Ate here last night with the wife. I had some very delectable scallops on top of lima bean/corn/pork belly succotash. It was quite amazing. Seriously this might have been the most impressive meal I've had in OKC in a long time.

Ate here last night with the wife. I had some very delectable scallops on top of lima bean/corn/pork belly succotash. It was quite amazing. Seriously this might have been the most impressive meal I've had in OKC in a long time.

Wow, high praise.

Hopefully they are hitting their stride now and enjoy good success.

The setting is hard to beat, and the operators are pros, so it would only make sense that they would quickly place any startup jitters in the rear view. I've been to the bar a few times and once had dinner at the bar, but yet to have a full sit-down dining room meal. I have high hopes for the place long-term.

Just in those few blocks along Robinson in the last couple of years:

Kitchen no. 324
Vast
Flint
Nebu
Aravalli
Park House
Ice House
Cool Greens
and soon, Mahogany

Amazing!

Just in those few blocks along Robinson in the last couple of years:

Kitchen no. 324
Vast
Flint
Nebu
Aravalli
Park House
Ice House
Cool Greens
and soon, Mahogany

Amazing!

Mahogany? When was that announced?

Nevermind

The setting is hard to beat, and the operators are pros, so it would only make sense that they would quickly place any startup jitters in the rear view. I've been to the bar a few times and once had dinner at the bar, but yet to have a full sit-down dining room meal. I have high hopes for the place long-term.

Our server was one of the best we've had, but our experience was not great overall. For some reason, the bartender decided to do inventory in the middle of the Friday night dinner rush, causing a massive pile-up. Keep in mind this was the Friday night of deadCenter. Really bizarre situation.

They didn't have the wines that were printed on the menu. The wines they did have were not at the right temperature, because they were "being stored in the office." The situation with the wine was so bad they ended up just giving us a lukewarm bottle of red on the house -- which was nice and we were grateful for that, but rather comical for "pros."

Who are these operators, out of curiosity, urbanized? This seemed pretty amateur. It certainly was funny and memorable.

On the plus side, as mentioned, the waitress was outstanding (and handled the total cluster from the management with poise and humor), and I thought the food was quite good.

...Who are these operators, out of curiosity, urbanized? This seemed pretty amateur. It certainly was funny and memorable...

It's the Holloway family who own Cafe 501 and Boulevard Steakhouse, along with a chef formerly of Stella.

It's the Holloway family who own Cafe 501 and Boulevard Steakhouse, along with a chef formerly of Stella.

Pretty good restaurateurs. Not sure what happened the night we went, but it made for high comedy. I tried to give the restaurant a few months to work the kinks out. Oh well, the food was good and the atmosphere is nice.

Return engagement for brunch was a much better experience. Had another great server as well. Food and atmosphere were excellent.

New sign up at Park House!

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10537394_864170393612326_7140707962045506026_n.jpg ?oh=ee9b71edec51048c8ded8a5f5c5f1f8d&oe=547EF7FB

Meant to post that last night. Looks MUCH better than that adapted MBG sign...

Daytime (from their Facebook page):

https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1526432_863620360333996_2010448708755016511_n.jpg? oh=c8e9836c44ab17f2cb4f228cde56c76e&oe=54681B5E

I tried this tonight for the first time with my brother, who is visiting from LA. I have to say I was definitely impressed with the food. It's pricey but very good from my standpoint. I had the halibut fish and chips. The fish was excellent. It was very tender and flaky with a great crusted batter and it was served with a very nice homemade tartar sauce. The chips were waffle fries and were some of the best I've ever tried. It also came with slaw, but that was so so. My brother had a lamb dish ( I don't care for lamb so that didn't appeal to me ). He pronounced it excellent and took some home in a doggy bag for later. The only negative aspect was that there were only 3 table being used when we were there. Maybe it was just the time of day on a Sunday which accounted for that.

I was back there for lunch last week with a large group and everyone agreed their meal was excellent.

Also went a week back and food was great.

I think they have been stepping up their game. Had kind of an odd waitress but good service.

How is this place doing?

Haven't heard anyone mention it in a while.

How is this place doing?

Haven't heard anyone mention it in a while.

I've been probably 4-5 times this year. They're never very crowded, but seem to do a decent dinner business. The food is quite good, and comparably priced to other options downtown. Not sure why they're not knocking it out of the park, really.

