Indian Creek Village Winery, founded by the late Dr. Terry Lewis, was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning. The blaze was confined to just the winery. The bed and breakfast and the rest of the grounds are undamaged. No injuries were reported.
Indian Creek Village Winery
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
OKC Wine Tasting Event Feb 12th 2009
Vintage Oklahoma '09
Thursday Feb 12, 2009 from 5:30pm until 8pm
Price: $60.00
Taste and purchase wines from wineries across the state of Oklahoma. The event will be held two days before Valentine's Day in the downtown Oklahoma City Petroleum Club dining room, overlooking the city from the 34th floor of the Chase building.
Music will be performed by the Chris Hicks band and a local artist painting will be available for a silent auction. Proceeds from the event and the auction will go to benefit the Oklahoma City Arts Council.
Oklahoma City Petroleum Club
100 N. Broadway
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: 580-660-1488
Thursday Feb 12, 2009 from 5:30pm until 8pm
Price: $60.00
Taste and purchase wines from wineries across the state of Oklahoma. The event will be held two days before Valentine's Day in the downtown Oklahoma City Petroleum Club dining room, overlooking the city from the 34th floor of the Chase building.
Music will be performed by the Chris Hicks band and a local artist painting will be available for a silent auction. Proceeds from the event and the auction will go to benefit the Oklahoma City Arts Council.
Oklahoma City Petroleum Club
100 N. Broadway
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: 580-660-1488
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Oklahoma WineFest 2008 in OKC November 14-15
50 Penn Place, Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma Grape Growers and Winemakers Association is sponsoring the largest wine festival in Oklahoma featuring 25 Oklahoma wineries November 14 & 15, 2008 in Oklahoma City!
North Canadian River Kayaking Info - from OKC to Eufaula the North Canadian River offers loads of outdoor fun.
The Oklahoma Grape Growers and Winemakers Association is sponsoring the largest wine festival in Oklahoma featuring 25 Oklahoma wineries November 14 & 15, 2008 in Oklahoma City!
7-10 pm Friday NightDenim and Diamonds WineFest Reception
- benefitting OGGWMA's "Partner in the Harvest" and The Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Tickets: $75.00, or $90 for both the reception and the Oklahoma WineFest on Saturday! Enjoy a silent auction, music, food, and of course great wine tasting.
11-8pm SaturdayOklahoma WineFest 2008
- Have fun wine tasting, enjoy all the other vendors, and love the live music!
Advance Tickets: $18 and $13 for seniors
General Admission: $20 or $15 for seniors
Designated Drivers & Children $5.00
North Canadian River Kayaking Info - from OKC to Eufaula the North Canadian River offers loads of outdoor fun.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Antlers Deer Festival October 3 - 4, 2008
This Southeastern Oklahoma outdoors event draws crowds in excess of 35,000 annually to the small rural town of Antlers, Oklahoma.
The Antlers Deer Festival & Outdoor Show is a family friendly festival that has something for everyone, whether you are an outdoorsman, craft/art enthusiast, wine lover, chili or venison cooking genius or just a child looking for some awesome fun!
While you are in Antlers, Oklahoma stop by K-River campground and paddle the wild and scenic Kiamichi River. Recent rains have many Oklahoma rivers flowing rather early in the season.
Insect Repellent Socks
- The technology I have been waiting for is here!
The Antlers Deer Festival & Outdoor Show is a family friendly festival that has something for everyone, whether you are an outdoorsman, craft/art enthusiast, wine lover, chili or venison cooking genius or just a child looking for some awesome fun!
While you are in Antlers, Oklahoma stop by K-River campground and paddle the wild and scenic Kiamichi River. Recent rains have many Oklahoma rivers flowing rather early in the season.
Insect Repellent Socks
- The technology I have been waiting for is here!
Monday, August 18, 2008
National Bowling Week 2008 August 23-30
On August 30, 2008 several Oklahoma bowling alleys will give Oklahoma bowlers a chance to receive a World Record Certificate of Authenticity. Visit one of the participating Oklahoma bowling alley's in August and you may have a chance to join millions of others to help set a new world record for games bowled in a single day. Bowling is a great non-seasonal sport you can enjoy in any kind of weather. Have you introduced your kids to bowling, yet?
