Ice puts freeze on already beleaguered restaurants
New taqueria delayed but prepared to take on winter with heated patio
Icy weather not only delayed the opening of a new gourmet taco bar in Uptown, it also added an unwelcome layer of hardship on local restaurants already bloodied and bruised by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prolonged power and Internet outages forced restaurants all over the city out of operation, some into the weekend and beyond.
With walk-in refrigerators and freezers downed, food loss was substantial on top of the loss of business.
Kudos to the Shadids over at Ned's Starlight Lounge and Ned's Catering for lending walk-in space to his neighbors on the east side of North May Avenue like Vito's Ristorante, Sean Cummings Irish Restaurant and Pub, and La Baguette Bistro.
On top of that, COVID-19 numbers are once again on the rise, meaning the best way to support our local restaurants right now is with carryout meals or delivery. Could be a chance to get a head start on those restaurant gift cards for stocking-stuffers. Weather is still mild enough for outdoor dining on patios operating in compliance of CDC guidelines.
Ted's Tacos and Cantina, 600 NW 23rd St Suite A, opened a few days later than anticipated last week thanks to the ice storm. The little brother to Ted's Cafe Escondido features a large outdoor dining room with two built-in overhead heaters and a fireplace to ensure it's seating folks deep into winter. The immediate forecast shows temperatures mild enough for outdoor
dining, which has grown leaps and bounds in the past couple of months.
The new Ted's concept offers counter service and a full bar service available once you're seated. The menu is taco-centric, but I suspect the margaritas will flow best with chips, queso, salsa, loaded waffle fries and nachos for days.
The signature Wet Taco is Ted's rendition of birria quesatacos with consomme — rich, cheesy and ideal for margarita and cerveza chasing.
Landing next-door to local legend Big Truck Tacos, which has its own outdoor seating options, has Uptown suddenly looking like an interesting place to go on tacobout.
Vets eat free
Veterans day is today, and many local restaurants plan to offer service members a token of appreciation.
•Alfredo's Mexican Café is offering free meals to veterans that day for dine-in services at all three Alfredo's locations. The restaurant is also donating 5% of the month's proceeds in November to Warriors for Freedom.
•Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will offer veterans a free All American Burger with Cheese with proof of service. In-person redemption only.
•Mazzio's Pizza locations are offering a free lunch buffet and to all veterans and active military personnel.
•Dickey's Barbecue Pit is offering a free Pulled Pork Classic Sandwich to vets. To redeem, guests must present a military ID or valid proof of service.
•Pie Five Pizza has a free personal pizza to all active or retired members of the military, and current or past members of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense with proof of ID. This offer is valid in-store only at participating locations.
•Bubba's 33, 6212 SW 3 St., is offering free lunch to veterans and active military plus a rain-check voucher for those unable to attend this year's event. Vets and active military can pick up a voucher good through the end of June 2021 in the parking lot tent. Those interested in a free cheeseburger, bacon burger, bacon chicken mac-n-cheese, grilled chicken salad, chicken tender salad or pepperoni pizza and a beverage should bring their VA card or discharge papers between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Talking turkey
The COVID-19 pandemic is going to make for a one-of-akind Thanksgiving experience whether you eat at home or at a restaurant thanks to public health restrictions.
More restaurants than usual are offering Thanksgiving carryout options.
Already, Red Rooster, Social Deck and Dining and Back Door BBQ have announced announced to-go menus for Thanksgiving feasts. Same with Bill Kamp's Meat Market, which can be ordered online at billkampsmeatmarket.com.
The running list of restaurants open for Thanksgiving this year does NOT include Rococo's as it usually does. But chef/owner Bruce Rinehart is joining the fray offering Thanksgiving to-go this year. Rinehart said he will offer ready-to-heat Thanksgiving dinners from the original location on N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Rinehart and his wife Amber are fast approaching the birth of a brand-new Rococo location at the corner of NW 42 and Western. Look for photos early next week online at oklahoman.com/dave-cathey.
You'll also find the running list of restaurants on Thanksgiving with updates as we get closer to the holiday there. Here's where things stand.
• Cafe Cuvee, 1200 N Walker Ave., Thanksgiving service, 898-8120.
• Cracker Barrel locations in Edmond and Oklahoma City will have take-out options.
• Flint, 15 N Robinson Ave. (Colcord Hotel), open regular hours, 605-0657.
• Grand House, 2701 N Classen Blvd., special Dim Sum service, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 524-7333.
• Ingrid's Kitchen, 3701 N Youngs Blvd., offering takeout options, 946-8444.
• Legend's Restaurant, 1312 W Lindsey St., Norman, four seatings. Call about possible Friday seating, 329-8888.
• Masa Ramen and Sushi, 1001 W Memorial Road, Suite 104, regular menu all day, 463-0303.
• Nic's Place Diner and Lounge, 1116 N Robinson Ave., traditional Thanksgiving dinner with options, call 601-9234 for details.
• Szechuan Bistro, 1010 W Memorial Road, regular menu, take-out only, 7528889.