The humble potato is a root vegetable that can be simply delicious or elevated to full meal status with just a few additions. As a chill fills the air, we give you full permission to carb-load like a bear preparing for winter.
by Devon Green, photos by Mark Hancock
Mutts Amazing Hot Dogs 1400 NW 23rd St. mutts-hot-dogs.com 525-3647
If you are going to cook in a fat, ask any chef and youll be told to use fat from waterfowl. Duck fat in particular has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for frying, crisping things just so. With a velvety consistency and mild flavor, it complements Mutts duck fat fries without overpowering them. Duck fat is to regular frying oil as butter is to shortening, and once youve tried it, youll understand the difference.
City Bites 6001 N. May Ave. citybitesinc.com 842-3355
This Oklahoma City darling is all about making beautiful, fresh, made-to-order sandwiches. But if you havent tried the baked potatoes, you are doing yourself a disservice. The portions are huge, and topping variations range from bacon, cheddar, sour cream and chives on the classic loaded potato to steamed carrots, tender roast and plenty of brown gravy on the pot roast baked potato.
Good Gravy Diner 8014 N. Western Ave. 761-8886
Some foods just go together, and mashed potatoes and gravy are those foods. A gravy boutique definitely knows its niche market. The fried chicken is tender and juicy, but who cares. Just slather that meat with divine mashed potatoes and your choice of gravy and youll be in heaven.
Saints 1715 NW 16th St. saintspubokc.com 602-6308
The food at Saints is so good, its best to go with a group and share. We know its hard to single out one thing from the menu, but you know the when in Rome thing? Well, while visiting Saints, the closest youll get to an Irish pub in OKC, order some darn potatoes. They come in myriad ways and are all delicious. Not to mention Saints pours a fine cocktail, too.
Charlestons Restaurant 1429 W. Interstate 240 Service Road charlestons.com 681-0055
The baked potato soup, a daily special, is a favorite with local diners, and with good reason. It is a flawless, creamy warm soup with the right amount of bacon and cheese and a chive garnish. Its OK to ask for a huge bowl of it and maybe some bread to soak up remnants from the bottom of the bowl. It has probably happened before.
Ranch Steakhouse 3000 W. Britton Road ranchsteakhouse.com 755-3501
This fine dining establishment might serve the finest prime steaks in the city, most of which come from Oklahoma cattle. May we suggest that, with your aged, hand-cut rib-eye cooked and seasoned to perfection, you order the potatoes au gratin? According to the staff, despite being a steakhouse, the potatoes are a customer favorite.
Off the Hook Seafood & More Food truck 812-1137 facebook.com/pages/Off-The-Hook-Seafood-More
Off the Hook can be found around the streets or at private events across the metro. It primarily offers seafood but also serves a smattering of choices depending on the day. Try the loaded fries. Imagine all the good things that this truck serves all piled on a basket of perfectly crisp french fries. You can find it 7-11 p.m. Friday at H&8th Night Market on Hudson Avenue between NW Sixth and 10th streets.
Print: Boil 'em, mash 'em, put 'em in a soup