Other bowling alley's are offering sales and other promotions. Get out and celebrate National Bowling Week between August 23 and August 30, 2008.
Other bowling alley's are offering sales and other promotions. Get out and celebrate National Bowling Week between August 23 and August 30, 2008.
Visit the Oklahoma Bowling Gear & Bowlers Gifts Store.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Illinois River Clean Up July 11, 2008
Free Float Trip on the Illinois River near Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Friday, July 11, 2008
On Friday July 11, you can float the river for Free, spend time with fun people and help get the river in great shape for the upcoming summer. This cleanup is a great way to be part of a community effort benefiting our local riparian environment.
Last year’s cleanups collected a total of 3,500 pounds of trash from the Illinois River.
To pre-register, call the
Oklahoma Scenic River Commission (OSRC)
at (918) 456-3251
or e-mail osrc2@fullnet.net
Friday, July 11, 2008
On Friday July 11, you can float the river for Free, spend time with fun people and help get the river in great shape for the upcoming summer. This cleanup is a great way to be part of a community effort benefiting our local riparian environment.
Last year’s cleanups collected a total of 3,500 pounds of trash from the Illinois River.
To pre-register, call the
Oklahoma Scenic River Commission (OSRC)
at (918) 456-3251
or e-mail osrc2@fullnet.net
Friday, May 30, 2008
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!
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!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Oklahoma Bluesman Dies at 73
The nation lost a great blues man today and Oklahoma lost a favorite son.
D.C. Minner, blues musician and co-founder of the annual Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival, passed away Tuesday at the age of 73. Minner is an Oklahoma blues legend who started his career as a bassist working in the bands of Chuck Berry, Bo Didley, OV Wright and Freddie King.
Born in Rentiesville, Oklahoma in 1935, Minner would later say he knew he was going to play music for living when he was a preschooler. In 1988, D.C. Minner & his wife Selby converted their grandmother’s prohibition-era corn-whiskey hall in Rentiesville, OK into The Down Home Blues Club - a rural after-hours club. In 1991, they would start the annual Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival.
The Minners would later create the Blues in the Schools program through the Oklahoma Arts Council. The couple won a W.C. Handy Award and the Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive Award for their efforts. D.C. Minner was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2003.
Services for D.C. Minner
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008
11am - Memorial at The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee
3pm - Funeral at First Baptist Church & Honey Springs Cemetery in Rentiesville
Later - Celebration at The Down Home Blues Club in Rentiesville, Oklahoma.
http://www.dcminnerblues.com/
D.C. Minner, blues musician and co-founder of the annual Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival, passed away Tuesday at the age of 73. Minner is an Oklahoma blues legend who started his career as a bassist working in the bands of Chuck Berry, Bo Didley, OV Wright and Freddie King.
Born in Rentiesville, Oklahoma in 1935, Minner would later say he knew he was going to play music for living when he was a preschooler. In 1988, D.C. Minner & his wife Selby converted their grandmother’s prohibition-era corn-whiskey hall in Rentiesville, OK into The Down Home Blues Club - a rural after-hours club. In 1991, they would start the annual Dusk Til Dawn Blues Festival.
The Minners would later create the Blues in the Schools program through the Oklahoma Arts Council. The couple won a W.C. Handy Award and the Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive Award for their efforts. D.C. Minner was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2003.
Services for D.C. Minner
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2008
11am - Memorial at The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee
3pm - Funeral at First Baptist Church & Honey Springs Cemetery in Rentiesville
Later - Celebration at The Down Home Blues Club in Rentiesville, Oklahoma.
http://www.dcminnerblues.com/
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
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.
Technorati Tags:
Earth Day 
Oklahoma
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 OklahomaThursday, April 10, 2008
OKC Area Earth Week Event April 19, 2008
April 19, 2008 will be the 3rd Annual Lake Overholser/Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge Clean-up to be held from 9:30am - 1:00pm.
