My wife and I eat at places ranging from low brow and low budget to high dollar and high expectations.

We also are adventurous eaters.

That being said, to us Ludivine is the place we take an out of town guests with similar adventurous palettes - but not a place we care to eat at with any regularity.

The first time we ate there it was indeed an adventure and well the enjoyed. The last two times were good, but nothing that elevated our overall opinion of the place.

Most times we've even mentioned going to Ludivine, we ended up at Red Prime, Cheever's, Paseo Grill or Signature - and were glad for it.

I would say the creativity is certainly above what most local restaurants provide, but I wouldn't say the service and overall value is.

3564I ran into Urban Pioneer and Catch 22 last night at Ludivine.

Clearly I'm not the mayor. Damn, my signature doesn't work anymore at tricking anyone.

Did I blow your cover?

Did I blow your cover?

We're cool!

Ludivine is currently suffering the dreaded "sophomore slump." The last time we dined there we actually wondered if the same ownership / management was involved. It was very good, but not not on the same level it was in its prime. Bad night? Who knows?

It was still very good but not what it was on previous visits.

I really want to see it work. Awesome concept. Hopefully they're not losing the passion for great food they had during the first year.

Judging only by recent visits, the bar has overtaken the restaurant as the star. Hoping they can become worthy rivals again.

Sad to hear that, I need to get back in soon and try it out again, it's been many months. It's a great concept and location for OKC.

Quality has diminished. Noticably. It was one of our favorites and I still love the bar.

Saw on FB Jonathan Stranger is back from a stint in San Fran. Perhaps that was why the decline?

Saw on FB Jonathan Stranger is back from a stint in San Fran. Perhaps that was why the decline?

Wondered about that. Thanks for the update. His presence there was obviously missed. Perhaps his journey to SF infused him with some new inspiration.

I notified Ludivine a week ago about the recent complaints, they brushed it off. Pretty surprising. I guess we'll find out soon enough. Hope they turn the place around if it is what people are claiming as of late. I really like this concept.

No offense, but what did you expect them to do? Lots of people "complain" to restaurants because they just want something free.

Its also important to note their menu changes, and some things will simply be better than others. Its definitely a place you have to hit at the right time, and has always been.

I wasn't "complaining" I was pointing out recent bad reviews to them on a message board. Most restauranteurs on top of their game like to know these things. I cite Good Egg Group as a quality example of a well run restaurant group.

No offense, but what did you expect them to do? Lots of people "complain" to restaurants because they just want something free.

Its also important to note their menu changes, and some things will simply be better than others. Its definitely a place you have to hit at the right time, and has always been.

The people who work here are smart and experienced enough to be able to tell the difference between a caller who wants something for free and someone noting that diminished care or skill in the kitchen is starting to impact the overall quality of the product on a longer timeline. But even if they can, the assumption that they are here to educate the palettes of Oklahomans may make it difficult for them to accept the possibility that things have slipped enough to be perceptible to their clientele.

This is a tough business, and it is difficult to find talented employees who can bring it day after day, for little financial incentive. They are running an ingredient-driven kitchen, which heightens the importance of craft, and when you have high turnover on a small team the loss of talented people can impact your day to day product.

A complaint can only be taken as seriously as its accuracy and specificity allow it to be taken.

"The quality has diminished" means exactly nothing.

Ludivine was listed as the food provider for the pre-Arts Festival VIP party last night - but it certainly wasn't their food that was served. It looked like Joey's Pizza and some deli selections from Sam's. When I inquired I was just told that 'something happened with Ludivine's promise.' Don't really know what that means, but I was actually looking forward to what they might be serving.

Ludivine was listed as the food provider for the pre-Arts Festival VIP party last night - but it certainly wasn't their food that was served. It looked like Joey's Pizza and some deli selections from Sam's. When I inquired I was just told that 'something happened with Ludivine's promise.' Don't really know what that means, but I was actually looking forward to what they might be serving.

They didn't show up.

Well . . . At least we had the traditional rain for the rest of the event . . .
(just kidding: The Arts Council and The OKC Festival of The Arts are two of my most favorite things about living in Oklahoma City.)

Went last Sat night and it was unbelievably good, did not see a drop off at all

Went last Sat night and it was unbelievably good, did not see a drop off at all

Maybe that's because Jonathan is back. Good to hear.

My wife and I dined at Ludivine last night and it was wonderful. We sat at the dining room bar, enjoyed a bottle of Malbec, split the (I think) buffalo sirloin with roasted ear of corn, and it couldn't have been better. It was nice watching the kitchen prep from our bar stools, which helped make our entree decision.

