I see where the popular LaMadeleines Cafe and Bakery will be opening in Oklahoma City within the next 12 months.Very popular concept which will do well in OKC! I also could see Corner Bakery and Cafe opening a location or two in the OKC area.









Josh Valentine does Oklahoma proud on 'Top Chef' | News OK (http://newsok.com/josh-valentine-does-oklahoma-proud-on-top-chef/article/3761622)

Use to eat at the La Madeleines in North Park Mall in Dallas. It was constantly busy with a 'affluent' clientele (though, I did eat there as well), makes me wonder where in OKC it would work - not bricktown (yet). Perhaps downtown in the right location, or Norman near campus ....?

NH Plaza used to have a local copy of La Madeline. We ate there a lot. I wouldn't be shocked to see the real La Madeline there.

This is great to hear; however, I've heard stories to this effect regarding La Madeline's coming to OKC/Tulsa for several years now. Always "just around the corner." Hasn't happened yet. But its great to see it in "print," which gives me some optimism...

Not saying it won't happen, just color me skeptical. Be delighted if it showed up. Very nice place...

I guess kinda lost in the shuffle of that article is that Coach's at Bricktown is gone. Probably worthy of note, because that was one of the elements of the Bricktown Ballpark intended to serve as a bit of an "homage" to the right-field restaurants in the Ballpark at Arlington, to which the Brick owes a great deal of its design inspiration. That space being empty isn't good for the Brick or Bricktown in general, IMHO. Hope something nice can take the space and make it work.

There is a La Madeline's in Tulsa on Cherry Street. I also think one would do extremely well in OKC. I hope they put one near the center of town (Midtown Plaza, Automobile Alley), but NH Plaza would probably work very well for them.

There is a La Madeline's in Tulsa on Cherry Street. I also think one would do extremely well in OKC. I hope they put one near the center of town (Midtown Plaza, Automobile Alley), but NH Plaza would probably work very well for them.

Chatenay on SW 104th and Penn would be an excellent location, and give Panera some great competition.

They tend to put in where there is a critical mass of upscale retail activity.

La Madeleine

I like to go there after a visit to Walmart's.

That was funny! (like) . . . I just looked at the Lunch menu for the Tulsa locations and was AMAZED at what they offered and the fact that only a couple of the fantastic sounding offerings were over $10! I wanted to get snarky about "competing with Panera" and so forth, but I just can't do it. I hope this place DOES decide to open an OKC location!

It's good food, especially for the price. As a born Dallas boy, it's one of the few things I've missed about the DFW metro area as I've moved around the country a few times. My guess is one location is put in within 1 mile of NH Plaza, and within a year, a second location appears in Edmond or Moore.

Hope someone at their corporate hq is reading this . . .
(i didn't bear down on the menu too closely, but do they actually serve "madeleins" as one of their bakery items?)

Finally! It's about time they come to OKC, if they do. I predict a smashing hit, similar to Whole Foods, their corporate office will be blown away and open a 2nd location quicker than expected.

If it actually happens, it would be great. We used to eat at one in Houston when we lived there and we've always enjoyed eating at them in Dallas, when we are back home visiting our families. I will watch with cautious optimism.

I have never eaten at La Madeleines but it sounds like it will be a great addition to OKC.

I have never eaten at La Madeleines but it sounds like it will be a great addition to OKC.

I've never eaten there, or even heard of this place. But I will say this: it sure looks hard to spell!
:wink:

Progressiveboy, do you know where in OKC LaMadelines will land ?

The above link did not state where it would be located? I would "guess" somewhere around Penn Square Mall area or Classen Curve and perhaps Nichols Hills Plaza. I could see them opening 3-4 cafes in the OKC Metro Area.

Another place I think would do well is Le Peep. I have eaten at the one in Las Colinas several times and one in Kansas City. It's similar to Jimmy's Egg but, I think, lots better.

Another place I think would do well is Le Peep. I have eaten at the one in Las Colinas several times and one in Kansas City. It's similar to Jimmy's Egg but, I think, lots better.

I think that La Baguette just dropped their knickers.
(and their Knickers were the best thing at La Baguette)

Seriously: Great Menu, Great Prices . . . how can this be a "bad" thing?
(really . . . how bad can it be? except for causing Panera to shutter . . .
=)

They tend to put in where there is a critical mass of upscale retail activity.

The two that I knew of in Austin (I think there are others) were in high traffic retail areas but I know the one close to our old house down there (Southwest Austin) wasn't really upscale. The other one was on North Lamar (just north of downtown) right by a hospital and some other retail.

Progressiveboy, would you not guess Memorial Rd ? That is where I would place them. Classen Curve or near Penn Square Mall would be my 2nd guess.