In addition to observing Earth Week by protecting these wonderful Oklahoma City outdoor areas, here is what to expect at the clean-up:
* Water & Pepsi products to be provided by Pepsi Cola Bottling Group
* Lunch will consist of BBQ Brisket/Cole Slaw/Potato Salad from Earl's Rib Palace & Hamburgers from the Cimarron Steak House
* Gloves and trash bags provided by Keep Oklahoma City Beautiful and the Great American Clean-Up
* Overholser Pavilion provided courtesy of the City of Oklahoma City's Parks and Recreation Department
Prizes to be raffled off include:
Financial support for this clean-up is made possible by a Great American Clean-Up grant from Keep Oklahoma Beautiful!
Participants will meet at the Lake Overholser pavilion near the Overholser dam at N.W. 14th and Overholser Drive. Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and hats. Volunteers may also find it helpful to bring sturdy gloves and insect repellant.
If you can join this once-in-a-year event, please let Karen Miles know since she wants to make sure they have enough food for everyone!
Karen K. Miles, Ph.D.
Environmental Program Specialist
Water Quality Division
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 1677
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677
(405) 702-8192
In addition to observing Earth Week by protecting these wonderful Oklahoma City outdoor areas, here is what to expect at the clean-up:
* Water & Pepsi products to be provided by Pepsi Cola Bottling Group
* Lunch will consist of BBQ Brisket/Cole Slaw/Potato Salad from Earl's Rib Palace & Hamburgers from the Cimarron Steak House
* Gloves and trash bags provided by Keep Oklahoma City Beautiful and the Great American Clean-Up
* Overholser Pavilion provided courtesy of the City of Oklahoma City's Parks and Recreation Department
Prizes to be raffled off include:
- $50 gift certificate for Pearl's Restaurant Chain
- $5 gift certificate from Panera Bread
- Bag of whole bean coffee from Starbucks
- Shorty Smalls gift card & certificate for free onion loaf for everyone
- Mackie's Steakhouse $10 gift card
- Dinner for two at Bad Brad's in Yukon
- Interurban $10 gift certificate
- Pair of tickets to Silver Cinemas' Yukon 5 movie theatre
- Gopuram Taste of India $20 gift certificate
- Applebees $15 gift certificate
- $10 gift certificate to Johnny Carino's in Yukon
- $15 gift card to Alfredos Mexican Café in Yukon
- Dinner for two at the Rib Crib in Yukon
- Buffalo Wild Wings Gift Card
- Irma's Burger Shack $20 gift certificate
- Buy For Less $20 Gift Card
- Free coffee & pastry for up to 8 people at Java Dave's on 10th street
- $5 gift certificate for Java Dave's on Reno & MacArthur
- Free ice cream cone from Cold Stone Creamery
- Free oil change from Firestone Complete Care in Bethany
- Sierra Club Bag kit with goodies and water bottle from Oklahoma Sierra Club
Financial support for this clean-up is made possible by a Great American Clean-Up grant from Keep Oklahoma Beautiful!
Participants will meet at the Lake Overholser pavilion near the Overholser dam at N.W. 14th and Overholser Drive. Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and hats. Volunteers may also find it helpful to bring sturdy gloves and insect repellant.
If you can join this once-in-a-year event, please let Karen Miles know since she wants to make sure they have enough food for everyone!
Karen K. Miles, Ph.D.
Environmental Program Specialist
Water Quality Division
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 1677
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677
(405) 702-8192
Monday, March 31, 2008
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
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
Friday, March 14, 2008
Reforming Oklahoma Wine Laws
March 3, Oklahoma City -
Senate Joint Resolutions (SJR) 29 and Senate Bill (SB) 995 passed by the Rules Committee at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Although there are still many steps on their way to being made into law, these initiatives will address the ability of Oklahoma winemakers to better serve their customers away from the licensed winery premises.
