No time off for professional eaters over Labor Day weekend

Hope everyone had as wonderful a Labor Day weekend as I did. Amid a three-day weekend of much-needed rest came a second visit to Sabor de la Baja. Neither the pescado mojarra or variety of tacos we tried did anything to discourage my enthusiasm for this distinctive dining experience.

Also enjoyed dinner at Killer Squid Hospitality’s The Hamilton Supperette & Lounge. The Hamilton has long been one of my favorite haunts thanks to its remarkable ambiance and service. Chef Stephanie Miller’s eclectic menu offers a variety of entry points for diners, whether a party of 18 or the party one.

The Hamilton didn’t let our party of two down, starting with cocktails. A Pineapple Express and Princess Peach to be exact.

Since we were in a party of two, we skipped the Tuna Tower and Snack Board, either of which both make a fantastic shared meal with cocktails.

We were in for dinner, so we cycled through quail, salad, macaroni and cheese, Hatch Corn Off The Cob, and a lobster roll served with enough French fries to cause a potato shortage.

No dessert on this trip, but we will get there. Got a couple more visits to make before I publish a full review. If you plan on going to The Hamilton, which I recommend, in the next few weeks start with the Why the Quail Knot appetizer.

The weekend also included a trip to Naylamp Peruvian Cuisine, which proved itself the 405 diningscape’s ceviche mecca as well as the best place to get half a pollo rostisado.

There was also cookie showdown between Crumbl Cookies and Insomnia Cookies that I will share details about later this week. The weekend also included breakfast at La Baguette in Norman, a Frozen Peach Club Special at Spark in Scissortail Park, and as much time as I could possibly spend in a swimming pool.

Love to hear what dining plans all of you had over the long weekend.

Maybe the weekend was so delicious because I had a great primer on Thursday. That’s when I dropped into The Joinery for one of chef Chris McKenna’s monthly beer dinners.

The Joinery hosts the beer dinners once a month, for August chef McKenna’s four-course meal inspired by “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and paired with Roughtail craft beers. McKenna and his team served Corn & Green Curry Soup, Catfish Schnitzel, Beef Brisket Stroganoff, and Vanilla Bean Cheesecake.

Follow The Joinery on social media to find announcements about the next beer dinner.

While I was there, I ran into Bibbs Smokehouse and Catering co-owners Chuck Bibbs and Ronshene Smith. Those two recently moved there smokehouse operation from Norman to Bricktown in the former home of The Mantel. Bibbs learned barbecue in Austin under Aaron Franklin before moving back to Oklahoma. He and Smith both helped pitmaster Travis Clark open Clark Crew. Bibbs was pitmaster for Bandee’s BBQ when it opened.

Bibbs Smokehouse opened in Norman last year, but the partners were unable to purchase the property and instead decided the opportunity to bring smokehouse sensibilities to a storied downtown space was too good to pass. Bibbs said there are no plans yet for a full remodel. Instead, he and Johnson want to see if they can elevate their barbecue experience with a touch of class.

Bibbs is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Since I took the weekend off from publishing, expect posts tomorrow and this weekend. Plenty to share, including some upcoming events.

Events

VZD’s says goodbye tonight with a karaoke party that begins at 9 p.m.

The India Food and Art Festival, Sept. 10 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Scissortail Park. Hosted by the India Association of Oklahoma, the festival will features food, clothing , jewelry and stalls representing cultures from different regions of India. Dance dominates the entertainment, including Bollywood, classical temple dances, and folk dance. Live music will accompany those along with a fashion show. The festival will also include artists and a kids zone.

Bradford House hosts a Café Kacao Pop-up, Sept. 14. Chef Veronica Zelada will hop across the street to do an event with her neighbor Caleb Stangroom. Zelada will helm a night of cultural heritage through the flavors of her native Guatemala infour-course menu for the Bradford House pop-up dinner is no different. Cost is $70, click here for tickets and more details.

Anthemversary is Sept. 15 from noon to 10 p.m. at Anthem Brewing’s downtown tasting room. The Oktoberfest-style celebration doubles as the local brewery’s 11^th birthday party. Black Forest Breads and Brasco’s Chicken and Waffles food truck will provide food to go with live music from Rachel Lynch and Griffin Wade, Nikki Jackson and Mike Hosty.

ArtonTap at The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is Oct. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m.  The beer-tasting event returns with an outdoor block party on Couch Drive in front of the Museum. The party will include local breweries, lawn games, light bites, and live music. The Museum’s Roof Terrace will serve as a VIP lounge. Terrace tickets are sold out, but you can still get Block party tickets here.