The time has come for OG Sushi

Bittersweet is the flavor of this week's news from the 405 diningscape

One of the city’s oldest restaurants has reopened only minutes from the Britton District which continues to grow (all the way to Casady Square?), and plenty more signs of growth to report, but a couple cherished spots have gone dark. And it’s only Wednesday — Wednesday morning!

First the good news, chef Koji Omori and his wife, Asuka have reopened Tokyo Japanese Restaurant (& OG Sushi Source of the 405) in a brand-new space. The grand opening isn’t until Friday, but until then you’re welcome to drop by and choose from a limited menu for a sneak peek at the shiny, new space. An expanded parking lot is very close to complete where the original space stood. The sleek, modern space is hued in pink with green accents. The L-shaped sushi bar appears to have doubled capacity. The complete new menu will be available starting Friday. Details on that soon.

Dropped by Tuesday long enough to bump into a lot of familiar faces, including chef Jeff Chanchaleune of Ma Der Lao Kitchen. He was busy getting ready to host a troupe of chefs from Gordon Ramsay’s MasterChef for a sold-out event Sunday night. Also seen were Humankind Hospitality president Shaun Fiaccone, Hai Luong of Super Cao Nguyen Market, and Benoit Trocard of Vignobles Trocard in from Bordeaux, France. Rick Naifeh of Premium Brands Wine and Spirits squired Trocard into Tokyo following a Monday tour of Tulsa. Trocard was the Oklahoma Restaurant Association’s keynote speaker at annual The Hirst Awards that evening, high above T-Town in the historic Summit Club.

The sushi looked great as always, but my date with lunch was previously scheduled for the new Burger Punk location in the Britton District. Any chance for me to get my hands on The Clash is nearly irresistible – throw in a chance to catch up with former Yelp queen Julie Porter, and I am helpless but to obey.

The new Burger Punk location is a landmark for 84 Hospitality and its concept that sprouted from a mobile kitchen in 2018. Burger Punk represents 84 Hospitality Group’s second expansion campaign, following in the footsteps of Empire Slice House and its seven statewide locations. The new Burger Punk is at 915 W. Britton Road, right next door to Zero Tolerance Coffee and Chocolate. Burger Punk has experience with resuscitation campaigns. It was among the concepts that helped the Paseo Arts District reach its current blossom. The new location is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

The new space has more interior seating than the Paseo location with a smaller back patio. It’ takes over the space previously held by Venn Pizza. Burger Punk buttresses the ongoing and long, long overdue refresh of the Britton District. Now boasting a brewery, distillery, two full-service restaurants and a killer coffee house, Britton’s moment has arrived.

But let’s be clear. A burger topped with fresh jalapenos and Doritos (sigh) is now about 10 minutes closer to me than before. More chips on burgers and sandwiches, amirite?

When I sat down with Dave Osburn and Jason Pool at Symmetry, which opened Monday, we dreamed on the Britton District vibe crossing the railroad tracks breathing fresh inspiration right through Casady Square all the way to Hal Smith Island, which reminds me of a part of our conversation I didn’t get to include in the previous story.

I did mention Dave and Jason were both resent HSR ex-pats. On that subject, Dave called his 24-year employer “the greatest hospitality group in the country.” And he said it with all the conviction of a Marine, which he happens to be. He’s not only a vet of the Armed Forces but a 24-year vet of the hospitality industry. Jason has 19 years under his belt and was quick to second his partner’s proclamation with: “We learned from the best; that’s why we’re confident.”

Best of luck to all these new arrivals to the 405 diningscape, and to Charlie Khalaf of Oozie Mediterranean Restaurant, who told me he found a new home for my favorite cabbage rolls ever in Edmond. Oozie takes over the space previously occupied by The Real Café on Edmond Road.

Now for the bad news. It started with a fire early Friday morning at the original Sunnyside Diner in downtown Oklahoma City. While Happy Plate Concepts prepares to reopen Classen Grill, it now faces a major reconstruction job. This could take a minute, but Sunnyside will be back.

On the other hand, neither Moni’s Pasta and Pizza nor Scratch Paseo will.

Moni’s co-owner John Foster posted the news on social media Friday, thanking the 405 diningscape for nearly a decade of patronage. John’s wife and business partner Rachel, who was Moni’s executive chef, suffered a freak scooter accident this time last year, resulting in a catastrophic brain injury. Defying all odds, Rachel not only survived but is working toward a full recovery. An avid athlete and runner, Rachel recovered in time to take part in the Boston Marathon earlier this year. John didn’t give specific reasons for the closure, but while Rachel recovers they have presented their miraculous story at ticketed events both at the restaurant and the Rodeo Theater.

Then yesterday, James Beard Award semifinalist chef Zach Hutton and his wife Cayla posted on social media that their Scratch Paseo had ceased operations. This is a real loss for the Paseo, which has grown into such a strong destination for entertainment.  Zach’s approach to comfort food is as fresh and authentic as any chef’s in the state. His loop of local ingredients was an inspiration, but it was also high-risk. Unfortunately, its time is no more but I have no doubt Zach and Cayla, who is as talented a bartender as Zach is a chef, will land on their feet very soon. I reached out to Zach, and when we have a chance to chat I’ll pass along their next plans.

Helping us end on a happier note, Rococo owner Bruce Rinehart asked me to remined everyone he will celebrate three years on Western Avenue tomorrow night with live music, gift card giveaways, and a special Drift Wood menu. Rinehart first brought his East-Coast vibe to the 405 two decades ago, and it’s still going strong. Cheers to Bruce and the Rococo gang, but be sure to pour one out for Scratch and Moni’s if you drop by.