Got a hankering for some great food and drink? Do your tastes run more to the tried and true, or are you looking for more adventurous fare? We’ve asked six area restaurants to share their signature dishes, along with a wine or cocktail that pairs well with it. They run the gamut, from comforting, down home-style dishes like meatloaf to lighter fare, such as blackened salmon piccata.
Weather's getting cooler, bringing increased appetites. You know you're hungry...go check out one or more of these fine establishments this month. Bon appetit!
SIGNATURE DISH
Persimmon Hill Meatloaf
DESCRIPTION
This meatloaf is topped with fire-roasted tomato brown sauce and served with mashed red potatoes and sweet glazed carrots
FROM
Red Rock Canyon Grill, Norman location: 1820 Legacy Park Drive
PAIRS WELL WITH
The Perfect Margarita, featuring Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado, Patron Citronge and Grand Marnier, garnished with green olives. Described as perfect, sweet and a little salty.
OVERALL
Redrock Canyon Grill is known for its impeccably crafted American classics with a Southwest flair. It's a neighborhood spot where you can get comfortable, discover new irresistible favorites while enjoying eclectic hand-crafted cocktails, local brews and extensive wine list at its energetic horseshoe bar.
SIGNATURE DISH
Roasted Lemon Caulini Flatbread
DESCRIPTION
This colorful flatbread pizza features fresh lemon, caulilini, bacon, cheddar cheese, Enrique’s hot honey and parsley.
FROM
The Winston, 106 W. Main St., Norman
PAIRS WELL WITH
“I Can See Clearly Now,” described as tropical, spicy and silky. Ingredients include Kasama rum, Cîroc brandy falernum, anise-cinnamon syrup, fresh lime, pineapple and dairy.
OVERALL
The Winston features classic meals with a modern flair and boasts a sizable whiskey selection that’s unmatched in the metro. The menu also features craft cocktails and draft beers, including many local drafts. A perfect destination for guests seeking a night out with friends, dinner with the family, or a glass of wine after a long week.
SIGNATURE DISH
Cajun Seafood Pasta
DESCRIPTION
This tasty pasta is made with scallops, shrimp and crawfish tails in a spicy Cajun cream sauce over whole-wheat fettuccine.
FROM
Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails, 132 West Main St., Norman
PAIRS WELL WITH
Sauvignon Blanc or Sooner Cobbler Cocktail (seasonal), made with rum, blackberries, lemon, honey, soda, Bittercube Jamaican #2 Bitters
OVERALL
At Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails, the staff strive to connect with guests through personable and fun service as they guide them through their meal. Everything—entrees, breads, desserts, cocktails, and even stocks, sauces and dressings, are, of course, made from “scratch”!
SIGNATURE DISH
Blackened Salmon Piccata
DESCRIPTION
Atlantic salmon blackened to perfection and served on top of angel pasta with a creamy lemon caper sauce.
FROM
Oliveto Italian Bistro, 1301 S I-35 Service Road, Moore
PAIRS WELL WITH
A full-bodied white wine of your choice.
OVERALL
Oliveto's menu is full of modern, artisan-inspired cuisine, including pastas, paninis, woodstone baked entrees and pizzas, as well as an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails. The menu is highly customizable; almost everything on the menu can be made gluten-free, pastas can be traded in for riced cauliflower, and all their signature pizzas can be made with cauliflower crust.
SIGNATURE DISH
New Zealand Rack of Lamb
DESCRIPTION
This gourmet offering features barbeque spices and a wild blueberry-brandy sauce.
FROM
Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast, Restaurant and Lounge, 7820 E. State Highway 9, Norman
PAIRS WELL WITH
Red wines, including a rich cabernet sauvignon, a classic Bordeaux or Chianti
OVERALL
Whispering Pines Inn Restaurant serves a wide variety of fine cuisine and also offers full bar service. It's a great place to celebrate special occasions such as wedding anniversaries and birthdays. When weather permits, consider eating out on the patio and enjoy the quiet and beautiful countryside!
SIGNATURE DISH
Chocolate Babka French Toast
DESCRIPTION
Brought in fresh from Quincy Bake Shop, located in the Bradford House Hotel in OKC.
FROM
Press & Plow, 2596 W. Tecumseh Road, Norman
PAIRS WELL WITH
Pumpkin Spice Latte, a fall favorite!
OVERALL
Press & Plow is a locally owned brunch hot-spot in Norman, serving breakfast and lunch items from 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily! You can also take home a selection of coffee beans, flavored syrups and pastries, too. Quality coffee is an art and with over 20 different whole bean options, their baristas can help you choose just the right one for home. They will even grind it specifically for your type of brewer. Press & Plow owners look forward to opening their next location next spring at Lindsey and Lahoma.