Painting the town Here are the ones to watch around the metro. Easy to get to, these seven places are all comfortable spots to meet friends and just chill. —Carol Smaglinski, photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman $$: up to $15 $$$: $ 15-$30 $$$$: above $30
Food & Drink
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Italian nights
above Ali Essman samples the Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Italian wine at Bellini’s. The acid levels are there to cut through fatty foods, rich sauces and spicy meats. Like the French, the Italians intended their red wines to be part of a meal, not just a sipper. Drink one with food, and a whole new world […]
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Nondescript knockouts
Nic’s Grill 1201 N. Penn 524-0999 “Nic’s Grill on Penn Ave. and 10th St. They have the best hamburgers in OKC!” —Sara Neely Fielder Owner Justin “Nic” Nicholas has owned this tiny joint for 13 years, where he said he churns out good burgers and fries. Or is it something more that keeps people coming […]
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Around the world in OKC
Queen of Sheba 2308 N. MacArthur WHERE YOU GO: Ethiopia TRY THIS: Start with the sambusa (fried pockets of bread stuffed with goodies) and then split the Queen of Sheba platter for a sample of all things Ethiopian. Camilya’s Cafe 10942 N. May WHERE YOU GO: Syria, Jordan and Lebanon (combo trip!) TRY THIS: You […]
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Opposites attract
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 […]
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Bite Size
People say you look like: “Brett Favre.” Best feature: “My sense of humor.” Good friend: “I am always there when someone needs something.” Favorite cut of meat: “I am a strip-steak guy.” Favorite indulgence: “I am a little bit of a clothes horse. At 5 foot 11 and 250 pounds, I am no skinny butt, […]
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Fresh faces
The year 2011 brings new culinary ventures to the metro. Quality ingredients are the focus of fresh, simple dishes, from chicken to Chinese and even Guatemalan, among others. Hey, whatever turns you on. —Carol Smaglinski, photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman $$: Up to $15 $$$: $15-$30 $$$$: Above $30
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Redbud blooms
He became a household name amongst beer geeks in the state when J.D. Merryweather hired him to be Coop Ale Works’ first brewer. He left that position in September last year, and now he’s about to launch his own brewery: Redbud Brewing Company. Slated to begin distribution on Tuesday, Redbud will initially release two beers: […]
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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 […]
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Where’s the beef?
Animals that are grass-fed are much leaner, and because of their diet, they have nutrients that are not present in meats that are grain-fed. PlumRich Beef, owned by Hans Plum and Bart Richey, is one local company that provides locally raised, grass-fed Texas longhorn meat to local retailers and restaurants, plus by arrangement to individual […]