You can trust DelCamino's word and sources.


This is fantastic news!!

Great news for the restaurant:

Negotiations have completed for a five-year lease with Peter and Sheree Holloway, owner/operators of Boulevard Steakhouse, Cafe' 501 and the Martini Lounge for a restaurant to be called The Park House. Estimated opening by November 1. The Park House will serve lunch and dinner and will have a full bar. Project architect is Elliott+Associates. Specific menu is on-going.

Additionally, a seasonal restaurant called The Ice House, will open in September. The Ice House will be located in the smaller building just north of the large restaurant building. It will be open eight months a year and will be closed during ice skating season. The Ice House will serve, get ready for this, authentic Nic's burgers along with fries and shakes.

Wow, this is badass!

You can trust DelCamino's word and sources.


This is fantastic news!!
Agreed on both points. Also, I heard the same operator's name mentioned a couple of weeks ago in association with the larger restaurant, for whatever that's worth.

What are Nic's burgers?

Wow, is the momentum rolling downtown...

Among everything else, consider these very recent additions to the Central Business District dining scene:


Park Avenue Grill (Skirvin)
Vast
Flint
Nebu
Kitchen No. 324
Cool Greens
Myriad Gardens Restaurant #1
Myraid Gardens Restaurant #2
Proposed restaurant in the under construction Parkside Building
Mahogany Steakhouse rumored to be going into the soon-to-be-remodeled Century Center




Combine all that with Bricktown, Deep Deuce, Film Row, Midtown and Automobile Alley/9th Street, and we now have an absolute ton of great dining choices where just a few years ago there was very little.

What are Nic's burgers?

Nic's Grill - Inner City Northside - Oklahoma City | Urbanspoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/501061/restaurant/Inner-City-Northside/Nics-Grill-Oklahoma-City)

What are Nic's burgers?

Generally regarded as the best in OKC:

Nic's Grill - Inner City Northside - Oklahoma City | Urbanspoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/501061/restaurant/Inner-City-Northside/Nics-Grill-Oklahoma-City)

http://a4.urbancdn.com/w/s/kK/xCGJPuOGJcDZ6I-640m.jpg

Wow, is the momentum rolling downtown...

Among everything else, consider these very recent additions to the Central Business District dining scene:


Park Avenue Grill (Skirvin)
Vast
Flint
Nebu
Kitchen No. 324
Cool Greens
Myriad Gardens Restaurant #1
Myraid Gardens Restaurant #2
Proposed restaurant in the under construction Parkside Building
Mahogany Steakhouse rumored to be going into the soon-to-be-remodeled Century Center




Combine all that with Bricktown, Deep Deuce, Film Row, Midtown and Automobile Alley/9th Street, and we now have an absolute ton of great dining choices where just a few years ago there was very little.

Don't forget Cafe 7!

Don't forget Cafe 7!

Right!

Too many to keep track of. :)

Two Restaurants Planned for Myriad Gardens | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/3867527?prevArticle=1)

Two Restaurants Planned for Myriad Gardens | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/3867527?prevArticle=1)

Wow! So Nic will be cooking! Yay!

Wow! So Nic will be cooking! Yay!

Lol, he will supervise and design the menu anyway. A Sous-Chef does most of the work.

"Nicholas will bring his samurai-like burger skills to the Ice House". Sure sounds like he will be head chef. Although, I don't see how he will be able to leave his current location from March to October, so you're probably right.

Nice!

That's awesome. We'll have the actual Nic at least supervising an operation (the smaller cafe) I thought was lost cause, complementing some great local operators for the full restaurant. This is such a coup for downtown and the Myriad Gardens.

Every time I'm in town, I can never get to Nic's when they are open... Or when they are, the line is daunting.

So, maybe this is how I'll finally get my first Nic's burger. I know they will be a little different, but I'm sure they'll still be amazing.

Only if you want to believe a one-sided tale from a disgruntled ex-employee.

