Champagne Brunch Bargain in Tulsa

This weekend Dianne and I enjoyed a fantastic buffet at the Creek Nation Casino in Tulsa. Every Sunday they offer a Champagne Brunch for $16 per person. That is a pretty big bargain for such a diverse buffet including soft drinks and champagne. The buffet included: seafood, asian food, premium beef, every breakfast item I have ever heard of and a vast array of delicate little pastries, tarts, tiny cheescake bites and itty bitty eclairs.

I tried cheese blintzes for the first time as Dianne quietly hoarded a king's ransom worth of creme cheese and lox. Dianne reports that the champagne was wonderful, but suggest everyone skip the champagne cocktails they offer and drink it straight! Bubbly is sweet enough without adding orange juice or cranberry juice.

Visions Buffet - River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
1616 E. 81st, Tulsa OK
299-8518

Tulsa Zoo and Sushi Train

Dianne has been looking for a new place to get some spicy exotic food lately. This Friday, we both had the day off and our son Dylan was out of school for Fall Break. Since Oklahoma was blessed with a beautiful sunny day, we took a trip to the Tulsa Zoo. We all took our cameras for a fun little family safari.

If you have never visited the Tulsa Zoo, you should take one of these cool Fall days to explore it. Our family loves this inexpensive yet eclectic little zoo. It is loaded with interesting animals and laid out in a way that makes it very walkable. Since the Tulsa Zoo is surrounded by Mohawk Park, we often include a BBQ or picnic to keep the costs low. However, we arrived a bit late in the afternoon this Friday and they close the zoo at 6pm during the week.

Since I had failed to plan ahead, we found ourselves driving down Harvard Avenue hoping for a fun new restaurant to just pop up in front of us. Surprisingly, this actually worked! At 51st and Harvard, I saw a very interesting two-word sign offering: 'Sushi Train' and I new we had arrived. When it comes to food with heat, you simply cannot beat Asian food. For this reason, I had been considering the Osaka Japanese Steakhouse, it is on the same block as Sushi Train. However, we have seen the show at Osaka before and their food isn't that spicy anyway.

Sushi Train turned out to be just what I had hoped. A tiny electric train track surrounds a cooking area with about half a dozen Sushi Chefs in traditional garb (I guess). Each one is creating different kinds of sushi rolls and adding the tiny covered plates onto an electric train that pulls them by your table. Many of the dishes have tiny signs on top of them that describe what lies within, many leave you to guess. We enjoyed: California Rolls, King Rolls, Lesa Rolls, Cheesecake Rolls, TNT Rolls, Teriyaki skewers and many others loaded with wonderful stuff like: crab meat, habenero, green onions, avocado, tuna, salmon, calamari, jalapenos, etc. Each set of 4-6 sushi rolls is on a colored plate, the color of the plate indicates the price. At the end of your meal they count up the cost of the plates and add in your drinks to tally the final bill.

We showed up hungry and went nuts at this place. We grabbed every plate we wanted, added in a side order of Kimchi (blazing hot and slightly fermented Korean Cole Slaw). Since most of the dishes only offered a mild amount of heat or none at all, even our son Dylan ate a lot. It cost the three of us about $45 for the meal and we felt like it was a great deal. Sushi rolls are wonderfully filling and the ones at Sushi Train in Tulsa are beautiful as well. We saw many tempting dessert-type rolls made with gummi bears and other candies. They looked fun, but we went with the Cheesecake Rolls with Kiwi. Delicious! The meal offered the speed and variety of a buffet, without all of the walking back an forth and with each dish bearing its own sneeze-guard! You can't be too safe these days.

Like many buffets, it pays to arrive at a normal meal time, because that is when the most variety is offered. If you don't like snagging your meal from a train like a hobo, you can also order off the extensive menu at Sushi Train. We decided to do both. My wife has a chronic Kimchi Addiction that demands constant feeding and I have always loved electric trains. We will definitely be taking another trip on the Sushi Train soon.

