Veg Out: Holidays

Holidays

Your guide to eating out from a vegetarian who doesn’t want to cook.

It’s that time of year. Family gatherings at your home. People in from out of town, wanting to see how OKC has changed since their last visit. Maybe you are “lucky” enough to have family staying with you… all through the holidays. With so many home cooked meals looming ahead, this is a great opportunity to give yourself a break and take advantage of the recent boom in the OKC restaurant scene. Check out some local fine dining establishments offering choices for vegetarians and carnivores alike that are sure to impress.

Broadway 10 Bar And Chophouse

In the burgeoning Automobile Alley district, Broadway 10 is a place to see and be seen. They have a great bar to enjoy while you wait, and fantastic service as you dine. At first glance, one would think the only vegetarian options on their menu are salads and sides, but the staff at Broadway 10 are happy to create something off-menu to fit your diet. I suggest starting with the burrata mozzarella salad, and then asking what vegetarian options they can offer. The scallop and lobster bucatini pasta can be made vegetarian, with mushrooms, asparagus and bell peppers in a fantastic tomato cream sauce. They will also whip up a vegetarian sushi roll with various veggies plus wasabi and soy for dipping. Both of these are delicious, but if you’d like something different, just let them know, as the staff at Broadway 10 aims to please.

> 1101 North Broadway in OKC

Packard’s New American Kitchen

A popular local spot in Midtown, Packard’s is always at the top of our list. When the weather is nice, their roof top bar is one of the best in OKC, and the upscale, yet comfortable ambiance inside is enjoyable as well. An updated menu includes one of my favorite vegetarian options in town. The lentil curry with coconut milk, basmati rice, toasted almonds and assorted vegetables has the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. On a recent visit, I noticed of the five people eating at the bar, four of us were enjoying the lentil curry. I asked and found out that no one else was a vegetarian, but everyone was raving about it. Additionally, a tasty option is the mac and cheese. Made with cavatappi pasta, smoked Gouda cream, cheddar, and Fontina, this creamy dish is another that my meat-eating friends enjoy. If you happen to be lucky enough to go when their soup is brie cauliflower, do yourself a favor and get it. It has an amazing herb oil drizzled on top, and is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.

> 201 Northwest 10th St in OKC

Cheever’s Café

Long before the Uptown revival, Cheever’s Café stood as THE restaurant destination on 23rd street. Still known throughout the Metro as one of the best restaurants in town, the quaint décor of Cheever’s gives you a special occasion feel in a relaxed atmosphere.

My favorite starter is Juan’s Queso Chihuahua, their version of a deconstructed southwest layer dip that includes black beans and melted Chihuahua cheese topped with fresh avocados and tomatillo salsa. Follow it up with the Quinoa Avocado salad or Chopped salad with black beans if you’re in the mood for something light. Otherwise, give their Cauliflower Bread Pudding a try. With beluga lentils, mushroom pesto, crispy Brussels sprouts and more, it is a fantastic vegetarian entrée. The Vegetable Stack (not currently on the menu), is so delicious that one of my non-vegetarian friends orders it every time he goes. This is a stacked dish, with jalapeno potato au gratin, zucchini, squash, poblano and red bell peppers covered in a balsamic reduction and toasted chili oil. The Vegetable Stack has a unique combination of flavors and textures sure to exceed your expectations for a vegetarian meal.

> 2409 North Hudson in OKC

Paseo Grill

In the artsy Paseo District, Paseo Grill is an excellent place to enjoy an upscale meal. The cozy setting, coupled with some of the best food in OKC, makes Paseo Grill a must dine destination. Starting a meal without the cream of mushroom soup is a huge mistake. I challenge anyone to find a better mushroom soup in the metro. They offer several vegetarian options; including the tomato and mozzarella caprese salad, the Hummus bi Tahina and their southwest spinach dip, that are great to share as appetizers or to keep to yourself as an entrée. The

Vegetarian Napolean is a terrific combination dish, with perfectly marinated portabellini mushrooms, ratatouille, sautéed spinach and toasted pine nut orzo. As luck had it, they were offering a pumpkin goat cheese tart, which was even more delicious than it sounds. With a cheesecake-like texture, savory flavor, and a beurre blanc sauce, it was totally unique and something every foodie should try if given the opportunity. Paseo Grill has been serving excellent food for over ten years, and is definitely an establishment you owe it to yourself to experience.

> 2909 Unit A Paseo in OKC

Have a delicious vegetarian dish worth writing about? Shoot us an email at edibleokc@gmail.com and let us know.