Yes, that was my initial thought, until I got the same story from 3 different people on seperate occasions. Of-course, this was 'second - hand' from retiring employees and volunteers. They could have misunderstood a story passed around. When I passed on my observation on the poor state of maintaince - as a question - to the Myriad Gardens web-site, I was met with indignant hostility. Like, this was something that people have been mentioning for months - and still do. I heard the stories from professional horticulturist from other gardens and decided to check it out myself (professional jealousy?) I could'nt believe that after this multi-million dollar make-over, private (Yeah!) foundation take-over, and professional brought in from the 'outside' (again horray!) That such a fundamental mistake of poor maintaince in the 'jewel' of the complex would be allowed to happen. It was worse than what I've heard - surely a temporary mistake (still may be). But after a year it has only gotten worse - all of those 'stories' have a basis in fact - the evidence is extreme (horticulturally speaking). Horticulture is such a large field - like medicine, lots of specialities - that it is impossible to be an expert in all areas. That's when you hire someone who specializes in areas that you are not as familiar with and 'let them do their thing' - that is what good directors do. There has been an 'open hostility' to anyone wishing to help or give their expertise. Many things - most in my opinion - that the gardens is pursuing is 'spot-on' and very encouraging. - the care of the Crystal Bridge botanical collection is the major exception - here 'the ball has really been dropped'.
So far, the only one-sided opinion has been coming from the current administration - all of us who have worked in the profession half our lives, horticulturist, botanist, other garden directors see what is happening - even members of the foundation board have expressed this. I no longer live there, and care only because I gave so much time and energy - these are stories that have sought me out. A single source is a 'disgruntled employee', a torrent of voiced, written, concern from dozens of different people in all areas of the city and gardening community is a problem. To me it is sad, I keep up with 'home' on this form, by personal visits, and talking to friends. I enjoying being proud of my old home and what it accomplished and is accomplishing, but at the end of the day it's yours. If the current staff wants to live in self-rightous denial, that's up to them. There is a shortage of horticultural staffing, that is completely obvious. I am sure that is due to a shortage of funds, but it is also do to a shortage of proper use of funds and will. As to the rest, it is self-evident.

Great news for the restaurant:

Negotiations have completed for a five-year lease with Peter and Sheree Holloway, owner/operators of Boulevard Steakhouse, Cafe' 501 and the Martini Lounge for a restaurant to be called The Park House. Estimated opening by November 1. The Park House will serve lunch and dinner and will have a full bar. Project architect is Elliott+Associates. Specific menu is on-going.

Additionally, a seasonal restaurant called The Ice House, will open in September. The Ice House will be located in the smaller building just north of the large restaurant building. It will be open eight months a year and will be closed during ice skating season. The Ice House will serve, get ready for this, authentic Nic's burgers along with fries and shakes.

Once again, in most areas the progress is a win for the MG - this is another good example..... now it is time to 'step it up' inside the Crystal Bridge.

Certainly having revenue from two successful restaurants will help with the maintenance budget.

Rendering of the Park House (Rand Elliott design):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/parkhouse.jpg

So no white linen table cloths?

I think it's wise that they emphasized that this will be an affordable restaurant instead of a very expensive upscale concept.

Additional information.

Two restaurants announced for Myriad Botanical Gardens | News OK (http://newsok.com/two-restaurants-announced-for-myriad-botanical-gardens/article/3867603)

So no white linen table cloths?

I bet Larry Nichols was humbled somewhat by this. He seemed to be the only one who really believed that was a good location for upscale. To me, it seemed perfect for what they're going for now.

Really? Did he tell you this in person?

Great news for the restaurant:

Negotiations have completed for a five-year lease with Peter and Sheree Holloway, owner/operators of Boulevard Steakhouse, Cafe' 501 and the Martini Lounge for a restaurant to be called The Park House. Estimated opening by November 1. The Park House will serve lunch and dinner and will have a full bar. Project architect is Elliott+Associates. Specific menu is on-going.

Additionally, a seasonal restaurant called The Ice House, will open in September. The Ice House will be located in the smaller building just north of the large restaurant building. It will be open eight months a year and will be closed during ice skating season. The Ice House will serve, get ready for this, authentic Nic's burgers along with fries and shakes.

