FOOD: Twelve Oaks

Just a stone’s-throw away from
the ambitious tempo of city life is a truly distinct fine dining getaway with
an ease as natural as its country setting. Atop one of Oklahoma County’s most
scenic hills in northeast Edmond, the grandeur of Twelve Oaks Restaurant
captivates you at first sight­—and first bite.

You don’t need a three-piece
suit, fancy friends or gourmet vocabulary to relish the pleasures of this
genteel manor. Yet if your special occasion calls for elegance, this exquisite
dinner and event retreat entertains with grand style and charm. It’s that rare
combination of sophistication and leisure that has attracted guests to Twelve
Oaks for nearly 20 years.

Striking the perfect balance
between contemporary refinement and warm, Southern hospitality, the gracious
plantation-meets-Victorian restaurant is a local treasure—and the fulfillment
of its original owner’s lifelong dream. In 1990, during a routine visit to the
barber shop in Guthrie, Bill Horn serendipitously overheard that the church
down the street was expanding. Seizing an unexpected moment of opportunity,
Horn purchased the turn-of-the-century Victorian house next to the church and
had it moved to Edmond. After four years of tireless renovations and additions,
Twelve Oaks opened in June 1994.

Though Horn recently passed
away, his legacy lives on, with his daughter Lisa and her husband Gregg Janes
lovingly tending to the restaurant and grounds. In celebration of the
restaurant’s upcoming 20-year anniversary, gorgeous new interior updates, décor
and expanded gardens now usher in a third decade of exceptional dining.

The sweeping country vistas,
lavish gardens and epic storybook setting are purely enchanting, but the
impeccable menu reigns as the crowning masterpiece of this manor. Even amid
beautifully appointed dining rooms and cozy nooks with linen-clad tables,
gentle music, candlelight and stunning sunset views, the sensational steaks,
ocean-fresh seafood and show-stopping shelled lobster, in ample portion, still
manage to steal the show.

Though set on rolling plains,
this country charmer boasts all the thrilling touches of contemporary cuisine.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more perfectly prepared rib eye, sirloin strip
or filet, thanks to the chef’s grilling wizardry and wait staff’s extensive
menu knowledge. Twenty-year restaurant manager, Kristi Jolly, delights in
making guests feel as comfy as if they are dining at her own home. That
includes insightful tips, like ordering your steak prepared medium plus to
ensure that perfect pink middle. (Who knew such a simple, magical phrase could
ensure a steak is done to absolute perfection!)

The attentive staff is also
happy to recommend select wines from their abundant collection to perfectly
complement your meal. And with sumptuous steak, pork chop, lamb chop, lobster,
salmon and shrimp entrées for the choosing, the optional pairings are
plentiful. Lavish desserts like Twelve Oaks’ signature toasted pound cake with
rich vanilla ice cream and praline drizzle finish your evening with sublime
indulgence.

Stroll the grounds afterwards
and take a peek upstairs at the private party rooms with even more amazing
views of this lush, culinary playground. Fine dining in Oklahoma has never been
such a serene pleasure!

Twelve Oaks Restaurant is located at 6100 N.
Midwest Blvd., just off I-35 and Waterloo in Edmond. Visit
TwelveOaksRestaurant.com or call 340-1002 to make reservations Tues.-Sat,
5:30pm-close.