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Archive for May, 2008

Risha Grant - Xposure Magazine

Risha Grant is no stranger to Small Business owners in Tulsa and abroad. Risha’s magazine, Xposure Business (XBM) is a great, local business to business magazine distibuted throughout the Tulsa metro. I was fortunate enough to hear Risha speak at a Jump Start Your Future Business Forum hosted by the Hardesty Regional Library yesterday afternoon. Quoted from the events program…

“Risha Grant is the owner of the communications company Xposure PR and CEO and Publishing Editor of Xposure Business Magazine, a business-to-business publication catering to Oklahoma’s small business owners. Ms. Grant began her careere in television and has worked in radio, print, advertising, adn public relations. She is active in the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce and numerous other organizations. In 2006, she was named Oklahoma’s Small Business Journalist of the year…”

Risha captivated the audience of aspiring small business owners and told them that among other things, taking risks, perseverance, persistence and faith are what small business owners need to accomplish their goals. Risha delivered he speech in an upbeat and humourus manner that kept the audience focused and attentive to her words. Eisha spoke of how difficult in can be to build your own small business but that by working long, hard hours - you can accomplish your dream of owning your own business but you must network everyday in order to achieve your goals.

Xposure Business Magazine features wonderful sections such as ‘Executive Lifestyles’, ‘Tax Expert’, ‘Legal Expert’, ‘Tech Watch’, ‘Hot Spots’ and more - all focusing on small business in our area.

If you are small (or large) business owner, whether you are in Tulsa or elsewhere, you should consider calling on Ms. Grant’s Public Relations firm to help promote your business and take it to the next level. Risha works to build strong relationships with her customers and has a work ethic that is rare in todays market - HONESTY. Honesty is what makes Xposure PR and Xposure Business Magazine a true driving force in the public relations world and a true Tulsa original.

To learn more about Risha Grant’s work. please visit:

Xposure Business Magazine

Adam Lopez releases new music

Adam Lopez - Releases “Strong”One of Tulsa’s best known Independent artist’s, Adam Lopez announced that he has released a new single available for immediate download. Adam’s music is an eclectic mix of rock, soul, funk, reggae, blues and jazz. I’ve heard him play with Mas Rudie before at Plan B in Tulsa with Citizen Mundi drummer, Canuto. Adam’s sound is original and another reason why I listen to as much Tulsa grown music as I do. His music will grow on you and I am sure that with his newest single release, Adam will gain even more new fans. According to Adam’s website, he says…

…”My guitar is my favorite voice as I feel I can say anything I wish to thru it. My Jah given voice makes me proud also as I feel powerful and raw when I sing. I hope others feel that too.”…

Adam plays all of the instruments on all of his latest releases, including his newest single, “Strong” which is currently available on Adam’s MySpace and from his website Adam Lopez Music.

As most Tulsa Tonight readers know, I am not a professional reviewer but I do enjoy promoting what I believe is true Tulsa, whether it be a new restaurant, club, bar or band - In this case, I am asking you all to support a true Tulsa original musican - Adam Lopez. Tulsa has so much musical talent and Adam’s music is no exception. His evocative lyrics, his unique guitar style and his showmanship make for a great musician and a must see and hear… He is playing near you soon, so be sure to take some time out to catch this developing Tulsa artist.

You can hear Adam Lopez with Mas Rudie every Tuesday night at Plan B in Tulsa. In June, Adam Lopez and Mas Rudie will be performing at The Laughing Wench in Jenks. (see Upcoming Shows - upper right.)

Support Adam Lopez by purchasing his music from his website or MySpace. I have included his SnoCap listing here as well so you can sample and buy his music online

Vinnie.

Adan Lopez on MySpace

Adam Lopez Music

Adam Lopez on YouTube (Also features Adam’s tutorials on the Boss RC 50 Loop Station)

‘Google’ Adam Lopez 


A sad day for Tulsa Music - Citizen Mundi is no more

I never thought the day would come but Citizen Mundi announced on their MySpace that the band is no longer together.

SEE MORE INFO HERE 

Tulsa Dog Park - UPDATED INFORMATION

I wrote an article about an unofficial dog park in Tulsa and I have updated with some disturbing information. Please read the full Tulsa Dog Park post.

