View Full Version : Vast



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OKCisOK4me
11-10-2012, 10:48 AM
Sounds like they need feedback cards.

Pete
11-10-2012, 10:51 AM
Sounds like they need feedback cards.

I can almost guarantee that they read this site and others that post restaurant reviews.

OKCisOK4me
11-10-2012, 11:12 AM
I can almost guarantee that they read this site and others that post restaurant reviews.

Agreed, but how many of us are still waiting to go or really even have yet to make a reservation? The cards would provide better information from people that are leaving.

PennyQuilts
11-13-2012, 06:53 PM
I'm going, tomorrow, for a bar function and will let you know what I think. I am excited about the view but will be pleasantly surprised if the food is anything to write home about. Maybe it will be but most of these sorts of things, no matter the location, are somewhat marginal. I figure it is because they are trying to serve so many people at once so I don't get too worried about it. Fortunately, I am more excited about the view and seeing a few friends than I am the food. With any luck, the food will be terrific.

mattjank
11-14-2012, 09:54 AM
Saw on Local's (in Norman) facebook page that Vast has poached the head barkeep. He makes some fantastic cocktails, and I'll for sure miss him in Norman, but wish him the best of luck at Vast. Will definitely need to stop by the bar.

PennyQuilts
11-14-2012, 07:41 PM
The bar function, as it turns out, was on the 50th floor rather than on the 49th, where Vast is located. The views were great and they had plenty of waitstaff to help the large group. They were all very nice. The view was great, no matter what direction you were sitting - you could see out. It would be fun to be up there in a thunderstorm.

I don't know how the food/price for the large group compares to Vast but while the flavor was okay, the portions weren't large (although I ended up giving back some of the chicken - the wait staff seemed to want it and kept asking and I hated to look like a dog with a bone). In fact, the portions were a little skimpy. I usually don't eat two regular sized meals a day but by the time I got home three hours later, I was hungry, again. The chicken was in a glaze sauce that was good but there were hardly any vegetables. I'd say 1.5 small carrots (one was just over an inch long, the other was about twice that. I wasn't sure if they were actually a garnish - I didn't even find them until I moved the chicken over to taste the risotto. The rolls were hot and the butter was whipped and fresh tasting. Loved the squash risotto, liked the salad and thought the size was appropriate if on the small size, but the staff kept trying to take that, too. I am a slow eater but they were taking most of the salads before they were finished - probably a product of trying to serve a large group. There was also a roasted tomato that I really liked.

The chicken was okay - pretty good for a large group sort of dinner. I actually would have given up some of the chicken for more abundant sides but even with the dessert (a small pumpkin pie tart), it wasn't worth thirty-five dollars, if you ask me. It was good, but not great. I don't mind paying for a nice meal and am glad I went, but the view was definitely what we were paying for, especially when you consider that we didn't get a say in what food we'd have preferred. And, of course, you have to expect that when you are with a large group like this, the food isn't going to be the same as if you came in and ordered off the menu. I could have gotten much more food (enough for a second small meal) that was better/fresher tasting, for ten dollars less at Cheevers.

But at the same time, it would be nice to go up at night for a drink. I didn't check out the appetizers on the regular menu but think it would be fun to have a couple of drinks and appetizers and enjoy the view but it would be pricey - could be worth it with the right company, though. I think I'd go elsewhere if I just wanted to enjoy a nice meal.

kevinpate
11-14-2012, 07:48 PM
that particular event doesn't seem to ever find its way onto my calender, view or no view. Yet, at some point in the hopefully not too distant future, either drinks/snacks or a light meal up there will likely take place. Probably in spring or summer when it is still light out. With my night vision, blurry balls of glow in the distance just don't do much for me anymore.

icecold
11-15-2012, 12:51 PM
In fact, the portions were a little skimpy. I usually don't eat two regular sized meals a day but by the time I got home three hours later, I was hungry, again. The chicken was in a glaze sauce that was good but there were hardly any vegetables. I'd say 1.5 small carrots (one was just over an inch long, the other was about twice that. I wasn't sure if they were actually a garnish - I didn't even find them until I moved the chicken over to taste the risotto.

