Skirvin goes Back to Black
A look at a big night in the 405 diningscape and the week ahead
Welcome to the new normal.
Not only did the paywall go up today, but we’re all still reeling from the news that chef Andrew Black is triumphantly returning to the Skirvin Hotel.
The big announcement came as part of Black’s celebration turned full-scale gala for winning Best Chef Southwest from the James Beard Award in May. Because the Skirvin had skin in the game, they threw chef Andrew a party no one who attended will soon forget.
The catering team had a buffet waiting outside the elevator and more every step of the way to the main dining room. Local royalty ranged from mayor David Holt to the mayor the Skirvin Hotel, Steve Lackmeyer.
But no one was more regal than the Queens of the 405 diningscape, Florence Jones Kemp and her daughter Victoria. Stunning.
Here’s some photos from the big event.
Upon further review
The big news scrambled the Food Dood Feed’s schedule a little bit, including the release of my first formal restaurant review. I’ll release my review of Riserva Bar & Tapas on Wednesday. It will be for paid subscribers only. You can try a free trial to see what you think.
Before the review posts, I wanted to lay out the guidelines I’m following. Restaurants won’t be reviewed unless I’ve eaten there at least three times. Anonymity will be a part of the process but it’s not always possible to maintain. When it is broken, I will disclose it and whether food or service is affected by it.
Generally, I’ll rate on a four-star scale. Food, including flavor, presentation and execution, will account for two of the four stars. Service, which includes attention to detail and knowledge, gets a star and atmosphere the other. When it comes to atmosphere, I’ll be looking for how comfortable it makes guests and how efficiently it supports service.
Because all restaurants don’t open with the same aspirations, I won’t review them equally. Vast opened under chef Black on the 49th floor of the Devon Tower intending to set culinary standards for the city and offer guests every conceivable convenience whether they’re in for general dining or a private event. Nic’s Grill opened with a 17-seat counter, a working flat-top and one private bathroom. Nic had no restaurant experience.
Vast is a chef-driven restaurant with the kind of space and budget to support premium amenities across the board. Four stars at Vast is not the same as four stars at Nic’s but four stars each would earn.
So I’m adding a fifth star. It’ll be reserved for restaurants that either have a chef on staff or are owned by one whose ability to convey a distinctive culinary voice and set, uphold or raise local standards will determine whether of not the restaurant earns a fifth.
Whether Vast is worthy of a fifth star is a story for another day and more dinners. Could Nic earn one? Of course, but it would the path would be steep.
One note on service. Time and tide changes all things, and when they team up to fling a pandemic around the globe steps get skipped while the dust settles. Let’s face it, the dust is still settling from the pandemic and probably will continue to do so until the Roaring Twenties get a chance to repeat themselves.
In these post-pandemic times, front-of-house service has suffered the most at restaurants of every ilk nationwide. Nevertheless service is among the rubrics upon which these stars fall. But because customer service standards have dropped in every industry, I’ll take that into account.
Gratis Dood
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Going forward, I’ll list what events I’m aware of and any events sent my way. The event I know most about is Chefs Fest 2023 because I’m helping Super Cao Nguyen organize it this year. The event is Aug. 19, which coincides with a a couple other notable events in the Asian District.
Once again, the Asian Night Market Festival commences that weekend. This year, it’ll be a two-day event starting Friday night. Cultural dances, food trucks and retail vendors will support a succession of cultural performances at Military Park.
Local restaurateur, entrepreneur, new mother and all-around bad-ass Jenny Nguyen will have a special two-day opening event for her new concept Bun (pronounced boon) Box with the help of her cousin and celebrity chef Danny Bowien. The cookbook author and former Mission Chinese owner confirmed he will be in town in support of Jenny’s big opening, including some special menu items.
No doubt, he said, he’ll find some time to hang out over at Chefs Fest – which we’ll come back to.
On Thursday, Rococo will host a renaming event at the original location, 2824 N Penn Ave. Operating as the Rococo Catering and Events Center the past few years, the name will change at the party. It’s scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. and include complimentary appetizers. WanderFolk Spirits will have a cash bar with themed drinks. The renaming is the culmination of a contest. The new name and the winner of the contest will be announced at 7:30.
For location details and contact information, click here.
As mentioned previously, Chefs Fest 2023 is a week from Saturday. Exclusive to the Food Dood Feed is this link to our presale shop. You’ll find the tokens you need to purchase foods from more than 40 local chefs. You’ll also find merch like Chefs Fest 2023 T-shirts. Check back often, as the store will update.
Keep an eye on my social media channels this week for video of the chefs introducing their Chefs Fest dishes.
The Asian Night Market Festival kicks off the cultural festivals that stretch into fall.
Taste of Asia Festival is coming Aug. 26 at Mayfair Church of Christ, 2340 NW 50th St., from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The Asia Society of Oklahoma puts on the event to raise money for its annual scholarship. Tickets are $15 for kids 5 to 10; all others are $20. Admission is free for kids under 5. Food Tasting operates 5.30 to 7 p.m.
The India Food and Art Festival is 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.
Once we’re into September, The Greek Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church and the Mediterranean Food Fair at St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church can’t be far away.