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Lottinvilles Wood Grille and Bar
801 Signal Ridge Rd.Edmond, OK
(405) 341-2244
In order to truly appreciate Lottinvilles Wood Grille and Bar I not only had to embrace the fact that
Oklahoma is meat country and the best restaurants are those that specialize in meat dishes, but
also to come with a sufficient appetite to enjoy the large portions that are served here. I have
been to other restaurants in which the dinners were simply too large to be eaten by any normal
person, but such is not the case at Lottinvilles. Patrons will feel full, but probably not stuffed.
For many years Lottinvilles was known for its log cabin building at 900 S. Kelly Avenue in
Edmond, an Oklahoma City suburb. In 2009 it moved to the building that formerly housed
Cascata, an upscale Italian restaurant that was known as much for its elegant interior as for the
food. Cascata was a restaurant that probably intimidated many people who thought it was only
a "special occasion" restaurant, and with the prices that were charged this was probably true.
By Lottinvilles moving into the building, though, it has brought much more affordable prices into
what is arguably the most comfortable and aesthetically pleasing building in the city. Many of
Lottinvilles' customers already know it has moved farther south on Kelly to the new building just
south of 15th Street, but I could not find the new address on a single one of the "major" restaurant
review web sites. Hopefully by using Cascata's address on Signal Ridge Drive this will be the
correct one.
Customers will probably know they will not go away hungry when the complimentary load of
freshly baked bread arrives. This is the type of white bread that impressed me more for its
freshness than its flavor, but compared to most restaurants this was enough.
The one dish that has always been reputed to be Lottinvilles' specialty is Bennett's Rotisserie
Roast Chicken, a slow cooked half or whole chicken with garlic and rosemary. Although it
came with the bones intact, this was not an issue when I tried to eat it with a knife and fork since
the meat practically fell off the bone before I could even touch it. I would say if you want that last
ten percent of meat you will have to resort to eating it with your hands, but otherwise this was
chicken fit for a "civilized" and upscale restaurant (all of it was very good, though, including the
part I could not cut off with a fork). Somehow I really liked the idea of using my fingers to eat the
food at "Cascata," so it was a very good experience.
Side dishes with the chicken were Mashed Potatoes with garlic and Corn Pudding.
I am big on green vegetables, and was disappointed that none were served. I thought both of
the vegetables were OK, though, considering that they seemed to be concentrating on providing
good flavors rather than providing customers with a "balanced" meal from all the food groups.
One of the employees said the hardest part of the move to the new restaurant was bringing
the cooker for the rotisserie chicken, since it is quite large. Obviously, though, customers are
very happy this was done. Steaks and ribs are cooked over pecan wood at Lottinvilles, and I
think this is part of an effort to give customers food that is a little different than is found at the
average restaurant.
My first visit to the old "log cabin" restaurant was prompted by an old menu my family had
that listed BBQ king salmon, but I found out upon arriving that it had changed to Atlantic
salmon (i.e. farm raised). The current menu states that they serve "Pasqual's Grilled Fresh
Salmon," but I do not know what type of salmon is used. I think if they used king salmon, though,
they would have to charge a higher price than is on the menu.
In order to try some seafood, though, I made a choice that I ended up regretting, the
Sriracha Tuna Salad. One menu I saw listed it as "sushimi ahi tuna," and this was probably the
first sign that I should not order it since I think it was supposed to be "sashimi" (sushi) style.
The tuna was almost raw, and the waitress said this would be similar to the sushi served at Japanese
restaurants. Instead it was similar to the rare tuna served at Lakeside Fish Grill (customers can
specify how rare they want it at either restaurant), but I thought Lakeside did a much better job
than Lottinvilles. A warning on the menu stated that "consuming raw or undercooked seafood may
increase the risk of foodborne illness," and this did little to make this a more enjoyable experience.
I know that at sushi restaurants, where the food is totally uncooked, the chefs are trained
in preparing raw fish to minimize the bacteria contamination, and they serve ginger along with it to
help ward off any ill effects. I did not suffer any ill effects from the tuna at Lottinvilles, so it was
more than likely handled the way it should have been. I just thought something was amiss in the
way it was prepared, because it did not have a good flavor.
I was able to taste the Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas, and I thought they were quite good,
although not as good as in New Mexico. The black beans gave them a nice twist. I was told that the
Reuben sandwich was even better, although I did not try it.
The Tomato Basil Soup was a big hit--one of the best I've had.
Lottinvilles has a fairly large menu, although not when it comes to alternatives to beef or
chicken (as I found out when I tried to order fish). I think the best strategy, though, is to order items
for which Lottinvilles is known. Some restaurants can do everything well, and I think Lottinvilles
does a few things well. At least now they have one of the most pleasant settings in the OKC
metro, so you will feel as if you are in a "fine dining" restaurant.
The prices are still comparable to many of Oklahoma City's "casual dining" restaurants, so it
is still very affordable. The portion size was about right on the meals I have had, so I do not have
any complaints about charging too much for food I end up having to take home.
Service at the new restaurant was very good. It was probably good at the old restaurant also,
but the waitress and I were just on different wavelengths when it came to the tuna. I suppose such
things are possible at any restaurant.
Complimentary bread
Bennett's rotisserie roast chicken is the specialty of Lottinvilles
The "log cabin" at 900 S. Kelly was the long time home of Lottinvilles
Go to Index
RESTAURANT DETAILS
RATING: 20
Cuisine: American
Cost: $$$
Hours: Open Daily except Sun. evening
Accessible: Yes
Smoking: No Smoking
Alcohol: Beer, Wine
Special Features: Sunday brunch
Most Recent Visit
Feb. 9, 2009
Number of Visits: 2
Best Items
Roast Chicken, Tomato Basil Soup, Bread
Special Ratings
Roast Chicken:
Blue Corn Enchiladas:
Tuna Salad:
Tomato Basil Soup:
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