Blue’s BBQ on Robinson and NW 6th has gone out of business. They are moving everything out today. I hate to see that as it was very convenient for those of us who work nearby.

Two BBQ places in a week. Too bad when both managed to make it through the pandemic after being open for the better part of a decade.

It was my closest restaurant for a long time so I ate there once or twice a week until they went lunch only. Since then haven't been able to eat there for years...

I doubt the spot will be vacant for long.

I ate there a few times when I worked close by. Good food and good service. Sad to see them go.

I’ve tried this place 3 times and have never been impressed. In fact one of the times I went the food was pretty lousy. Hopefully something nice goes here. This is a prime area.

I doubt the spot will be vacant for long.

If Bond Payne goes ahead with his 12 story tower on the lot next door, the construction folks could help keep any decent restaurant going there for a couple of years.

Blue's BBQ was a great place, loved the lady that ran it...so nice.

Blue's BBQ was a great place, loved the lady that ran it...so nice.

She was a wonderful lady. I hate it for her. I thought her business was good. She has had help wanted signs up for months but never could find anyone to work. In fact the help wanted signs are still in the windows but everything is cleaned out of the space. It’s just a big empty room now.

The new place going into this spot is called JK by Chef King.

Well under construction (last picture is of the inside).

https://jkrestaurants.com/


JK stands for Josh and King, two friends, who first met in London, United Kingdom, and have now come to the United States with a clear vision and determination to bring something unique and exciting to the Oklahoma culinary scene. JK will take you on a modern European culinary journey with focus on friendly but highly attentive service. You will experience an artful ambience, as though you are seated in a beautifully curated garden.

Both Josh and King have worked for many years in top fine dining restaurants in London and overseas. Josh brings his unique charming personality, and excellent service skills to manage our front of house team. His team will give you a royal experience in a friendly and comfortable manner which you will never forget and come back for more.

King trained and worked in some of the most prestigious fine dining restaurants in the world, key locations include London, Paris, New York, Dubai, Tokyo, Bangkok and more. He brings a wealth of experience and skills to the table. He is the first Michelin Star chef to open a restaurant in OKC, ever a humble guy, King says, that is not the highest accolade of his career, but when a guest tells him, “This is the best meal they ever had after eating at his place,” that’s his greatest achievement.

We encourage our diners to embrace the customary approach of sharing dishes with their guests, from luxurious small plates to contemporary large plates and stunning desserts. Each seasonal menu is created by our talented culinary team using only premium ingredients and served by our highly trained front of house team with a strong focus on a meticulous and engaging customer service.

Welcome to JK by Chef King



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/jk020723b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/jk020723a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/jk020723c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/jk020723d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/jk020723e.jpg

Really sad to hear Blue's is gone. Amazing chopped brisket and really really legit spicy cowboy beans. It will be missed. ALWAYS great service

A Michelin star chef is a big add to the OKC culinary scene.

^ does anyone have an actual bio on this chef?

^ does anyone have an actual bio on this chef?

Here's what I could find:

http://www.chefking.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/king-dey-59b5861a/

This looks to be a restaurant he opened in Plano: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kai-plano-4

I haven't seen anything that references his Michelin Star

Here's what I could find:

http://www.chefking.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/king-dey-59b5861a/

This looks to be a restaurant he opened in Plano: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kai-plano-4

I haven't seen anything that references his Michelin Star

This references Michelin, but only says he was mentioned in it (not sure what that means), not that he actually has a star:

https://www.kailegacywest.com/team

Pretty disingenuous of them to say/imply he has one if all he has is a mention (whatever that may be, I've never read a Michelin guide).

^ does anyone have an actual bio on this chef?


I haven't seen anything that references his Michelin Star

I had typed a long reply essentially asking this question but the tone was always more negative than I meant it to be. The JK website lists a number of "awards" including a 3 Michelin star, etc. Now, other than the fact it seems a bit misleading and one who wouldn't know any better may assume JK had received these awards (though the website doesn't look like it's completed - note the reviews for a pub in England down below), assuming those award logos are accurate it looks like he may have worked at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée in Paris and Restaurant De L’Hotel De Ville in Switzerland. Now, would obviously be great if it were true and crazier things have happened, but color me a bit skeptical that he was *the* chef at these restaurants.

Also, there is an instagram for "chefkingokc" that is for a local private chef that's been active for the last couple of years. The food looks good! Just wish there had been a little more substance and a little less flash from that press release.

I sure will miss Blue's BBQ. Great burgers and lunch specials and as stated above, great service. Oh, and free cookies.

