Gobble, gobble, go away already. Say No, thanks to yet another day of leftovers and give your taste buds something less fowl for a real holiday treat. Wake up the family from Thanksgiving-induced drowsiness and get out of the house for a meal. Here are a few ideas for you.
By Greg Elwell
Photos Garett Fisbeck
and Gazette file
Tamashii Ramen House
321 NW Eighth St.405-517-0707
Anybody missing the laughter and noise of family visitors will find a little piece of Thanksgiving lives on at perpetually busy Tamashii Ramen House. Owners Matthew and Wakana Sebacher serve four ramen styles, the most popular being tonkotsu (pictured), a creamy broth full of slurpable noodles, braised pork belly and nitamago, a seasoned soft-boiled egg. At dinner, look for the exquisitely grilled skewers.
La Catrina Mexican Restaurant
1501 NW 23rd St.facebook.com/lacatrinamexicanrestaurant
405-525-1700
Grown-up and hungry boys and girls need to try a few of La Catrina Mexican Restaurants Jr. Specials. Big beef, chicken and shrimp fajita portions are cooked with onions and jalapeños and covered in melting cheese. Served with pico de gallo and guacamole as well as the requisite rice and beans, this entree is big enough for dinner and lunch the next day for leftovers youll be excited to eat.
Polar Donuts
1111 N. Meridian Ave., Suite B405-946-7448
Subversive sweets are the name of the game at Polar Donuts. Diners might stifle a laugh when they order a Strong Pimp Hand (pictured at right), but there are no giggles when taking a bite of the fresh-glazed doughnut. The fruit fritters, which are melt-in-the-mouth tender with chunks of fruit, and the light and airy Spudnut-style doughnuts that use potato flakes and flour are outstanding.
B-Won Korean Restaurant
4517 S. Sunnylane Road405-670-1170
Pay a little extra for the dolsot and you wont be sorry. Korean food comes in a variety of vessels, but the stoneware dolsot bowl is one that elevates the dining experience at B-Won Korean Restaurant. Dishes like kimchi bulgogi dolsot bibimbap (spelled phonetically on the menu) arrive at your table sizzling hot with delicate rice, pickled vegetables and sweet and savory beef at the perfect temperature.
Upper Crust
5860 N. Classen Blvd.405-842-7743
With several Upper Crust locations across the state, the restaurant is known for handmade pizzas cooked in wood-fired ovens, which give crusts a nice char and a little extra flavor. Those seeking extra spice should consider ordering Some Like It Hot (pictured), a pizza covered with spicy sausage, three kinds of peppers and a swirl of balsamic glaze. It pairs great with the venues ample wine list.
Hefner Grill
9201 Lake Hefner Parkwayhefnergrill.com/restaurants/ hefner-grill
405-748-6113
After a sometimes taxing week with family, it sure is nice to find some calm. Enjoy your own moment of zen at Hefner Grill. This elegant restaurant overlooks Lake Hefner, giving guests a lovely view of sailboats gently bobbing while diners snack on creamy Baltimore crab dip (pictured) and enjoy a full bar. Save some room and share a piece of six-layer chocolate cake as the sun shimmers across the rippling water at sunset.
Couscous Cafe
6165 N. May Ave.405-286-1533
Couscous Cafe has the antidote for post-Thanksgiving blues. Couscous Cafe soaks, mashes, seasons and fries chickpeas into crispy, fluffy balls of happiness called falafel. They are tasty as an appetizer, stuffed in a pita sandwich or rolled up in a burrito. If your tastes tend toward meatier fare, look for marinated and braised chicken tagine (pictured).
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