The Oklahoma wine industry needs any additional 'nudge' that Oklahoma wine and grape industry supporters can provide. Rep. Danny Morgan has, as usual, been leading the charge to reform Oklahoma's obsolete wine laws to make them more fair and reduce needless barriers to local trade.
Senate Joint Resolutions (SJR) 29 and Senate Bill (SB) 995 passed by the Rules Committee at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Although there are still many steps on their way to being made into law, these initiatives will address the ability of Oklahoma winemakers to better serve their customers away from the licensed winery premises.
The Oklahoma wine industry needs any additional 'nudge' that Oklahoma wine and grape industry supporters can provide. Rep. Danny Morgan has, as usual, been leading the charge to reform Oklahoma's obsolete wine laws to make them more fair and reduce needless barriers to local trade.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Girls Night Out at Drumright Winery March 29
Tidal School's Annual Girls' Night Out!
March 29th, 2008
'Elvis' is coming to the building on Ladies Night and The folks at tidal School Winery in Drumright, Oklahoma are 'All Shook Up!'
Back by popular request -- Chef Lanney -- the Lake Charles, Louisiana native who will be demonstrating his fruit and vegetable carving skills and promises to take time for anyone who needs some individual help. He is cooking up Creole Style Smothered Beef Tips; Blackened Chicken Strips; Cajun Cabbage (we ran out last time on this popular item but he PROMISES to have plenty this time); Dirty Rice, French bread, Tropical Fruit table and Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce.
There will also be two jewelry vendors and Jeff, the Pampered Chef guy, coming that evening. There will be giveaways live entertainment and massages for $10 each.
Reserve your table of 8 or just line up the baby sitter and grab your best girl friend for a night just for you. Reserve Your Tickets Today at 1-866-258-1903!
http://www.tidalschool.com/.
March 29th, 2008
'Elvis' is coming to the building on Ladies Night and The folks at tidal School Winery in Drumright, Oklahoma are 'All Shook Up!'
Back by popular request -- Chef Lanney -- the Lake Charles, Louisiana native who will be demonstrating his fruit and vegetable carving skills and promises to take time for anyone who needs some individual help. He is cooking up Creole Style Smothered Beef Tips; Blackened Chicken Strips; Cajun Cabbage (we ran out last time on this popular item but he PROMISES to have plenty this time); Dirty Rice, French bread, Tropical Fruit table and Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce.
There will also be two jewelry vendors and Jeff, the Pampered Chef guy, coming that evening. There will be giveaways live entertainment and massages for $10 each.
Reserve your table of 8 or just line up the baby sitter and grab your best girl friend for a night just for you. Reserve Your Tickets Today at 1-866-258-1903!
http://www.tidalschool.com/.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Oklahoma Youth Nature Photography Contest
Children throughout Oklahoma are invited to participate in the Oklahoma Historical Society nature photography contest. The subject is 'Field, Forest and Stream' the same as the title of the new special exhibit that will open in April.
Photo subject can include camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, scenic landscapes, plants and animals. Those are suggested topics, but other possibilities are endless.
The contest will be divided into three age groups: grades 1 to 5, grades 6 to 8, and grades 9 to 12. The competition begins Feb. 1.
All entries must be postmarked by March 21. Entries should be submitted as 8-by-10 prints, no emails will be accepted and there is a limit of two entries per person.
The photos will be judged on creativity, photographic technique, and originality.
First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Oklahoma History Center.
The display will be in conjunction with the special exhibit 'Field, Forest and Stream' that celebrates our state's rich outdoor heritage. The exhibit will relate the history of hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation and conservation in Oklahoma utilizing artifacts, dynamic graphics, audio-visual elements and hands-on interactives. It will open April 3 in the Gaylord Special Exhibits Gallery.
Winners will be announced on April 3, 2008 on the Oklahoma Historical Society web page, www.okhistory.org/kids. Additional information about the contest is posted on that web page.
For more information call Jennifer Towry at 522-1951 or email her at jtowry@okhistory.org.
