In good spirits: Chef Zach Hutton takes executive chef position at GHST in Midtown after closing restaurant

GHST Restaurant & Bar at 805 N Hudson Ave in Oklahoma City.
GHST Restaurant & Bar at 805 N Hudson Ave in Oklahoma City.

The thing about talent and hard work is it doesn't let a moment of negativity define it or keep it from moving forward.

That's the case with Zach and Kayla Hutton. Less than a month since announcing the closing of their beloved Scratch Paseo, 605 NW 28 Street, the duo have assumed the mantle at GHST Restaurant & Bar, 805 N Hudson Ave, doing what they do best — Zach running the kitchen and Kayla behind the bar.

A soft opening Thursday saw the kitchen staff serving up small bite versions of what Hutton will bring to the full menu, while the bar team slung everything from classics to signature seasonal cocktails.

Hutton's small bites play heavily on nostalgia and comfort but throw in a few elevated twists ranging from classic cheeseburgers and chicken and donuts to collard greens and chips, dip and caviar. Bagel bites, elote corndogs(made with a brisket sausage), beignets and grilled tiger prawns with a popcorn-infused coconut cream sauce all brought a playful mood to the evening.

A Lost Souls (front) and a Flying Dutchman, two of the seasonal cocktails, are pictured at GHST Restaurant & Bar, 805 N Hudson Ave in Oklahoma City.
A Lost Souls (front) and a Flying Dutchman, two of the seasonal cocktails, are pictured at GHST Restaurant & Bar, 805 N Hudson Ave in Oklahoma City.

With two bar areas, GHST offers plenty of space to grab a cocktail and the bartenders are coming up with some great options. With spins on pomegranate margaritas and appletinis to more spirit forward options, there's something for everyone. My personal favorite of the seasonal cocktails I tried was the Lost Souls, which features raspberry liqueur, fresh lemon juice and McQueen Wild Berry Gin.

Officially open with the new menu in place Friday, the bar at GHST will be open Wednesday through Saturday and the restaurant will be open for dinner service Thursday through Saturday. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://ghstbar.com/.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Scratch Paseo chef moves on to GHST Restaurant in OKC after closure