SPONSORS

A taste of authentic New York City pizza in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Author Archive for Vinnie

Boomer’s Audio - I’ll never go to Best Buy in Tulsa again!

I had visited the ever popular Best Buy only to be very discouraged by the sales person that I spoke to about a moderately expensive car stereo. The salesperson could not tell me when a schedule was open to do an install. (He didn’t even check a schedule or ask an installer as to when an install time might open up.) He could not tell me much about the features of the radio nor the functions of the add-ons. This is the same experience I had when visiting a second Tulsa Best Buy. I am pretty sure there are no major incentives for Best Buy’s salespeople to make a sale but if Best Buy thinks they are going to keep me as a customer, they have another thing coming to them - at least as far as car audio is concerned. Their lack of professionalism is something I was very surprised to have come across. My previous employment was with American Airlines in customer service - I had pride in my job and knew about all of the products I sold and at the time, I did not make much more than a salesperson at Best Buy does BUT I knew my product and provided excellent customer service even when no incentives were available for the sale.

boomers.jpgA good friend of mine, Bobby Elllis - owner of the coffee roasting company - Copious Coffee, recommended that I pay a visit to Boomer’s Audio. Boomer’s Audio is located in Tulsa at 7659 East 46th Place just west of Memorial on 46th Place. I spoke to the owner of Boomer’s Audio, Mike Hudson and he listened closely to what I was looking for in a new system. He discussed several install options in several price ranges and his grasp of the different head units he carries was astounding. Mike drew up a few sketches of how the different set ups could work. Listening to Mike and his staff was a breath of fresh air without a hint of hard selling. I told Mike that at the moment I could not venture into a full system but that I wanted a very good head unit that would allow me to play music stored on thumb drives or an IPod. Mike suggested a very good Kenwood unit that had all of the features I was looking for and since I told him that I’d want to upgrade my car’s audio system again in the near future, he made sure that the head unit was capable of the future expansion I was looking to do.

The install took about 25 minutes and afterwords, Mike sat down with me in my car and went over almost every feature that the new head unit had. he explained things about the specialized equalization, the ability to change the overall look of the display and he even set the darn clock which is something I really liked because many install places install the radio and leave you to a 25 page manual… so typically it takes you an hour before you can even listen to any music.

Boomer’s does everything from car audio, mobile theater units, auto security and custom fiberglass work. Their line of audio equipment features such brands as Kenwood Excelon, Memphis Car Audio, MB Quart and Treo Subwoofers amoung other very good car audio brands.

Mike showed me Boomer’s custom shop where they can fabricate almost any type of enclosure for any type of audio configuration. You can expect to spend the same at Boomer’s as you would at Best Buy for car audio but you’ll get 200% more satisfaction from Mike and his crew in regard to customer service, professional installation and product knowledge.

My simple Del Sol’s install cost me just under $300.00 which is what I would have spent at Best Buy but I am glad I spent my hard earned money at Boomer’s Audio because I felt like even though I didn’t have a big budget - Mike and his staff still made me feel important as their customer. Some incredible systems can cost a heck of a lot more than I spent this week but for some reason I think that Mike and his staff treat each and every customer the same — with professionalism and an open ear. Kudos to Mike and the staff at Boomer’s Audio in Tulsa! Another reason why I love mom and pop owned businesses in Tulsa!

Boomer’s Audio - 7659 East 46th Place - Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145

918-62BOOMR or 918-622-6667 - Visit Boomer’s Audio Website HERE.

Tulsa Dog Parks - Volunteers needed!

The Tulsa Bark Park task force is seeking volunteers for it’s first park - Joe Station Bark Park located at 2279 Charles Page Blvd in West Tulsa. If you can donate some time to volunteer at the park, please visit TulsaBarkPark.com/volunteer/ to sign up.

We are looking for people to help advise visitors or the park rules and regs which include the requirement for park visitors to clean up after their dogs (Scoop the Poop!) as well as advising visitors about dog etiquette and visitor age requirements.

There are two training classes scheduled this week. Read more about it here:  TulsaBarkPark.com/volunteer/

Tulsa Dog Park to open August 9th

Many of you that live in Tulsa have probably already heard the news that Tulsa is finally getting it’s first off leash dog park.  The park has been several months in the making and if you have been following my blogs here on Tulsa Tonight, you know that I have been very active in promoting a dog park for Tulsa - Here is an aerial view of the park, “Joe Station Bark Park” -  located at 2279 Charles Page Boulevard in Tulsa. Tulsa’s first dog park is scheduled to open on August 9th, 2008 but if you are reading this post prior to that date, you are welcome to visit the park before it’s official grand opening.

Joe Station Bark Park

The park makes great use of a city owned but unused baseball field. Volunteers have been working on getting the park up and running and all of the money to fund the park is being raised through donations.

If you are interested in donating funds to help further dog park development, you can send your tax free donation to:

Tulsa Community Foundation

7030 S. Yale Suite 600

Tulsa, OK 74136.

You can also make a donation through Bank of Oklahoma.

Make checks payable to TCF with a note that it is for ‘Tulsa Bark Park’.

The dog park or “Bark Park” is the first of three to be launched in Tulsa. You can find out more information at TulsaBarkPark.com .

Salsa Rhythm Project

Salsa Rythym Project

It’s a warm night and the musicians take to the stage. Tim Shadley strikes a few notes on the Piano, Frankie Ramierez Willie Conde and John Dellavedova set the rhythm, Rich Fisher and Dave Johnson groove in the horn section. Tom Shannon’s flute is heard again and from upon high in heaven, the legendary Ray Baretto smiles - Salsa is re-born!

tim.jpgWe’re not on a moonlit beach in Puerto Rico, Cuba or anywhere in the Caribbean…. We are in Tulsa, Oklahoma mesmerized by the hypnotic sounds of ‘Salsa Rhythm Project’. These musicians come from different parts of the world and all share the love of Salsa.

The last time I heard Salsa this good was when I was in Puerto Rico a few years ago. I was working for American Airlines Vacations doing a review of a new hotel. I took a trip into Old San Juan and visited ‘Rumba’ - one of the best salsa clubs in the area. I don’t recall the name of the band but listening to them play was a great way to take in all that is Puerto Rico.

Salsa Rhythm Project takes the best of Tulsa local art and mixes it with driving percussion and a dance groove that thankfully, Tulsans can hear almost every weekend.

The Caribbean influenced sounds of Salsa Rhythym Project electrify patrons at many of Tulsa’s great music venues such as The Continental, Ciao, The Blue Dome and the new outdoor stage at Plan B.

Salsa Rhythm Project will be performing at this years Waltz on the Wildside at the Tulsa Zoo on June 20th.

I highly recommend this ‘Tulsa Original’ group - Salsa Rhythm Project.

Come listen and dance to ‘Salsa Rhythm Project’

FRIDAY JUNE 6 - AT PLAN B - 520 EAST 3rd - Tulsa - 8 PM 

 

Please visit the Salsa Rhythm Project MySpace page to hear their music and to find out about more upcoming events.

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.