According to the Mayan calendar-keepers of yore, we're on a serious countdown here in the wonder that is the world as we know it, so it seems like a pretty good time to share what could be the last installment of a little about a lot.

Kitchen No. 324, a restaurant that will anchor the corner of the Braniff Building at Dean A. McGee and Robinson avenues, is set to open later this year. PHOTO BY STEVE LACKMEYER, THE OKLAHOMAN

The newest and boldest concept from A Good Egg Dining Group, Kitchen 324 at 324 N Robinson Ave., is scheduled to open to the public Dec. 21. Keith and Heather Paul, the minds that brought you Iron Starr Urban BBQ, Cheever's Cafe, Red PrimeSteak, Tucker's Onion Burgers and Republic Gastropub, entered an agreement with SandRidge Energy to operate the 3,500-square-foot space in the Braniff Building.

Corporate chef Robert Black, along with chefs Chris McCabe and Beth Ann McFarland, have been working harder than a bunch of North Pole-bound elves to finalize the menu, which includes bread, scones, cookies, doughnuts, croissants and small-batch coffees — and that doesn't include the 88-seat cafe, which will highlight local ingredients and feature a rotating menu.

Kitchen No. 324 will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Saturn expanding

Chef Joseph Royer's third incarnation of Saturn Grill is his grandest. The space in MidTown is at 1012 N Walker Ave. and faces downtown. The new store offers full service with appetizers, entrees and a proper bar. The plan is to eventually convert the Memorial Road location into a full-service restaurant and bar, too, with plans for the Nichols Hills Plaza location a little up in the air with some impending construction due the shopping center.

As great as the new location is, it's only the second best thing that's happened to Royer recently. Before Christmas, he will be back in town from China with his bride and son, who have been awaiting visas for the United States for an extended period. Congrats, chef!

Main Street Noodle

Oklahoma State University basketball fans will have a new place to check out this season. Main Street Noodle, 622 S Main St., is Stillwater's newest concept from Tokyo Pot co-owner Dean Setiawan.

The cozy space offers a mix of pho and true ramen noodle soups, along with some small plates plus beer and wine. I made it there a few weeks ago for opening night, and had a great time and delicious dinner.

Respect the cheese

Lovera's Market's head cheesemonger Shawn Duffy recently entered five of his cheeses in the World Cheese Awards in Birmingham, England, and placed with three of them. Lovera's received the gold for its caciocavera in the mild provolone category, silver in the mixed milk category for its new 50-50 goat and cow's milk caciocavera, and silver in smoked cheeses with its hickory smoked caciocavera.

The event was put on by the BBC's “Good Food” television program and is sure to make the already tight quarters at the market in Krebs even snugger. Congrats to Shawn, Sammy and the gang.

Comings and goings

A concept out of Plano, Texas, called Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar will soon take over the space previously occupied by The Elephant Bar in the south parking lot of Penn Square Mall. Come April, you can sample from a menu that includes deviled eggs, various burgers, soups, salads, fish and whiskey cake. As you might expect, the bar concentrates on various whiskeys and boasts its own ice program, including ice balls for high-end scotches.

Kaiser's American Bistro has been sold. Previous owner Shaun Fiaccone, who still owns Picasso's Cafe, sold the classic ice cream fountain and burger concept to the store's general manager Robby Brookshire.

Freebirds World Burrito is opening two new concepts in the Oklahoma City metro on Thursday. The first 25 customers in line at the new stores will receive free burritos for a year. The fast casual burrito joint in the spirit of Chipotle will open spots at 1841 Belle Isle Blvd. and 14220 N Pennsylvania Ave.

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