Progressiveboy, would you not guess Memorial Rd ? That is where I would place them. Classen Curve or near Penn Square Mall would be my 2nd guess. I could see them on Memorial Road. I am just speculating, but I could see at least 3 to 4 LaMadeleines in the OKC area. I envision them being in the Penn Square Area, Memorial Road, Edmond and Norman! I can also see 2-3 "Corner Bakery" concepts in the OKC area. These are a little more upscale than Panera Bread. Eatzi's would be a good fit in OKC but it can be a little pricey for great takeout side dishes. I could see this concept in Nichols Hills area. Another concept would be Sur La Table! Hope this happens for OKC!

Memorial Road? You mean the restaurant graveyard?

I wouldn't consider Memorial Road a restaurant graveyard. There are a few dead places, but a lot of restaurants up and down that strip are alive and well.

I think that La Baguette just dropped their knickers.
(and their Knickers were the best thing at La Baguette)

Seriously: Great Menu, Great Prices . . . how can this be a "bad" thing?
(really . . . how bad can it be? except for causing Panera to shutter . . .
=)

I had breakfast at La Madeleine this morning in Dallas. It's a nice concept and I enjoyed my omelette, but it's no competition for LaBaguette, IMO. Nor is it much like Panera. I think the two can coexist. It's a cafeteria style restaurant, with a French orientation, but the menu is nowhere near as extensive as LaBaguette, nor is the food as good. But, it's also fast and affordable, for those who don't want a sit down meal. I'm fine with it being here, but not doing backflips over it.

I believe they had a location at DFW in terminal D where I picked something up a couple of years ago. I don't think it's still there. It was OK but I wouldn't say I was extremely impressed.

We've visited La Madeline's in San Antonio and Dallas, and they've consistently been very good/excellent. I've only been to LaBaguette once, so I can't compare the two properly, but my lone recollection doesn't include a menu more extensive the La M. I'm delighted with their arrival, after having heard rumors for some time.

My wife and my mom will be ecstatic :)

La Madeline is to La Baguette as Taco Cabana is to 1492.

I believe they had a location at DFW in terminal D where I picked something up a couple of years ago. I don't think it's still there. It was OK but I wouldn't say I was extremely impressed.
You can never base a restaurant on an airport location.

You can never base a restaurant on an airport location.

So the food at the Sonic at OKC isn't like other Sonics?

I've eaten at other places at DFW like TGIFriday's and Bennigans where the food seems exactly the same as their other locations.

Some friends and I enjoyed this place in Fort Worth, glad it's coming to OKC. Nichols Hills or Midtown are probably the most ideal locations for the market they need.

So the food at the Sonic at OKC isn't like other Sonics?

I've eaten at other places at DFW like TGIFriday's and Bennigans where the food seems exactly the same as their other locations.
That's because Friday's and Chili's (since Benigans folded) is mostly reheat type of food now, it is nowhere near the food that it used to be. Makes distribution easier, just like McDonald's or Taco Bell. Places like that live on consistency, not as much on quality. Year ago we used to eat at Chili's and Friday's (NW Highway locations mostly) and they had good food made in house, now when I go there the food is just average as best, hence we go maybe once a year. A Sonic, is a Sonic, is a Sonic, consistency is what they should be about, that is one of the main selling points of fast food, not the same type of operation as a sit-down restaurant, they are completely different worlds.

What I was talking about is places where they actually cook the food, most airport food is trucked in and reheated, that is how The Salt Lick does it at the Austin airport, made/cooked in Driftwood and trucked in overnight. It is good for airport food but nothing compared to the actual restaurants. Most airport restaurants don't have the kitchen space available because it is very expensive per/sf to have a comparable kitchen to a traditional location so the kitchens are reduced in size which requires much of the preparation occur off-site.

That's because Friday's and Chili's (since Benigans folded) is mostly reheat type of food now, it is nowhere near the food that it used to be. Makes distribution easier, just like McDonald's or Taco Bell. Places like that live on consistency, not as much on quality. Year ago we used to eat at Chili's and Friday's (NW Highway locations mostly) and they had good food made in house, now when I go there the food is just average as best, hence we go maybe once a year. A Sonic, is a Sonic, is a Sonic, consistency is what they should be about, that is one of the main selling points of fast food, not the same type of operation as a sit-down restaurant, they are completely different worlds.

What I was talking about is places where they actually cook the food, most airport food is trucked in and reheated, that is how The Salt Lick does it at the Austin airport, made/cooked in Driftwood and trucked in overnight. It is good for airport food but nothing compared to the actual restaurants. Most airport restaurants don't have the kitchen space available because it is very expensive per/sf to have a comparable kitchen to a traditional location so the kitchens are reduced in size which requires much of the preparation occur off-site.

