Oklahoma City Spotlight

STELLA Modern Italian Cuisine

Recently business took me away from the City I love to Oklahoma City.  I was pretty amazed at the cultural scene there.   I stayed in the downtown area, which is filled with restaurants and activity.  They have a botanical garden that lights up the evening sky, and while I did not get a chance to visit, it’s definitely on my list.  There is a beautiful Civic Center where the Philharmonic performs, and where Kinky Boots will playing  in February.  So now I know that I don’t have to worry if I get stranded in Oklahoma City.  There is more to this town than fracking and tornados.   Additionally, I know I will not go hungry.  In fact my inspiration for writing this blog is to share the delightful meal I had at STELLA, Modern Italian Cuisine.  I don’t know if I have enjoyed a meal so much in a very long time, and I live in New York City.   The restaurant was Italian, and that is what was served to perfection.  First I was greeted by the owner herself, Lori Burson Tyler who gave me a warm welcome and a bit of history of the place.  She spent most the evening going from table and seemingly knowing everyone.  So about the meal.  I was out of town, so carbs don’t count after a healthy and fresh mixed green salad. The brick oven pepperoni, sausage, salami, capicola pizza was calling me.  It was paper thin and crispy crust all the way through.  It was so good that I wanted to finish it all but I had to save room for  the shrimp over linguini carbonara with pancetta and peas which was a special of the night.  The flavor, consistency and textures where just mouth watering, and surely the best carbonara dish I have ever had.  These dishes went perfectly with 2 glasses of a palate pleasing reserve chianti, and had I not been alone, I would have chosen a bottle of which there were many reasonable and excellent choices from both California and Italy.  I saved room for what I knew would be a fabulous dessert, and while I always go for anything apples and ice cream, I let my server guide me toward the candy bar, which was chocolate with salted caramel ice cream, peanut butter mousse, and other bits of goodness, I just can’t remember the names.   I requested to meet the Chef, Melissa Aust, since I had seen her coming and greeting people throughout my meal, and she so graciously sat next to me and let me gush over the meal.   She shared some interesting facts about herself and that everything they serve in the restaurant is made in house except for the bread, which they contract out to a baker in the neighborhood using the Stella recipe, and the pasta which is made by a local woman. I love this story of supporting the community as much as the classic flavors and ingredients.  The dishes all had a special twist, but not to the degree that it turns into something altogether different.  I think this is where some NYC restaurants fail.  Less is more in my opinion.  If you find yourself in Oklahoma City, please do not miss this one.  You can read more about the restaurant, and browse the menu here.  And yes, I’m still a Broadway blogger.  There are just some things other than Broadway that need to be shared.       –Thisbroadsway 1/20/16