Rachel Cope and Jeff Chanchaleune are partnering to launch a new restaurant and bar in the thriving Plaza District.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro1.jpg

Dubbed Goro Ramen + Izakaya, it will be located directly east of The Mule at 1634 NW 16th, in an apartment building currently being remodeled into commercial space. In Japan, Izakaya is an informal drinking establishment.

Cope and Chanchaleune have been partners in Project Slurp, a pop-up series of dinners around Oklahoma City. Through these meals, the pair experimented with various types of ramen, Japanese appetizers and cocktails which shaped the menu for Goro.

Chanchaleune is the former chef/co-owner of the Kaiteki Ramen food truck, and Rachel Cope is an owner at the Plaza's Empire Slice House.

The new venture will feature several types of ramen plus Japanese-inspired appetizers including various versions of steamed buns.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro.jpg


The pair settled on the paitan (chicken) broth as their ramen base and will add several different creative toppings.

In addition to the main dining area, there will also be a small courtyard between Goro and The Mule. The parent group for Goro, 84 Hospitality, will be taking the office space directly above.

Tentative hours will be 11AM to at least midnight, with the likelihood of late-night hours as well.

Goro will also offer a full bar with several signature cocktails. Opening will be spring of 2016.

Oh man. I am excited now.

Just when you think there is simply no more room for stuff in the plaza, they go and throw something else in...

Maybe their operating hours won't be quite as strange as Tamashii.

This is cool. Is this new construction?

This is cool. Is this new construction?

No it's a renovation of the existing small apartment building east of the Mule. It's in the article at the top. Glad to see more growth for the plaza.

No it's a renovation of the existing small apartment building east of the Mule. It's in the article at the top. Glad to see more growth for the plaza.

Thanks. Don't know how I missed that.

I really really really hope Plaza people are having major brainstorming sessions on how to seamlessly connect with Classen. I want the Plaza's upward trajectory to continue well into the 2020s.

Plus they already have a Mascot.
11876

Plus they already have a Mascot.
11876
Beat me to it.

Any update on this place? I hope it is better than Tamashii, which was a huge disappointment.

Any update on this place? I hope it is better than Tamashii, which was a huge disappointment.

I personally think it will be. Not a fan of Tamashii either. Only had Kaiteki a few times over a year ago, but I felt it was much better than Tamashii.

What makes Kaiteki better than Tamashii?

Any update on this place? I hope it is better than Tamashii, which was a huge disappointment.

Moving along... Probably summer opening now due to some construction delays.

What makes Kaiteki better than Tamashii?

Keep in mind that I've only been to Tamashii once. But, IMO, the broth wasn't nearly as flavorful and the noodles weren't that great. With ramen, you're supposed to get a sort of chewy noodle. Didn't get that here. To be fair, I can't recall the texture of Kaiteki, as it has been quite a long time since I've had it. But their broth was certainly better. The 3-4 times I had Kaiteki, I was always pleased with the flavor.

Another knock I have on Tamashii is their gyoza and takoyaki. Gyoza tasted old actually, like it was cooked way earlier in the day and reheated. Outside wrap was super dry and hard. And takoyaki wasn't even close to what it's supposed to taste like. I will give them props for attempting it, however. Don't think there's a single other place in town that offers it. My visit was still in the early days, so maybe they have improved.

Where is Kaiteki?

Where is Kaiteki?

It was a food truck.

Keep in mind that I've only been to Tamashii once. But, IMO, the broth wasn't nearly as flavorful and the noodles weren't that great. With ramen, you're supposed to get a sort of chewy noodle. Didn't get that here. To be fair, I can't recall the texture of Kaiteki, as it has been quite a long time since I've had it. But their broth was certainly better. The 3-4 times I had Kaiteki, I was always pleased with the flavor.

Another knock I have on Tamashii is their gyoza and takoyaki. Gyoza tasted old actually, like it was cooked way earlier in the day and reheated. Outside wrap was super dry and hard. And takoyaki wasn't even close to what it's supposed to taste like. I will give them props for attempting it, however. Don't think there's a single other place in town that offers it. My visit was still in the early days, so maybe they have improved.

Thx, we've been to Tamashii twice and liked it both times (both times within the past few months), thought the noodles were quite chewy, but we also had a soft-boiled egg in the broth, which made it really nice and rich. Never tried their gyoza or takoyaki, though, just the fried chicken (which was just average), but if I had gotten that kind of gyoza, I'd probably send it back, that's just wrong...

We'll definitely try Goro (about 6 months after the opening), though.