I still haven't noticed any difference in taste or quality at airport locations versus off airport locations and I've eaten at places like Friday's and Bennigans since their beginning. It doesn't mean that I thought La Madeleines was bad, I just saw nothing that overly impressed me.

Speaking of "Restaurant Graveyards" . . .
Where did they move that big ol' log cabin place to? The one that used to be on Memorial over by Barnes and Noble? I sure hope it wasn't Margaritaville or Casablanca (which, technically speaking, wasn't actually "on" Memorial).

What log cabin place ? What kind of food did they serve there ?

"Kodiak" or something like that...

I still haven't noticed any difference in taste or quality at airport locations versus off airport locations and I've eaten at places like Friday's and Bennigans since their beginning. It doesn't mean that I thought La Madeleines was bad, I just saw nothing that overly impressed me.
That's because the same food is frozen and shipped in, no difference between what you get in an airport and a stand alone restaurant. Those type of chains are mediocre food at best anymore. I remember a long time ago when Chili's was really good but most of the food was made in house, not the reheat type of places they are now to reduce operating costs.

"Kodiak" or something like that...
It was Kodiak, located where the bank is on the northeast corner of Memorial & May next to the Barnes & Noble. The log cabin was bought, dismantled and shipped up here to Colorado or Idaho or something to be rebuilt as a house. There was also another one on 71st east of Memorial by Woodland Hills Mall in Tulsa (the one in OKC opened after the one in Tulsa), on Google Earth it looks like the building was there on the June 8, 2011 as a Famous Dave's BBQ, the street view still shows this building. The latest aerial image (8/9/2012) shows nondescript box being built in its place.

It may not be a graveyard but a lot of restaurants go there to die.

I'm no expert on Le Madeleine, but the two I've patronized are in more urban, walkable settings, such as Cherry Street in Tulsa and Sundance Square in Fort Worth. Why put it in such a place as Memorial, or some anonymous strip shopping center? OKC needs to change its failed paradigm.

They have locations in both type of areas in DFW, in fact the majority of them are in much more suburban strip mall locations than in any area that resembles "walkable".

They have locations in both type of areas in DFW, in fact the majority of them are in much more suburban strip mall locations than in any area that resembles "walkable".

OK. But it would still be better in a more walkable location, and lots of restaurants on Memorial die before their first birthday, so there's that.

La Madeline is to La Baguette as Taco Cabana is to 1492.

What a great quip ("true" or not). =)

Speaking of 1492 . . . they sure aren't setting any world's records for getting the Cassidy Square location ready to open. I drove by there the other day and looked at the (electrical) building permit in the window. It was dated 01/xx/12. I wonder if they have been having to pay rent on the space for over a year. I hope not. The quality of the food back at the mothership might suffer...

That's because the same food is frozen and shipped in, no difference between what you get in an airport and a stand alone restaurant. Those type of chains are mediocre food at best anymore. I remember a long time ago when Chili's was really good but most of the food was made in house, not the reheat type of places they are now to reduce operating costs.

You didn't read what I said. I was comparing the food to when they first started operating. I'm sure I'm not going to convince you anyway, so it's not worth it. I ate at Friday's in OKC on saturday and I promise it was cooked fresh there. I'm not saying the components weren't shipped in though. That still doesn't change my opinion about La Madeleines. It was OK and that wouldn't keep me from trying it here.

They have locations in both type of areas in DFW, in fact the majority of them are in much more suburban strip mall locations than in any area that resembles "walkable". I think the one I visited at the DFW Airport was in a walkable area. LOL

I went today to Cherry Street in Tulsa for the first time. Couldn't believe reading this thread!

I had herb encrusted roasted chicken. Simple but delicious. The place reminded me of a nicer Panera Bread with actual entrees. I get tired of going to places that have nothing but carb loaded paninis. Go LaMadeleines! I will eat your chicken! Just open downtown or uptown please.

I think the one I visited at the DFW Airport was in a walkable area. LOL

. . . yes, but the moving sidewalks might have influenced your perception of the enjoyment of the culinary experience. =)

To compare La Madeleines to Taco Cabana is ludicrous. Obviously the person writing that isn't familiar with one or both. This will be a good addition here. And LM is a completely different concept than La Baguette.

i have to believe anyone who uses the term "ludicrous" in a cogent context is one to be believed. so the jury is still out on La Madeleine, pending an opening in OKC. (that would be a vote "For" btw: attn. corp hq).

so . . . suppose there were (was) a La Madeleine right next to a Mimi's . . . which one would you pick and why?
(marie calledar is disqualified from the question)

. . . yes, but the moving sidewalks might have influenced your perception of the enjoyment of the culinary experience. =)

You're correct. I did have to grab the food very quickly.

