Epic Eats

Six restaurants in Oklahoma state parks mean less time looking for food and more time having fun.

BY KARLIE YBARRA

OKLAHOMA STATE PARKS offer just about every kind of outdoor adventure travelers might seek, from rock climbing to scuba diving. After a long day of hiking or horseback riding, visitors can relax and reconnect with friends and family in comfortable lodges or cabins. But historically, when it came to refueling for more fun, hungry patrons had to leave their little oases and schlep to the nearest town for food. Now, those staying at Lake Murray, Robbers Cave, Beavers Bend, Sequoyah, Roman Nose, and—as of early July—Quartz Mountain state parks can get their grub on without having to use up one ounce of gas thanks to The Lookout Kitchen

Just after the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department announced that La Ratatouille—the dining group behind Falcone’s Pizzeria in Oklahoma City—would open restaurants in six parks, it became clear that the public was clamoring for these culinary outposts.

“We’ve received a lot of support from the local communities,” says owner and operator J.P. Wilson. “We’ve had chambers of commerce, mayors, and many more reaching out to see what they can do to help.”

Wilson and his team didn’t waste a single second: They started hiring staff, writing menus, and finessing all the necessary little details immediately. Luckily, they didn’t have to do much in the way of locations, since they already had some of the most beautiful views in the state.

“Each restaurant has a unique look,” Wilson says. “You get the gorgeous lake view at Murray; at Robbers Cave, you enter through a cave; at Quartz, you’re tucked right into the mountains. . . . You leave each one thinking, ‘This is the prettiest one.’”

While the sites are important to travelers, the tastes have to be stunning as well. The Lookout’s menus were carefully crafted to satisfy people of all ages and backgrounds—the same plethora of folks that visit Oklahoma’s state parks. Manny Davila, head chef and kitchen manager for the Lake Murray location, worked with Wilson and manager John Skidmore to highlight the best of Falcone’s authentic pizza and pasta while adding homestyle comfort classics and healthy options.

For instance, Davila knew scratch-made biscuits and creamy gravy were musts for the breakfast menu, but his big breakfast burrito stuffed with Blue and Gold sausage, bacon, and crispy hash browns is a less traditional but equally filling option. For a light lunch, folks can grab a sandwich or caesar salad before heading to the water. Dinnertime brings pizza—naturally—sandwiches, salads, traditional and Impossible burgers, and pasta, including the spaghetti and gargantuan half-pound meatballs made with Oklahoma beef. And, as difficult as it may be not to fill up on apps and entrées, The Lookout’s menu ends with a bang too.

“You leave each one thinking, ‘This is the prettiest one.’”

“Our desserts are wonderful,” Davila says. “We’re featuring a giant chocolate chip cookie, decadent chocolate cake, strawberry cake, and an Oreo cheesecake that’s just to die for.”

While Wilson and Davila certainly hope guests enjoy their dining experience, they also hope to be part of a broader picture, to help create family memories and provide a hub for the towns that embraced them from the beginning of this whole process.

“We want to provide for the campers and people staying at the lodge, but we also want to draw in crowds from the surrounding communities so everyone can come out for a while, have a great meal, and relax with a wonderful view,” Davila says.

The Lookout Kitchen

The Lookout Kitchen is open at Beavers Bend, Lake Murray, Robbers Cave, Roman Nose, and Sequoyah state parks. The Quartz Mountain location will be open in early July.

> TravelOK.com/ thelookoutkitchenoklahomastateparks

“Let’s go on with the show!” ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

Screen Play

Since 1927, the PONCAN THEATRE has entertained Ponca City residents and visitors with the luminaries of stage and screen including live productions starring Will Rogers and Ethel Barrymore. These days, Poncan audiences still can witness regularly scheduled movies, live concerts, children’s performances, and more at one of the most elegant venues in the state.

104 East Grand Avenue in Ponca City, (580) 765-0943 or poncantheatre.org