NYC Pizza - REVISITED

I grew up in New Jersey - Jersey City to be exact where on almost every other corner was a Vinnie’s Pizza, A Joey’s Pizza, Jule’s Pizza, - you name it and Jersey City had it - good old New York pizza. I have been eating pizza ‘Gumba Style’ at NYC Pizza in Tulsa since March of 2007 - and I am pleased to announce that they have added some great new items to their menu. You’ll still find the best in authentic New York pizza but now you can also order one of the best Meatball Parm (Parmesean) sandwiches this side of the Hudson River for $6.25. Kenny Jr. the owner and his dad and uncle have also added an Italian Combo sandwich chock full of ham, salami, pepperoni, lettuce, tomatoes, oil and vinegar - $5.95. Try their Sausage, Pepper and Onion Hero served on a large hero roll for $6.25.

New House Specialties include Manicotti, Spaghetti and Baked Ziti for under 7 bucks each. Pepperoni Twists and Garlic Knots still fly out the door as they always have and their Canollis are made fresh at the time of ordering and so worth the wait.

My fave is the thick crust Sicilian pizza offered at NYC Pizza… one slice will have you coming back for more. Remember friends that this is NOT conveyor belt pizza and there are no shortcuts to perfection. The pizza is all made to order as you order it. Their white pizza is a winner featuring a light tomato sauce, fresh garlic, whole milk ricotta (rih-goot as the east coasters say it.) fresh basil all on a thin, crisp crust.

Toppings available for all NYC Pizza’s are: pepperoni, Meatballs, Italian Sausage, Onions, Green Peppers, Canadian Bacon, Black Olives, Anchovies, Pineapple, Ricotta, Garlic, Tomato, Fresh Basil and Spinach.

Next time you are there, try eating your pizza Jersey / New York style - with your hands rather than with a knife and fork. Just fold that puppy in half and go to town letting some of the cheese ooze into your mouth. Delicious!

NYC Pizza
779-7760
4775 S. Harvard Ave Suite A
Tulsa
Mon - Sat 11-9
Sun 4:30 - 8

VIEW THE NEW MENU HERE

Carrabbas Italian Grill in Tulsa - Locally owned and operated!

A few nights ago, Byron and I and two guests, Angela and Rhonda, all who live and work in Tulsa, decided to pay a visit to Carrabba’s Italian Grill at the 4848 S. Yale location. We were greeted warmly by our hostess and within minutes had a great large table in a very welcoming and open dining room. Now, I have been to Carrabba’s once before several years ago and our 2 guests, Angela who works for Omni Air International and Rhonda who works for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklhahoma have both been there as well but TulsaTonight.com co-founder, Bryon, a travel agent at AAA - who has quite the discerning palette, had never been to Carrabba’s before. My last visit was memorable but since I am so busy checking out the latest and greatest Mom and Pop owned restaurants, I haven’t had time to return to Carrabba’s until this week. I am glad I did… read on…

I was VERY pleased to find out that Carrabba’s is locally owned and operated. Now many of you know that I have nothing against franchise operated restaurants but since there are so many locally owned and operated establishments in this great city, I always feel it’s best for me to patronize those places before I would patronize a large, franchise operation. Don’t get me wrong here, I have enjoyed the cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory but I prefer Roberto Vargas’ cheescake from El Rey Mexican. He’s won awards for his cooking and his cheesecake. His entire family works at his restaurant and I am all about family run businesses. Needless to say - the lure of a locally owned and operated restaurant such as Carrabba’s gets a vote in my book as a ‘must re-visit’ before I even look at the menu.

I was also pleased to find out that each Carrabba’s menu is talored to the locale in which the restaurant is located, taking advantage of some of the local’s flavor faves.

As the four of us perused the full menu, our server Joshua proceeded to tell us about the specials of the evening and since Rhonda and I both enjoy wine, he suggested ‘Clos Du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay which has a bright fruity taste with a very subtle toffee aroma. I am not a wine expert but this was on of the best wines I have tasted recommended by our server Joshua after Rhonda and I told him about the types of wine we normally enjoy. At $33.00 for a bottle, the price was right in line with costs in most restaurants I have been to in Tulsa. No compromises here.

