Thanksgiving served with cheese, onions and everthin' this year

Nic's Grill to sling burgers on Turkey Day

Since 2008 the first of November meant one thing for me: rounding up a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Oklahoma City for The Oklahoman.

I passed that responsibility onto my successor at The Oke, the amazing JaNae Williams, who has already launched the running list (link below) of restaurants open on Turkey Day.

However, there is one place missing: Nic’s Grill.

Owner Justin “Nic” Nicholas hosted Thanksgiving service at Nic’s Place for many years, but since closing that place earlier this year his Thanksgiving plans were wide open.

After many conversations about the merits of Cornish game hens gorged with cornbread stuffing for friends and family, Nic did a 180.

“My mother decided she was going out of town for Thanksgiving,” he told me. “I got to thinkin’ about it, and decided I’d just soon be open than stay at home.”
But he won’t be serving turkey and dressing. Far from it.

“When I was open for Thanksgiving over at Nic’s Place people used to always say, ‘Nic, I sure wish you were doin’ burgers and fries today.’ So, that’s what I’m doin’”

That’s right, Nic’s Grill will be open it’s regular lunch hours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving the monstrous burgers and hand-cranked fries it’s known for. Nic is a big ol’ romantic, so don’t be surprised to find some kind of homage to traditional pumpkin and/or pecan dessert available.

As per usual, the hotel restaurants will be open, and many chains will follow suit. Fast-food chains open late Thanksgiving more and more.  For details, keep an eye on JaNae’s trusty running list of dining for The Oklahoman.

Pizza Pontification

I’m a little tardy sharing this on The Feed, but the pizza-centric podcast we recorded with Rob Crissinger is ever-green. If you’re a pizza fiend like Rob, this podcast will be inspirational.

Carryout News

The Dallassing of Oklahoma City has arrived in the form of a development called The Oak, and with it came with The Capital Grille. Maybe this will assuage all those folks who’ve been clamoring for a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for 30 years only to watch Tulsa get it instead. The Oak is also home to The Lively Hotel and Cloud Puncher. If that isn’t Dallas enough for you, it’s sending an upscale chain called Mesero to The Oak soon. And if you go into the Tommy Bahama store, you’ll find The Marlin Bar. It would take a few drinks for me to enjoy being in a store with nothing but Tommy Bahamawear. …

Nonesuch has reopened with a brand-new logo and a menu. Not a tasting menu. A menu that includes chicken-fried steak for the table ($50). Really looking forward to see how current James Beard superstars Kelly and Erika Whitaker affect the experience. I’ll be there about six weeks to find out. Stay tuned, Feeders.

Speaking of the James Beard Awards, nominations for the 2025 awards are winding down. The portal is open through Nov. 29. Tabulations will run through the holidays, and a fresh list of semifinalists will be announced in late January. I am not a voter this year, but my money is on chefs Kevin Lee and Zak Walters. More coming on this subject after the nominating process has ended. …

Looks like Awaji has added lunch service. …

Collaborations have been all the rage in the 405 diningscape for a while now. Chef Jeff Chanchaleune is the chief instigator, as Ben Krodel recently wrote. A couple of big ones to put on your radar:

The aforementioned Mr. Lee is partnering with chef Josh Valentine on Nov.25 for a ticketed event at Birdie’s by chef Kevin Lee. Not to be outdone, chef Zack Walters of Sedalia’s will pair up with The Big Kahuna himself, Kurt Fleischfresser, on a dinner at The Tasting Room next Wednesday. It would be a shame to miss either of these, so make plans. …

Edmond Railyard had a couple of recent defections: Eddie Wren’s Hott Wings closed last week, and Oak City Pizza will shutter at the end of the week. Hott Wings was by far the smallest of Wrenn’s holdings. Eddie’s Grill has two locations, and he also has The Lounge. The wings will flow at either Eddie’s Grill. The Ice House Project, just around the corner from Edmond Railyard, also recently lost The Creamery. …

As I mentioned, I’ll be back in the 405 diningscape in December – already got tickets to a Thunder game – and will have some key new places on my list to visit. Jared Gleaton swears by Akai, and Mamacita’s looks promising, and I never got to make it to The Goose. Ben Krodel checked it out, and is working on a piece about it. Also love to see what Zach Hutton is doing at The Old Ice House in Edmond. Pha Kai Thai and Japanese opened right about the time I was moving, so I never got a chance to try it.

Where would you send me? Will swap you for some suggestions in Santa Fe down the road. Until then, be on the lookout for a review of Fait Maison this weekend.

Stay hungry, my friends, I will leave  you with the best 10 meals I had in the 405 in September and October as I was in and out of town moving West.

1.      Lunch with the boys, Szechuan Bistro

For years, Szechuan Bistro has been a standard-bearer for Chinese cuisine in the 405 diningscape. It is a low-key secret haunt for local chefs. It’s only gotten better over time, and when you hand the reins to chef Kevin Lee to order, watch out!

2.      Oeuf en Meurette, Fait Maison

I have more to write about my latest meal at Fair Maison, but this egg poached in red wine that comes with bacon, croutons, mushrooms and red wine sauce is strictly served on the Fait Maison patio.

3.      Bone Marrow potatoes, Symmetry

On an evening when salmon and steak were bound to be stars, it was bone marrow mashed potatoes that shone brightest.

4.      Pumpkin-Chocolate Meringue Pie, Railyard Pie Co.

Railyard Pie Co. owner Lynn Muir hates pumpkin pie. Don’t worry, she sells it. Plenty of it for Thanskgiving. But if you happen to see a version in her case that has a layer of chocolate ganache and expertly torched meringue sandwiching the pumpkin, grab it!

5.      Dutch baby pancakes, Tiny Bubbles Wine Bar

Brunch is all weekend long at Tiny Bubbles, and this treat served in a cast-iron is breakfast or dessert.

6.      Apple Fritters from Nic’s Grill

Nic’s got breakfast running again, and the little apple fritters are more State Fair than Applewood’s, but no less delicious.

7.      Sushi, Tokyo Restaurant

One of my last meals was at the 405 diningscape’s OG sushi joint. I love this place, and the boat its fresh fish comes in on.

8.      Mussels, Papa Dio’s

Family dinner at Papa Dio’s is a great place to show your mussels.

9.      Bibimbap, Bulgogi Restaurant

This isn’t the first time this dish has appeared on the list. Hey, if you’re in Moore or Norman and think Edmond is too far, check out Jjan Pocha.

10.   Pastries and coffee, Bradford House

The atmosphere is right, the Cafe Miel perfect, and the pastries are divine. Can’t wait to warm up there next month.