A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE IN A GLASS THE LOUNGE CRAFT

A touch of elegance in a glass

B Y L A C O N I A B U T L E R In trying times, it seems harder for people to enjoy opulence, glamour or indulge in things that they love. Whether it be a luxury trip, fancy dinner or a night out listening to a great band. It seems like the life and times of yesteryears has passed. Thankfully, there are those that are on a mission to save it, including in our own backyard. The Golden Age of Hollywood is alive and well in a small strip mall in Edmond Oklahoma. The Lounge Craft Kitchen + Cocktails is a golden beam, directing local Oklahomans and visitors from afar to join them in their classic old Hollywood hideaway.

From the same creative minds of Edmond classics, Eddies and Hot Wings, came the idea for an upscale bourbon lounge. Unlike their other restaurants, The Lounge sets its sights on offering things that you can’t find anywhere else in the OKC metro. The owner Eddie wanted to pay homage his father’s restaurant growing up in Upstate New York. A place that prides itself on excellence. Whether that be the food they serve to the cocktails they create to the staff- everything is exceptional.

The Lounge itself is built to look chic and casual in an effortless way, a shared virtue of Old-World New York and Hollywood glamour. The classic brick-andmortar incarnation of “Oh, this old thing?. ” The room has a dark yet warm feel with black walls allowing for gold accent to pop out and shine. Textures of dark wood, velvet, marble, and mirrors add to the overall vibe. Classic photos of famous faces adorn the walls along with a collection of old radios. A space that makes you feel like you truly have teleported back to simple, elegant time.

The opening menu at The Lounge reads classic American dishes like hamburgers, pasta, chicken wings and pork chops. But when you look a little deeper it reveals a range of lovely Oklahoma flavors running through it. Specialties like local peppercorn strip steak with jasmine rice and stir fry vegetables. To Chilean Sea Bass grilled with fire roasted serrano glaze, grilled broccolini, and a Caesar tri kale salad. Their appetizers could be a meal themselves. Their best sellers are the Bacon Wrapped Asparagus with thick cut bacon, fresh parmesan and a honey balsamic glaze and their famous Eddies Toast Points. The last is The Lounge’s special of toasted fresh bread with garlic, melted provolone, fresh bruschetta, balsamic glaze and finished with fresh parmesan. Every weekend they will add new seasonal menu items. No matter what you order you will be getting the best.

The cocktails are built in a similar mold, classics with a twist. Eddie wanted the bar to feature the best and most diverse selection of whiskeys. Everything from his personal favorite Irish whiskeys to scotch and bourbons. In all you can choose from over 60 different bottles. However, they are much more than just a whiskey bar. They have a full selection serving every alcohol, wine, beer, and aperitif you could want. Their bartenders are trained mixologist who can serve you a classic, a special from The Lounge menu or anything you would like. Head mixologist, Nicholas Klein prides himself and his fellow bar staff, on their ability to create any drink to

pair with whatever you may be eating, flavors you prefer or mood you are in. The most popular cocktail options are the Llama Dey Ray with pineapple and jalapeno infused tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh strawberries. It’s a sweet and unexpected drink where you can taste all the sweet freshness's from the strawberries and pineapples with a distinct kick from the jalapenos. If you're in a more traditional mood I’d suggest Truth + Lies, a great mix of rye whiskey, reposado tequila, ginger beer, honey, and fresh lime juice. A fun spin on a class mule you’ll only find at The Lounge. However, if you want something truly special and unique, I’d go off menu. The best Old Fashion can be found right here and it's unlike any that you’ ve had before- its smoked. They take the traditional cocktail and add their own signature spin by mixing the rye whiskey with honey, fresh oranges and charred peels, rosemary, and bitters. What makes its better than the rest is they infuse the rye with mesquite smoke, right in the bottle, before pouring into your glass. It's like watching the fog dissipate over your drink before you dive in. The richness from the smoke breaks through the whiskey and the sweetness of the honey and oranges balance it all out. It may just be the best cocktail The Lounge has to offer if not the entire state.

With all the luxury from the food to the drinks what really keeps people coming back or traveling from great distance is the perfect experience. The Lounge prides themselves on 100% customer satisfaction. A quiet, laid-back experience that’s welcoming to all. From a special event to a night out with friends to a solo evening, The Lounge is perfect place to indulge and treat yourself to the finer

things. Experience the best the Edmond has to offer. Order the special, let the mixologist create a unique drink, relax, and enjoy, you deserve it.

The Lounge Kitchen + Cocktails is open Monday through Saturday from 4PM to 10Pm, unless its Friday and Saturday than the hours are 4PM to 11 PM. The kitchen and bar stay open the entire time. Since the space it small it is recommended that you make reservations however the bar is first come first serve. The Lounge has an 18 and over policy, however some exceptions can be made, you can call and contact staff. The space can also be rent out for any special event.

The Eisenhower

1.5oz Woodford Reserve .5oz Lime Juice .5oz Simple Syrup 5 Mint Leaves Add all ingredients into a mixing pitcher and stir Prep 10oz rocks glass with lime twist and mint sprig and add a large ice cube Add ice to mixing pitcher, stir and strain into rocks glass Top with 3 dashes of Absinthe Enjoy