I've been probably 4-5 times this year. They're never very crowded, but seem to do a decent dinner business. The food is quite good, and comparably priced to other options downtown. Not sure why they're not knocking it out of the park, really.

Because they're *IN* the park, silly ;)

Part of the reason, I imagine, is because right now they're an island to themselves. Restaurants tend to do better with other restaurants nearby. Yes, Flint and Vast are a block away, but nobody thinks of Vast as close to anything.

This will be a better location when the Cox is torn down. I wouldn't be surprised if they're pretty busy on game nights as well, but would need someone to verify that assumption.

Because they're *IN* the park, silly ;)

Part of the reason, I imagine, is because right now they're an island to themselves. Restaurants tend to do better with other restaurants nearby. Yes, Flint and Vast are a block away, but nobody thinks of Vast as close to anything.

This will be a better location when the Cox is torn down. I wouldn't be surprised if they're pretty busy on game nights as well, but would need someone to verify that assumption.

They are busy on game nights. Maybe when Mahogany opens, and the construction on the west side of the park shakes out, it'll improve.

^^^^^
You are correct. Lots of pre-gaming and some post-gaming too.

Because they're *IN* the park, silly ;)

Part of the reason, I imagine, is because right now they're an island to themselves. Restaurants tend to do better with other restaurants nearby. Yes, Flint and Vast are a block away, but nobody thinks of Vast as close to anything.

This will be a better location when the Cox is torn down. I wouldn't be surprised if they're pretty busy on game nights as well, but would need someone to verify that assumption.

This is an example of what Kerry has been saying is the problem with MBG all along. Since nobody lives near the park it doesn't get the kind of use that it would otherwise get. If there were residential surrounding the park, not only would it get a lot more usage at times when there isn't funded events, but restaurants like Park House would be a lot more successful. Park House is an amazing restaurant in an amazing location but they are about 5-7 years ahead of their time. Hopefully they can hang on until the land around the park is developed.

I had lunch there last Friday and, while it wasn't packed, I would say the restaurant was close to full. The food was very good and it was very entertaining to watch children playing in the fountain. The Ice House had a good line the whole time we were there, I noticed.

This is an example of what Kerry has been saying is the problem with MBG all along. Since nobody lives near the park it doesn't get the kind of use that it would otherwise get. If there were residential surrounding the park, not only would it get a lot more usage at times when there isn't funded events, but restaurants like Park House would be a lot more successful. Park House is an amazing restaurant in an amazing location but they are about 5-7 years ahead of their time. Hopefully they can hang on until the land around the park is developed.

From what I've seen when I've been, they are doing much better than 'hanging on." While they are usually light on weeknights, they are pretty full on weekend nights and for brunch especially during basketball season. It's just like Bricktown restaurants early on. With the lack of residential around it, it's more of a destination type restaurant on weekends and business lunches than a nightly staple for people. Another issue (or what people perceive as one...however dumb it may be) is parking. If the street spots are full(which they often are), you have to valet your car, pay to park in the cox garage, or park a few blocks away. Things that will help make it more successful: more residential and offices around or near the park, more hotels around or near the park, the streetcar, and more restaurants close to it. Obviously rebuilding the Cox block, stage center block, and former convention center site will have a major impact on the park. The convention center not working out on that site is probably a major blessing in disguise for both parks...could become a really cool development that connects both parks better than the CC ever would have.

Heard a rumor that the Pastry Chef from The George is now with Parkhouse in some capacity. Anyone heard anything about this?

Heard a rumor that the Pastry Chef from The George is now with Parkhouse in some capacity. Anyone heard anything about this?

I believe she's working as a sort of executive pastry chef for all of Pete Holloway's concepts: Boulevard, Cafe 501, Park House…and I wouldn't be surprised if Pete was looking at opening some more things given how OKC's food scene is flourishing. And with Shelby Sieg, he has the best chef in the city at his disposal. I really hope he doesn't run her off the way that Kevin George did, because I feel like if this doesn't work out, she probably heads to another market, and we need more chefs like her who can combine talent with high level Tier-1 market training.