Agree about the portions. I went a couple weeks ago and was underwhelmed. Ordered a couple of apps and they were just a couple bites. Small scoop of potatoes with my steak and 2 asparagus spears. 2, a whopping 2. That was just proof I was getting ripped off. Best tasting item of the meal was the free bread. As others have said the bar area is cool and worth going back for some drinks.

PennyQuilts
11-16-2012, 06:50 PM
that particular event doesn't seem to ever find its way onto my calender, view or no view. Yet, at some point in the hopefully not too distant future, either drinks/snacks or a light meal up there will likely take place. Probably in spring or summer when it is still light out. With my night vision, blurry balls of glow in the distance just don't do much for me anymore.

Kevin, I wan't even thinking of it but a girlfriend asked me if I was going and I was glad for the reminder. If you ever decide to go, let me know - I'd love to meet you, in person.

lasomeday
11-17-2012, 03:02 PM
The bar function, as it turns out, was on the 50th floor rather than on the 49th, where Vast is located. The views were great and they had plenty of waitstaff to help the large group. They were all very nice. The view was great, no matter what direction you were sitting - you could see out. It would be fun to be up there in a thunderstorm.

I don't know how the food/price for the large group compares to Vast but while the flavor was okay, the portions weren't large (although I ended up giving back some of the chicken - the wait staff seemed to want it and kept asking and I hated to look like a dog with a bone). In fact, the portions were a little skimpy. I usually don't eat two regular sized meals a day but by the time I got home three hours later, I was hungry, again. The chicken was in a glaze sauce that was good but there were hardly any vegetables. I'd say 1.5 small carrots (one was just over an inch long, the other was about twice that. I wasn't sure if they were actually a garnish - I didn't even find them until I moved the chicken over to taste the risotto. The rolls were hot and the butter was whipped and fresh tasting. Loved the squash risotto, liked the salad and thought the size was appropriate if on the small size, but the staff kept trying to take that, too. I am a slow eater but they were taking most of the salads before they were finished - probably a product of trying to serve a large group. There was also a roasted tomato that I really liked.

The chicken was okay - pretty good for a large group sort of dinner. I actually would have given up some of the chicken for more abundant sides but even with the dessert (a small pumpkin pie tart), it wasn't worth thirty-five dollars, if you ask me. It was good, but not great. I don't mind paying for a nice meal and am glad I went, but the view was definitely what we were paying for, especially when you consider that we didn't get a say in what food we'd have preferred. And, of course, you have to expect that when you are with a large group like this, the food isn't going to be the same as if you came in and ordered off the menu. I could have gotten much more food (enough for a second small meal) that was better/fresher tasting, for ten dollars less at Cheevers.

But at the same time, it would be nice to go up at night for a drink. I didn't check out the appetizers on the regular menu but think it would be fun to have a couple of drinks and appetizers and enjoy the view but it would be pricey - could be worth it with the right company, though. I think I'd go elsewhere if I just wanted to enjoy a nice meal.

Hey Penny, the bar is on the 49th floor. It is just banquet space on the 50th floor. The secret to Vast is go at lunch and get the buffet! Its $18 but its all you can eat! I had three plates and the food was great! I haven't checked out the bar, but I noticed it is really small.

kevinpate
11-17-2012, 05:39 PM
That price point (18) for a lunch buffet is not pricey. Sure it's more than a 14+ price tag at Five Guys, O'Connell's, Garage, Sooner Legends, Bubba's or Van's, but not all that much. Considering the view, so long as the food is tasty, even a single pass though a serving line would seem an Ok value so long as the table company is also enjoyable. After all, even a free meal with borish folk is far too high a price to absorb. Good dining companions can offset a lot of other issues.

PennyQuilts
11-17-2012, 08:39 PM
Hey Penny, the bar is on the 49th floor. It is just banquet space on the 50th floor. The secret to Vast is go at lunch and get the buffet! Its $18 but its all you can eat! I had three plates and the food was great! I haven't checked out the bar, but I noticed it is really small.

Thanks - I'll keep that in mind on the off chance I can drag my better half up that elevator. It would be fun.