Sushi Train
3300 E 51st St
Tulsa, OK 74135-3512
Phone: 918- 747-9931

Fall Fun in Oklahoma

A week of rainy cold skies make it clear that Fall has arrived in Oklahoma. Rich green woodland scenes around Oklahoma are suddenly steaked with dark red shrubs and vivid yellow trees. I love this season's dramatic changes in weather. Many of my favorite Oklahoma rivers are up and flowing again, after months of parched conditions.

Time for float trips, camping and visits to the zoo. Once the sunshine returns, I highly reccomend everyone enjoy the next few weeks of crisp mornings, cool afternoons and dramatic skies in the Sooner State. Take a cup of serenity from nature, you may need it. The holidays are just around the corner!

Oklahoma WineFest Saturday November 07, 2009 at 50 Penn Place in
Oklahoma City, OK

Tulsa Food News: I noticed The Bourbon Street Cafe in Tulsa, Oklahoma has closed after 15 years on Cherry Street. RIP

U-Pick Grape Harvest Festival July 25

Oklahoma wine makers and others will have the opportunity to hand pick and purchase Zinfandel wine grapes during the 2nd annual U-Pick Grape Harvest Festival to be held, beginning at 8 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Demi Rosa Ranch and Vineyard in Tribbey, OK (near Norman).

The festival is free to enter and has activities for the entire family. The activities include wine tasting, available for adults 21 and older and made possible by Grape Ranch Winery. Pick-your-own grapes are $2 per pound at the festival and shade tents are available in two locations this year to provide shelter from the heat. Check out the 2,000-square-foot straw bale construction home Pat & Lorie Malone have built and the large variety of homemade products they are offering for sale. While you browse their unique assortment of goat milk cheeses (mozzarella, ricotta, chevre and fromagina) you can enjoy live music and a great taste of central Oklahoma rural life.

Vendors interested in setting up at the festival may call 899-4627.

The End of the Okmulgee Pecan Festival

The Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce has announced the formation of a new summer festival, celebrating Freedom, Family, Food, and Fun. The new Okmulgee summer festival event will take place on Saturday, July 4th, 2009 and will be held at the Okmulgee Municipal Park, between 13th and 20th Streets. As with most July 4 celebrations, there will be fireworks and families can enjoy a blanket on the ground.

The Okmulgee Summer Festival is replacing the beloved 25-Year-Old Downtown Okmulgee Pecan Festival. Every June, the people of Okmulgee would get together and bake a pecan pie of Guinness Book of World Records size. Games, rides, concerts and more brought the young and old to downtown Okmulgee's historic town square. This old event is sure to be missed.

What do you think of the new festival at Okmulgee Municipal Park?
Drop us a comment!

Riverside Dining at Tulsa's Red Rock Canyon Grill

This weekend Dianne and I decided to conclude the day's bowling fun with a nice meal. My good friend Todd Groff had advised me to check out the Red Rock Canyon Grill for simple well-prepared food and great atmosphere. Since Tulsa's Red Rock Canyon Grill is right on the way home from Riverlanes Bowling Center, we gave them a try last night. Both of us left convinced that this is one of Tulsa's best new restaurants (opened in 1999).

Simply Good American Food

The first thing you notice when walking into the Red Rock Canyon Grill is a large number of whole chickens slowly roasting in a open hearth rotisserie. This chicken is the restaurant's specialty and it is not to be underestimated! This is chicken that will make you want to slap 'The Colonel'. Most of the entrees on the menu are hardwood grilled and you could really taste just the right amount of smoky flavor in every item we tried. None of the entrees required translation, just good simple food items like steak, ribs, salads, seafood and enchiladas.

Dianne ordered the chicken with BBQ ribs and I got the nightly fish special: Trout and Sea Scallops with blanched asparagus. Both entrees were SO fantastic that I decided to break with tradition and order dessert. Normally, I would count the two glasses of scotch & water as dessert but I passionately wanted to try their Key Lime Pie. In fact, I passionately want to try everyone's Key Lime Pie, if only to compare it to the amazing pie Red Rock Canyon Grill served me.

