Plans have been unveiled for The Pritchard, a new wine bar and restaurant in the Plaza District.


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The Pritchard will take the space formerly occupied by Urban Wineworks which recently closed.

The new operation is a collaboration by Steve Mason and Aimee Ahpeatone – who recently bought and renovated the building where The Pritchard will be located – and J. Mays of Cafe 7.

A large variety of wine by the glass will be offered, along with small plate dishes.

The Pritchard hopes to open this summer and will join other Plaza hot spots like Empire Slice House (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Empire+Slice+House), The Mule (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=The+Mule), Saints (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Saints), Oak & Ore (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Oak+and+Ore), and the soon to open Goro Ramen (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Goro).


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hopefully this wine concept works in the location. Look forward to trying it out

J Mays knows his wine.

I suspect it will be the best Wine Bar in OKC going away.

Pete,

One of the main positives for UW was that they could sell bottles of wine on Sunday and it was one of the few places in the city that could do that. Do you know if The Pritchard will do the same thing?

I don't think they can. UW could because they were the winery. You can still get bottles on Sunday at Waters edge winery on broadway however.

Warren, any restaurant can sell you a bottle of wine on Sunday. They have to sell it at the same price they normally do, and they have to open it and pour at least 1 ounce. They can then recork it and send you on your way.

In reality, unless there are authorities around, they wouldn't even have to open it, but most probably would just to operate under the letter of the law.

The former Beverage Director for The George will be involved with this project. She knows her stuff and will really help this be a wonderful establishment. And with a much stronger ownership/management, I'm sure this place is going to be freaking amazing.

I will be most interested to see how they market this place, because The Plaza has never really been a high-end district, but wine and cocktails tend to require that type of clientele because there is almost a barrier to entry. You can get full and have nice beer at Empire/The Mule for relatively cheap ($15-$20/person) A nice appetizer and cocktails/wine can set an individual back $50 without even having gone crazy.

That being said, Oak&Ore isn't cheap and they are at least surviving. I'm excited either way :)

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This is opening October 14th.

Chef Shelby Sieg (formerly of The George and Belle Kitchen) is curating a menu that will change every 6-8 weeks depending on demand. The price range will be $6 to $18, but I suspect will be modest portions served more or less in the style of Spanish Tapas. The Menu is currently broken down into 6 sections: Bar Snacks, Charcuterie, Cheese, Small Plates, Proteins, Dessert

The General Manager is Mindy Magers (formerly of The George and Flint) and I imagine will be curating the wine list. She has an exceptional palette and is incredibly knowledgable about the subject.

Both have spent time in major markets (Sieg in NYC and Magers in Los Angeles) working for some impressive names.

Those who enjoyed The George in its short stint, both Sieg and Magers were major components in the development of the concept and were the last managers to leave the restaurant (and really the only reason the concept was able to last as long as it did).

Along with an incredible ownership group, this concept has the strong base that it needs to be a major addition to the Oklahoma City dining scene and something that is sorely lacking.

Thanks Teo!

Sound very promising.

Opens Oct. 14th.

The Pritchard wine bar to open Friday
By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record October 12, 2016 0

OKLAHOMA CITY – About 12 years ago, Aimee Ahpeatone and a friend were walking near The Plaza District. A Mexican restaurant filled the space at 1749 NW 16th St., but Ahpeatone was fascinated with it.

She tried to find the building owner so she could buy it and put in an eatery. That didn’t transpire, so she pursued other ventures, including helping to clean up the district.

On Friday, Ahpeatone and partners Steve Mason and Jolyn Bauer are opening The Pritchard Wine Bar, 1749 NW 16th St. Ahpeatone said it’s surreal to her that the space is where she’s opening her first restaurant.

The space was previously Urban Wine Works, which closed in 2015. Construction started on The Pritchard in December, shortly after Mason and Ahpeatone finished redeveloping the old Plaza Discount Store into five storefronts and four alleyway entrances.

Sweet Sixteenth LLC partners didn’t want to bring in a restaurant to those spaces because they wanted to generate retail sales tax.

“This space (1749 NW 16th) was begging to be a wine bar,” she said. “People were craving a wine bar. I think this is the type of wine bar they wanted.”

The restaurant features wines from small, family-owned wineries. There are 144 bottled wines on the list, 24 by-the-glass options, six wines on tap, cocktails, and some beers.

“We didn’t want to compete with the other bars that offer beer in the neighborhood,” said Ahpeatone.

The food menu is all small-plate options, served as it is ready. Former Belle Kitchen executive pastry chef Shelby Sieg is making her debut as head chef. She previously worked at The George steakhouse as well.

Ahpeatone and her partners wanted someone who could prepare a clean, ingredient-driven menu, and Sieg said she gravitates toward that style. Menu options include a cheese and charcuterie board, house-made pickles, and a pheasant pate. Sieg said she is working with local farmers to have fresh, seasonal options on the menu as well.

