13 S. Broadway, Edmond 285-8800
What fun! Dine and watch the glassblowing going on next door in the Bella Forte studio. This restaurant is owned by Chris and Linda McGahan, who also own and operate the Yukon location. The menu will feature reliable pizza and a wedge salad, meatball sliders, pasta and more, plus a private VIP dining room.
$$ Italian
The Rumor Meal
109 S. Bickford, el Reno 262-0811
This is a catchy name for a cute place (only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) that is attracting a steady clientele. Have a hankering for a sandwich, salads or a bowl of soup? The Rumor Meal features all of those, plus homemade desserts. Request the Gossip Girl on sourdough bread or the Busy Body done with turkey and provolone. Both sandwiches raise the pleasure index.
$$ American
Home Run Sliders
128 E. Fifth, Edmond 513-5410
Near the UCO Jazz Lab, Home Run Sliders offers up lots of terrific times and tasty food. It is under the umbrella of the Deep Fork Group consisting of Rod Meyer, Randy Meyer, David Attalla and Wade Starr. Looks like the guys have another hit on their hands. Chef Joshua Richardson serves up burgers with good variations, along with the fun baseball theme.
$$ Sliders
The Nook 119 N. Robinson
604-6665
Wandering around downtown Oklahoma City? To-go stuff is waiting for you at The Nook, which is part of the Library of Food & Spirits. Look for French press coffee, fresh salads and pizza made with Schwabs products, plus homemade desserts. People go off their diets for the apple turnovers that are in high demand.
$$ Take out
Jo’s Famous Pizza
1522 W. Lindsey, Norman 329-2378
Opened in early 2011, this is just one of the many Jo’s Pizza in the area that has attracted its share of fans. At the Norman version, the owners have created a “fusion” pizza called the taco pizza, which comes highly recommended. Others go for the consistent combinations, but pizza lovers still zero in on the one with pepperoni and cheese.
$$ Pizza
Divine Swine
7801 N. May 843-3400
As Noel Coward once wrote: “Any part of piggy is quite alright with me.” Oink! From barbecue to an elegant crown roast, pork is truly a meat for all seasons and the pig is in — especially at Divine Swine. The menu by chef Joshua Valentine and business partner Courtney Evans will focus on pork, but will also include turkey, salads and sandwiches with everything done from scratch. Call ahead to see if it is open.
$$ Breakfast and lunch
Hensley’s Top Shelf Grill
1551 S. Garth Brooks Boulevard, Yukon 265-4076 The executive chef at this just-opened spot is that remarkable David Sullivan, former chef at Oak Tree Country Club, who is cutting all the steaks by hand. A well-respected restaurant, Hensley’s is being brought back to life. It is situated in the old Santa Fe Steak House. Prices range from $10 to $32. They have seats for 130, plus the bar area.
$$$ Fine dining, family-style
$$: up to $15
$$$: $15-$30
$$$$: above $30
—Carol Smaglinski, photo by Mark Hancock
