If you’re like me, when you choose to eat out, by default, it’s often for American or Mexican cuisine. But some days, you want something a little … well, more adventurous.
How about some Asian fusion, for a change?
I recently checked out Inkfire Ramen Tapas & Bar, located in historic Downtown Norman. If you’re looking for several hours of entertainment, Downtown Norman—also known as the Walker Arts District – is home to several arts-related businesses and is the venue for the city’s Second Friday Art Walk, so Inkfire is a great starting (or ending) point for your outing.
Opened two years ago as a “passion project” by Vickie Su Mcdaniels, who describes herself as “highly motivated to create new taste combinations.”
When you visit Inkfire, you’ll most likely be greeted by one of the restaurant’s managers, Mallory Hamblin and Ken Ha, who handle most of the day-to-day business.
Ken seated us at a long table toward the back and welcomed all questions about their menu offerings. He explained that at Inkfire, the focus is “on Asian fusion with a traditional pathway while holding true to the core of most dishes,” with a personal flavor and spice spin.
Some of Inkfire’s signature dishes, he said, are the crab puffs, dragon fire ramen, Inkfire wings, and the bacon enoki mushrooms.
For appetizers, we ordered the edamame with garlic, sunomno (a restaurant original, Japanese-style cucumber salad), chicken gyoza (pan-fried potstickers; shrimp also available) and the aforementioned crab puffs—all quite tasty.
My sister ordered the Inkfire Black Seafood soup from the Ramen and Noodle list. Featuring seafood dashi broth, shrimp, fish cake, mussels, crab meat and scallops, this selection was by far the most eye-catching dish of the visit.
This family-owned and -operated restaurant offers an excellent menu with plenty of options, including gluten-free and vegetarian, and a warm, friendly service in a clean, casual atmosphere.
And oh yes, they also have a huge selection of drinks, including Japanese liquor and beer, and Ken highly recommends their lychee margarita.
InkFire Ramen Tapas & Bar
121 E Main St.
405.857.8233