (reservations required). In addition, tours are offered seven days a week.
HarborChase Oklahoma City
10801 South May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
405.259.2309