The Pie

The Red Rock Canyon Key Lime Pie is a HUGE slice of delicious lime custard pie with graham cracker, walnut and pecan crust and a creamy dollop of homemade whipped topping. All of this for the very economical price of $5.99! Dianne and I both enjoyed the pie and brought half of it home to fight over later. Never eat here without ordering the pie. You have been warned!

The Service

The service was extremely professional. Since the servers work as a team, you never find yourself waving madly for attention. Our waiter knew the menu backwards and forwards including loads of enticing details about the preparation. Although we had to wait about 20 minutes for our table, we enjoyed the time at the bar and Dianne got to try a new cocktail - The Cosmo. It is a bit like pink lemonade, if lemonade were made with vodka.

The Atmosphere

Apparently, the highlight of the evening at the Red Rock Canyon Grill is their sunset toast. However, we arrived too late and there wasn't any sunlight to enjoy anyway. I can tell you that the place offers great views of the Arkansas River and dining indoors or out. Of course, I was most impressed by the toilet. I can't speak for the ladies room features, but the men's room offers a flat screen TV, right in front of the urinal, showing basketball. For me, it was like someone read my mind.

The Bill

The Red Rock Canyon Grill can be expensive if you order the higher end entrees, enjoy cocktails and splurge on dessert like we did. However, we still got out of there for about $85. That is comparable with the restaurants just across the river in Jenks. In fact, it was more affordable than The Melting Pot and those pikers made us cook our food!

The next time you want some really great American food in a classy but casual environment, I heartily recommend Tulsa's Red Rock Canyon Grill, just make sure to do your bowling BEFORE the meal.

Red Rock Canyon Grill
9916 Riverside Pkwy
Tulsa, OK 74137
(918) 394-7625

http://www.redrockcanyongrill.com/

3rd Annual Tulsa Dining Out for Life Benefit April 30

Earth Day Eve Kayaking
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Eat out on April 30, 2009 and participating Tulsa area restaurants will donate a portion of your bill to pay for local HIV services provided by H.O.P.E. Their generosity coupled with your genorous donation will make a very real difference in the lives of thousands of men, women, and children throughout the Tulsa community.

Just look at the list of restaurants participating in Tulsa's 2009 Dining Out for Life Benefit:

• Shades of Brown Coffee & Art - 918-747-3000


• Baxter's Interurban Grill - 918-585-3134


• Caz's Chowhouse - 918-588-CHOW


• Dalesandro's - 918-582-1551


• McNellie's Public House - 918-382-7468


• White Lion Pub - 918-491-6533


• El Guapo's Cantina - 918-382-7482


• Elote Cafe & Catering


• India Palace - 918-492-8040


• KEO - 918-797-8200


• Lambrusco'z To Go - 918-496-1246


• Lava - 918-749-3310


• Thyme Bistro & Catering - 918-742-7013

If you would like more information about H.O.P.E. or Dining Out for Life in Tulsa, please visit the Tulsa Dining Out For Life website.

Fresh Bread and Schnitzel in South Tulsa

The Farm shopping center in South Tulsa offers some fun food choices for Oklahoma folks. Dianne and I visited The Farm this weekend to have a meal at Margaret's German Restaurant & Deli.

Margaret's German Restaurant offers a large selection of traditional German sausages, pork loin dishes and sweet strudel. Although I usually won't touch sour kraut, I found the sour kraut at Margaret's to be excellent. Dianne enjoyed Jager Schnitzel and a spicy German dark beer. I played chicken with the sin of gluttony by downing Knackwurst, Bratwurst and Weisswurst in shocking quantities. The food was all fantastic and the service was excellent.

I'm surprised we had not already given Margaret's a try, considering they have been slinging schnitzel in Tulsa for over twenty years. However, when we found out that the owner, Margaret Rzepczynski, was on a mission to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we moved her place up to the top of the list.

Visit the restaurant website for more details on Margaret's fund raising effort and what you can do to participate!