Our server was very good - attentive but not hovering, proud of and knowledgeable about the offerings, friendly, courteous and appreciative of our patronage.

Being a Tuesday evening it wasn't packed, but the dining room was about half-filled, and several younger people were enjoying themselves in the bar. As we exited through the bar we were simultaneously met with a cool evening breeze and terrific view of the Regency Tower and federal building.

I don't keep abreast of the behind-the-scenes politics and gossip in the local food industry, but as a diner out for a meal in OKC last night, I couldn't have asked for more.

Saw this on the Barnes & Noble newsstand this past weekend. Pretty cool S/O from one of the top foodie mags, Saveur.

Oklahoma Rising | SAVEUR (http://www.saveur.com/article/Travels/Ludivine-Oklahoma-City-Restaurant)

bump

Pete, one suggestion on Restaurant & Bar section that could be implemented as time permits:

Including the owners of different establishments and the other places they own could help people have an idea of who they trust and have a bigger picture of OKC's culinary scene.

^

Great idea!

https://twitter.com/ludivineokc/status/443457656888373248

Here is a note from the ludivine twitter feed.

“@LudivineOkc: Almost time for @h_n_8th! We will be serving 3 courses for $40, and trying out dishes for the new concept, opening this fall on Hudson.”

New concept coming this fall on Hudson?? Sounds interesting

Great news if so.

I found out from reliable source that the owners of Ludivine (Jonathan and I think the other's name is Russ?) are opening another restaurant downtown (different concept) on Hudson this fall. I couldn't verify cross street, but I have been told at 8th, which would make sense. Trying to get more info, but this is exciting for this up and coming area of MidTown.

So you haven't verified the cross street, except that it's 8th? Okay...

#ScoopByMetro

There was some kind of work going on today in that strip, but not sure for what...

So you haven't verified the cross street, except that it's 8th? Okay...

#ScoopByMetro

No, they wouldn't tell me, but unofficial rumor is saying 8th is the cross-street, I'm simply stating I can't confirm that is 100% fact yet, so take it for what you want. The new concept, the owners and Hudson is confirmed however. 8th would make a lot of sense since it's in close proximity to their first restaurant, Ludivine, and would help build on existing synergies that block is creating.

Yes they even tweeted that they were exploring a new concept for Hudson.

I hear the "Edquarters" on hudson just had some space open up...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well done, Phi. Well done.

I hear the "Edquarters" on hudson just had some space open up...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I noticed some work being performed on the building just North of the Ed Shadid campaign building this morning.

Solid scoop. You either have twitter or read the ludivine thread yesterday. Ludivine - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Ludivine&page=2#post758209)

Solid scoop. You either have twitter or read the ludivine thread yesterday. Ludivine - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Ludivine&page=2#post758209)

::drops mic::

Maybe the old Foodies location??

Solid scoop. You either have twitter or read the ludivine thread yesterday. Ludivine - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Ludivine&page=2#post758209)

Lolol.

Just to the north of Ludivine, the long board-up space is being renovated for offices.

Already looks way better.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine090816.jpg

Oops, have been walking by this for awhile and forgot to mention it. Very glad it's activating.

Anyone know where Ludivine is moving? Or why? The Oklahoman has an article indicating they are moving to another location within Midtown, but the article is behind a paywall.

Got posted in a new thread and in Edmond instead of OKC earlier today:

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=41727&p=1044792#post1044792

FIRST LOOK: Ludivine to relocate to high-profile NW 10th Street address (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=538-FIRST-LOOK-Ludivine-to-relocate-to-high-profile-NW-10th-Street-address)


Work has started to relocate the ever-popular Ludivine restaurant a few blocks away, from its current location at 805 N Hudson Ave. to a more visible location on NW 10th Street which will directly front the new streetcar route when it starts to roll later this year.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine1a.jpg


Proprietor Russ Johnson, who also operates R&J Supper Club in the same building, said the two operations will remain distinct, with completely separate menus and kitchens. Johnson indicated that one exception might include serving R&J food in the Ludivine bar later in the evening.

Although the restaurant will be moving, the character-rich Ludivine bar will stay at its current location and be rebranded as Saradina. A menu of tapas and small plates will be added to its selection of craft cocktails, beer and wine.

The new site at 320 NW 10th St. was designed by Fitzsimmons Architects and will feature a screened outdoor patio. The space was formerly occupied by Spur Design.

The building itself is something of a mid-century jewel, built in 1956.

The space that Ludivine will be vacating has already been leased for retail use. The move is planned for later this year.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine1b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine1c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine6.jpg[/center]

They are working inside but still have quite a bit left to do.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine122218.jpg

Went to R&J for brunch a couple of weeks ago and bartender said it's supposed to be open in Jan, but most of them at R&J doubt it'll be done in time.