“We have an abbreviated dessert menu,” she said. “They’re definitely not big-plated desserts, but things that go well with wine.”

She said the olive oil cake was a hit when the menu was being created.

Plaza District Executive Director Cayla Lewis said the menu has unique items, and highly recommended the Brussels sprouts. She said Ahpeatone and her partners didn’t neglect the district’s personality.

“They still have captured the culture of the district,” she said. “They have been very thoughtful with everything.”

Ahpeatone said she and her partners want people to feel at home in The Pritchard. The Windsor-back chairs are something people probably had at their family kitchen table. A painting by former Plaza District Director Kristen Vails hangs on the wall. Windmill blades hang on another wall, contributed by Mason, whose family has a windmill museum in Shattuck.

“We want people to sit and drink wine in a very casual way,” she said.

I walked by, took and few pics and sent them to Pete last night on my way to Rocky Horror at Lyric. Looks like a great space and definitely a better use of the space than what was in there prior.

From warreng88



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Beautiful space. Food was wonderful as well. Cheeses, lighter small plates and heavier small plates. Short dessert list, but what we ate (olive oil cake) was phenomenal. This will be a really, really nice addition to the Plaza.

Also had the olive oil cake. Yum. I liked Urban Wineworks, but this place definitely feels classier.

We stopped in to grab a glass of wine Saturday night, and this place is beautiful. They kept it really simple (in a good way). We walked across the street to eat, but I am looking forward to coming back and trying the interesting options on the menu.

Has anyone seen their tapas or food menu? Has it been posted online or at their website? Thanks!

Has anyone seen their tapas or food menu? Has it been posted online or at their website? Thanks!

I don't think it's online. From what I remember:

About five different cheese plates
Five or six vegetable-focused light plates (Had the brussels sprouts with chorizo. Excellent.)
Four or five heavier plates (Chicken, scallops, chimichurri skirt steak, etc)
For dessert, olive oil cake with peaches and a light vanilla creme, something with chocolate and berries and daily house cookies

I don't think it's online. From what I remember:

About five different cheese plates
Five or six vegetable-focused light plates (Had the brussels sprouts with chorizo. Excellent.)
Four or five heavier plates (Chicken, scallops, chimichurri skirt steak, etc)
For dessert, olive oil cake with peaches and a light vanilla creme, something with chocolate and berries and daily house cookies

Also had some Ludivineish offers for the more adventurous... pheasant and rabbit pate.

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My wife and I decided to check this place out on Friday night for dinner and drinks. We had a reservation but it wasn't really necessary since there were several open tables. The remodel definitely makes the place seem more classy than its former tenant. We started with a bottle of wine, the prosciutto and the Brebirouse D’Argental. All were delicious. My only complaint is that there were only two small pieces of toasted bread (crostini?) with each plate. We did order more for $3.00. Not a big deal but next time we'll order extra up front. My wife ordered the chicken. I chose the duck and we ordered a side of the brussels. Each dish came out independently as the chef prepared them. It was all very good. Just to note the plating seems to be intended for sharing. As we were getting our check some friends came in so we decided to move to the bar. The bartenders were great and we really enjoyed the rest of the evening. We will surely be back soon!

My wife and I decided to check this place out on Friday night for dinner and drinks. We had a reservation but it wasn't really necessary since there were several open tables. The remodel definitely makes the place seem more classy than its former tenant. We started with a bottle of wine, the prosciutto and the Brebirouse D’Argental. All were delicious. My only complaint is that there were only two small pieces of toasted bread (crostini?) with each plate. We did order more for $3.00. Not a big deal but next time we'll order extra up front. My wife ordered the chicken. I chose the duck and we ordered a side of the brussels. Each dish came out independently as the chef prepared them. It was all very good. Just to note the plating seems to be intended for sharing. As we were getting our check some friends came in so we decided to move to the bar. The bartenders were great and we really enjoyed the rest of the evening. We will surely be back soon!

Thanks for the detailed review and welcome to the site!

Walked by this place last night and it was packed! Any reviews or news?

Heard nothing but good to excellent things and it's on my list to try soon.

Walked by this place last night and it was packed! Any reviews or news?

We went there a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. The menu is somewhat limited but I liked the scallops that I ordered. The service was excellent.

Finally made it last night and had a great experience.

Considering it was about 9PM on a Thursday they were pretty busy. Sat at the bar where the bartender spent plenty of time explaining the food, wine and drink offerings. Very, very knowledgeable and helpful.

Split a really nice bottle of wine and a small plate of a butternut squash dish that was fantastic.

Talking to people there it seems the place has found its footing and following, as word of mouth has been generally excellent and for good reason.

Really like the space as well.

Nice to have a different slightly more upscale option in the Plaza.

I was there last night too! that butternut squash dish was amazing! second time there, both times have been great experiences.

Been twice now. Pretty cool. Nice prices on vino.

Everything is great here outside of the Audio/Video. I understand its a wine bar but the music sounds terrible and the tv location is more than odd.

