The table is set with a white tablecloth, china, and candlelight; you are dressed, the wine is poured but the plates are empty. Is this the kind of nightmare you've been having? If you have been too busy to cook or even think about dinner, you can make this romantic dream come true by stopping by Market C and choosing from their already prepared specialties. Make your choices and enjoy your romantic evening—stress free.

Market C, a charming renovated Route 66 gas station at 23rd and Hudson, is owned by the same group that brings you Cheevers and Iron Starr Urban BBQ.

Take time to really enjoy your visit. Start by studying the offerings in the meat case, then meander through the pasta options, fresh breads and organic cheeses. If you're unsure about an item, don't hesitate to ask questions. On the day I visited, the case was stocked with already prepared beef tenderloin ($29.99 lb.), Kobe meatloaf ($14.95 lb.), Kobe meatballs, flank steak, chicken enchilada stack ($11.95 lb. each), molasses-glazed chicken breasts ($11.95 lb. or $3.74 ea.), scoops of loaded mashed potatoes, horseradish potato gratin, whole roasted truffle honey carrots, asparagus and desserts. Take time to inquire about the different offerings and you will discover that the roasted red pepper rice contains red peppers, cilantro and red onions.

I chose two molasses-glazed chicken breasts because it is hard to pass up something with the word 'glazed' in it, yum. Along with that we had two varieties of potatoes, because I couldn't decide on just one. We had loaded mashed potatoes (a little green onion, cheese, maybe a little sour cream) and horseradish potato gratin (a thick square of layers of thin sliced potatoes in a sauce with a strong horseradish flavor). To round out the meal I chose buttery croissants and a slice of giant chocolate cake ($5.95) to share. It was hard to resist the croissants on the way home—I recommend getting an extra to enjoy in the car.

Even if you need a quick lunch Market C offers a prepared green salad, sandwiches, wraps, and soups ($3.95-$10.50). You can grab one and go. Deli options also include a variety of sauces, dips, Italian meats, organic cheeses and packaged uncooked meats.

The items did not come with reheating instructions, so you may want to ask about it, depending on what you order. I warmed in the oven and the chicken seemed a little dry. It would have been nice to have had a little extra glaze for the warming of the chicken. The potatoes warm well and were flavorful and the croissants were excellent, warm or cold. Though they were large, you may want to get extra just to slowly pull apart and relish. As we were sharing the chocolate cake we were thinking another slice would have been nice. Better yet, two different desserts should have been purchased.

If some of the prices seem a little much, just remember that you do not have to prepare anything over a hot stove, and clean up time is cut in half. Just breeze in and make your choices—but do try not to drool during this process.

Annie's rating: 3 of 4 Forks

Market C
401 N. W. 23rd
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
405/208-4444

Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday - Saturday
          Closed Sundays

Prices: $3.95 and up (depending on the daily offering)

Fun Food Factoid:
Kobe beef: Kobe beef is renowned for its flavor, tenderness, and fatty well-marbled texture. It is from the Wagyu breed of cattle in Japan with special feed, daily massaging, and beer and sake. Some farmers in the U.S. have tried this process for Kobe-style beef.