OKCTalk - Park House restaurant switching to part-time status and will emphasize events (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=238-Park-House-restaurant-switching-to-part-time-status-and-will-emphasize-events)

That's really unfortunate. Their food was very good, the venue was really unmatched. Why do you think they never were a hit? Poor marketing?

Not enough traffic on non-game days.

I give the Holloways a lot of credit for getting this finished and open.

No one else was willing to take it on.

This is pretty much proof of what I've said all along; Myriad Garden's potential is handicapped because nobody lives near it. The park only gets heavily used on game days or whenever there is special programming there. That's not enough to sustain this restaurant because people are rarely going to go there if they aren't near it for some other reason. If there was residential surrounding the park, this restaurant would have had no problem surviving.

Not enough traffic on non-game days.

I give the Holloways a lot of credit for getting this finished and open.

No one else was willing to take it on.

That's a real shame. Other places within a half mile are quite busy on off days. I give them credit for taking the risk. It would be great if the west side of the future park were set aside for residential.

This is pretty much proof of what I've said all along; Myriad Garden's potential is handicapped because nobody lives near it. The park only gets heavily used on game days or whenever there is special programming there. That's not enough to sustain this restaurant because people are rarely going to go there if they aren't near it for some other reason. If there was residential surrounding the park, this restaurant would have had no problem surviving.
Does that mean you think that Mahogany Prime and Flint, which are right across the street, will fail?

Does that mean you think that Mahogany Prime and Flint, which are right across the street, will fail?

The one thing that the two you mentioned, is they both have good food... I've eaten at Parkhouse twice and neither time was I blown away, great setting... So so food....

The one thing that the two you mentioned, is they both have good food... I've eaten at Parkhouse twice and neither time was I blown away, great setting... So so food....

Well, we will disagree then. I have eaten there and thought the food was excellent.

Parkhouse is pretty expensive also, even the lunch is out of reach for most people.

Parkhouse is pretty expensive also, even the lunch is out of reach for most people.

That is a more accurate reason of why they may have had problems. That was a concern of mine as well. I think a less expensive concept would have likely been much more successful.

Parkhouse is pretty expensive also, even the lunch is out of reach for most people.

I ate there every week, and can confirm. The price of the fish and chips. Come on...


The one thing that the two you mentioned, is they both have good food... I've eaten at Parkhouse twice and neither time was I blown away, great setting... So so food....

Flint is debatable. I went there every week for the tea and cookie.


That is a more accurate reason of why they may have had problems. That was a concern of mine as well. I think a less expensive concept would have likely been much more successful.

Kind of like cafe 405?

Gotta agree with Tundra - while others report rave reviews, I ate there probably 5 times total (all at the urging of those I was with) and every time we walked away dissatisfied (all of us). The place is great, the garden backdrop is awesome, but we always found the food, service and prices to be subpar.

I personally love the Mahogany and their downtown location.

Not enough traffic on non-game days.

I give the Holloways a lot of credit for getting this finished and open.

No one else was willing to take it on.

Because they all knew it wouldn't work with the white tablecloth concept that the landscape architects/designers insisted upon... But yes, give them credit for giving it a go.

It's a good thing we rarely let the designers have their way with things around here. :-/

Does that mean you think that Mahogany Prime and Flint, which are right across the street, will fail?

Flint will probably never fail because it's a hotel restaurant.

I believe that Mahogany is doing very well.

Didn't they write operational hours into the lease?

Have gone to many a thunder game and never have eaten there. I park around the gardens but walk to bricktown or even Joey's. I never think about eating there. I don't think they did enough to get the Thunder crowd. Also it was a little pricey but your pay more in the arena. Also when there were events going on at the gardens like movies and such they never seemed open.

I actually really liked the place. Great atmosphere and good food. Hope the new hours help keep them in business.

Didn't they write operational hours into the lease?

The MBG wsa thrilled to have them and now to keep them on any terms.

They could not get anyone else interested at the outset and certainly no one is now stepping forward to take it over.

IMO, the Holloways did OKC a big favor by giving this a go when no one else would touch it.

Here is the press release from the Myriad Gardens:


Park House Restaurant at Myriad Gardens Transitioning from Daily Restaurant to an Event Center

Oklahoma City, OK – Park House restaurant at the Myriad Gardens is transitioning from a full-time restaurant to an event center for private rentals and specialty dinners and events for the public to enjoy in the space.

