When I’m sampling eateries in the Oklahoma City area, I always take note of not only the delicious food being served but the ambiance and decor of the establishment. Oftentimes it’s the backdrop that adds to your dining experience.

Design inspiration provided by local eateries Two of my recent favorites are the Bayou Grill & Bakery in Edmond and the Cafe do Brasil in Oklahoma City.

Cafe do Brasil, 440 NW 11, proved to be a memorable dining experience. The food was delicious and the servings were plentiful.

The moment you stepped into the restaurant you felt as if you were truly in the heart of Brazil.

The live music, the aroma of the Brazilian spices and the large mural of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro transport you to Brazil. The color of the walls represent the yellow and green found in the Brazilian flag.

It was a wonderful evening and I went away from the cafe thinking about how much the decor influenced my dining experience.

Next on my list is Bayou Grill & Bakery, 1315 E Danforth Road in Edmond. My girlfriend Jeri and I stopped in for a bite to eat and the first thing I noticed was the colorful mural on the wall with the traditional light post and a jazz musician leaning on the post in the background.

The bright colors of green, blue, orange and pink reminded me of my many visits to the French Quarter. And if you’ve been to New Orleans you know the down-home feeling you get when chatting with the cooks or having a beer at the bar with the owner. And on any given night, local musicians grace the small stage situated in the corner for the full Cajun experience.

I enjoyed the gumbo and the cornbread. But my favorite was the wonderful peach cobbler. It reminded me of my mother’s recipe, one that I make quite often.

The cobbler was so good in fact that one evening after my husband and I ate at the Cafe do Brasil, I asked him to stop by the Bayou Grill so I could grab a few slices to take home for dessert.

Whatever your taste buds, I’m sure you will enjoy eating at one of these eateries, and while taking in the cuisine you can find inspiration for your next decorating project.

Do you have a favorite restaurant that inspires you?