Taste of Egypt
3604 N. May
843-3344
This restaurant actually started as a lark because owner Hesham Shafik also operates a car dealership, but he is now loving the restaurant business that opened in early August. Shafik, a native Egyptian, shows off ancient recipes featuring delicious food. Thus far, many physicians in town have loved the lunch and dinner buffets and an Egyptian pancake called fateer. On Fridays at 4 p.m., there is roasted lamb.
$$ Egyptian
Szechuan Bistro
1010 W. Memorial
752-8889
There are two menus at the Szechuan, an Americanized side and another for those daredevils whose vocabulary only contains the word “HOT!” They have seats for 85 with a satisfying menu, but no buffet. The menu includes chicken wraps with lettuce, crab rangoon, shredded beef, chicken or pork. Szechuan Bistro gives its regulars a chance to have a good time.
$$ American and Chinese
The One Cafe
321 E. Second, Edmond
340-0333
The One Cafe has been open mere weeks under the ownership of Benny Fong, an industry veteran with positive ideas for his cafe. The employees are now getting compliments on its panini, sandwiches, smoothies, bubble tea, Chinese noodle soup and even a tortilla soup. Look for new menu changes with pasta, hot crepes and dessert crepes coming up soon. It is open daily, but check the weekend hours.
$$ Eclectic
Sweets & Spurs
215 34th S.W., Norman
801-2555
Owner Holly McGowen was doing public relations for the RedHawks, but had a business plan for her own bakery and boot boutique. “The fun part was naming the cupcakes,” she said. They are all Western-inspired, such as the Giddy Up, but the Tumbleweed is leading the pack. The business opened just weeks ago, and it is doing mini pies, too, that are just enough for one person.
$$ Bakery and Boots
Old School Bagel Cafe
710 W. Main, Norman
928-5522
Old School Bagel opened in late September and has people stopping in all day not only for the bagels, but also the cinnamon rolls or the delicious cookies. The Norman location has customers already crazy about its unique spreads on authentic boiled bagels, such as chicken or lox. For lunch, try the Sooner Club, packed with Swiss cheese, bacon, turkey, ham and onions.
$$ Bagels and More
Purple Burro
231 Coltrane, Edmond
359-8400
The long-awaited Purple Burro, owned by Bob Maddox, has finally opened its doors in the former Le Cep Bistro location. They know how to party with this unique, New Mexican-style cuisine, and claim the stylish food might be new to the area. Visit for a taste of rotisserie chicken, exciting enchiladas or burros, which are like burritos, and linger for more.
$$ New Mexican Cuisine
Fontana Italian Restaurant
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854 N.W. 12th, Moore
703-0911
The doors at this Italian spot opened in mid-July, and it stays open on Sundays. The famous Mona Lisa painting has been appraised for millions. Can’t afford that? Well, how about an Italian masterpiece at modest prices at Fontana, such as its salad with vinaigrette done with extra virgin olive oil, chicken Parmesan and sausage rolls that are like a calzone. Word is spreading about its cannoli.
$$ Italian
—Carol Smaglinski, photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman
$$: Up to $15
$$$: $15-$30
$$$$: above $30