I was much more impressed with Tamashii on my most recent visit (a month or two ago) than I was on my first 2 or 3 visits. Ramen was really excellent the last time I went.

One complaint about Tamashii that hopefully Goro addresses, you totally reek of ramen when you leave. Not sure if that's because of the building size, the interior temperature (tends to be hot) ventalation issues or something else. But damn.

A few photos from their Instagram feed:

12252 12253 12254

From yesterday... Were some construction delays with the overall building, as it's being converted from apartments.

The bottom floor will be mostly Goro with The Mule taking some space at the back to expand their kitchen

Above will be offices. 84 Hospitality -- the parent company of Goro, Empire and Revolucion -- will be taking the northern half of the top floor.

Patio looks rough but will be cool when the fence is removed and the telephone pole and a/c units relocated. Also may add a small patio along 16th, ala Empire & The Mule.

They are hoping to be open by June; should be really cool.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro021816a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro021816b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro021816c.jpg

Moving pretty quickly now (from https://twitter.com/GoroRamen):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro032116.jpg

I've been calling for several years on this board for an authentic izakaya to enter the market. I have my reservations about a young kid from Guthrie - albeit talented kid - being able to accurately capture a real izakaya experience........but at least it's a step in the right direction.

Curious if he'll have aspara-bacon and good ol nikujaga. Easy things to prepare and something all westerners unfamiliar with Japanese food will enjoy.

We wired up the place on Monday. They are close to going into the insulation and drywall phase once their framing inspection is completed this week into next.

It was a food truck.

Was? Wow I didn't know they'd shut down. Actually now that I think of it, I haven't seen them out for a long time.

Was? Wow I didn't know they'd shut down. Actually now that I think of it, I haven't seen them out for a long time.

I don't believe they shut down. I follow them on Facebook, and they said they will be posting their schedule soon.

Many trucks winterize.

Which is understandable. But to me, there is no better time to eat a delicious, hot bowl of ramen than during the winter. Guess it'd it be difficult for the customers though; trying to sit outside somewhere in the cold eating ramen. Brick and mortar would probably make the most sense.

Food trucks have it hard in OKC. They're not really meant to travel like that. 1 hour, 2 hour parking meters downtown? They need more parks to setup symbiotic food courts. When I go to food truck Mecca towns like LA Portland or Austin. The traveling trucks make rotations throughout the week/month like chasing unicorns. But these are the ones that cut the lines at 150 people because that's all the food they can carry and sell out in minutes. I'm still trying to track down peach in Austin 3 years later.

Vent hood going in; from https://twitter.com/GoroRamen :

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CirlV4cU4AEwQh-.jpg:large

Does anyone have an update on when we can expect Goro to open? If I recall correctly, they were hoping to open late spring of 2016. I drive by daily and it looks like there is a fair bit of work to complete. I can't wait for this place to open up!!

They were shooting for this month but it may end up being in July.

They are moving along and hopefully the final details will come together pretty quickly.

From Twitter:

12671

From their FB page... They are planning a soft opening next week:

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13495270_945130369683_8768767314035571622_n.jpg?oh =c68d09697ea801ff9e36f0e95317f142&oe=580F5371

Very close now; should be opening in the next week or so.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro070616a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro070616b.jpg

They had so!e sort of soft opening or tasting from evidence I saw on Facebook

Looks like they're open tonight from 5pm - 2am with a limited menu, Saturday from 5pm-2am and Sunday from 5pm-10pm.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cm3_ZbJUkAQySTr.jpg

I ate there over the weekend, and it was delicious. Definitely a good place to order a bunch of appetizers and share them around the table. I still prefer the ramen at Tamashii, but just based on the style, not the quality. The service we had was great even though the place was packed, no hiccups there at all. I'll definitely be coming back.

Are they officially opened? I called the number on their FB page yesterday and it rang and rang.

I think it's a softish opening. They open at 4:00 p.m.

This place is amazing. Go try it.

Has anyone done/seen a side by side review/foodblog of the 2 ramen shops in town, whats what etc., I know there was a Gazette review for Tamashii a couple weeks ago.?

I like Tamashii, but from my first experience at Goro, Goro would win, hands down.

I swung by goro today. The best thing I had was the chicken steam bun. Ramen costs more, but you get less. Not as greasy/salty. Pork belly wasn't crispy, and was a bit tough. If I wanted variety, go for Goro. Else, I'd take Tamashii. Usually only going for ramen.

