What could be more enjoyable than exquisite dining while communing with nature? It's the same thing we enjoy so much about picnics that made the prospect of a dinner date at McGill's Lakeside Grill on Skiatook Lake so appealing. A picnic it was, taken up a notch or two.

And, on this particular evening, we were treated to a spectacular view as a waning summer sun threw glowing red rays over the tops of oak trees and danced over the water, before slowing disappearing beyond the Lake and rolling Osage hills.

My only regret about the evening was not having discovered this place earlier.

The McGill's name in Tulsa is synonymous with pleasurable dining and fantastic food, and now located on the marina at Lake Skiatook, the McGill's name and reputation is expanding.

The drive from Tulsa is approximately 40 minutes. Directions are a must (call the restaurant for the best way out of town), and I would advise making reservations. Lakeside Grill is right on the edge of a marina and elevated just enough to have a perfect view of the boats, the lake, and the rolling hills.

The restaurant is small, with no more than 8 to 10 tables in the main dining room; outside dining is available; and a room upstairs is available for parties or meetings.

Our table was next to a full-glass window, affording an ideal outside view. Our server was excellent, very personable and helpful.

After ordering beginning cocktails, we reviewed the menu which consists of Appetizers, Soups and Salads, Casual Fare, Entrées divided into House Specialties, Beef & Chops and Seafood & Fowl. There is also a Lunch/Brunch menu as well.

After having working up an appetite from our drive (which unfortunately took longer than the estimated 40 minutes since we missed a few turns, ending up first at Bananas Lakeside Grill on another marina), we were eager to eat.

We each sampled an Appetizer; I the Mushroom Caps ($7.95), one dining companion the Shrimp Cocktail ($12.95) and the other the Bruschetta--"ch" is pronounced as a "k" ($7.95).

The six Mushroom Caps were filled with McGill's special herb mixture then topped with cheese and lightly broiled. They were served piping hot; the filling was creamy and rich with flavor. The Shrimp Cocktail was superb, said my friend, who also noted the pieces were large, plump and fresh. The accompanying cocktail sauce was spicy, but not overpowering.

The Bruschetta was, likewise, very pleasing. These were served "do-it-yourself" style, with a section of sliced baguette bread accompanying a bowl of the typically zingy, Italian-style tomato mixture with the capers adding an appealing depth of flavor. Shards of Parmesan cheese were prominent as well. My friend said all flavors blended gently, with no taste overpowering another.

For our entrees, I selected the Chicken Picatta ($15.95), another member of our party chose the Steak Gerard ($28.95) and another the French Cut Pork Chops ($18.95).

Entrées were served with loaded mashed potatoes, steak fries or seasoned rice and fresh vegetables. The presentation was attractive and the portions appropriate.

The Chicken Picatta was a thick and moist breast, lightly dusted with a flour crust and sprinkled with a tangy lemon caper butter sauce.

The Steak Gerard was a pepper-coated filet served with Dijon Sauce. My friend enjoyed the generous pepper on the filet, and the grilled asparagus--the veggie common to all three plates--was prepared al dente and "simply exquisite" said one diner.

The Pork Chops, said my friend, were lightly breaded, tender, and in his words, "absolutely succulent!"

A few desserts were sampled, the Chocolate Bundt and the Pecan Pie (both $6.95); they were the perfect sweet ending to a lovely dinner.

Lakeside Grill by McGill's

12305 Crosstimbers Marina Dr., Sperry

288-2300

Hours:

Wed.-Fri. 12-9pm

Sat. 11am-10pm

Sun. 11-9pm

Rating:

Atmosphere *****

Food *****

Service *****