PennyQuilts
11-17-2012, 08:39 PM
That price point (18) for a lunch buffet is not pricey. Sure it's more than a 14+ price tag at Five Guys, O'Connell's, Garage, Sooner Legends, Bubba's or Van's, but not all that much. Considering the view, so long as the food is tasty, even a single pass though a serving line would seem an Ok value so long as the table company is also enjoyable. After all, even a free meal with borish folk is far too high a price to absorb. Good dining companions can offset a lot of other issues.

True - all of it.

kevinpate
11-18-2012, 07:30 AM
By the by, anyone know if the lunch buffet is also offered on Saturdays or Sundays?

lasomeday
11-18-2012, 10:31 AM
By the by, anyone know if the lunch buffet is also offered on Saturdays or Sundays?

Vast is closed on Sundays and not open for lunch on Saturdays, so that would be a no.

kevinpate
11-18-2012, 02:43 PM
Thanks, then a dinner it shall be if my lovely is along. About the only times we're free at the same time for lunch during the week is when grandchildren are in town, and then we're too busy with mac/cheese blended with hugs and smiles to go out to eat. C'mon Wednesday and git here already!

ereid
11-19-2012, 10:02 AM
Correct to Local's bar manager moving. His name is Jeff Cole and he is brilliant behind the bar!

RadicalModerate
11-19-2012, 10:20 AM
Agree about the portions. I went a couple weeks ago and was underwhelmed. Ordered a couple of apps and they were just a couple bites. Small scoop of potatoes with my steak and 2 asparagus spears. 2, a whopping 2. That was just proof I was getting ripped off. Best tasting item of the meal was the free bread. As others have said the bar area is cool and worth going back for some drinks.

Wow: Only Two (2) asparagus spears. That indicates to me that the chef is trying to appeal to The Elf Food crowd. =)
I think that putting Seven (7) asparagus spears on the plate, arranged nicely would be a VAST improvement . . . Of course, for cost control the Magic Chicken, Beef, Pork or Fish would have to be halved, but that is a small price to pay for symbolic completeness on The Plate . . . Maybe 7 asparagus spears, divided with thin cuts of carrots and parsnips, arranged in a vertical manner . . . with 7 rogue peas rolling around and one carefully sliced and fanned Brussel's Sprout for context . . . ? =)

All kidding aside . . . TWO asparagus spears does seem a bit stingy. Especially since people eat first with their eyes.
("excuse me . . . do i have a piece of spinach stuck to my eyelash . . . ?" =)

Bullbear
11-27-2012, 11:26 AM
a group of us had dinner at Flint Saturday night and then drinks at vast. Vast was pretty empty at 930 with only one table seated and not many people in the bar. we had a great time and the views amazing. Flint btw was top notch as well. there were 8 of us and the service was great and everyone raved about the food..

BillyOcean
11-27-2012, 11:33 AM
Ate at Vast a few weeks ago and it was baaaaaad. Food was average at best (and almost cold), service was below par and I was disappointed in the layout. Went with a few other couples and I spent $400+ with tip (just my portion). Really let down with the final product to date. I wish them nothing but success, but they have alot of work ahead of them to be up to par with some of the nice places in OKC. Don't plan to eat ther again for at least a year, but I will return for a drink or two for the view.

Can't express how disappointed I was with the place.

progressiveboy
11-27-2012, 11:50 AM
Ate at Vast a few weeks ago and it was baaaaaad. Food was average at best (and almost cold), service was below par and I was disappointed in the layout. Went with a few other couples and I spent $400+ with tip (just my portion). Really let down with the final product to date. I wish them nothing but success, but they have alot of work ahead of them to be up to par with some of the nice places in OKC. Don't plan to eat ther again for at least a year, but I will return for a drink or two for the view.

Can't express how disappointed I was with the place. Did you inform management about the issues? If you did not, why? If they are not aware of food and service problems and are not provided feedback then how the issue be corrected? Just sayin.......

ThomPaine
11-27-2012, 12:50 PM
Hey Penny, the bar is on the 49th floor. It is just banquet space on the 50th floor. The secret to Vast is go at lunch and get the buffet! Its $18 but its all you can eat! I had three plates and the food was great! I haven't checked out the bar, but I noticed it is really small.

Is the lunch buffet still an option? I don't see it on the menu...