We liked that right off the bat, Goro had vegetarian options. That wasn't the case at Tamashii (they do have some now, however). Both are good but we'll probably favor Goro from now on. By far the most authentic Japanese cuisine I've had in OKC. Their drinks and beer selection are amazing as well. Seems as though business at Goro has been quite brisk. At our 2nd visit they'd removed a couple of items from the menu as they couldn't keep up with demand!

Wanted to give a shout out to this place...went last night and it was spectacular. One of the best meals I've had recently. Very cool place, lots of activity in Plaza, great little district.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro082816a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/goro082816b.jpg

Wasn't this supposed to be yellow? That green is terrible.

I think it looks sharp and adds to the eclectic Plaza vibe.

Ate here last week and loved it. Can't wait to go again!

They now serve lunch on Saturday and Sunday starting at 11AM.

Is the second story an apartment that is being rented out? Same question re: The Mule.

I think the second story of The Mule building is rented as offices. Not sure about the Goro building...

Is the second story an apartment that is being rented out? Same question re: The Mule.

Yes, offices including the parent company of Goro, Empire and Revolucion.

I spoke with Rachel Chanchaleune at Goro last week and they plan to start opening for lunch on weekdays beginning January 9th.

Press release:

****************



84 Hospitality Announces Opening of Tori Tori! in Former Goro Ramen Space
Goro Ramen and Gun Izakaya To Combine into One Concept

Oklahoma City, OK (August 12, 2020) – 84 Hospitality, the Oklahoma City-based restaurant group known for creating unique hangouts that nurture possibility and community, announced today that their popular Japanese-inspired concepts Goro Ramen and Gun Izakaya, will be merging into one concept named Goro Ramen & Izakaya, while a new Asian-American concept, Tori Tori! will open in the former Goro Ramen space.

Goro Ramen’s last day of service in their current location in the Plaza District will be Monday, August 31. The space will then be transformed into 84 Hospitality’s new fast-casual Asian-American concept, Tori Tori!, or “Chicken Chicken!” in Japanese. Menu highlights include Chicken Kara-age, soy-marinated chicken thigh nuggies served with dipping sauce of your choice, Tokyo Hot Sandwich with soy-marinated fried chicken with charred Negi mayo, red cabbage & picked cucumbers sandwiched in a toasted bun, and Tebasaki, Japanese style fried chicken wings tossed with flavor of your choice. Tori Tori! will open early October for to go and counter service.

“Our mentality has been not only to survive the present circumstances, but to plan for the future and stay profitable for our staff and business. It became apparent that to save two concepts, we needed to combine them into one. Goro Ramen & Izakaya or “Goro 2.0” (as we have nicknamed it) will feature the best of Goro and Gun menus, as well as lunch, dinner, and to go service seven days week. For us, the concepts have come full circle and will now represent what our original vision was for Goro when it opened in 2016— a ramen shop AND Izakaya,” says 84 Hospitality Founder and CEO, Rachel Cope.

Goro Ramen and Izakaya will open for to go and patio dining (due to the pandemic) in the current Gun Izakaya location in the Paseo Arts District on Tuesday, September 8.

With Chef Jeff Chanchaleune at the helm, the Goro Ramen and Izakaya’s menu will include a combination of favorites from both concepts including Spicy Miso Ramen with rich chicken broth, roasted garlic miso, pork meatballs, corn, menma, ajitama, goma and negi, Katsu Sando with house-made milk bread, panko-fried smoked pork sausage, bulldog sauces, roasted garlic ailo, and Catfish Kara-age with fried koji-marinated catfish and yuzu kosho tartar sauce, along with curated sake, beer, and the state’s only highball cocktail machine.

Nice way to do things, we'll definitely be there when we start eating out in person again. We've been to Tamashii a few times, but never got to Goro or Izakaya, be good to have the variety all in one restaurant.

Nuggies? lol...

Incredibly bummed but understandable. Look forward to trying Tori Tori and will make the extra half mile or so trek to Gun/Goro 2.0 for ramen.

That is interesting because the couple of times I've tried to go to Goro recently they have been JAM PACKED. We ended up going to other places (which was fine and my bad for not getting reservations). Haven't been in the Gun spot. Is it bigger? Was Gun not working out so they're shoring it up with Goro?

It seems that restaurant group is moving to more counter-service type places: Burger Punk, Empire Slice Shop in NH, Tori Tori.

They own the Gun building and spent a fortune on build-out, so they pretty much have to stick with table-service there.


I'm sure everyone is worried about traditional dine-in restaurants for at least the next couple of years.