Photographs by Jen HoppaOPENING SATURDAY IN OKLAHOMA CITY
I predict that 105degrees will quickly become a destination location for the growing population of raw food enthusiasts around the country. Many of us have been eagerly awaiting the grand opening of this gourmet living foods destination that will be the first of its kind: an upscale 3,500-square-foot raw food café that also includes the nation’s first state-licensed culinary academy and a boutique lifestyle shop.
105degrees Café opens for its first official dinner service this Saturday, September 12 at 5 p.m. There will also be a dinner service on Sunday, and the café’s first full day of service, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, will begin Monday, September 14 at 7 a.m. The café hours are really impressive. 105degrees will be serving from their innovative, cutting edge menu 7-days-a-week:Monday – Thursday from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
My friend, Matthew Kenney, is among the world’s most celebrated raw foods innovators. He and I agree that Oklahoma is the ideal place to introduce the 105degrees concept because of its central location in the U.S. and the strength of the statewide growing community interested in sustainable living. Matthew was immediately drawn to the idea when he was approached by Dara Prentice, 105degrees director of business and external affairs. The concept was immediately fascinating, marvelously ambitious and he quickly sensed that the synergy of the project could be very successful.
Matthew recently shared this, "The community has been extremely supportive and we’re so pleased to have the opportunity to offer Oklahomans the very best in living cuisine.” I am also delighted that my dear friend and award winning chef, formerly of Tulsa, Chef Geoff van Glabbeek, is working directly with Matthew on every aspect of kitchen direction and menu planning. Geoff's impressive culinary background and interest in sustainable, organic and cutting edge live cuisine made him an ideal fit for the position of Chef de Cuisine for the Cafe'.The photos above were taken last week when I attended a special private lunch serving. I was completely blown away by every aspect of the ambiance and food. Menus are custom designed for each season based on the availability of fresh produce purchased from local growers. The fall dinner menu features items including: shitake dumplings, red sweet pepper wrappers, golden beat ravioli, Portobello mushroom piccata, heirloom tomato lasagna, and a variety of fresh soups, sides and a dessert menu that includes fresh churned ice creams, cannoli, baklava and a malted chocolate tart (my personal favorite thus far!).
This video was taken during the wait staff training last week. It was so fun to meander around behind the scenes as things were coming together, but I can't wait to visit 105degrees once everything is officially open to the public and humming with LIFE! Prices range from $5 - $12 for appetizers, $11 - $18 for entrees, sides are $4 - $5 and desserts are from $5 - $8. In the video I mistakingly say that there is a very limited bar menu, but that is certainly NOT the case. You can order a variety of totally fresh smoothies and juices, as well as an impressive assortment of fresh sake-based cocktails and biodynamic wines.
The 105degrees Academy welcomed its first class of students on Sept. 8. The academy offers state-licensed chef certification courses for those who currently work or aspire to work in an upscale restaurant or culinary environment as well as community classes for those interested in learning culinary techniques that allow them to enjoy the flavor and health benefits of raw foods in their own kitchen.