Kayak Photography Supplies
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Photography Oklahoma
Photo subject can include camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, scenic landscapes, plants and animals. Those are suggested topics, but other possibilities are endless.
The contest will be divided into three age groups: grades 1 to 5, grades 6 to 8, and grades 9 to 12. The competition begins Feb. 1.
All entries must be postmarked by March 21. Entries should be submitted as 8-by-10 prints, no emails will be accepted and there is a limit of two entries per person.
The photos will be judged on creativity, photographic technique, and originality.
First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Oklahoma History Center.
The display will be in conjunction with the special exhibit 'Field, Forest and Stream' that celebrates our state's rich outdoor heritage. The exhibit will relate the history of hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation and conservation in Oklahoma utilizing artifacts, dynamic graphics, audio-visual elements and hands-on interactives. It will open April 3 in the Gaylord Special Exhibits Gallery.
Winners will be announced on April 3, 2008 on the Oklahoma Historical Society web page, www.okhistory.org/kids. Additional information about the contest is posted on that web page.
For more information call Jennifer Towry at 522-1951 or email her at jtowry@okhistory.org.
Kayak Photography Supplies
Technorati Tags:
Photography OklahomaSaturday, January 12, 2008
Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute Auditions Jan 19
Auditions begin Jan. 19 for the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain (OSAI). Oklahoma high school students are urged to schedule auditions as soon as possible for the program, held June 14-29.
OSAI offers professional training with nationally known artists in the literary, visual and performing arts. Every accepted student automatically receives a full scholarship to the program, worth more than $2,400. As a former OSAI Creative Writing student, I can tell you this is an absolutely life-altering program for Oklahoma students interested in the arts. I cannot recomend OSAI highly enough.
OSAI offers instruction in nine artistic disciplines: orchestra, chorus, creative writing, acting, photography, film/video, drawing/painting, ballet and modern dance.
Students should call 405-321-9000 to schedule an audition as soon as possible, as audition spaces fill quickly. Applicants must be enrolled in an Oklahoma public school, private school or home-school program and must be at least 14 by June 14. Graduating seniors are eligible.
For more information about OSAI, including audition dates and a downloadable application form, visit www.oaiquartz.org.
OKC Metro-area Auditions for the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute:
Creative Writing -- Saturday, Jan. 19, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City
Orchestra and Chorus -- Sunday, Jan. 20, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City
Drawing/Painting -- Saturday, Jan. 26, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
Photography and Film/Video -- Saturday, Jan. 26, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond AND Sunday, Feb. 3, University of Oklahoma, Norman
Ballet and Modern Dance -- Sunday, Feb. 3, University of Oklahoma, Norman
Acting -- Sunday, Feb. 3, University of Oklahoma, Norman
OSAI offers professional training with nationally known artists in the literary, visual and performing arts. Every accepted student automatically receives a full scholarship to the program, worth more than $2,400. As a former OSAI Creative Writing student, I can tell you this is an absolutely life-altering program for Oklahoma students interested in the arts. I cannot recomend OSAI highly enough.
OSAI offers instruction in nine artistic disciplines: orchestra, chorus, creative writing, acting, photography, film/video, drawing/painting, ballet and modern dance.
Students should call 405-321-9000 to schedule an audition as soon as possible, as audition spaces fill quickly. Applicants must be enrolled in an Oklahoma public school, private school or home-school program and must be at least 14 by June 14. Graduating seniors are eligible.
For more information about OSAI, including audition dates and a downloadable application form, visit www.oaiquartz.org.
OKC Metro-area Auditions for the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute:
Creative Writing -- Saturday, Jan. 19, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma City
Orchestra and Chorus -- Sunday, Jan. 20, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City
Drawing/Painting -- Saturday, Jan. 26, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
Photography and Film/Video -- Saturday, Jan. 26, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond AND Sunday, Feb. 3, University of Oklahoma, Norman
Ballet and Modern Dance -- Sunday, Feb. 3, University of Oklahoma, Norman
Acting -- Sunday, Feb. 3, University of Oklahoma, Norman
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