The Ice House will not be open during ice skating season... maybe they need to rename it something else???

The Ice House will not be open during ice skating season... maybe they need to rename it something else???

it is going to use the building the rents the ice skates ..and it is going to use the patio (ie the rink) for seating

BoulderSooner: That is fine if they want to repurpose the building, just also give it a more appropriate name during the burger season

BoulderSooner: That is fine if they want to repurpose the building, just also give it a more appropriate name during the burger season

How about the Melted Ice House

The Ice House just suggests someplace where you might get a snow cone, not a burger & beer...so maybe go for some corporate naming rights and serve this...then the name fits
4218

I bet Larry Nichols was humbled somewhat by this. He seemed to be the only one who really believed that was a good location for upscale. To me, it seemed perfect for what they're going for now.


Really? Did he tell you this in person?

No, he didn't. I just thought it was obvious. Sorry. You seem so very combative lately, which is very out of character for you. Hope you're doing well.

Sid: I have nothing against the name and I agree it fits during the minority of the time it is being used to service the ice rink...just doesnt fit the other 8 months of the year...and don't get me wrong. i am glad to see they are getting something in there and I hope it is a success...if I ever get down there, that is probably where I will grab something to eat because the sit down place while they are aiming for it to be "affordable", it all depends on what is your definition of that word. I work just a few blocks away from Nic's but only have 30 minutes for lunch so have only been there the one time...if this place is open on the weekends etc, it might be an option.

Sorry, I'm just getting a little tired of how people including some public figures are routinely maligned on this board. We (members of the board) regularly make giant leaps and assumptions (many of them very negative and sometimes even slanderous) based only on rumor and scraps of information. I don't think there is a shred of evidence, quote or otherwise that Larry Nichols personally was behind the insistence that the restaurant be upscale (and it still appears that it will be somewhat so). But it is entirely possible that I am wrong.

Sid: while interesting, how many people know that? How many folks even have a concept of what an Ice House is, much less what shape they usually were? But I get your point, I like it when older buildings have been repurposed and they gave it a name reflecting the history of the building (The Montgomery, Packards etc)

Urbanized: this article (Journal Record, 10/1/11) suggests that Mr. Nichols was behind it to a certain extent...


A restaurant and seasonal ice rink that are part of the $42 million Myriad Gardens renovations are pegged for completion by this winter, Devon Energy Corp. Executive Chairman Larry Nichols said Monday. City officials are in the process of interviewing operators to run a sit-down restaurant overlooking the ice skating rink, Nichols said. While an initial search for a high-end restaurant operator for the site received only one response, it has been easier to create interest in the modern, glass-walled site now that construction is wrapping up, Nichols said.

Wasn't there an Ice House in arena at one time.

JTF, I believe you are correct. . .there was in Ice House in the arena. . .burger place if IRC. I am excited about both of these places!! Took my cousin and "cousinette" (her college age daughter) from Baltimore MD area there yesterday for a quick walk-thru. . .they were most impressed!! Loved the children's area (the H2O was flowing. . .don't know about the misters or cycling on/off, but the little ones were having the time of their lives). Loved the outdoor theater/performance space as well. Said they didn't know of anything in their area that was comparable/as nice. We did not have time to go into the tube. . .from remarks on this site (if correct) I sincerely hope that will correct itself. . .would be a shame if the "interior" is not maintained at the same level of the "exterior".

The Ice House ... soon to be the cool place to grab a burger and frosty shake when you're DT enjoying the MBG.

Works for me.

Sorry, I'm just getting a little tired of how people including some public figures are routinely maligned on this board. We (members of the board) regularly make giant leaps and assumptions (many of them very negative and sometimes even slanderous) based only on rumor and scraps of information. I don't think there is a shred of evidence, quote or otherwise that Larry Nichols personally was behind the insistence that the restaurant be upscale (and it still appears that it will be somewhat so). But it is entirely possible that I am wrong.