While we were visiting The Farm shopping center, we stumbled onto the Great Harvest Bread Company. An excellent local bread maker that uses only wheat that is fresh ground daily using their impressive stone grinding machine. They make whole wheat bread from five simple ingredients for bread that is healthier and fresher. In fact, no loaf of bread that they sell is more than 30 hours old!

Stop by Tulsa's Great Harvest Bread Co. someday and visit with the owner/operator Greg Diamond. In addition to a world-class sandwich, you will get a lesson on the bread making art that you will never forget!

Birds of Oklahoma Field Guide by Stan Tekiela

Made-in-Oklahoma Shopping this Weekend

Adopt an Oklahoma Dog
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

The Cherry Street Farmers' Market is scheduled to open April 11, 2009 from 7am until 11 am. This is the market's eleventh season, and it just keeps getting better every year. If you visit the Farmer's Market this weekend, look for new vendors, produce, plants and more. Occasionally, some of the Oklahoma winemakers even show up at the market and offer tastes of their Sooner State vino.

The original Cherry Street Farmers' Market opens this weekend from 7am until 11am. You can find the market at 15th & Peoria every Saturday from April 11, 2009 until October 3, 2009.

Wednesdays, we have the CSFM Brookside at 41st & Memorial from 8am until 12 Noon. The market will be open every wednesday from May 6, 2009 until October 21, 2009.

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Special events have been planned along with educational demonstrations at the Cherry Street Farmers' Market this year. There will be music on the Gray Snail patio Saturday mornings. Opening day St. Elmer's Fire, a great bluegrass and old time country group with a little hillbilly jazz thrown in for good measure.

Then on the April 18, Scott Aycock - singer, songwriter and co-host of Folk Salad will perform. Up With Trees will be on hand to give tree seedlings away. On April 25, Acoustic Mojo - Dianna Burrup and Bryan Huling who are great singer songwriters with loads of groove and harmony. Look for more information on the Cherry Street Farmers' Market website!

In other Made-in-Oklahoma News, our family has been 'blessed' with eight new puppies (Red Heeler & Lab mix). They are totally adorable and totally free to good homes. Email me at webmaster@oklahomaroadtrips.com and we will set you up with a new best friend that can't be beat!

Steak and Bowling in Henryetta Oklahoma

Dianne and I have been bowling up a storm in Henryetta this weekend. We played six games Friday night, six games Saturday night and we plan to hit it again on Sunday. Yesterday, we decided to take it to the next level and visit one of our other favorite spots in Henryetta...Nelson's Steakhouse. It may not be easy to find, but once you know the way, you are bound to be back for some top notch Oklahoma cooking.

Nelson's is a steakhouse and honky tonk just a mile or two West of Henryetta. We could not resist the Prime Rib special for $13.95, were only human! I've always gotten a great meal at Nelson's and Saturday was no exception. Check them out for dinner next time you are in the area. Stop by Main Street Bowl, you might just see Dianne and I there working off a little Prime Rib ourselves. I'll be the one dripping with sweat.

Nelson's Steakhouse and Club

1 Mile W. on Hwy 62 - Exit 237 - I-40
918-650-0678


Main Street Bowl

707 West Main
Henryetta, OK
918-652-2695

In other Oklahoma bowling news, Oklahoma's Regional Family Bowling Tournament will take place May 9 - May 10, 2009 at The Lanes at Coffee Creek in Owasso, OK at 2pm. Be there with your sliding shoes on! Bargain bowling gifts and gear.

