The farm-to-fork concept – the deceptively complex idea of a restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients – has gained momentum in recent years, with several examples in the metro. One of the newest and best is, appropriately enough, called Local, at 2262 W. Main in Norman, tucked into the Normandy Creek Shopping Center.
Outfitted with industrial/urban chic décor, Local offers a creative menu, knowledgeable service and a few intriguing extras – including Localville, a fully supervised play and dining area for children, as well as a market with full meals available for takeout.
The menu, crafted by executive chef Ryan Parrott, changes seasonally and according to the availability of local ingredients. (A list of source farms and ranches is on the restaurant’s website, eatatlocal.com, so diners know exactly where their food originates.) In the current lineup, the Asian Beef Carpaccio ($10) is an excellent appetizer, with a base of thinly sliced beef, green papaya, red and green bell pepper, onion and carrots, enhanced with spiced peanuts, sesame and cilantro. There are also several superb choices among the entrees: the Trout ($16) is served with green beans, pecans and an out-of-this-world lump crab risotto. For a bit of whimsy, try the Meatloaf Cupcakes ($14). The meat is nicely spiced, with mashed potatoes for “icing,” alongside a mushroom sauce and served with a goat cheese biscuit.
For dessert, the Chocolate Chipotle Cake ($6) is a molten delight, with just enough hot pepper to create a unique taste sensation.
Note that due to the nature of the menu, not all the items above may be available on every visit. Local lives up to its name, and is a welcome and worthy addition to the growing number of eateries specializing in Oklahoma-sourced cuisine.