Well as interesting as this looks.... It's sure got a lot of intrigue attached to it already.

First and foremost.... There is no such thing as a Michelin Star Chef.... Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants only and any chef that had ever worked in a Michelin Starred restaurant would know that.... Chefs are recognized by the James Beard Foundation

The webpage... Multiple typos... The food looks great but they sure look like stock photos.... Already has rave reviews but isn't open yet.

I remember talking to the original team who opened Vast over a decade ago and they were bragging about how easy it would be to get Michelin stars and be the best restaurant west of the Mississipi lol. Of course that whole team was short lived and a dismal failure. People really throw around Michelin stars more than they should, Oklahoma has not yet had a restaurant with one.

Should note that the Michelin Guide only reviews restaurants in New York, Illinois (primarily just Chicago), California (primarily LA and Bay Area), and DC in the US. And I think maybe a couple of cities in Florida last year. So it's impossible for restaurants not in those areas to receive a Michelin star, even if they are "worthy."

This is contrasted with Europe where all sorts of small towns are included, as the Michelin Guide is still a very Europe-focused organization....gotta know where to go on your fancy European road trips using Michelin tires!

Should note that the Michelin Guide only reviews restaurants in New York, Illinois (primarily just Chicago), California (primarily LA and Bay Area), and DC in the US. And I think maybe a couple of cities in Florida last year. So it's impossible for restaurants not in those areas to receive a Michelin star, even if they are "worthy."

This is contrasted with Europe where all sorts of small towns are included, as the Michelin Guide is still a very Europe-focused organization....gotta know where to go on your fancy European road trips using Michelin tires!

Yep, until the Michelin guide updates their review areas Oklahoma has zero chance of a restaurant getting a Michelin star. There are several regions in the world that have restaurants on the Top 50 list that do not have a star as their region is not reviewed by Michelin.

You all picked up on where I was going...this is sketchy as hell.

Way to trip over yourself right out of the gate.

Press release:

*************

First Michelin-Starred Chef To Open A Restaurant Offering A Contemporary Asian Dining Experience In Downtown OKC

World-renowned chef King Dey and business partner Josh Balan bring immersive culinary dining experience to Oklahoma’s dining scene with new concept, JK by Chef King

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — June 12, 2023 – Michelin-star chef King Dey and business partner Josh Balan today announced the opening of JK by Chef King, authentic Asian cuisine served in a contemporary style, offering a dining experience that is the first of its kind in Oklahoma. The restaurant is located at 612 N. Robinson Avenue in Oklahoma City.

Chef King’s culinary experience has landed him in prestigious fine dining restaurants across the globe, including locations in London, Paris, New York, Dubai, Tokyo, Bangkok, and more. His vast experience and skill set make him the first Michelin-starred chef to open a restaurant in Oklahoma City.

“JK by Chef King is our first restaurant in Oklahoma and I am thrilled to bring a revolutionary dining experience to such an amazing destination city,” Chef King said. “JK will take diners on a modern culinary journey, enveloping each person in an artful ambiance, reminiscent of a beautifully curated garden. It’s truly a dining experience unlike any other in Oklahoma, and it’s the highlight of my career to bring this experience to the thriving Oklahoma City culinary scene.”

King and Josh initially crossed paths in London, where the pair of friends both worked in renowned fine dining establishments. The pair prides themselves in offering an affordable contemporary asian dining experience filled with surprises like eggplant miso, caramelized black cod, oxtail bone marrow fried rice, and instagrammable and mind-blowing cocktails in an ambiance boasting Oklahoma’s largest indoor Wisteria tree for guests to dine beneath. Diners are encouraged to embrace the customary approach of sharing dishes with their guests, from luxurious small plates to contemporary large plates and stunning desserts.

JK by Chef King, a sophisticated yet affordable option, boasts enough space for friends, families, and parties with an eclectic menu that can’t be found elsewhere. It is scheduled to open in mid-July, serving guests every day of the week with brunch options each Saturday and Sunday as well as upscale nightlife options each Friday and Saturday evening at Le Club.

ABOUT JK BY CHEF KING
JK stands for Josh and King, two friends who first met in London, United Kingdom, who have now come to the United States with a clear vision and determination to bring something unique and exciting to the Oklahoma culinary scene. JK by Chef King takes diners on a modern Asian culinary journey with a focus on friendly, affordable, and attentive service. To learn more about JK by Chef King, visit jkrestaurants.com

Press release:

*************

First Michelin-Starred Chef To Open A Restaurant Offering A Contemporary Asian Dining Experience In Downtown OKC

World-renowned chef King Dey and business partner Josh Balan bring immersive culinary dining experience to Oklahoma’s dining scene with new concept, JK by Chef King

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — June 12, 2023 – Michelin-star chef King Dey and business partner Josh Balan today announced the opening of JK by Chef King, authentic Asian cuisine served in a contemporary style, offering a dining experience that is the first of its kind in Oklahoma. The restaurant is located at 612 N. Robinson Avenue in Oklahoma City.