BBQ, Blues and Girls Night Out in March

Kayak Oklahoma Lakes
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

March 14th, 2009 Earl Clark LIVE at Tidal School Winery. The menu will consist of smoked sausage, brisket & ribs, barbeque bologna, baked beans, tabouli, potato salad, and cobbler!! Work off the calories on the dance floor. Tickets on sale by phone or website - $29.95. http://www.tidalschool.com/ or 1-866-258-1903

Girls Night Out - March 28, 2009

Grab your girls and come hang out at one of the coolest places in Oklahoma! It's a relaxed atmosphere with giveaways, party games, massages by prior appt and most importantly - food and great Oklahoma wine! Taste them all and pick your favorite to enjoy for the evening. Tickets on sale now - $19.95
http://www.tidalschool.com/ or 1-866-258-1903

Tidal School Vineyards
54560 West Highway 16
Drumright, OK 74030

Valentine's Day Fun in Tulsa

Valentine's Day is my anniversary, I am always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy this important holiday. I can tell you from experience that getting reservations on V-Day can be tough, so it pays to think out-of-the-box. One idea: Oklahoma wineries have a number of sales, events and activities scheduled for the Lover's Holiday.

I think Dianne and I are going to visit one of our favorite Tulsa spots for gourmet food fanatics: Ladonna's Fancy Foods on Cherry Street. We buy gourmet cheeses online occassionally, but the shipping costs are painful to say the least. Ladonna's elegant and expertly attended store holds a wealth of fine cheeses and custom chocolates. If you enjoy tasting rare and exotic delicacies LaDonna's is well worth driving far out of your way to visit!

LaDonna's Fancy Foods
1615 East 15th Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120

Of course, we will be trying to squeeze in some bowling at Andy B's and dinner at Carraba's. I hope you and your special person find a great way to celebrate the day.

Happy Thanksgiving Oklahoma!

The economy may be struggling these days, but our Oklahoma food diet is improving. Since joining the Oklahoma Food Coop, we have discovered some great new home state delicacies. I hope your family is as blessed as mine has been this holiday season.

The family farm raised pork we bought this year is the best I have had in a decade and it was raised about 20 minutes from my home. This month's Oklahoma Food Coop order included: fresh duck eggs, apple mini muffins, COW cookies and a window planter full of a wonderful variety of lettuces that are so fresh they are still growing! This year's crop of Oklahoma native pecans are becoming available, if the squirrels in your area haven't carried them all away.

Also our local football heroes routed a Texas team on Saturday, so Oklahoma is tasting pretty sweet to me this Sunday! I'm looking forward to a slow roasted butterflied turkey surrounded by sausage dressing and a moat of giblet gravy this Thursday, economic crisis be damned... so pass the cranberry salsa! We have much to be thankful for this year.

Spicy Fun Near Lake Eufaula October 24-25

Oklahoma Wine & Chili

Beginning at 1pm on Friday October 24, 2008 the Eufaula Arts Council hosts a 2-day ArtWalk located along the pre-statehood Main Street while the Eufaula Chamber of Commerce hosts the 3rd Annual State Chili Cook-off at the new Jellystone Park Resort at Eufaula Cove. Taste the wines of Eufaula's own Sailing Horse Winery while you are there!

Visit http://www.sailinghorse.com/ to learn more about their events and wines.

2008 Taste of Oklahoma Event Postponed

The 2008 Taste of Oklahoma Event has been postponed until further notice in anticipation of holding the event in downtown OKC on the canal. The event is held to benefit the Greater Oklahoma Hunter Jumper Horse Show, Inc Riders for Handicapped Children. http://www.goshow.org/

Taste of Oklahoma is a gathering of more than 25 local restaurants, Made in Oklahoma food producers, several Oklahoma City chefs, music, entertainment and arts.

2008 Oklahoma RiverFest June 6-8

The 2008 Oklahoma RiverFest

The Third Annual Oklahoma RiverFest, presented by Devon Energy & Chesapeake Energy, will take place June 6-8, at Regatta Park on the Oklahoma River. The event will feature FREE activities for all members of the family both on and off the water, showcasing the many amenities of the Oklahoma River and trails.

The three-day festival will feature Dragon Boat Team Racing, exciting river shows featuring water skiing and jet skis, the Oklahoma RiverRide bicycling event, Devon Energy River Cruises, Red Earth RiverFest RiverRun, MusicFest, KidsPlay inflatable park, Chesapeake Boathouse tours, rowing demonstrations, paddle boats, kayaks and many other attractions.