They are planning a pergola for that wide sidewalk/patio area directly in front of the restaurant.

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They are planning a pergola for that wide sidewalk/patio area directly in front of the restaurant.

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Will this connect to the building? or be free standing?

Attached by slats to carry electrical:

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I'm not sure if they are going to be changing names, but I heard they were going to be switching concepts to Greek/Mediterranean. Anyone else heard this?

like their offerings but a welcome change if true

I honestly don't remember what their current fair is... I mostly think of it as having a decent drink menu. Though we have only ever gotten drinks here while waiting for a show at the Lyric.

like their offerings but a welcome change if true

I love the idea of an honest to goodness Mezze place with pan-Mediterranean dishes. It really fits the small plates and bites concept they have now. I would hope the goal would be to keep the prices in range to fill the joint. It could do a lot better in my opinion.

They already had some items with this orientation but going more in that direction is a big win. We really lack this in OKC. I believe Zorba's is OK, but not enough to keep me coming back.

We have the Nunu's and other quality places, but not with the atmosphere and potential this space offers.

Kudos to them if they are doing that and I'm hopeful they will put together a killer menu.

I'm not sure if they are going to be changing names, but I heard they were going to be switching concepts to Greek/Mediterranean. Anyone else heard this?

I heard that they were changing a bit and bringing in some new people and or partners but I never heard the Greek part, I would be surprised if that was true but think it's a solid idea.

Their great chef Shelby Seig is leaving for a new venture and the Pritchard has partnered with Riley Marshall (proprietor of Bar Arbolada) to create a new Mediterranean menu.

I believe this happens in February.

Not sure if the name will change.

Is Shelby at least staying in OKC?

Is Shelby at least staying in OKC?

A new place in Edmond.

A new place in Edmond.

That new place wouldn't happen to be with Josh Valentine would it?

They did amazing things together at The George.

That new place wouldn't happen to be with Josh Valentine would it?

They did amazing things together at The George.

Yes. Livegrass Butcher + Bistro in Edmond.

Yes. Livegrass Butcher + Bistro in Edmond.
Outstanding news!

Yes. Livegrass Butcher + Bistro in Edmond.

Wow, wow, wow.... So glad to hear they are going to be working together again!

Heard this is closing Feb 16th.
Is this referring to the change to Mediterranean you were talking about Pete?
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_WnAbhbZK/

Heard this is closing Feb 16th.
Is this referring to the change to Mediterranean you were talking about Pete?

Yes, Pritchard is closing Feb. 16th and will reopen as Lua about a month later.

Took this yesterday:

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Oh, thought it was already closed due to the construction of the patio, oops

Dang, wish it would stay as-is. This is a regular 'date night' choice of my wife's. We actually have eaten there twice in the last two weeks, with last night being the most recent. Place is packed each time we've been. The layout and vibe reminds the wife of several restaurants we eat at when we go to NYC. Not sure she'd want to drive all the way there for Mediterranean, since we have some good choices near our home (she loves Jerusalem, Taziki's and Nunu's).

I too am a little sad it is changing. My wife and I enjoyed it whenever we are in the Plaza for a show or just a nice dinner.

I've always enjoyed it, but it is dead during weeknights.

I've always enjoyed it, but it is dead during weeknights.

And that is what I loved about it, it was quiet.

And that is what I loved about it, it was quiet.
Agreed, but I'm sure the owners feel a bit differently. I'll definitely try out the new concept.

While I've been going to Pritchard a lot since the beginning and will miss the current set up (going tonight for probably the last time), I'm also very excited for the new concept. Bar Arbolada's food has been consistently fantastic in my experience (the Palomatown hamburger is one of the best burgers in the city - and their more fresh offerings are also very tasty). No guarantees of course, but I have very high hopes for the new concept.

We walk thru the Plaza every couple of days, and noticed that Lua ( the old Pritchard), had wine descriptions on the window, and wine bottles staged on a table in front. One was a rose cava from a producer that I had the blanco from, Naveran. So, I called, and you could buy it to go or drink on the patio, for basically the retail price. Wow, Oklahoma? So I walked 3 blocks and got a chilled bottle, very nice cava. Wine bars ala Paris, in OKC? Absolutely amazing!

Lua has been doing carryout and patio dining and will open its dining room the first week of July.

Lua is planning to reopen soon.

They were shooting for this week but decided to wait a bit for an undetermined date.

They opened for plaza fest, but I'm not sure if it was them of if they allowed the space to be used as a popup.

Anybody had the gyros here, and if so, how do they compare to Gyros City Cafe's (they're our favorite, due to the spices, texture, thinness of the meat and good bread)?

Anybody had the gyros here, and if so, how do they compare to Gyros City Cafe's (they're our favorite, due to the spices, texture, thinness of the meat and good bread)?

best gyro and schwarma I've ever had, been to Turkey a few times, is from the food truck on Portland and NW 37th Abu Omar Halal