OKG7 Dining
Carol Smaglinski
At a few restaurants around town, stoves and ovens are being manned by the next generation of brave young chefs and cooks. Not only do they cook with care and imagination, but a level of sophistication. Keep your eye on these magnificent seven.

OKG7 Dining
Carol Smaglinski
New restaurant openings provide needed jobs for a great number of people in the metro area, and these seven small businesses are certainly helping out with the economy. From Chinese to great steaks and Russian caviar, it’s all here.

OKG7 Dining
Carol Smaglinski
In what used to be a former chimney shop, owners Juan Manuel Diaz and his wife, Solorro Garcia, opened their first Mexican restaurant in late June. Filled with family members, its enchiladas are pure Mexican, not Tex-Mex, they say. To the delight of its many regular customers, the tortillas are handmade on the spot.

OKG7 Dining
Carol Smaglinski
So why all this handwringing about where to eat? There are so many quality restaurants out there, so jump to it. Many of the new ones as well as the older ones have real potential. Here’s an update.

OKG7 Dining
Carol Smaglinski
Restaurants and markets have been opening in spots all over the metro. Hearty and enjoyable, there’s a little something for everyone.