RadicalModerate
11-27-2012, 02:28 PM
Ate at Vast a few weeks ago and it was baaaaaad. Food was average at best (and almost cold), service was below par and I was disappointed in the layout. Went with a few other couples and I spent $400+ with tip (just my portion). Really let down with the final product to date. I wish them nothing but success, but they have alot of work ahead of them to be up to par with some of the nice places in OKC. Don't plan to eat ther again for at least a year, but I will return for a drink or two for the view.

Can't express how disappointed I was with the place.

This may be sort of a "trailer park boyz" response to the Culinary Issue at hand . . .

Yet, somehow, if I were to spend "$400+ for 'just my portion'" of a meal, I would expect some Kobe Beef flown-in by former kamikaze pilots in a zepplin--one of whom is actually named Kobe--garnished with Irish potatoes delivered by authentic leprechauns, with at least 12 asparagus spears,on a bed of saffron, with some Beluga caviar from Baby Beluga herownself . . . and plated-up by The Keebler Elves. Therefore, I suppose I would have been disappointed, too.

So . . . 'zackly what was it you ordered that required an investment like that in disappointment? =)
Was it the Canada Dry Champagne?

If Vast kicks it up a notch, they might consider something along these lines, adding to the audio background of the dining experience, except perhaps changing the hook line to " . . . Get Outta My Dreams and Onto My Plate . . ."

gvarxGzIU3M

NoOkie
11-27-2012, 02:48 PM
I would expect some Kobe Beef flown-in by former kamikaze pilots in a zepplin--one of whom is actually named Kobe--garnished with Irish potatoes delivered by authentic leprechauns, with at least 12 asparagus spears,on a bed of saffron, with some Beluga caviar from Baby Beluga herownself . . . and plated-up by The Keebler Elves.

I want to eat this meal, minus the elves and leprechauns.

BillyOcean
11-27-2012, 03:15 PM
Did you inform management about the issues? If you did not, why? If they are not aware of food and service problems and are not provided feedback then how the issue be corrected? Just sayin.......

of course I did.


This may be sort of a "trailer park boyz" response to the Culinary Issue at hand . . .

Yet, somehow, if I were to spend "$400+ for 'just my portion'" of a meal, I would expect some Kobe Beef flown-in by former kamikaze pilots in a zepplin--one of whom is actually named Kobe--garnished with Irish potatoes delivered by authentic leprechauns, with at least 12 asparagus spears,on a bed of saffron, with some Beluga caviar from Baby Beluga herownself . . . and plated-up by The Keebler Elves. Therefore, I suppose I would have been disappointed, too.

So . . . 'zackly what was it you ordered that required an investment like that in disappointment? =)
Was it the Canada Dry Champagne?

If Vast kicks it up a notch, they might consider something along these lines, adding to the audio background of the dining experience, except perhaps changing the hook line to " . . . Get Outta My Dreams and Onto My Plate . . ."

gvarxGzIU3M

My wife/friends/I like to enjoy cocktails before during and after our dinner when we get together. There were a few bourbons before the meal and then we graduated to wine/champagne. I had their strip and it truly sucked.

RadicalModerate
11-27-2012, 03:19 PM
Fair answer(s), amigo. No kidding.


I want to eat this meal, minus the elves and leprechauns.

Good point. Elves and Leprechauns are like Calimari: Easy to overcook (and then they get all tough and chewy). Plus they make unnerving noises when you drop them in the boiling water.

metro
11-27-2012, 05:18 PM
Like I've said before, John Williams is a nice guy, but why does being GM of the Skirvin qualify him to run what many expect to be some of the nicest restaurants in OKC? The food at the Skirvin wasn't that good, and haven't been impressed with food quality at FLINT, it doesn't surprise me VAST has been getting less than stellar reviews for this caliber of an operation. I'm interested to see what, if anything they do to up their game.

