Locally sourced news on the summer menu

Id Est Nonesuch takeover nears, tacos nigh on the east side, and new ramen for Norman

With Id Est’s takeover of Nonesuch nigh, let’s take a trip around the 405 diningscape to see what’s cookin’ …

When June comes it’ll mean a new dining report is due. Since May still has some meat left on the bone, I haven’t started ranking yet, but I can assure you a very special night at Ma Der Lao Kitchen will be represented. The night in question was a collaboration between chefs Jeff Chanchaleune and Veronica Zelada, who first founded Café Antigua then Café Kacao.

Veronica’s story is amazing. So amazing, it will be among those depicted in the book I’m working on for OU Press. Not only is she a domestic violence survivor, she’s a successful businesswoman, chef and growing celebrity back in her home country.

To get there, she had to survive an international bus ride with a newborn, a cross-country trip with three kids, arriving to Oklahoma with no prospects all while harboring the talent and passion to be a chef without an outlet.

To say she earned the accolades coming her way recently is beyond understatement. News tickets to the two-seating dinner sold out in a matter of hours was as delicious as the Peruvian Hamachi Ceviche that started the five-course dinner. …

Tamashii Ramen House owners Wakana and Matthew Sebacher will soon open their third location. The new spot will be on Main Street in downtown Norman and opens this summer. Tamashii was the first ramen restaurant in Oklahoma City and Edmond, but comes to Norman after ramen restaurants have begun to pop up with more regularity. Downtown Norman is already home to Ink Fire Ramen and Tapas, but a trip this spring didn’t unearth much inspiration. …

You might remember I wrote about Awaji a couple of months ago. That came out of a project I was working on for Edible Oklahoma City, and that piece has now published so run and go check it out! …

When it comes to eating in and around  the State Capitol complex, Florence’s Restaurant is the absolute go-to. Need something a little fancier? Then it’s Jamil’s Steakhouse. George’s Happy Hog and Wing Supreme are outstanding places for quick-and-dirty deliciousness.

My new jam in the neighborhood is El Metate. This little family-run taqueria opened back in January and early results have been astounding. A chorizo burrito, Gordita al pastor, flautas, and dorados all hit high marks and the chips and salsa were distinct from any others. Highly recommend. …

Was cool seeing Zach Edge spotlighted by the Ministers of Smoke on Instagram. Zach has done an amazing job since starting over at Maples BBQ back in the day. Edge Craft has become my favorite stop for brisket and pastrami in the 405 diningscape, and the photographic evidence is overwhelming. Big fan of the red beans and rice, which replaces the charro beans. …

Watch out east Oklahoma City, it’s about to get off the Hook. Chef Corey Harris will soon open Corey B. Cookin’ at the corner of NE 23rd and North Bryant Avenue. Look for the new home of the famous Lobster Melt to open well before summer is over. …