P. 13 By stocking fresh, inexpensive and previously difficult-to-find ingredients, Super Cao Nguyen helped transform Oklahoma City’s food scene. By Jacob Threadgill Photo by Mark Hancock
Food Features
Posted inFood & Drink
Agave life
As we’re gearing up to celebrate Oklahoma Gazette’s OKC Margarita Week, it only makes sense to begin a discussion by taking a look at the drink’s main ingredient: tequila. Much like how true champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France, Mexican laws dictate that tequila must be made with at least 50 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fresh start
The disappointment that came with the January announcement of the closing of Guernsey Park didn’t last long as owner Truong Le quickly converted the building into two concepts: Okie Pokie, which opened in late March, and Noodee, which held its soft opening April 16. Okie Pokie became the first of three high-profile poke restaurants — […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Teacher hospitality
Throughout the nine days of demonstrations at the Capitol during the Oklahoma teacher walkout, local businesses poured onto Lincoln Boulevard to offer free food and drinks to teachers and protesters in need. Other businesses followed suit, offering educators and public employees discounts. 84 Hospitality Group (Empire Slice House, Gorō Ramen, ¡Revolución!, Easy E Slice Shop […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bittersweet closing
Oklahoma City residents were shocked in early April when Daniel Chae announced that his popular restaurant Chae Modern Korean would be closing its doors at the end of the month. It’s a decision that was put into new context on April 11 when Chae announced that he is running for Oklahoma County treasurer, which only […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Opportunity window
For 39 years, 42nd Street Candy Co. has been a staple along Western Avenue, but the brick-and-mortar location is closing April 27 after owner Teresa Wall said the store never really recovered from the loss of traffic from prolonged construction along the corridor. “We fought so hard to recover after the construction, and I kept […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Name-worthy
The hand-built wooden wine cases overlooking the dining room at Legend’s Restaurant in Norman are remnants of Oklahoma’s archaic liquor laws. They are converted liquor lockers from the days when bottle clubs were needed to get around the state’s liquor-by-the-drink ban until 1985. The cabinets are surrounded by wrought-iron railings and chandeliers rescued from the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Holistic hunger
Taking inspiration from the Japanese term kaizen that means “change for better,” Oklahoma City-based Kize Concepts offers healthy energy bars, catering and meal services to address more than physical hunger. University of Oklahoma graduate Jeff Ragan founded Kize in 2013. He was looking for an opportunity to combine his three passions: helping people, entrepreneurship and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Ballpark eats
Long before the lines on the base paths are drawn or even before a batting practice pitch is thrown, Oklahoma City Dodgers’ executive chef Will Fenwick and staff are cutting produce and getting items ready for that day’s concessions. “It’s a daily operation of getting items ready for the concession and the buffet [in the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Helping hand
Oklahoma Gazette’s OKC Restaurant Week returns next week, and every $1 spent at lunch or dinner with a participating restaurant benefits Allied Arts. Founded in 1971, Allied Arts provides financial and hands-on support for 40 arts and cultural organizations in Oklahoma in addition to providing grants for non-member groups. Allied Arts announced its community-wide campaign […]