Drinkin’ In The Moonlight
From 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, the Plaza District’s Urban Wine Works, 1749 N.W. 16th, presents its first “Full Moon” party.
“We are going to make it where you can go in and out, and each month will have a different theme. The first is ‘Caroling in the Moonlight,’” said Carrie Bailey of Urban Wine Works, which also is celebrating its grand opening this weekend.
For more information, call 525- 9463 or follow @UrbanWineworks on Twitter.
The Pass Off
Bellini’s Ristorante & Grill, 6305 Waterford Blvd., has changed hands. It now is owned by Alain and Michel Buthion. For now, the concept will remain Italian-American. Bellini’s still serves its signature dishes, so don’t let the transition stop you from dining. Call 848-1065.
Proof’s In The Pudding
The 2011 Best American Cuisine Top 100 List was released from OpenTable, and appearing on the list, along with places like Abacus of Dallas and Blue Hill of NYC, are two of our very own local establishments.
Let’s hear it for Cheever’s Cafe, 409 N. Hudson, and Paseo Grill, 2908 Paseo, for earning this top honor. Show your appreciation and support by making reservations today. It’s time to celebrate OKC’s local food culture!
Hey, Jude’s
The Melting Pot, 4 E. Sheridan in Bricktown, has joined St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for its eighth annual “Thanks and Giving” campaign. Through Dec. 31, the campaign asks diners to help fund childhood cancer research. For every donation of $10 or more, guests will receive a gift card that offers $20 off any future purchase of $50 or more.
The Melting Pot is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 235-1000 for reservations.
Chow Chat
Shawnee native Matthew Johnson is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable sous chef at The Coach House and also cooks at The Metro.
Would love to meet: “Chef John Besh of New Orleans.”
Best hamburger: “Hamburger King in Shawnee.”
Been at The Metro: “For five years and I feel like I am back home.”
Your mentor: “(The late) Chip Sears who showed me the ropes and got me the job at The Metro. I owe that man a great deal.”
Future plans: “I will graduate in February from the apprenticeship program from The Coach House under Chef Kurt Fleischfresser. There are about three or four good friends I would love to cook with, then, but it is my intention to blaze my own path.”
Married?: “Too busy to even think about that right now.”
Pet peeve: “Messiness — not having your mis en place [prep tray: ‘setting in place’] ready.”
Personal motto: “It’s easier to be nice.”
Hidden talent: “I really like music and would like to be a performer some day. All rock stars want to be chefs, and all chefs want to be rock stars.” —Carol Smaglinski