Effective as of Monday, January 25, 2016, Park House will no longer be offering daily lunch and dinner service. However, Park House will be open to the public for dinner and drinks for all upcoming Thunder home games this season and for selected events held at Civic Center, Cox Center and Chesapeake Arena. Park House will also be open for dinners over Valentine’s weekend and for brunches on Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Any upcoming event or catering through Holloway Restaurant Group taking place at Park House or Gardens will be honored without interruption. The Ice House will continue to be operated by the Holloway Restaurant Group and reopen as scheduled in March as the popular outdoor hamburger and shake stand located on the Seasonal Plaza now serving as the Devon Ice Rink.

In addition to remaining as a place for private rentals, the Myriad Gardens will also utilize the picturesque facility that overlooks the Gardens for its growing number of public programs and events including specialty dinners, farm-to-table events, tastings, group tour lunches, lectures, classes and more.

“We are grateful to the Holloway Restaurant Group and appreciate all of the effort they put into opening and managing the Park House at the Gardens. We look forward to working in conjunction with them on offering a variety of new dinner and brunch events for the public and to expand our private rentals in our uniquely beautiful space.“ said Maureen Heffernan, Executive Director.

I have a better idea, move the ice house into that space and run it all year long expand the menu just a bit, keep it simple..... I'm not a fan of eating outside on a patio, which is why I've yet to go get a burger in the middle of summer at the ice house...... Then you could turn the ice house into a funnel cake ,snow cones,and cotton candy vendor for all the people in the park....

Whenever I've been at the Garden it always seems like the Ice House managed to stay fairly busy and while in line you could look at the empty seats in the Park House.

If the Park House would have been a classic Oklahoma Diner it might have done a lot better.

This operating hours will get confusing and seems like it might then adversely impact business further...

This operating hours will get confusing and seems like it might then adversely impact business further...

Just look at the issues at Anchor Down regarding seemingly random operating hours. People don't go because they never know if they will be open or not.

Just look at the issues at Anchor Down regarding seemingly random operating hours. People don't go because they never know if they will be open or not.

It's the new hip thing to do , they are trying to recreate Nics business model to the "T"

This thing should have never been built with public funds in a public space, especially in favor of the planned lower cost snack cafe. It's just egrediously arrogant. Virtually every citizen, of even the most modest means should have been able to go to the Gardens and enjoy a meal there, not just the well heeled. No shame on the Holloways, they tried against the odds. But the deciders (Larry Nichols???) and designers who must have known better in the face of nearly unanimous disinterest and advice against it from the local food service industry. Shame on them. This isn't Devon's front yard, it's a place for citizens of the whole city and our visitors. All of them.

Remember, there was to be a second restaurant where the open pavilion now resides more in the middle of the park, and it was cut due to budget overruns otherwise there would have been that empty space as well.

Yes, the less expensive everyman's restaurant was cut in favor of one for the well paid. Message received: This park isn't for everyone.

Pete, are you saying that no restaurant would work? I can't imagine that something closer to a snack bar serving dogs, burgers, nachos and drinks for under $10 or even nicer sandwiches and salads for an acceptable workday lunch wouldn't thrive. I don't think it would make the operators rich, but I believe it would add to the Garden experience and be nicely profitable.

^

I believe they want the space to be nice so they can easily rent it out for special events and private parties.

I think this is a good compromise for the time being and am just really glad this space was finished and finished nicely. Sat vacant and unimproved for too long.

Bring back the Lunch Box....

The interesting thing to observe will be whether it will become nicely appointed and looks k when peeked upon while it stands largely vacant, as opposed to when it was not nicely appointed and always vacant. Reasonably appointed and thriving? Not on the menu.

I went there Saturday night. Our food was quite good but the portions were ridiculously ginormous. I know that's weird to complain about, and I'm not really complaining, but it was odd. The room is weirdly lit. Two tables, haphazardly, had tablecloths (that looked like catering material), while all others did not. Strange.

The food was good, again, the service was good, but there was just something off about the place. And the prices on the menu were very high, IMO, so I guess this ended up the way it was predicted to end up when so many of our restaurateurs pleaded with Larry Nichols and the MG overlords to put in something like a bistro or casual cafe. Of course, they were ignored, because "fine dining." One oil bust later and this place is a goner.