Steve
11-27-2012, 08:07 PM
One might want to delve deeper into the resumes of both John Williams and Andrew Black .... Mayflower Hotel in D.C., Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersberg, Fla., Peabody in Memphis, Ritz in Paris...
I agree both restaurants are a bit shaky getting off the ground. Launching two such ambitious efforts within six months of each other where they are virtual construction zones just weeks before opening can't be easy. I doubt any of the city's other top talents would have pulled it off perfectly under the same conditions. I agree ... let's see how they up their game in coming months.

soonerguru
11-27-2012, 08:27 PM
Like I've said before, John Williams is a nice guy, but why does being GM of the Skirvin qualify him to run what many expect to be some of the nicest restaurants in OKC? The food at the Skirvin wasn't that good, and haven't been impressed with food quality at FLINT, it doesn't surprise me VAST has been getting less than stellar reviews for this caliber of an operation. I'm interested to see what, if anything they do to up their game.

Pretty sure the restaurant cuisine is the work of Chef Black, not John Williams. For the record, Flint didn't blow my skirt up, but that was mainly due to the fact it felt like something conceived in an oil company boardroom.

soonerguru
11-27-2012, 08:31 PM
One might want to delve deeper into the resumes of both John Williams and Andrew Black .... Mayflower Hotel in D.C., Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersberg, Fla., Peabody in Memphis, Ritz in Paris...
I agree both restaurants are a bit shaky getting off the ground. Launching two such ambitious efforts within six months of each other where they are virtual construction zones just weeks before opening can't be easy. I doubt any of the city's other top talents would have pulled it off perfectly under the same conditions. I agree ... let's see how they up their game in coming months.

Honestly, Steve, what other top "talent" does OKC have? At the risk of offending people, IMO, Fleischfresser is overrated. Love Chef Buthion, but he's not a Michelin chef. Good Egg Group? These are all quality restaurateurs but we don't have a world-class restaurant in OKC. My guess is that Vast is seeking that Mansion on Turtle Creek esteem, but I haven't seen much evidence that OKC has the culinary chops of the major world cities. I'm optimistic, however, that this is still yet to come.

Steve
11-27-2012, 09:08 PM
You might be right Soonerguru.... so if our city is attempting to finally make the big jump up, I guess we shouldn't be surprised if it involves some struggle getting there.... I do believe our city has come a long way since "Olive Garden" was rated the city's best Italian restaurant in the Gazette (true story, mid-80s)

kevinpate
11-27-2012, 09:21 PM
... I do believe our city has come a long way since "Olive Garden" was rated the city's best Italian restaurant in the Gazette (true story, mid-80s)

So so so very sad that this was ever true. OG isn't gross, well it wasn't the last time I went, many years ago. But it shouldn't ever be confused with best anything .. except perhaps most pushy on wine recs.

soonerguru
11-27-2012, 10:24 PM
You might be right Soonerguru.... so if our city is attempting to finally make the big jump up, I guess we shouldn't be surprised if it involves some struggle getting there.... I do believe our city has come a long way since "Olive Garden" was rated the city's best Italian restaurant in the Gazette (true story, mid-80s)

Great point, Steve. And I recall Red Lobster getting "Best Seafood" for at least a couple of years.

Teo9969
11-27-2012, 11:39 PM
Honestly, Steve, what other top "talent" does OKC have? At the risk of offending people, IMO, Fleischfresser is overrated. Love Chef Buthion, but he's not a Michelin chef. Good Egg Group? These are all quality restaurateurs but we don't have a world-class restaurant in OKC. My guess is that Vast is seeking that Mansion on Turtle Creek esteem, but I haven't seen much evidence that OKC has the culinary chops of the major world cities. I'm optimistic, however, that this is still yet to come.

Clay Falkner. And Fleishfresser is hardly overrated...he's just not involved as much as he used to be.

If OKC wants a world class restaurant, then it needs to start spending (eating/drinking) like one. World class restaurants start at $100/person for the food alone, not even accounting for beer, liquor and wine (the latter 2 which can easily make that $100/person tab go up to $300/person).

Until $300 parties of two are flowing plentifully throughout OKC, forget the idea of a world-class restaurant here.

Vast is certainly not in the running to be a world-class restaurant anytime soon...they'll do good just to have their name mentioned alongside Ranch, Signature Grill, and Coach House. Their menu prices are too low to put out food the quality some are looking for them to put out.

Without having been, I can already see that they're going to have to make some choices in terms of what their real identity is going to be. They're trying to do too much for too little. Either raise the prices and sell the food you want to sell, or keep the prices where they're at and revise your menu to be more in line with your budget.

