June was a 30-day dining flex in the 405 diningscape

The best of Oklahoma City dining from last month went at least 15 deep

Last month was wall-to-wall dining adventure in the House of Dood. I had no less than 15 candidates for the Top 10 and four cocktails up for best beverage.

June included a culinary tour of the Asian District, two new Spark locations, the L’Arc Patisserie opening and a trip to Dado’s Pizza, but none of them made the Top 10.

This despite Dado’s becoming the new leader in the clubbouse among Pizzabout visits and having my favorite pepperoni pizza.

Those queso fries at Spark might just be the best I ever had, it’s just that I haven’t had that many. Usually turn them down, but these were just right.

While in the Asian District, I had donuts and eggrolls from Uncle Bao and dim sum at Grand House. All terrific, but June proved to a beast.

We said our goodbyes to Social Deck & Dining, which owners Jamie and Jordan Winteroth will now operate as a catering kitchen and private event space. Parting was such sweet sorrow for lemon cake and hot buns, but Social’s farewell was Aurora’s gain. The Plaza District favorite, also owned by the Winteroths, is moving a few doors west. When Aurora opens in its new home in late July, it will include a menu with homages to Social and this month’s top 10 includes more details.

Chef Isabella Li is already creating some of the city’s most beautiful sweets in Casady Square at L’Arc Patisserie. This gorgeous chocolate mousse with mango and raspberry filling fell just outside the top 10.

Perhaps most surprising is you will find no representation from chef Andrew Black’s new restaurant, Perle Mesta on the list. Chef Black opened last week of June, but my June 30 reservation was postponed at chef’s request. I did make it to Perle Mesta on Tuesday (July 2), and I can assure you the duck served over mushrooms with potato and carrot frites will be represented in the July top 10.

Perle Mesta was the second of two big June openings. A few days before Black swung open his doors at The Skirvin, chef Zach Hutton and his wife and business partner Kayla breathed new life into the former Ludivine space with Alma.

Both high-profile openings saw problems. Perle Mesta operated its first week without selling wine, beer or cocktails because it’s liquor license had not yet been granted. Happy to report the liquor license arrived Tuesday and wine service began that night. Cocktails are due this weekend. Also, the lobby entrance to Perle Mesta is still under construction, which eliminates the fastest path between the restaurant and restrooms. For now, guests must exit the restaurant and enter the hotel lobby to gain access. No word on when that construction project will be completed.

Over at Alma, the issue was more serious. Ferocious straight-line winds blew through the 405 diningscape on Tuesday, leaving Alma and R&J Lounge and Supper Club without power. Without refrigeration inventory in the walk-ins spoiled. Neither has been able to offer dining service since, though the bars at Alma and R&J have reopened.

Before we get into the top 10, I’d be remiss not to mention the effects the storm had on The Food Dood Feed. I drove home from Alma on Tuesday through the storm. After dodging a couple potential accidents on the highway, my car hit a patch of water rushing down Coltrane that had just enough debris from a downed tree to knock loose plastic guards that keep water out of the engine. Despite not stalling in water or running off the road, I lost power and the engine never recovered.

The monthly Top 10 has always been something I offer to both free and premium subscribers, and I’m not ready to change that yet. However, if you’re a regular reader of The Food Dood Feed accessing it with a free subscription, now is the time to upgrade. The unexpected loss of transportation has created an urgency I can’t ignore. Thanks in advance, here’s June’s Top 10.

1.      Ribeye and Pave Fries, Alma

Among the last dishes chef Zach Hutton served at Alma before it’s current stasis was a 28-day aged ribeye with Pave fries. The beef was spectacular, but those fries will not soon be forgotten. He cools classic Potatoes Pave then slices them into strips and fries them. Steak frites will never be the same.

2.      Cajun Grilled Oysters, City & State

Popped by to sip rose, but was blown away by the oyster game of chef Jennifer Broker Williams. Her buttery cajun-style variation was the bomb.

3.      Snapper Crudo, Aurora

This fresh, summer snack is pure dynamite and I’m pretty sure I could eat it every day.

4.      Chawanmushi, The Den at Nonesuch

Chefs Garrett Hare and Rachel Minick dazzled in early June inside The Den at Nonesuch. The former private dining space is now a bar featuring an entry-level tasting menu. Hare and Minick hit us seven beautiful courses, some more refined than others. The dish that really stood out was a play on classic Japanese Chawanmushi. Steamed egg custard is the foundation of the dish followed by peas and baby spinach. A dollop of caviar was just the right cherry on top.

5.      Bibim Naengmyeon and Galbi, Bulgogi Korean Bistro

Chef Kevin Lee introduced me to this place a couple of years ago, and it’s become a staple. Recently took a friend in for Galbi, but we ended up falling in love with this sticky, spicy garble of buckwheat noodles so bound by gochujang that shears were required to eat them. The needed extra tool did little to slow the dish’s eventual disappearance.

6.      Tuna handroll, Awaji Gastropub and Sushi Bar

As a fantastic meal with fellow food writer Jared Gleaton was winding down, chef Richard Ly asked us if we liked handrolls. Minutes after we said yes, the best thing out of a bevy of good things to eat arrived topped with a raw quail egg.

7.      Cabbage rolls with hashwa, Oozie

Charlie Khalaf and his family have set up shop in Edmond, and that’s where I now go for the best cabbage rolls in town. I know that’s big talk for someone with no Lebanese heritage, and I welcome feedback from those who have it. These babies are stuffed with hashwa, and they are spectacular but do NOT sleep on the tabouli, hummus or anything else.

8.      Blueberry pie, Railyard Pie Co.

Summer in the 405 diningscape has seasons. My favorite one has nothing to do with morel mushrooms, Porter peaches or duck-hunting. It has to do with summertime and double-crusted blueberry pies at Railyard Pie Co.  

9.      Paella, Rococo

Chef David Sullivan has been doing paella parties for nine years at three different restaurants. Was lucky enough to sneak into the one he hosted on the patio at Rococo last month.

10.  Mexican Pineapple, Chico’s

This little Tex-Mex café in Edmond continues to surprise. This time with a cored pineapple stuffed with the contents of a fajita skillet and topped with queso Chihuahua.

Best Drink: Club Social from Aurora

When Aurora reopens towards the end of this month, the menu will include items previously sold at Social. I’m happy to report the Club Social, known in these parts as the Club Special, is among them just in time for summer!

Have you been to any of these restaurants? Tried any of these dishes? Love to hear your responses in the comments. Choose a paid subscription plan today, and let your hottest food take be heard!