You do know there are a few turds on this board don't you ?

You do know there are a few turds on this board don't you ?

Its typical that completely uncalled-for statements are made about people who have found success and run successful companies. Maybe its because Nichols is involved with one of those evil "big oil" companies...........

The Ice House fits great for the location. The Ice House is a traditional building that is usually round in shape. I think that is where they got the concept for the name. Anyway, I like it.

not sure i understand .. the "ice house" is going in the small rectangle building right?

This is unrelated to the most recent news concerning the botanical gardens, so please forgive me. I hold a membership at the gardens, and I asked one of the staff members at the desk why the Crystal Bridge doesn't stay open later. She indicated that the evening patron turnout wouldn't be sufficient to justify the extra hours.

This, in my mind, brings up the possibility that the organization relies almost exclusively on membership fees, and those fees can only fund the current operations, whereas they suspect that entry fees wouldn't support the evening hours. But if that's the case, I wonder why the organization never sent out a survey to determine what hours its members would like to peruse the exhibit. As a member, I would much rather walk through at night for several reasons: 1) a quick walk-through is a nice and easy supplement for a date night 2) the bridge would be much cooler in the evening, whereas the sun makes the place a sweltering sauna during the day, and 3) the evening would seem to be much more conducive for receiving visitors because most people are busy working during the day when the bridge is open for business.

Even if it can't pull it off during the weekdays, the bridge should stay open later on the weekend. I realize that Devon and other players are probably behind the place being open as it is now. But I wonder how it is that the organization determined that it wouldn't receive enough business to justify later operations. The gardens are packed on the weekends now. And I suspect that even the annual members would find that the bridge is easier to visit and easier to enjoy in the evening, when they're away from work and when the bridge is cooler.

Your thoughts?

How will the City handle a huge new Central Park that's even bigger than Myriad Gardens when the Gardens themselves are having maintenance issues?

From the MBG Facebook Page:

Great Lawn
FREE

Rock the night away with OKC’s favorite band, the Wise Guys. This concert will benefit the Red Cross Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund. A donation of $5 per person is suggested. Food trucks will be on hand, so plan on a late dinner or snack and some good old fashioned rock’n’roll.


Also:

They will have a Beer Garden organized by Cafe 501.

How will the City handle a huge new Central Park that's even bigger than Myriad Gardens when the Gardens themselves are having maintenance issues?

I can't help but think there is a little "too much" going on at the MBG in terms of programming, activities, etc. so it may not be fair to judge the current issues there as a harbinger of things to come with the Central Park.

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled so many people are using it but I don't think MBG was intended to be used to the extent it has. It certainly wasn't budgeted for it. It speaks to the lack of quality spaces in/around the middle of OKC currently, but it does bode well for the future of the new park.

This is unrelated to the most recent news concerning the botanical gardens, so please forgive me. I hold a membership at the gardens, and I asked one of the staff members at the desk why the Crystal Bridge doesn't stay open later. She indicated that the evening patron turnout wouldn't be sufficient to justify the extra hours. ...
And she may be correct but this is often a self-fulfilling philosophy. "We are going to close early because we don't get enough business." How much business are you getting if you aren't open?

And she may be correct but this is often a self-fulfilling philosophy. "We are going to close early because we don't get enough business." How much business are you getting if you aren't open?

That's exactly what I was thinking. How would they know? They're only open at night around New Year's. I suspect that they may be looking at current rates of attendance and extrapolating that to estimate how much they would bring in at night. But as I mentioned before, most people are working during the day when the gardens are open. Additionally, the conservatory is a sauna for the most part of while the sun is up, so even if people are off, they might be hesitant to visit. And lastly, and this could just be me, people (or just I) don't just go out to the bridge to walk around and then go home. They're typically touring the conservatory in addition to other activities they might have planned for the day/night out. And as is conventional wisdom, most people are out and about for entertainment during the evening, especially on weekends. Naturally, if this is true, attendance may be lower in the daytime hours, so their estimates could be wrong on account of skewed data. But I want to give them the benefit of doubt. I can only speculate, so that's why I'm turning to those who may be more familiar with the situation.

