Brielle's Bistro finds a new home
Owners will open Crescent City Lounge in the vacant space
Chef Dwayne Johnson and his wife Kaylee Owen, owners of Brielle's Bistro and
Magnolia Bistro, aren't letting the pandemic stop them from making moves. This time literally. The couple's original concept, which is named after their daughter, has moved to a bigger space across Midwest City.
Brielle's Bistro Midwest, 2113 S Air Depot Blvd., opened on Oct. 17, serving breakfast all day plus the Cajun, Creole and southern comfort food it was known for in the former home of Hibachi Sushi & Seafood Buffet.
Johnson said the new place gives them flexibility to do some new things while continuing to deliver the family favorites that made the expansion possible. It also offers more room for social distancing.
The move will allow Johnson and Owen to soon open Crescent City Lounge in the space Brielle's leaves behind at 9205 NE 23 St.
Johnson said the new concept will be a supper club and lounge capable of hosting private and public special events with live music and bar service.
I stopped in to check out the new place for some Natchitoches Meat Pies. Breakfast fans will be happy to know they can get items like The Oklahoman, an omelet sandwiched between chicken-fried steak and the gravy it's entitled to bear by law.
Johnson delivers big, bold flavors and portions for one that would feed many parties of two. Looking forward to trying some fried grits and shrimp with a cocktail at the new place when it opens later this year.
Brielle's is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Check out the offerings online at briellesbistro.com. If you live or work downtown, you'll want to know where you can find gumbo with cold weather coming. Checkout Magnolia online at magnoliabistro405.com.
Iced out
Ted's Cantina and Tacos was intended to open last week, but 2020's October ice storm put a stop to that. The new place in the former home of Pizza 23 in Uptown got power back on Saturday and now plans to open today.
Go online to newsok.com/ dave-cathey for a belated sneak peek and more.
Vets eat free
Veterans day is Nov. 11, and many local restaurants plan to offer service members a token of appreciation.
Among them, Alfredo's Mexican Café is offering free meals to veterans that day for dine-in services at all three Alfredo's locations. The restaurant is also donating 5% of the month's proceeds in November to Warriors for Freedom.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will offer veterans a free All American Burger with Cheese with proof of service.
In-person redemption only.
Dickey's Barbecue
Pit is offering a free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich to vets next Wednesday. To redeem, guests must present a military ID or valid proof of service.Pie Five Pizza has a free personal pizza to all active or retired members of the military, and current or past members of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense with proof of ID. This offer is valid in-store only at participating locations.
I'm sure there will be more, and I will add them to this list online at newsok.com/ dave-cathey.
Talking turkey
Hopefully, you read Monday's story about the reopening of
Legend's Restaurant in Norman for the first time since March and the ramifications that has for Thanksgiving diners in Cleveland County.
Owner Joe Sparks told me he started doing Thanksgiving in 1982 but it was sporadic until 1990. Tuesday's reopening clears the way for Legend's to host Thanksgiving dinner for three decades without pause.
But the Sparks family isn't alone operating on Thanksgiving. Justin “Nic” Nicholas plans to offer Thanksgiving Day service at Nic's Place Diner and Lounge, but
Vast will not be open high above the city at Devon Tower as usual.
La Baguette Bistro never opens on Thanksgiving Day, but has traditionally sold carryout meals the night before the holiday for three decades. Owner Michel Buthion is managing expectations.“I don't think it's gonna be a big thing this year, but we're gonna be ready.”
As with all things under the influence of the pandemic, plans are fluid. Expect more restaurants to consider carryout Thanksgiving feasts. Grocery stores, butcher shops and specialty stores might face more demand.
Here's a running list of other restaurants open for Thanksgiving that we know of so far. Look for this list to grow as The Oklahoman receives confirmation of others offering Thanksgiving service.
• Cafe Cuvee, 1200 N Walker Ave., Thanksgiving service, 898-8120.
• Cracker Barrel locations in Edmond and Oklahoma City will have take-out options.•
Flint, 15 N Robinson Ave. (Colcord Hotel), open regular hours, 605-0657.• Grand House, 2701 N Classen Blvd., special Dim Sum service, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 524-7333.•
Ingrid's Kitchen, 3701 N Youngs Blvd., offering take-out options, 946-8444.
• Legend's Restaurant, 1312 W Lindsey St., Norman, four seatings. Call about possible Friday seating, 3298888.• Masa Ramen and Sushi, 1001 W Memorial Road, Suite 104, regular menu all day, 463-0303.•
Nic's Place Diner and Lounge, 1116 N Robinson Ave., traditional Thanksgiving dinner with options, call 601-9234 for details.•
Szechuan Bistro, 1010 W Memorial Road, regular menu, take-out only, 752-8889.