Head out to OKC and enjoy one of Oklahoma City's most popular events and what has to be the North Canadian River's most upscale affair of the year!

2008 Arts For All Festival May 9-11

May 9-11, 2008 in Lawton, Oklahoma

The annual Arts for All Festival is both a celebration of the arts and a 'thank you' to the community for supporting the arts throughout the year.

In addition to the artist's booths, there will be children's activities under the Big Tent, a wine garden and international cuisine, all starting Friday evening at 5:30 PM

Enjoy entertainment on two stages, including: dance, youth programs & live music.

Eat Local for Earth Day 2008

Oklahoma Food Coop founder Bob Waldrop has created an option for Okies that want to eat local. The groceries the coop offers are better for you and they help keep Oklahoma dollars in Oklahoma. The food is fresher because it is harvested locally and it is more environmentally sustainable because it does not have to be shipped long distances.

Participating in the Oklahoma Food Cooperative is a great way to help our state to adapt to the challenges of global climate instability, peak oil and gas, social justice, and rural economic development challenges. It is a great way to celebrate Earth Day everyday! Also, check out local agri-tourism events in your area. Here are a few choices:

14th Annual HerbFest in Arcadia May 10

The 14th annual HerbFest will be held at Crestview Farms, 5521 NORTH DOUGLAS BLVD., ARCADIA, OK 73007, 405-823-2430, MAY 10TH, 2008 10-3 PM.

Crestview Farms is located at the NW corner of N Douglas and E Sorghum Mill Road. Take I-35 to Exit 143 (Edmond), east to Douglas, north to E. Sorghum Mill Road.

Diversified Sustainability Event at Earth Elements Farm
May 4th, 2008 Lexington, Oklahoma

Come celebrate 10 years of Diversified Sustainability with Earth Elements Farm on
Sunday May 4th, 2008 from 2pm - 5pm.

• Sample the wonders of Oklahoma Value-Added Food


• Enjoy Earth Elements Farm Tours


• Straw Bale Building Tours


• Tour new "Green" EEMB Production Facility


• Live music by 13 Seeds

TIP: You have got to try their
Pecan Flapjack Chocolate Chip Granola, it is FANTASTIC!

Technorati Tags: Earth Day Oklahoma

Great Italian Food in Tulsa

This weekend Dianne and I visited Carrabba's Italian Grill on 71st Street in Tulsa for the first time. You may have noticed their restaurant’s distinctive tree-covered roof. It turned out to be a fantastic choice for dinner.

Dianne and I arrived around 6pm on Saturday night and there were only two open spots in the parking lot. We were seated immediately...no waiting. This appeared to be a result of a rather clever floor plan with plenty of cozy two person booths mixed with the larger tables and booths. They even offer an exhibition kitchen area where you can watch them prepare the food.

The first thing I noticed after we were seated was that this Carrabba's has abandoned the Salt & Pepper shakers in favor of grinders. Hooray! It may sound trivial, but we made the same change at home and now I have become a big believer. Freshly ground black pepper is vastly superior in flavor to the powdered version and getting it from a waiter is NOT the way to go for a number of reasons. I don't know how much of a cost difference it makes for the restaurant, but at home the reduced waste makes up for the added cost.


Cocktails and Antipasti

Dianne ordered her first Sangria. Don, our excellent waiter, suggested she try a sample of each of their sangria's. This turned out to be a great move because we both much preferred their red sangria to their slightly sweeter white wine version. The tasty blend of wine, brandy, fruit and spices was an instant hit with Dianne. Sadly, I didn't find any Oklahoma wines on the menu.

Although we rarely order restaurant appetizers, we simply could not resist trying the 'Cozze In Bianco' AKA: mussels in white wine sauce. We were foolish to try to resist. Resistance is futile, order the mussels!

Carrabba's Italian Grill serves rope-grown mussels flown in every 48 hours from the coast of Prince Edward Island. Since the rope-grown mussels never touch the ground, they are prevented from becoming gritty like most clams, oysters and other shellfish. Carrabba's mussels are steamed in white wine, basil, lemon butter and Pernod (licorice flavor liqueur). The flavors blend in complex and exciting ways. Finding great seafood in Tulsa can often be tricky; don't miss this one of a kind starter!