Yeah . . . making those connecting flights at DFW can be a bitch . . . =)
So . . . Let's imagine (and when i say Let Us i mean okc "foodies", in conjuction with potential corporate restaurant providers) . . . that someone wanted to pile some money into a new provider location with an expectation of a return . . .

What better location than right next to the recently relocated Stage Center (for the adults) adjacent to the perpetually unfinished NativeAmerind Cultural Center (providing bicycle dirt track ops to the kids) (rather than giving it to The South Side to Fix I-235)?

Based upon imaginary restaurant openings in the Metro . . . I think that La Madelene would be a preferred option not only to Mimi's but could possibly even trump Nicolette's! (file that in The Appendix to the Hitchiker's Guide to The Galaxy =)

(Google! It's everywhere! Happy B-Day, Doug! =)

edited to add . . . from "Le M. Menu" . . .
this sounds good to me:
Creamy spinach and Swiss filling in a puff pastry

this sounds even better:
Chicken Friand
Puff pastry filled with chicken, mushrooms and béchamel sauce, topped with mushroom sauce

Still, I would be willing to bet that Panera's Clam Chowder with half a Cali Pannini on the side would kick their ass. =)

Well, while I know it would offend the tender sensibilities of those who don't believe breathable air exists south of Reno, I still contend Chatenay on SW 104th and Penn is a perfect location for LaM's. And I base that on the kinds of locations where I've visited them previously and recently. Great addition to OKC.

Well, while I know it would offend the tender sensibilities of those who don't believe breathable air exists south of Reno, I still contend Chatenay on SW 104th and Penn is a perfect location for LaM's. And I base that on the kinds of locations where I've visited them previously and recently. Great addition to OKC.Would a store go in where a Panera already exists?

Would a store go in where a Panera already exists?

It wouldn't surprise me. Might be a tad unorthodox, but I bet if you laid out a map of current LaM's there'd be a Panera lurking nearby. I think there's plenty of appetite to support both places, frankly. There's a lower quality opportunity a mile east in Palagio, but I'm not sure that place isn't at or near 100% occupied now, and the Westbrook (Westgate? Blast, brain cramp, can't remember....the place where Bowling Green used to be at SW 104th and Western) plaza has shifted toward more business than retail.

Heck, I always thought a great restaurant opportunity was lost when the outparcel at 104th and Penn in front of Chatenay turned into IBC Bank a few years ago. Very nice building, and its certainly in keeping with Chatenay and the residential area to its east, but I thought surely someone would see a restaurant opportunity there.

I say all this fully realizing the probability is that LaM's will get plunked down somewhere north, but someone here has to advocate my neck of the woods! :)

Sorry if I missed it, but was there a link with actual information on a La Madeleine location in Oklahoma City? Or is this continued speculation?

Sorry if I missed it, but was there a link with actual information on a La Madeleine location in Oklahoma City? Or is this continued speculation?

Link in the orignal post contained the following:

• La Madeleine, a Dallas-based, French-style cafe, is coming to Oklahoma City. Founded in 1983 by Patrick Esquerre, the franchise is now owned by Le Duff America. An Oklahoma City franchise is planned within the next 12 months.

The restaurant specializes in French country-style food served in a fast-casual setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Expect fresh house-made breads, pastries and soups. The menu also offers salads, sandwiches, crepes, quiches and stuffed puff pastries. You will also find a bistro-style chicken, pastas and paella. Breakfast is a mix of hearty items and European specialties.

Everything else about the location has been speculation.

i have to believe anyone who uses the term "ludicrous" in a cogent context is one to be believed. so the jury is still out on La Madeleine, pending an opening in OKC. (that would be a vote "For" btw: attn. corp hq).

so . . . suppose there were (was) a La Madeleine right next to a Mimi's . . . which one would you pick and why?
(marie calledar is disqualified from the question)

Okay, may as well compare McDonalds to The Mantle....they both serve beef. Since you don't like the term ludicrous, how about silly? Is that part of a cogent argument?

I guess you missed the fact that I liked your use of the word ludicrous. As for comparing Le Mad's to Mimi's or either one of them to McDonalds or The Mantle . . . well . . . that's a different matter. (ps I only ate at Mimi's once. It wasn't bad, just average. to put it in perspective, I thought the food at the former "Good Eats Cafe" where "The Ranch" is now, was above average and a very good value. Much like Le Mad's might be. I just wish the managment would get off their Le Duff and tell us where it is going to be.)

I've eaten at the one in Dallas. Despite my manliness (or maybe because of it) I ordered quiche. It was perfectly acceptable. Count me in the "meh" column.

I've eaten at the one in Dallas. Despite my manliness (or maybe because of it) I ordered quiche. It was perfectly acceptable. Count me in the "meh" column.

After eating the quiche were you overcome with an irresistable urge to ask for directions?