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Whispering Pine's New Zealand Rack of Lamb

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Taste of Cleveland County

From Comfort Food to Gourmet Fare, Local Restaurants Offer It All

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.