Steak and Seafood

After that brilliant appetizer, I ordered their Sirloin Marsala with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad. Their caesar salad is just about the best I have ever had, not too tart or too fishy. The steak was perfectly cooked, very tender and smothered with mushrooms sautéed in their Lombardo Marsala wine sauce.

Dianne ordered The Damain, a seafood combination platter including grilled salmon, Spiedino di Mare, lobster ravioli and the most wonderful shrimp grilled over a pecan-wood fire. The lobster ravioli was the only pasta in our meal, it was good, but that shrimp was to die for, IMHO! As you can see, there is far more to Carrabba's than Spaghetti. I must shamefully admit that I failed to pace myself and ended up far too stuffed to attempt a dessert. They sounded divine.


Service and Atmosphere at Carrabba's

We spoke at length to the owner of Carrabba's on 71st, Tim Johnson. He is a really nice guy that works hard to keep the family atmosphere going among the servers. He showed up at our table wearing an apron and helping out with clearing dishes. The whole service staff seems to work as a team. They never let our glasses get empty. Our extremely friendly waiter had an impressive knowledge of the food and its origins, cooking methods and history.

The atmosphere was a bit noisy, no surprise considering the location and hour, but high walls around our booth helped make it seem more private. The whole restaurant is decorated in a vineyard style with grape vines dangling from trellis-like structures overhead.

Due to my wife and boss both launching low-carb diets a few years ago, I haven't visited an Italian food restaurant in years. The consistent high quality service and wonderfully fresh and flavorful food at Carrabba's Italian Grill caught us totally by surprise! Another surprise was the wealth of food choices that go beyond pizza and pasta. Heck, they even offer a Gluten-Free menu...whatever that means!

After sending our oil industry to Houston, it is good to see Tulsa has gotten something valuable in return. I hope they do well here. Dianne and I will definitely be returning to Carrabba's!

Technorati Tags: Tulsa Oklahoma Restaurant Review

Proud to be an Okie Without E-Coli

October Road Hawk Toenail
Originally uploaded by FreeWine

Dianne and I have really been enjoying our new membership in the Oklahoma Food Coop (http://www.oklahomafood.coop). It turns out that this is a great time to explore more local, less corporate food alternatives.

Agricultural giant Cargill Inc. said on Saturday it is recalling over 1 million pounds of ground beef distributed in the United States because of possible E. Coli contamination.

The recalled products have use/freeze-by dates of Oct 19 through Nov 3. Most will have the USDA establishment number of EST 9400 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

We've participated in a couple cycles of orders and deliveries now. Picking up in Jenks is a bit of a drive from Okmulgee. However, we usually find we can schedule our pickups concurrently with trips we already need to make to nearby Tulsa.

Favorite Items from the Oklahoma Food Coop

My favorite Oklahoma Food Cooperative items are often the baked goods. Supermarket cookies simply cannot compare to Gypsy C.O.W. (Chocolate, Oatmeal Walnut) Cookies from The Prairie Gypsies. I simply love the Chocolate Chip Pecan Flapjack Granola from Earth Elements Farm. Despite my sweet tooth, I wish there were more salad green available like the excellent Romaine Lettuce we bought Sunrise Acres.

We didn't save any cents per pound through buying our ground beef from Kastl Farms, but we found their Oklahoma hamburger to be leaner and richer in flavor than what we were used to and we were quite pleased to NOT be participating in the Cargill meat recall described above. The Made-in-Oklahoma Beef Italian Sausages we got from Natural Farms is one of the most exciting products to hit our diet in quite sometime. We are using them in loads of entrees, they are a nice change of pace from pork sausages. Soon we plan to try the Buffalo Burger Patties from the Wichita Buffalo Company. How's that for Oklahoma eating?


Think globally, eat locally. Here's where to start: http://www.oklahomafood.coop/!

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