Bread was served quickly along with peppered and herbed olive oil. The bread was warm, soft and quite good with no hint of defrosted frozen bread tastes that I have found at several un-named large franchise restaurants. A small bottle of olive oil was left at our table so we could drench every bit of the tasty bread.

For an appetizer we ordered Calamari Ricardo - Calamari served with a spicy pepper and lemon butter sauce. (7.99) A perfect blend of spice and butter… I wanted to take more of this home, and I did.

Angela ordered her favorite, Pasta Weesie - Shrimp sauteed in a garlic lemon butter, white wine sauce with sauteed mushrooms and scallions served over Fettucini Alfredo. (13.99) Her portion was large enough and so full of shrimp that she had to take some of it home. I had a small taste and was amazed at the perfect combination of wine and garlic lemon butter. I have tried several times in the past to cook a dish similar to this, but Carrabba’s wins hands down. Their cooks are no amateurs.

Linguine PescatoreByron, our Carrabba’s first timer, ordered Linguini Pescatore - another delicately prepared shrimp dish with mussels and scallops tossed with linguine in a spicy but not overbearing marinara sauce. (13.99) Remember what I said earlier - Byron is very particular about what goes on his palette and by the look on his face - he was pleased with the Linguine Pescatore so much so that he ordered some for his wife who was unable to attend because of a conflicting work schedule.

Rhonda has to follow a strict gluten free diet and it is sometimes difficult for her to find a quality menu that has selections of food from which she can order. Carrabba’s, I am pleased to report has one of the most extensive gluten free menus I have ever seen or heard of. Rhonda ordered Sirloin Marsala - 10 oz USDA choice center cut grilled and topped with mushrooms, prosciutto and Carraba’s Lombardo Marsala wine sauce. (15.99) The meal was prepared without a grill baste to further cut down on the amount of gluten in the meal. Carrabba’s Gluten Free menu is provided to patrons upon request and in cooperation with GIG - Gluten Intolerance Group. The steak was cooked perfectly according to Rhonda and she said the flavor of the Marsala wine used was the best she has ever had. I am a fan of Florio Marsala but Carrabba’s Lombardo Marsala has a better overall aroma and flavor to it as I found out when it was my time to feast. Sirloin Marsala

I ordered what was quite possibly the best dish I have ever had at a large family restaurant - Mrs C’s favorite - a combination of two dishes - Involtini di Pollo - chicken stuffed with Italian fennel sausage, spinach, ricotta and Romano cheese topped with Marsala wine… then, add in Pollo Rosa Maria - chicken filled with fontina cheese and procisutto ham topped with sauteed musrooms and basil lemon butter sauce. (15.99) This incredible dish was served with a side of Italian green beans. One bite and I was hooked. Only in Thai food have I experienced a marriage of flavors as good as that of this dish. Nothing was overpowering in this dish, nothing left out and the care that was taken to perfectly cook this dish is something I am sure has taken years of practice to accomplish.

For those patrons that prefer a more ‘red sauced’ Italian menu, Carrabba’s has a great selection of traditional favorites including Lasagna, Manicotti, Spaghetti and Chicken Parmesean (9.99 to 13.99) but please do try Carrabba’s signature family plates for something unique and mouth watering. Carrabba’s also offers a great selection of wood fired pizza like their Quattro Formaggi with extra virgin olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, romano, mozarella, fontina and goat cheeses. (9.49) I will be visiting Carrabba’s again to try the pizza as well as their Mezza Luna - delicate half moon ravioli stuffed with chicken, ricotta and spinach in a tomato cream sauce. (11.79)

My grandmother, Rosemary and my Uncle Rich, have owned and managed restaurants in New Jersey since the early 70’s and I have worked for them as a bus boy and waiter - I know the attention to detail that has to be there when working in a fine dining restaurant. My uncle is the toughest boss I have ever had and my grandmother was very particular about how food in her restaurant was prepared… with the freshest ingredients - sparing nothing for her customer’s delight. Carrabba’s reminds me of how well my family ran their restaurants - with much love for the pallete and attention to detal and above all, attention to the customer.