RadicalModerate
11-28-2012, 12:10 PM
Great point, Steve. And I recall Red Lobster getting "Best Seafood" for at least a couple of years.

This is the "Dick and Jane" or "Cat in the Hat" of Culinary/Cultural Criticism and I recommend it to all.
Joe Queenan is no Anthony Bourdain (nor even Dave Barry or Joe Bob Briggs) but he doesn't pretend to be.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517P9J2XYHL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

if the image link wasn't from amazon, it would probably arrive at the speed of mcdonalds

Rom
11-28-2012, 12:25 PM
I would have been happy if they had brought in Hal Smith and put a Mahoganies up there

Steve
11-28-2012, 12:53 PM
Meh. I wasn't impressed with my visit to Mahoganies. I didn't think the steak, or service, matched the price. It wasn't horrible. I just wasn't wowed. I actually liked the steak better at Hal Smith's less formal, less expensive Charleston's. If I had to rank my favorite upscale steakhouses in town (forgive me, I've not been to Ranch, so this could change at a later date), it would be Red Prime, Mickey Mantle, and then... well, for me we jump into a different league of lovable old less formal, basic steak steakhouses like Cattlemen's., etc.
Neither Vast or Flint, however, are steak houses ... and with the lunch buffet and banquet operations required by Devon, I doubt Mahoganies would fit the bill.

Teo9969
11-28-2012, 04:45 PM
Mahogany*

Steve
11-28-2012, 04:48 PM
Yeah, I didn't think that was spelled right. But I didn't have time to check. I lazily went with the spelling the other guy used... my bad.

Teo9969
11-28-2012, 04:51 PM
I mean, I get why everybody does it:

Morton's
Fleming's
Ruth's Chris
Bern's
Mickey Mantle's
Kirby's

I don't think Mahogany's(/ies) going away anytime soon ;)

kevinpate
11-28-2012, 04:56 PM
I enjoy Jamil's. Nice and Simple, as is The Mantle, in BT. I prefer the history of the former though. But then, I was going to Jamil's before I lived over this way.

soonerguru
11-28-2012, 11:02 PM
Clay Falkner. And Fleishfresser is hardly overrated...he's just not involved as much as he used to be.

If OKC wants a world class restaurant, then it needs to start spending (eating/drinking) like one. World class restaurants start at $100/person for the food alone, not even accounting for beer, liquor and wine (the latter 2 which can easily make that $100/person tab go up to $300/person).

Until $300 parties of two are flowing plentifully throughout OKC, forget the idea of a world-class restaurant here.

Vast is certainly not in the running to be a world-class restaurant anytime soon...they'll do good just to have their name mentioned alongside Ranch, Signature Grill, and Coach House. Their menu prices are too low to put out food the quality some are looking for them to put out.

Without having been, I can already see that they're going to have to make some choices in terms of what their real identity is going to be. They're trying to do too much for too little. Either raise the prices and sell the food you want to sell, or keep the prices where they're at and revise your menu to be more in line with your budget.

There are restaurants that are globally recognized for quality that have price points lower than what you describe. Cafe du Nord by Paul Bocuse (a place where I happily dined) comes to mind. He is an extraordinary Michelin chef, arguably the best in the world, and my wife and I enjoyed multiple courses with wine for about $120 (including the tip). Look it up, it's in Lyon.

soonerguru
11-28-2012, 11:03 PM
Steve, The Ranch is easily the best steakhouse in OKC, and possibly the city's nicest restaurant.

Steve
11-29-2012, 08:37 AM
I've heard that - and that's why I admittedly qualified my rankings. I was going to eat there today to celebrate my Powerball win. But the jerks at the Lottery office clearly screwed up the number call.

Teo9969
11-29-2012, 08:41 AM
There are restaurants that are globally recognized for quality that have price points lower than what you describe. Cafe du Nord by Paul Bocuse (a place where I happily dined) comes to mind. He is an extraordinary Michelin chef, arguably the best in the world, and my wife and I enjoyed multiple courses with wine for about $120 (including the tip). Look it up, it's in Lyon.