Chef King’s culinary experience has landed him in prestigious fine dining restaurants across the globe, including locations in London, Paris, New York, Dubai, Tokyo, Bangkok, and more. His vast experience and skill set make him the first Michelin-starred chef to open a restaurant in Oklahoma City.

“JK by Chef King is our first restaurant in Oklahoma and I am thrilled to bring a revolutionary dining experience to such an amazing destination city,” Chef King said. “JK will take diners on a modern culinary journey, enveloping each person in an artful ambiance, reminiscent of a beautifully curated garden. It’s truly a dining experience unlike any other in Oklahoma, and it’s the highlight of my career to bring this experience to the thriving Oklahoma City culinary scene.”

King and Josh initially crossed paths in London, where the pair of friends both worked in renowned fine dining establishments. The pair prides themselves in offering an affordable contemporary asian dining experience filled with surprises like eggplant miso, caramelized black cod, oxtail bone marrow fried rice, and instagrammable and mind-blowing cocktails in an ambiance boasting Oklahoma’s largest indoor Wisteria tree for guests to dine beneath. Diners are encouraged to embrace the customary approach of sharing dishes with their guests, from luxurious small plates to contemporary large plates and stunning desserts.

JK by Chef King, a sophisticated yet affordable option, boasts enough space for friends, families, and parties with an eclectic menu that can’t be found elsewhere. It is scheduled to open in mid-July, serving guests every day of the week with brunch options each Saturday and Sunday as well as upscale nightlife options each Friday and Saturday evening at Le Club.

ABOUT JK BY CHEF KING
JK stands for Josh and King, two friends who first met in London, United Kingdom, who have now come to the United States with a clear vision and determination to bring something unique and exciting to the Oklahoma culinary scene. JK by Chef King takes diners on a modern Asian culinary journey with a focus on friendly, affordable, and attentive service. To learn more about JK by Chef King, visit jkrestaurants.com

you would think if he truly had a Michelin Star that he would list that in his home chef profile

https://www.takeachef.com/en-us/chef/king-dey


seem more likely he just worked in a restaurant that had/has a Michelin star ..

you would think if he truly had a Michelin Star that he would list that in his home chef profile

https://www.takeachef.com/en-us/chef/king-dey


seem more likely he just worked in a restaurant that had/has a Michelin star ..
Which in and of itself is probably worth telling people about. But hanging your hat on it in this way (if it’s even true) reads like disingenuous hype intended to pull the wool over the eyes of dumb okies. If lots of people on this board know that there’s no such thing as a Michelin starred chef, you can GUARANTEE that every true chef knows.

Which in and of itself is probably worth telling people about. But hanging your hat on it in this way (if it’s even true) reads like disingenuous hype intended to pull the wool over the eyes of dumb okies. If lots of people on this board know that there’s no such thing as a Michelin starred chef, you can GUARANTEE that every true chef knows.

no doubt .. if you take a look at his experience .. https://www.kailegacywest.com/team

he is clearly very qualified and a very talented chef .. and i am excited for this concept ..

Unfortunately for this restaurant just 10 feet away The Citizen is under heavy construction and will be for another year.

Lying about your credentials in a press release doesn't sound like a good start...

I noticed a local "food blogger" giving this spot 'pub for having a "Michelin-starred chef." The person should know better than to do that. Geez.

In fairness the guy really does look to be an elite chef.

In fairness the guy really does look to be an elite chef.

All the more reason not to BS your patrons...

you would think if he truly had a Michelin Star that he would list that in his home chef profile

https://www.takeachef.com/en-us/chef/king-dey


seem more likely he just worked in a restaurant that had/has a Michelin star ..

As I said up thread.... There are no Michelin stars given to chefs. They are only given to restaurants.

So yes it would be more likely he worked in a Michelin star restaurant.

As I said up thread.... There are no Michelin stars given to chefs. They are only given to restaurants.

So yes it would be more likely he worked in a Michelin star restaurant.

Shhh, your facts are useless here. The masses here have already lambasted him for lying about it!