We highly recommend a visit to Carrabba’s Italian Grill - with two locations in Tulsa.

11021 E 71st Street, Tulsa, OK 74133
Sun: 11am-9pm
Mon-Thur: 4-10pm
Fri: 4-11pm
Sat: 12-11pm

(918) 254-8888

4848 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74135
Sun: 11am-10pm
Mon-Thur: 4-10pm
Fri: 4-11pm
Sat: 3-11pm

(918) 481-9500

VIEW MENU | VIEW WEBSITE

Thanks for reading!

Vince L, Byron M, Angela D, Rhonda M.

A Dog Park? In Tulsa?

I have been looking for ages for a dog park in Tulsa or the surrounding area but until recently I had been unsuccessful at finding one. Last month, a fellow dog owner told me about an unoffical dog park located in Tulsa - near rhe arboretum at 21st and Harvard. It’s a small park but appears to be well maintained by both the grounds caretakers and the visitors alike. You do need to clean up after your dog as you do in most official dog parks across our country - let’s face it - our dogs are important to us and having a park for them to socialize in is a needed thing, but a dirty one is not.

Emma at the dog parkI term it as unofficial because technically there are no dog parks in Tulsa - at least none that I have found crusing the local forums for that matter. You do have to have your dog on a leash OR he must be controllable without a leash. I have been there 4 times since first finding out about the park and my dog has never had a better time chasing after the other well mannered dogs that are usually there on the weekends. The park is most crowded on a clear, warm day around 5PM - I counted 40 dogs 2 weekends ago at that time. Around 1 or 2 you can expect to find 10 to 20 dogs romping around or catching frisbees on the well manicured lawn. The park can be a little difficult to find for first timers but I found the easiest way to get to the park is to head south on Peoria from Cherry street going through 21st and passing the first entrance to the park just driving ahead to about 24th street and making a left at the entrance to the Tulsa Historial Society and then driving straight till you can’t go any further - That’s where the unofficial dog park is. No worries about having to bring pooper scoopers to the park since the park has an adequate supply of small plastic bags to aid in the disposal of your furred friend’s mess. The park also has a water fountain with a ground level bowl for your thirsty hound to drink from.

The park is not gated but it is fenced in with two open entrances on either side. You may be worried that your pouncingEmma meets the BIG DOG pooch may run off through the open entrances but he will be more than happy to stay inside because there is just too much fun for him to have with all of the other dogs.

I met dog owners from Broken Arrow, Sand Springs and all parts of Tulsa so it is apparent that word is catching on about the park quickly.

If you are a dog owner and are ever at the park, I’ll be the short guy with the black pug named Emma - sometimes I bring a lab or two as well depending on whether or not I am taking care of one that week.

UPDATE: MAY 11, 2008

I went for a visit to the park again this weekend and was told by several folks that several tickets were issued to pet owners that did not have their dogs on a leash. The tickets started at $75.00 each and it was reported that at least 20 were issued. The tickets were issued this past Thursday and Friday. I think it is an outrage that tickets were issued at the park whether the tickets were issued legally or not. These are DOGS and their owners, not criminals but apparently the officers that issued the tickets felt otherwise. Because of the incident this past week, visitors to the park have expressed an interest in a legal and of course, official dog park. It is evident that the unofficial dog park at the arboretum has attracted many dog owners and I might add, VERY RESPONSIBLE dog owners… so if the unofficial dog park has been working up until the incident this week, then why doesn’t the city of Tulsa opt for a legal dog park where families, friends and their dogs could gather together. Heck the revenue the city of Tulsa would make on the potential dues and fees should be enough to get even a smal park opened. If you are a dog owner and if you are interested in joining the Tulsa Bark Park Yahoo group, to discuss this topic and lend support to fellow dog owners, please use the sign up link below.

Related: Channel 2 News story - DOG PARK CONCERNS IN TULSA

UPDATE MAY 18, 2008

Please help us get an official Dog Park underway. We’ve had several people join our Yahoo group but the power is in numbers. We need more of YOU. If you are interested in helping us petition the city of Tulsa for an OFFICIAL DOG PARK in Tulsa, Please join as soon as you can by clicking the link below.




Click to join tulsabarkpark

All the best!
Vinnie