It's just that the current hours suck. If I happen to catch a matinee on Saturday, I'll bring my date to the conservatory as an extra thing to do. Since I have a membership, it works well, and my dates absolutely love the scenery. But I have to scratch off that option for evening dates. Anyway, those are just some of my thoughts.

So the Park House will be open year round.

The Ice House will be open Mar-Oct?

Do I have this correct?

So the Park House will be open year round.

The Ice House will be open Mar-Oct?

Do I have this correct?

Yep!

Yep!

Thanks. I've been so busy with work, trying to keep up with all of the news that has been revealed the past two weeks has been a challenge.

$525,000 building permit today for the Park House restaurant, so it looks like they intend to get going on this very soon.

That's exactly what I was thinking. How would they know? They're only open at night around New Year's. I suspect that they may be looking at current rates of attendance and extrapolating that to estimate how much they would bring in at night. But as I mentioned before, most people are working during the day when the gardens are open. Additionally, the conservatory is a sauna for the most part of while the sun is up, so even if people are off, they might be hesitant to visit. And lastly, and this could just be me, people (or just I) don't just go out to the bridge to walk around and then go home. They're typically touring the conservatory in addition to other activities they might have planned for the day/night out. And as is conventional wisdom, most people are out and about for entertainment during the evening, especially on weekends. Naturally, if this is true, attendance may be lower in the daytime hours, so their estimates could be wrong on account of skewed data. But I want to give them the benefit of doubt. I can only speculate, so that's why I'm turning to those who may be more familiar with the situation.

It's just that the current hours suck. If I happen to catch a matinee on Saturday, I'll bring my date to the conservatory as an extra thing to do. Since I have a membership, it works well, and my dates absolutely love the scenery. But I have to scratch off that option for evening dates. Anyway, those are just some of my thoughts.
You are correct that they should expand their hours, but there are a couple of issues. First, they don't have the funds now to maintain or staff the CB - they are short on horticultural staffing. If you are open after hours you have to have additional staffing. As important, they have historically used hours after closing for potential rental - weddings, etc. They would staff as-needed (security and help) for the rentals - paid by the rentals. When would be best open after hours? Weekends Friday-Saturday perhaps, but that is also the best time for rentals. Perhaps a compromise, open until 7pm - then closed for potential rentals. But, since most events need time to set-up, that would delay the time of events.

You are correct that they should expand their hours, but there are a couple of issues. First, they don't have the funds now to maintain or staff the CB - they are short on horticultural staffing. If you are open after hours you have to have additional staffing. As important, they have historically used hours after closing for potential rental - weddings, etc. They would staff as-needed (security and help) for the rentals - paid by the rentals. When would be best open after hours? Weekends Friday-Saturday perhaps, but that is also the best time for rentals. Perhaps a compromise, open until 7pm - then closed for potential rentals. But, since most events need time to set-up, that would delay the time of events.

Touché. I had never considered rental as a variable.

Visited the Gardens this morning and I was really disappointed to find the place so dirty, disheveled, un-maintained and broken down. What the heck is going on here? The place is two years out from a major makeover and is a shambles. The Thunder Fountain is broken and patched up with boards and cinder blocks. It's flowing, but stuck in one mode and traffic cones surround holes in the floor of the thing. The flowing water throughout the Gardens was dirty and smelly. Planting a in the water features along the terraces surrounding the main pond had all but completely died out and the metal "pots" we're filthy with scum and scale. Rock rip-rap around the haunches of the Crystal Bridge had failed, sliding down the slope. The attempted fix was to nail 2x4's across the slope leaving big swaths of geotextile exposed and soil eroding onto the trail and into the pond. I can't believe this is being allowed to occur. $42 million in upgrades falling down around our ears.

This is why I want to keep it simple at the Central Park. Give me a green lawn that you only have to mow, a bunch of trees and simple paths. Programming is hard to maintain.

