Last call for lobster melts!

Off the Hook nears its end; Tiger Style roars to life

Happy February! Valentine’s Day reservations should be made, and Lunar New Year plans contemplated so we can discuss some ongoing matters of taste in the 405 diningscape.

Dropped by Off the Hook Seafood & More on Thursday for one last Lobster Melt before the restaurant closes for good.

Chef/owner Corey “Slawta” Harris was working the line and not the least bit downtrodden over being down to one day of service left at the corner of Broadway Extension and West Britton Road. He was all smiles with a restaurant full of hungry guests on Thursday. Friday will be the last day for Off the Hook, which opened nine years ago.

Corey’s sunny disposition is second to none among local food-service professionals, but the light behind his smile right now is a chance to rebrand as Corey B. Cookin’. He won’t be chained to the former Starbuck’s Coffee space between the Britton District and what we used to call The Dark Tower on Broadway.

The food truck is due some new artwork then chef Slawta’s next chapter will go live. At one point, Corey planned to be open through Saturday, but earlier this week he announced Friday would be the last day for Off the Hook. Here’s hoping the Lobster Melt makes it into the next chapter.

Tiger Style Shows its Stripes

Chef Caleb Stangroom was welcomed into the kitchen space at GHST on Wednesday by Zach Hutton for a Tiger Style pop-up.

Tiger Style is Stangroom’s new brand and culinary campaign for 2024. Stangroom’s full-time job is as executive chef for Bradford House. There, he’s turned the boutique hotel’s dining room into one of the city’s hottest seats for dinner.

On Wednesday, he served a menu drawing from the many cultures that reside and shine in Oklahoma. The Bonito and Beet Salad won’t soon be forgotten. Stangroom has been toying with fried head cheese for about a year, and the burger he churned out might just be its final resting place. Bumped into former “Top Chef” contestant Josh Valentine at the bar. He sampled through just about everything. He raved about the Cacio e Pepe Ramen Noodles.

I tell you this after the fact because Stangroom confirmed this was just the first of what will be a series of pop-ups for Tiger Style. Look for another event in March. He has lined up his home kitchen for one pop-up and shook hands with chef Eric Smith at Pachinko in Nichols Hills for another.

Stay tuned!

Eggs-citing news

Chef Ryan Richardson, owner of Fox & Rye in Edmond, launched breakfast service this morning. The sandwich shop will now offer a full breakfast menu from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily?

I stopped in on Sunday for a preview. The croque monsieur was on point, but the liege waffles is what will bring me back.

Food Network’s Next TV Star?

Paying Food Feeders learned last week that Kevin Lee’s inspiration for changing Birdie’s Fried Chicken into Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee was competing in Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions. The newfangled Birdie’s is open for business, and reservations could get slim after next week. You can join Kevin for a watch party as he cooks against 15 other qualifiers on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. That episode follows Kevin’s attempt to compete for a place in the $150,000 tournament on Food Network. Look for a special pop-up menu at the bar that night, too.

And don’t be terribly surprised if you see Kevin’s smiling face appear on a couple other Food Network shows this year.

Free Margarita at Sabor de la Baja

Sat down with the chef/owner Gerardo Banuelos of Sabor de la Baja last week for a story I’m writing for Edible OKC but got a couple of nuggets to share. By the time that story runs, Valentine’s Day will have come and gone. Banuelos told me he’s got a special offer coming on Wednesday Feb. 14 anyone not teetotalling will be interested to know about.

“Free margaritas,” he told me. “We’ll offer a free margarita to anyone who comes in on Valentine’s Day.”

Just one, but where I come from that’s a deal. Especially when you see how reasonable the rest of the menu is. Keep in mind there are now two locations to choose from, one on NW 10th Street the other on Reno in Midwest City. Cheers!

The News Counter

Chef Chris McKenna, recently of The Joinery, tells me he will help Jeremiah and Brandi Esterline open Tiny Bubbles in Northpark Mall next month. He also has more dinners lined up with chef Richard Ly at Awaji Izakaya. …

Not a restaurant, but local foodies know The Meat House in Edmond was a great place to find premium proteins and local products. Was because it closed without warning last week. They made the announcement on social media, much to the chagrin of folks who’d picked up gift cards over the holidays. …

Speaking of the holidays, I missed where The Catch location at Belle Isle Shopping Center had closed. The same group that owns The Wedge and closed its original location, has rights to The Catch franchising here. After the Belle Isle location closed, two remain – one in Midwest City and one near Quail Springs Mall. …

Okie Pokie is returning to Uptown. Starting tomorrow, it will operate inside Mucker’s Pub through April 1. …

Events

Feb. 8: Pachinko, 7204 N Western Ave., will host a six-course Sushi, Sake & Sochu Tasting. Cost is $95 and starts at 6:30 p.m. Call 773-991-3707 for reservations.

Feb. 13: Power House and Sedalia’s Oyster and Seafood will collaborate on a Fat Tuesday party in the Farmers Market District. Look for a special menu featuring crawfish. Dinner runs 4 to 9 p.m. at The Powerhouse and reservations can be made here.

Feb. 16: The Diner in Norman will house a three-course dinner and demonstration by chef Luke Fry and Fryed House. The Valentine-themed menu includes Cupids Rosy Cheeks (brie mousse puffs with cherry-rose marmalade); Charred St Valentine (Flame-roasted eggplant and ruby port caponata crostini); Tender Lovin (Red Wine Beef Short Ribs with crispy green onion garnish); Smooth Criminal Cheesy Potato Puree;  Garlic Winter Greens and Shiraz Shrooms. Dessert is Piece of My Heart Kabobs(Skewered pineapples, strawberries and blueberry muffin hearts served with Champagne Creme Anglaise & Caramelized White Chocolate Crumble). Cost is $50 per guest. Soda and tea will be provided; however, guests can bring their own booze. Get your tickets here.

Next up: The January Dining Report.