Ricardo Lopez (its proprietor) operates this flagship location. There are two other Ricky’s Cafes in OKC. Pride in ownership and operation are evident in the spotless interior that’s spacious and attractive. The place exudes attention to detail. Tasteful floral arrangements, wrought-iron candelabras and colorful Mexican ceramics are at every turn. Behind glass, next to the […]
Doug Hill
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Bovine in the breeze
“I gotta go, Julia. We got cows,” said a storm chaser riding in a vehicle near the core of a tornado, as an adult Holstein sailed by. The National Weather Center is a world-class, high-tech information facility. There are offices and conference rooms for OU faculty, students, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees and corporate […]
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Seoul kitchen
It may be unusual to hear smacktalk from a man of the cloth, but those were his words about spouse SunSoo Chong’s cooking. He explained that in their Korean homeland, the trend has been toward adding more sugar and MSG to recipes. This goes against their mission statement on the menu that reads, in part: […]
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Bangkok by way of Roma
The tiny bistro is set inconspicuously in the center of Robinson Crossing at Interstate 35 and Robinson, a strip mall anchored by Starplex Cinemas and a Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy. Jana’s is open for lunch and dinner daily, except Sunday, when it’s closed entirely. The dining room is small and pleasantly tranquil. Like the […]
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Cowpoke paradise
Hearing that, we hauled ass to the one of four Swadley’s locations nearest our ranch. What other restaurant has its own song? Swadley’s freestanding building is easy to spot in front of a strip mall on the corner of the busy intersection at S.W. 89th and Western. Once an A&W Root Beer stand, it still […]
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Meatball mecca
I love spaghetti and meatball joints. They remind me of places in the upper Midwest with names like Pasta Villa and John’s Italian. Right across the street from Norman’s Borders bookstore, Gaberino’s is a welcome addition to the side of town where choices such as the homogenized likes of Red Lobster, On The Border and […]
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Penthouse pizza
It fits right in on the hip Classen Curve, with Whole Foods under construction across the street and the attractive, blocks-long Chesapeake Energy campus on view from the dining room. Nichols Hills’ ladies who lunch barely get the Jaguar warmed up driving here. Once inside, trendy goes into overdrive. It’s one big asymmetrical room, with […]
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Taking it to the streets
Warm weather makes grabbing a taco or hot dog and dining at an outdoor picnic table (or even standing up) a pleasant alternative to a crowded restaurant. Street food is affordable and sometimes even ethnically authentic. Quirky locations and irregular hours of operation can be part of the appeal, along with having that clued-in foodie […]
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Mediterranean on Main
What works: Classic gyros and unexpected authentic Iranian cuisine. What needs work: The dining room could stand being redecorated. The Tip: Ole Town is fair value for very good food in a simple setting. Ole Town is accurately named. At Main and Porter, it’s on one of Norman’s oldest and busiest street corners. The building […]
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Coriander can-do
What works: Tasty food and good service in an unpretentious, but attractive dining room. What needs work: Of two desserts on the menu, one was unavailable three hours into the business day. Wine and high-point beer are forthcoming. The Tip: In a familiar Campus Corner location, Coriander serves delicious Vietnamese food that may be customized […]