From the south of France to North May Avenue in Oklahoma City, the Buthion brothers are no strangers to the fine dining experience.
For three decades now, Michel and his brother, chef Alain, have brought the cuisine, service and ambiance of their hometown of Grenoble, France, to OKC. Raised watching their father operate his popular boucherie, it’s no surprise that the brothers found themselves drawn to gourmet food.
What began as a small, 12-table coffee shop has turned into one of the city’s most recognizable names in upscale food and wine, spanning multiple storefronts with culinary options galore.
La Baguette Bistro offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus, with extensive options for almost any palate.
I know I’m in the right spot when I find a brunch menu with a separate category entitled “The Hollandaise Series.” The French are known for many iconic contributions to the world of gastronomy, but on Sunday mornings, rich, buttery Hollandaise poured over almost anything is a must-try. Later in the day, I appreciate having company at my table, since choosing between the beef tartare, escargot de bourgogne, and house duck foie gras torchon is impossible … and that’s before I get past the appetizers.
The restaurant also showcases an array of wines, beers, spirits and cordials. They offer a variety of whiskies, including some Japanese, Irish and Canadian options, along with blended and single-malt scotch and bourbon. If you enjoy an aperitif or a craft cocktail, you’ll find an exciting selection of both. Private dining is available, and special events and wine dinners are not to be missed.
Next door, the bakery and deli feature housemade bread and pastries in the traditional style. Cheesecake comes in eight different flavors. Specialty cakes and tartes present mouthwatering chocolate, fruit, nuts and caramel. Traditional German and Italian desserts make an appearance as well, and you can find seasonal selections like Bûche de Noël, pumpkin pie and chocolate-bourbon pecan pie during the holidays.
The Boucherie serves up meats and take-away meals, so serving osso buco or duck confit at home is nearly effortless. Specialty foods, both imported and local, include oils, vinegar, charcuterie, condiments, dressings and more.
One of the additions in recent years came about when Oklahoma’s liquor laws changed to allow the sale of bottled wine in food establishments. Michel has long been known for his love of fine wine, and now, in addition to the extensive list in the restaurant, he has curated a retail selection that will intrigue even the most discerning palate. If their $800-a-bottle options don’t fit into your budget, they also have wines of great value priced at under $20.
If you happen to be the type that loves to host holidays but dreads the hassle of shopping, prepping, cooking, and cleanup, La Baguette has you covered. Family-style takeout meals are available for pickup, so all you have to do is heat and serve. You get all of the credit for a gourmet meal without the hard work.
La Baguette is open seven days a week but is running on amended hours during COVID, so call for breakfast hours.
