BRASIL EXPANDS

Chef Ana Davis of Cafe do Brasil, 440 N.W. 11th, has announced that her restaurant will open for lunch and dinner on Mondays, “due to popular demand.” She built her extensive, authentic menu while working as a guest chef in her native country of Brazil.

Reach Cafe do Brasil at 525- 9779. Be sure to visit its second-floor Bossa Nova Bar.

SOME COME; SOME GO

Othello’s, 434 Buchanan in Norman, has closed its doors. Owned for about four years by Jennifer Burgell, the Italian restaurant offered good food, music, comedy and half-price pizza during Sunday happy hour.

But, it’s not all sad news for the Norman restaurant. Othello’s in Edmond is buying the Norman restaurant. Stay tuned for more.

In Stillwater, CiCi’s Pizza, 721 N. Main, shut its doors.

Banana Island, 1500 N.W. 23rd, has closed. The restaurant specialized in tasty Malaysian cuisine, but the owners recently sold the business and moved to another state. Moving in is the well-known Taj Cuisine of India, opening after remodeling.

“We will be coming in a few weeks,” owner Mani Raju said. Call 601-1888 before you go to be sure it’s open for business.

Note that the Prohibition Room, 1112 N.W. 23rd, is winding down business at the Gold Dome location and will close on July 31. Rumors are swirling about a possible new location, and co-owner Richard Sauve said they are working on a possible site, but it will not be the Tower Theater. Stay tuned!

CHOW CHAT 

Oklahoma City native and wine broker Rick Naifeh, 49, is the co-owner with wife, Julie, of Premium Brands. He is related to almost everyone in town.

Horoscope follower? “I am a Gemini and don’t follow it.”

Famous person you look like: “Richard Gere. I’m kidding!” Any superstitions? “Yes! I have to be in the same spot every time if the Sooners are playing, and it’s kind of crazy but we do it.”

Your signature dish in your own restaurant: “It would be something Arabic, and probably grape leaves. I am so lucky I haven’t had to cook much, as my mother is a fantastic cook and so is my wife.”

Your mom is? “Imogene Naifeh, who owns Linwood Package Store Liquor and Wine and Spirits in downtown Oklahoma City since 1969.”

Your own wine epiphany? “I was in New York with the Wednesday Lunch Guys (a group of Oklahoma City chefs and businessmen) in the 21 Club in New York City.”

Would like to come back as: “Jack Nicklaus.”

Unusual food story: “My son, Ben Callaway, is in China and last week ate a whole frog. Yes, it was cooked.”

Your one real indulgence: “Sweets … and I love chocolate; (it) is my weakness.”

Best business advice: “If we tell someone we’re going to do something, we follow up. In the wine business, drink a little less, drink smarter and look for better wines. Moderation is the key.”


Live music at Hefner Grill

Hefner Grill co-owner Joe Jungmann said he would do it and he did! Hefner Grill, 9201 Lake Hefner Parkway, now has a baby grand piano, and pianist Justin Echols is playing Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Manager Brad Gambino said he is excited about the addition of live music in the restaurant.

“It’s live jazz and open to anything the guests would like to hear.”

Inductees announced Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business announced five Hall of Honor inductees that will be honored on Nov. 3 at the Cox Convention Center.

Among the five is Stan Clark, founder of Stillwater’s Eskimo Joe’s.

Clark is the president of Stan Clark Companies, which owns Eskimo Joe’s and other restaurants in Stillwater. He is a Tulsa native and a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

He had $1,200 to his name when a friend threw out the idea that they should open a bar, and Eskimo Joe’s opened its doors not long after on July 21, 1975. Clark is now the sole proprietor of Eskimo Joe’s. —Carol Smaglinski

  • or