Molly’s Landing was a delightful surprise. We drove up the driveway and into the parking lot, where we were amazed to see a large homestead looking log structure with flowers all around it; flowers in the garden, in window boxes, on the patio and walkway to the front door. Built in the early 1980s from a log cabin kit, the owners modified the plan until they came up with a wonderful architectural statement. The cabin has many spaces and the ambiance in each one is a little different. You walk in to a small entry way with cut metal sculptures, edging a pair of saloon doors. Beyond these your eyes begin to pop. There are trees and flowers, moose heads and crystal chandeliers. Four or five tables are nestled in a cluster in what might be the heart of the room with a fireplace off to the right and a solarium straight ahead full of windows and flowers with a view to the floribunda outside. Up a ramp and hidden behind the main room is a narrow space where couples can enjoy their privacy in a romantic setting. Whimsical pieces fill every nook and cranny of this wood nymph dreamscape.
Our table was ensconced in a corner below the narrow area and behind the main room, but with a view of the goings- on through the leaves of a silk Fichus tree. Indian blankets an old time upright piano, and small lamps with silk shades and dripping rainbow beads keep your imagination busy while you enjoy just “being there”. The whimsical beauty of the millions of little things given by patrons and rescued from obscurity by the patroness make Molly’s more than a restaurant; it’s a trip!!
Fresh bread was delivered to our table immediately. An authentic chunk of sourdough with toasted oats on the crust and multiple slices of light pumpernickel dusted with poppy seeds, were served warm with butter. We decided to try two appetizers after a long debate. The first was a thick fillet of smoked salmon which was both smoked and cooked, served with a side of creamy and zesty mustard sauce. The fish was fresh and robust, with the smoky flavor enhancing the natural salmon flavor. Our second choice was Tecate fried mushrooms which are spiced with the same seasonings they use in their fish batter. This was such a successful batter selection that the recipe has received international acclaim; folks from around the world come looking for those mushrooms, which by the way are served with a spicy chipotle mayo sauce.
Just as we finished our appetizers, we were served our salads, made with green lettuces, carrots and grapes.
Tom had decided to try the Halibut with a plateful of roasted vegetables and I opted for the small filet mignon with pepper brandy sauce. The fish was firm and moist, seasoned with a combination of peppery spices. He was very pleased with it. The steak I’d ordered came with a rich brandy sauce in a cream base, crowned with course ground pepper. The steak was cooked to perfection and cut like butter. The rich red meat drenched in the creamy brandy sauce was dreamy. Half a baked potato was placed face down in the brandy sauce, all the better for soaking it up and quite useful as a tool for getting every bit of the sauce off of my plate. The restaurant has a full bar and an extensive wine list, as well as many imported beers. The house Merlot was a good Fetzer, which was great with my dinner, but if Merlot’s not for you, the wine list is so extensive; I guarantee there will be something that’ll tickle your fancy. There was no way we could eat dessert, but the coffee was superb.
The menu offers many seafood items; Mahi, prawns and Lobster tail to mention a few. Rib eye, blackened chicken ,quail and steaks are cooked on the grill and if you like to start with an appetizer, they’ve got it all; from spinach au gratin to artichokes and toast.
The ambiance will intrigue you, be sure to make time to look at all of the artifacts antiques and oddities that fill the cabin. There’s a beautiful gift shop, full of turquoise jewelry so if you go on business you can bring home a little gift for your sweetheart. At least twice a month ( except in December) they offer a Murder Mystery Dinner Show. What a great place to stage a murder!!! They’ve won awards for the best seafood, the best steaks and the best restaurant in Oklahoma. You’ve just got to go see for yourself, and treat someone else to this fantastic dining spot!