After a weeks worth of sinning, some of us dont have time to cook on Sunday. From morning until night, were on our knees, praying to go to heaven (or at least avoid hell). So when the sun goes down and the fridge is empty, we head out to eat. Unfortunately, Sunday nights can be a wasteland for some restaurants. So here are a few great ones still serving us sinners.
by Greg Elwell,
photos by Garett Fisbeck and Mark Hancock
Pizzeria Gusto
2415 N. Walker Ave.
437-4992
Oh no! Not pizza again! said someone you should actively avoid. Lets face it pizza is always welcome. If your estranged sister showed up with a pizza, youd invite her in and let the healing begin. And if she took you to Pizzeria Gusto, forget it youd write her back into the will. Even if youre not in the mood for a pie, the menu is overflowing with great options like fried artichoke hearts, gnocchi and lamb chops.
Couscous Cafe
6165 N. May Ave.
286-1533
If the only thing you know about Morocco is that its a tiny country known for casinos and James Bond car chases, youre thinking of Monaco. Its time to recalibrate your GPS.
Morocco is in northern Africa, but youll probably associate some of the dishes at Couscous Cafe with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine. Gyros, falafel and kebobs are all pretty standard. But have you had zaalook or a fish tagine? Its time to go to Couscous.
Casa Perico Mexican Grille
4521 NW 63rd St.
721-3650
Dios Mio (my God), were loco (crazy) for the food at Casa Perico (house of the parrot). And the designers of the menu are pretty nuts, too. But youll forget all about the eye ache of those fonts when you dig into the tender, flavorful carnitas de puerco (little meats of pork) and the fresh fried avocado slices. And be less sad, vegetarians! Casa Perico has a boatload of meatless entrees, including the green joy of enchiladas de espinacas (spinach enchiladas), for you.
The Shack Seafood & Oyster Bar
303 NW 62nd St.
608-4333
If you cant find something new to eat at The Shack, you must be the chef, because the menu is a wild ride through Louisianas swamps on the way to Flavor Country. Okie Oysters are smoked oysters covered in bacon, jalapeño and garlic. The fried seafood platter packs in everything from stuffed shrimp to frog legs. The Shack even has a hamburger po boy for your officemate, Kevin, the guy who hates trying new foods.
Cafe De Taipei
603 S. Broadway, Edmond
216-9968
Sunday is actually the night Cafe De Taipei closes earliest, at 10 p.m. (Its open 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.) Most nights, you can roll in after midnight and still get sushi, sashimi and bubble tea. Enjoy the Vampire Roll with torched salmon and garlic or the vegetarian Super Mario roll with baked mushrooms when you can.
Thai Thai Asian Bistro
780 W. Main St., Norman
307-0283
Q: Which cuisine has no winners?
A: I swear, if you say Thai food, I will come at you with a sword. I get it. Thai food sounds like tie food, but this is no laughing matter. Were all winners when we get Thai food. Order sukiyaki; you win. Get some evil jungle curry; you win. Koong pad nam prik pao; a winner is you.
Q: So you dont like puns?
A: No. I dont like puns.
Diamond Dawgs
753 Asp Ave., Norman
364-3294
You might not make it to Monday if you finish your Sunday with Diamond Dawgs. The food is great, no question; but is it too great? Will you even be able to stop eating The Closer (a hot dog wrapped in ground beef and bacon) or put down The Mound (a chicken-fried dawg covered in mashed potatoes, gravy and fried onion strings)? And dont get us started on The Wonderboy (a corn dog with crushed Capn Crunch batter).