And yes, "Michelin-starred chef" is 100% technically incorrect. He was a chef at a restaurant with a Michelin star. But is it not that he is lying, in any way. Just a matter of phrasing.

He was a chef at a restaurant with a Michelin star.

What restaurant?

What restaurant?

https://jkrestaurants.com/about/

I do not know. This webpage shows "Michelin trained." So I assume he worked at a Michelin star restaurant. It never says Michelin starred chef. So I do not know what all restaurants he has worked at. I plead ignorance on that part.

This whole thing goes back to a slight phrasing oversight in the press release. No chef has a michelin star. Gordon Ramsey, Yamamoto, etc. They were incorrect in saying "Michelin-starred" chef. But he worked at a Michelin star restaurant. there are hundreds of them.

Okay, so we don't actually know that he was a chef at a restaurant with a Michelin star.

Okay, so we don't actually know that he was a chef at a restaurant with a Michelin star.

Or ou can go ahead and assume he is just flat our lying. Got it. Because Oklahoma can't have nice things.

He worked for 2 years at Gordon Ramsey restaurants as a sous chef, where he was trained. Ramsey has like, double digit Michelin stars. So he was a "Michelin-trained" chef. There. If that freaking press release said Michelin trained chef, we wouldn't be here debating semantics.

Yes, I assume he's lying.

Is there a reason you're so intent on defending this person? A little odd to make such assertive statements about what this chef's credentials are.

I have no issues with the presser saying “Michelin starred-chef.” It’s really not that important to me to be a Michelin starred restaurant.

However, I am having some difficulty with the description of his restaurant, “authentic Asian cuisine served in a contemporary style.” Feels like a contradictory description. Very curious to see his menu and looking forward to trying this place.

Yes, I assume he's lying.

Is there a reason you're so intent on defending this person? A little odd to make such assertive statements about what this chef's credentials are.

Seeing as he trained with Gordon Ramsay Holdings, it's pretty spot on to say he is Michelin trained. Gordon Ramsay has 7 current stars and 17 over his career. You may not like the wording, but "assume he's lying" is a pretty bad look. But this is OKCTalk and unfortunately we have a big issue being excited for something coming to the city.

Seeing as he trained with Gordon Ramsay Holdings, it's pretty spot on to say he is Michelin trained. Gordon Ramsay has 7 current stars and 17 over his career. You may not like the wording, but "assume he's lying" is a pretty bad look. But this is OKCTalk and unfortunately we have a big issue being excited for something coming to the city.

but that is not what he said ...

that wording would be fine ... saying worked in "michelin star kitchens " would be fine ... also not what he said ..

but that is not what he said ...

that wording would be fine ... saying worked in "michelin star kitchens " would be fine ... also not what he said ..

It is bad phrasing by the press release. No more, no less. A slip up, that didn't need to be dissected for 20 posts, or end up with them being called liars.

While Michelin stars are given to the restaurant, it is given to them on-behalf of the Chef. The restaurant decore, style, price, location, etc have nothing to do with it. It is 100% from what is on the plate. If the Chef leaves the restaurant gets reevaluated. From the Michelin star guide.

A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.

Is the decoration/style of restaurant a factor in awarding a Star?
No. A Michelin Star is awarded for the food on the plate – nothing else. The style of a restaurant and its degree of formality or informality have no bearing whatsoever on the award.

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/what-is-a-michelin-star

I'm working with these guys, the restaurant is looking really sharp and Chef King Dey and Josh Balan are trying very hard to bring something to OKC that is unique and I'm sure delicious. The interior decor is very fun and classy, can't wait for people to see it. Chef King has been a part of some great restaurant groups including the Lombardi group down in Dallas, Josh has ran some nice places in the UK. I hope the narrative starts to change a bit as the way I see it, 2 non OKC restauranteurs have taken quite an affinity for the OKC market and chose to move here to open up this concept and hopefully others to come because they believe it is the best place to be successful right now. With all the momentum, the James Beard awards, JK by Chef King should be another great step forward in our culinary space for OKC.

I have no issues with the presser saying “Michelin starred-chef.” It’s really not that important to me to be a Michelin starred restaurant.

However, I am having some difficulty with the description of his restaurant, “authentic Asian cuisine served in a contemporary style.” Feels like a contradictory description. Very curious to see his menu and looking forward to trying this place.

Their website says it's EUROPEAN cuisine:

https://jkrestaurants.com/about/

While Michelin stars are given to the restaurant, it is given to them on-behalf of the Chef. The restaurant decore, style, price, location, etc have nothing to do with it. It is 100% from what is on the plate. From the Michelin star guide.