Visited the Gardens this morning and I was really disappointed to find the place so dirty, disheveled, un-maintained and broken down. What the heck is going on here? The place is two years out from a major makeover and is a shambles. The Thunder Fountain is broken and patched up with boards and cinder blocks. It's flowing, but stuck in one mode and traffic cones surround holes in the floor of the thing. The flowing water throughout the Gardens was dirty and smelly. Planting a in the water features along the terraces surrounding the main pond had all but completely died out and the metal "pots" we're filthy with scum and scale. Rock rip-rap around the haunches of the Crystal Bridge had failed, sliding down the slope. The attempted fix was to nail 2x4's across the slope leaving big swaths of geotextile exposed and soil eroding onto the trail and into the pond. I can't believe this is being allowed to occur. $42 million in upgrades falling down around our ears.

Don't voice your concerns to the Current management of the Myriad Gardens, no bad reviews allowed. Since they have the personal support of Mr. Nichols, everyone who has a viewpoint other than theirs "does not know what they're talking about".

Sorry for being ignorant, but who pays for the Myriad Gardens upkeep?

Sorry for being ignorant, but who pays for the Myriad Gardens upkeep?

Given the recent description in this thread, perhaps the answer is the infamous Family Circus ghosts.

It recently transferred from the city's Parks and Recreation Department to The Myriad Gardens Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit. The new director apparently (from previous posts) has done an egregious job of managing resources, funding and displays.

TAlan CB, where should these complaints be registered?

Sorry for being ignorant, but who pays for the Myriad Gardens upkeep?
It has just recently changed hands from the City of Oklahoma City Parks dept. to the Myriad Gardens Foundation - which is now solely responsible for the up-keep. The 'Foundation' is an organization that has always supported the development of the gardens in support of the OKC Parks dept., but never had the funds or resources to manage the facility on its own. With the completion of the 'revamped' gardens, the city took the oppurtunity to hand-over (dispose of the financial burden) the daily staffing, and maintenance to the Foundation. Since everything was 'new again' it would be easy - right? Since the MG Foundation is private, they needed to find a way to generate interest and financial resources. Consequently, they have spent most of their funds hiring 'PR' and office staff. They have dozens of people 'in offices' for every one person who actually works on the facility or grounds. In the respect of community out-reach, etc. they have been successful. But their understanding of what it would take to maintain the facility and grounds was woefully under-estimated. This combined with man-made and natural damage (storms) has left them unprepared for the up-keep. They are seeking funds for an up-keep endowment (think Devon), but the cost to even repare the damage to the Thunder Fountain ($250,000 or so) has kept them 'in a hole'. Larry Nichols supported the hiring of the current director - who has a lot of good ideas, but who has proven to be a poor manager of material resourses. But, she's friends with the money - and they may yet help her out the current crisis. They are at a cross-roads now, if enough money can be found to staff up-keep as needed, the crisis can be managed and repair can begin. But, if daily up-keep is not increased now, the problems will only increase the cost of future maintenance. The new resturants will help - but can not hope to fund all that is needed. This cost would drive them out of buisness quickly. Instead, it is to help with the 'cash-flow' and numbers flow on the grounds. The one thing that does generate money for the grounds is the conservatory admission. Unfortuneatly, the Crystal Bridge horticultural display is the one thing that has been ignored the most. The staffing here has gone from 2 full time and 2 part time employees (and a half-dozen volunteers) - to one part-time employee (and hort. volunteers are discouraged). Even if they were very good, one part-time employee can not have the time or knowledge to maintain what is inside the conservatory - and does it show. Programs and events are being developed to help involve the community and with funding ... but if basic maintenance is continued to be ignored, who is going to want to be involved with - or trust people who run 'that dump'. Despite my repeated 'tirades', I do hope they find a way to succeed - I would like nothing better than to 'eat my words'. That would mean it has become what I know it could be - not what it is becoming.

Did they have some bad experience with volunteers or something, with a lack of staff it seems like they should be trying harder now than ever to get volenteers