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

Gazedibles: No Thanks-giving
Garett Fisbeck
Tonkotsu Ramen at Tamashii Ramen in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, June 14, 2016.

Tamashii Ramen House

321 NW Eighth St.

facebook.com/tamashiiramen

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 Restaurant’s 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 you’ll be excited to eat.

Gazedibles: No Thanks-giving
Garett Fisbeck
"Camel toes" and "pimp hands" at Polar Donuts in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015.

Polar Donuts

1111 N. Meridian Ave., Suite B

polardonuts.org

405-946-7448

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.

Gazedibles: No Thanks-giving
Hyangsue Hong, owner of Bwon, a Korean restaurant at 4517 south Sunnylane, just outside of Del City, with their Spicy Squid dish and Clay rice pot with egg on top, surrounded by accompanying picked dishes. Mark Hancock

B-Won Korean Restaurant

4517 S. Sunnylane Road

405-670-1170

Pay a little extra for the dolsot and you won’t 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.

Gazedibles: No Thanks-giving
Garett Fisbeck
Some Like It Hot pizza at Upper Crust Pizza, Friday, March 18, 2016.

Upper Crust

5860 N. Classen Blvd.

okcbestpizza.com

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 venue’s ample wine list.

Gazedibles: No Thanks-giving
Garett Fisbeck
Baltimore Crab Dip at Hefner Grill in Oklahoma City, Friday, Sept. 4, 2015.

Hefner Grill

9201 Lake Hefner Parkway

hefnergrill.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.

Gazedibles: No Thanks-giving
Garett Fisbeck
Chicken Tagine at Cous Cous Cafe in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016.

Couscous Cafe

6165 N. May Ave.

couscouscafeokc.com

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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