They are now open in the new location with a large patio.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ludivine042219a.jpg

Plans were to keep the existing bar at the original Ludivine, rework it slightly and reopen.

Space is now for lease (on the right below), so I guess that isn't happening.

https://i.imgur.com/6KgYRqk.jpg

Ludivine per their Facebook is now requiring Proof of Vacination or Negative test result in the last 72 hours to eat inside ... (outside available to all and mask required for all on the way to your seat) https://www.facebook.com/ludivineokc/


The health of our staff & guests is important to us.

interesting that R&J next door (same owners ) currently does not require either of these things ...

this is the first OKC restaurant to my knowledge to require this ...

Ludivine per their Facebook is now requiring Proof of Vacination or Negative test result in the last 72 hours to eat inside ... (outside available to all and mask required for all on the way to your seat) https://www.facebook.com/ludivineokc/



interesting that R&J next door (same owners ) currently does not require either of these things ...

this is the first OKC restaurant to my knowledge to require this ...

Seems like they have had multiple shutdowns due to staff infections, IIRC. So maybe thats what prompted this. The comments section on instagram was hilarious, people pretending to be legal and medical experts, and people who probably never dined there saying they werent ever going to dine there. Whats with the Jesus and fitness crowd being so anti-vax? And frankly they're anti-freedom too, Ludivine has the freedom to determine their dining policies, no? Yet a certain segment of the population think they get to determine what another business can do. Deciding to not vaccinate yourself does not turn you into a protected class.

Seems like they have had multiple shutdowns due to staff infections, IIRC. So maybe thats what prompted this. The comments section on instagram was hilarious, people pretending to be legal and medical experts, and people who probably never dined there saying they werent ever going to dine there. Whats with the Jesus and fitness crowd being so anti-vax? And frankly they're anti-freedom too, Ludivine has the freedom to determine their dining policies, no? Yet a certain segment of the population think they get to determine what another business can do. Deciding to not vaccinate yourself does not turn you into a protected class.

i agree with all that you posted ...

i just would ask .. do the owners not care as much about the employees and guests of R and J next door ??

Ludivine per their Facebook is now requiring Proof of Vacination or Negative test result in the last 72 hours to eat inside ... (outside available to all and mask required for all on the way to your seat) https://www.facebook.com/ludivineokc/



interesting that R&J next door (same owners ) currently does not require either of these things ...

this is the first OKC restaurant to my knowledge to require this ...

New Orleans started this city wide by mandate August 16th

FANTASTIC! I haven't been there once since they moved into the new location.

How is it? It used to be top notch.

FANTASTIC! I haven't been there once since they moved into the new location.

How is it? It used to be top notch.

had brunch there last weekend and it was fantastic.. .

FANTASTIC! I haven't been there once since they moved into the new location.

How is it? It used to be top notch.

We ate at the old location maybe 5-6 times, starting very soon after they opened (we were hungry for something like them in the city :)), and we've only eaten at the new one once, pre-COVID. Since we ate there 5-6 times, we obviously really like them, and the new location did not disappoint food- or decor-wise. Want to say it's slightly better than the old location due to more windows.

Ludivine per their Facebook is now requiring Proof of Vacination or Negative test result in the last 72 hours to eat inside ... (outside available to all and mask required for all on the way to your seat) https://www.facebook.com/ludivineokc/



interesting that R&J next door (same owners ) currently does not require either of these things ...

this is the first OKC restaurant to my knowledge to require this ...

i guess the "health of staff and guests" is just not quite as important at R&J next door ....

R & J only requires a mask if you are unvaxed .. any one can come in...... (and of course not have a mask on while eating and drinking)

i guess the "health of staff and guests" is just not quite as important at R&J next door ....

R & J only requires a mask if you are unvaxed .. any one can come in...... (and of course not have a mask on while eating and drinking)

Are they checking vax passports then at R & J ??? I would stay away...

i guess the "health of staff and guests" is just not quite as important at R&J next door ....

R & J only requires a mask if you are unvaxed .. any one can come in...... (and of course not have a mask on while eating and drinking)

I would assume that the difference is because R&J is mainly a bar (although our main purpose going there is to eat) and Ludivine a restaurant.

I would assume that the difference is because R&J is mainly a bar (although our main purpose going there is to eat) and Ludivine a restaurant.

ludivine actually has a bar .. that is connected but also has a separate entrance from the restaurant ..

ludivine actually has a bar .. that is connected but also has a separate entrance from the restaurant ..

Right, but seems to me that people mainly go to Ludivine to eat and R&J to drink. I could be wrong, though...