A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.

Is the decoration/style of restaurant a factor in awarding a Star?
No. A Michelin Star is awarded for the food on the plate – nothing else. The style of a restaurant and its degree of formality or informality have no bearing whatsoever on the award.

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/what-is-a-michelin-star

While Michelin may list those as the only requirements. I promise you that they take into consideration the service and ambiance. The food has an absolutely massive weight to the overall rating. The ability of the service staff to execute service for each individual guest is a huge factor in moving from one star restaurant to two and three. I have been fortunate enough in my life to be able to dine at dozens of Michelin starred restaurants including a lot of the most prominent spots in the US like Alinea, Per Se, The French Laundry, Le Benardin, Quince, EMP, and Masa. I am absolutely not an authority on the topic, but in my subjective experience Michelin starred properties consider service to be almost as important as the food coming out of the kitchen. Talking to Will Guidara of EMP about a year and a half ago and he 100% believes in the power of hospitality in pushing a restaurant to the next level.

These guys trying to present themselves as "Michelin trained chefs" is bull****. A ton of our local community of culinarians have both stage'd and worked at Michelin properties, and none of them are dumb enough to try and claim a pedigree. I will not be surprised if these guys go to zero. They are trying to represent themselves as more qualified than they are, so they are going to have a steep hill to climb to prove they aren't **** to the hospitality community of OKC.

While Michelin may list those as the only requirements. I promise you that they take into consideration the service and ambiance. The food has an absolutely massive weight to the overall rating. The ability of the service staff to execute service for each individual guest is a huge factor in moving from one star restaurant to two and three. I have been fortunate enough in my life to be able to dine at dozens of Michelin starred restaurants including a lot of the most prominent spots in the US like Alinea, Per Se, The French Laundry, Le Benardin, Quince, EMP, and Masa. I am absolutely not an authority on the topic, but in my experience Michelin starred properties consider service to be almost as important as the food coming out of the kitchen.

A chef of that caliber probably isn't going to work in a shabby restaurant but my comment was directed at the whole debate around the phrase Michelin starred chef. Tom Brady never won a Super Bowl. He played on a team that won the Super Bowl. Super Bowl victories are awarded to the team. Anyone want to argue that Tom Brady isn't a Super Bowl winner?

If the food and atmosphere are great, no one will care about this controversy in the future. However, it's a bad PR move to start.

A chef of that caliber probably isn't going to work in a shabby restaurant but my comment was directed at the whole debate around the phrase Michelin starred chef. Tom Brady never won a Super Bowl. He played on a team that won the Super Bowl. Super Bowl victories are awarded to the team. Anyone want to argue that Tom Brady isn't a Super Bowl winner?

I understand what you are trying to say. The thing is they are presenting themselves as something they are not on both their website and press releases. It does not bode well for the success of their restaurant. The awards do not follow you from one restaurant to the next. I would love if they came in and help push the standard higher in the OKC restaurant scene.

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink, and I leave it at that

There have been plenty of people in this market that have worked at Michelin starred places & for the chefs who got them those Michelin stars. Unless you're the executive chef/owner primarily responsible for achieving the Michelin star it's very misleading.

I'm working with these guys, the restaurant is looking really sharp and Chef King Dey and Josh Balan are trying very hard to bring something to OKC that is unique and I'm sure delicious. The interior decor is very fun and classy, can't wait for people to see it. Chef King has been a part of some great restaurant groups including the Lombardi group down in Dallas, Josh has ran some nice places in the UK. I hope the narrative starts to change a bit as the way I see it, 2 non OKC restauranteurs have taken quite an affinity for the OKC market and chose to move here to open up this concept and hopefully others to come because they believe it is the best place to be successful right now. With all the momentum, the James Beard awards, JK by Chef King should be another great step forward in our culinary space for OKC.

Do you know what the menu will look like?

Their website says European, the press release says Asian.

Do you know what the menu will look like?

Their website says European, the press release says Asian.

Even the website is contradictory - the front page of the website says Asian, but the About page says European.

Even the website is contradictory - the front page of the website says Asian, but the About page says European.

The photos they sent with the press release are definitely Asian, with lots of raw fish.

It reference the menu on their website, but that link is inactive.

Regarding the Michelin Star maybe they were “JK”.

Regarding the Michelin Star maybe they were “JK”.

You beautiful bastard, I will give you a kekw. You are just perfect..

Thanks? I think?

You beautiful bastard, I will give you a kekw. You are just perfect..

Is that the equivalent of a message board Michelin Star?