That one with no Michelin stars? (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=list%20of%20michelin%20restaurants%20in%20france&source=web&cd=8&ved=0CG0QFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michelin.com%2Fcorporate%2FEN %2Fcontent%2FnewsAndPress%2Fproducts_and_services% 2FTravel%2520Services%2FThe-2012-MICHELIN-guide-France%2520.pdf&ei=_m63ULbwHMmE2QW60YCwAw&usg=AFQjCNGum435OqEijh8L3QBfDGC-Jqcm9g&cad=rja)

I stand by my assessment, unless you want to use a tortured definition of "world class". Saying Brasserie Le Nord is world class because it's by Paul Bocuse is like saying that Fidelio is a special opera because it's by Beethoven.

RadicalModerate
11-29-2012, 09:13 AM
http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/62/6223/X933100Z/posters/david-sipress-the-michelin-stars-are-for-the-tires-new-yorker-cartoon.jpg

Wouldn't it be cool for a three-star restaurant to build a building, out of blocks resembling Legos, that looked like a food truck?

foodiefan
11-29-2012, 10:22 AM
There are restaurants that are globally recognized for quality that have price points lower than what you describe. Cafe du Nord by Paul Bocuse (a place where I happily dined) comes to mind. He is an extraordinary Michelin chef, arguably the best in the world, and my wife and I enjoyed multiple courses with wine for about $120 (including the tip). Look it up, it's in Lyon.

Well. Yes. But it's not Oklahoma. . . not even Dallas. . . .not sure the comparison is quite fair. But, perhaps you could convince him to head our way??!!:)

RadicalModerate
11-29-2012, 03:50 PM
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0wlw-kX4yk/Tx77-orbx4I/AAAAAAAACEI/1n0gaxwf0S8/s1600/fancy-fast-food-01.jpg
'ere ees what weel be sahvred at le restaurant ala mode on tahp o' zee food trahk at le top o' le tallest building en Chine . . .
eef le' cusine de Chine does not, 'ow you say?, show up.....?

les Chinez preferemonde le Chicken Fry from AmeeZ.
plus le Chinez abhorr le snail puree stacked on le crackers graham for dessert.

perhaps some snails, wrigging on le spikes 'oldineeg les sparklers tinee?
weeth le sauce x-tra for deeping?

(Translation: I really didn't realize that one-dimensional, fake food snobs, would be drawn to this venue. The crew at the restaurant atop OKC's tallest tower is trying to do their best. GeeZ/H/FerCryin' out Loud . . . OK?
After all . . . when all is said and done . . . etc. and so forth . . . there is a significance difference between "haute cuisine" and "hot cuisine . . . or am I wrong about this too? =)

Edited to add/For the sake of perspective: I will not eat raw fish, no matter how elegantly prepared, unless I catch it with my own two paws.

jedicurt
11-29-2012, 04:58 PM
Steve, The Ranch is easily the best steakhouse in OKC, and possibly the city's nicest restaurant.

I need to go... it is right next to my office. and i drive by it twice every day... just need to stop in for dinner some night on my way home

Teo9969
11-29-2012, 05:20 PM
I need to go... it is right next to my office. and i drive by it twice every day... just need to stop in for dinner some night on my way home

Or even just a glass of wine and appetizer/dessert.

I would recommend the Dulce de Leche...best dessert ever!

RadicalModerate
11-29-2012, 06:09 PM
Dulche de Leche . . . "the sweet o' the milk" . . . ah yahs ah remamber eet whal . . . =)
I would look for real "dulche de leche" at the next big thing in OKC: "EvitaZ" Buenos Aires 24-Seven.
(although the tapioca pudding with a little bit of caramel from Kraftwerks will suffice instead of whine . . . ?de veras? =)

P.S. for semantic purposes: "Globally Recognized Excellence" has very little to to with goes on in that globe on top of your shoulders . . . and you know that is true if you have the guts to admit it. =-)

SSEiYah
12-03-2012, 04:16 PM
301330143015
We ate there today late, around 1:15. It was empty with a few tables with people in the main dining room. The front greeter guy seemed rather offended I asked for a table near a window. He said something along the lines of "normally our walk up guests are seated at the bar". He then told us to have a seat in the waiting area and went to talk to a manager or supervisor and then brought us to a nice window table. What a view!

