John and Cristina Ross welcome you to a reimagined Avanti Bar & Grill, 13509 Highland Park Blvd.
“We bring about 20 years of restaurant experience and are looking forward to it,” John Ross said.
They plan on moving to a full lunch menu in the next month, which will serve lighter fare of the traditional Italian cuisine that the cafe is known for. Also, they are planning big things for Sunday afternoons.
“Everybody loves a brunch, so we’re thinking of starting that within the next few months,” he said.
The offer to own the joint was simple luck, and in early September, they dove right in.
The pair plans on adding a piano bar with a torch singer, which would be a novelty, and has major aspirations for the food.
“We will proudly serve the best rib-eye in OKC,” he said.
The Rosses plan to continue with Martini Madness, themed weekday parties that run 5-7 p.m.
Avanti Bar & Grill is open for dinner every day. Keep up with the changes at its website, avantibarandgrill.com, and on Facebook at facebook.com/avantibarandgrill.
“Please come and visit us, and Executive Chef Bryan Chance and his crew would love to come out and shake your hand,” Ross said. For reservations, call 254-5200.
Feeding ourselves more information
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) released the second issue of its industry magazine, Oklahoma Agriculture — Feeding Your Family, Growing our Resources. It celebrates and promotes local agriculture and educates consumers about local farmers.
The magazine also includes features about individual producers and news about the environmental and financial impact on Oklahoma’s second largest industry.
The magazine is free through ODAFF. Call 521-6479 for copies, and learn more about the department and read the digital edition at ok-agriculture.com.
Nobody here but us Okies!
Canadian River Winery, 7050 Slaughterville Road in Lexington, Oklahoma, proudly uses state-grown grapes, and it has the identification marks to prove it.
Winery management became frustrated with wineries claiming to be all-local without having to provide any proof.
The owners of Canadian River Winery recently created a wine sticker developed in a partnership with the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which enforces strict laws governing whether a wine is truly Oklahoma-made.
According to the new standards, 75 percent of the grapes must be grown in Oklahoma.
The sticker is a clear marker that customers are getting a local product. It states, “Proudly made from Oklahoma-grown grapes.”
“As Oklahoma consumers learn that there are deceptive practices going on, I know they will respond accordingly,” Gene Clifton, who owns Canadian Valley Winery, said in a media statement.
So remember to keep an eye out for more wines featuring all the proof you need.
