When Pachinko Parlor opened a year ago, few people around town actually knew what a pachinko was. I did, as my late husband bought me one while on a trip to Japan. A pachinko resembles a pinball machine and really can be entertaining — and so can its namesake restaurant in downtown. Pachinko Parlor, 1 […]
Food Reviews
Reviews related to restaurants, meals, recipes and chefs.
Posted inFood & Drink
Johnny be good
Currently, many of Johnny’s Lunch Box customers are construction workers from around the country working at the nearby Devon Energy skyscraper project. “They tell me that coming in here and eating is like having mom’s home cooking, wherever that might be,” owner Ed Strawn said. “That’s a neat deal, being able to please people from […]
Posted inFood & Drink
All in the family
Vito’s Ristorante7521 N. May 848-4867 Owner: Cathy Cummings Food style: traditional Italian Average price: $15 That’s what you’ll find at Vito’s Ristorante, a cozy Italian eatery owned by Cathy Cummings going on seven years. With black-and-white photos of her family on the walls and redcheckered tablecloths spread over the tables, this narrow dining room feels […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Head West
Foodies had their eyes on the construction under way next to the N. Western Avenue Hideaway for months. Slowly, the old Iguana location transformed into a modern building surrounded by a chic, low-walled wood patio. For sibling co-owners Rick and David Haynes, the journey from concept to opening night was even longer. Their latest venture, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
A shore thing
It’s safe to say that most people love dining by the water, especially Lake Hefner. Even in the winter, the Hefner Grill is a wow-worthy spot where one can relax and study the sunset. In the spring and summer, views of sailboats going by await at this easygoing, appealing place. On a recent Saturday night, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Destination Japan
Review of Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 7516 N. Western 848-6733 General Manager: Koji Omori Sushi chef: Akihiro Ishimaru Food style: Japanese Average check: $12 I was a little late to the sushi party. When the only entry into the Asian culinary scene growing up is that canned chop suey kit popular with ’80s moms throughout the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
At home with Mama
Mamaveca Mexican Restaurant 2551 Hemphill Drive, Norman 573-4003 Date Established: December 2007 Owner: William Chunga Kitchen Manager: Renato Victorio Food Style: Peruvian, Mexican Average Check: Lunch $8; Dinner $11 The tropical, exotic landscape of Peru feels worlds away from the tamed, mild plains of Central Oklahoma, yet you can find the littlest slice of South […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Male call
The Cow Calf-Hay 3409 Wynn Drive, Edmond 509-2333 Date established: 2010 General manager: Beck Blevins Owners: Blevins Brothers of City Bites Food style: Burgers and daily specials Average check: $8 What guy doesn’t like a burger? A pretty good one can be had at The Cow Calf-Hay, tucked into a nondescript shopping strip in south […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Getting squirrely
The Bossy Squirrel Cafe 104 E. Gray, Norman 364-5116 Owner: Melodee Squirrel Food style: Healthy American Average check: $9 Melodee Squirrel has heard all the squirrel jokes and coined a few of her own. But when she finally had the opportunity to own her own restaurant, she and husband Richard decided they’d incorporate their name […]