As one who is not a fan of goat cheese, it kind of makes it hard to order from the lunch menu. My girlfriend and I opt'ed toward the buffet. They had brisket, which was a little dry, however still had good flavor. The BBQ sauce fixed the dryness issue mostly. They had some pasta dish, it was not impressive. It tasted like cheap walmart-store brand pasta and the sauce was extremely bland. The green bean casserole was good. The Fried chicken was not crispy, moist on outside and dry on inside, great flavor however. The potatoes which were heavy on the horseradish and cheddar were some of the best mashed potatoes I've ever had in restaurant in my life. Salad is fresh, with a good assortment of options. They had a good selection of small pastries as well, all were decent but nothing out of the ordinary. The bread rolls were downright bad in my opinion, very stiff and dry and lacked flavor.

Waitress was VERY friendly and down to earth.

So overall, buffet is ok. I would go back on occasion for a late lunch again, however I would not go there for the food. $48 (w/tip) for two people with water is a bit much.

I'd still put a recommendation in. Its well worth it for the view and the buffet has something for everyone. My girlfriend is a very picky eater and liked the food for the most part.

Too put things in perspective, an elevator trip to the top of the Sears tower will run you roughly $20/person. This is basically the same thing, well for Oklahoma City...

kevinpate
12-03-2012, 08:32 PM
I've decided that, view or no view, I'm going to wait on the food issues to get a bit more evened out. The view will still be there later. I can get 'eh' quality chicken anywhere in town. No reason for Vast to offer it too.

OKCisOK4me
12-03-2012, 10:31 PM
I wanted to go there for a birthday dinner but man...these reviews are killing it for me.

Mr. Cotter
12-04-2012, 01:05 PM
I just got back from lunch at Vast. Had the buffet, and it was good - not great. We called to get a reservation, but were told they were "booked solid" but we could try to walk in. The dining room was less than 25% full from 11:30 to 12:30 when we were there, but we had to eat in the bar area. The best thing was the clam chowder. I'm glad I've been to see it, but I won't be paying their dinner price unless the food improves. The lunch buffet was $18. For comparison, the Skirvin lunch buffet is $14, and the food is of about the same quality.

RadicalModerate
12-04-2012, 01:24 PM
So . . . If one were to bring a sack lunch consisting of a cup of clam chowder and maybe half a panini from . . . Oh . . . i dunno . . . Panera? Go to the bar to eat--and enjoy a couple of $10.00 shots of whatever plus a designer beer . . . And tip generously and gratefully for the view . . . Would the staff be snooty or surprised?

kevinpate
12-04-2012, 01:35 PM
So . . . If one were to bring a sack lunch consisting of a cup of clam chowder and maybe half a panini from . . . Oh . . . i dunno . . . Panera? Go to the bar to eat--and enjoy a couple of $10.00 shots of whatever plus a designer beer . . . And tip generously and gratefully for the view . . . Would the staff be snooty or surprised?

Or ... enjoy the chowder and sammy over at MBG, then go up to the bar for after picnic refreshments.

Mr. Cotter
12-04-2012, 01:56 PM
My guess would be snooty.

BBatesokc
12-04-2012, 02:00 PM
Some friends from my lunch group went last week. I couldn't make it, but their review was less than stellar. They all did the buffet. Told the dinning room was booked so they ate at the bar, however, they noticed the dinning room was less than half full the entire time they were there.

Said the buffet was like eating at 'your mother's country club.' Not much variety, not seasoned well and cheap cuts of meat.

I guess i will wait before I give it a try.

RadicalModerate
12-04-2012, 02:20 PM
My guess would be snooty.
Okay . . . So for the panini from Panera, maybe they would be de-snootified by the substitution of a can of Vienna Sausages with some saltines or Doritos . . . Along with a request for a plate and plate charge . . . included in the generous tip?

Just kidding . . . I never tip at a buffet. =)

"Your mother's country club" . . . priceless.
(Welcome to Le Furrs de' Luby'z . . .)

BTW: I absolutely intend to dine at Vast sometime within the next six months. By then they will have probably incorporated all the the construcive criticism into their operation and it might be almost as good as Nick's at The Top used to be. That restaurant that was in the lobby of The Renaissance Hotel . . . Falling Water Grille? Whatever? Was pretty good. Are they still around? =)