For some people, and especially those new to the Oklahoma City area, I’m sure City Bites is a little mundane. It’s a pretty large local chain with over 15 Oklahoma City locations. It’s lived past its days of being exciting and new and is now just a common part of the Oklahoma City life.

But I grew up just a couple of blocks from the original City Bites location and I was there when it first opened in 1986. For about four years, this tiny little shop in a strip mall on NW 23rd Street just east of Council Road was the only City Bites location, and man was it something. It overwhelmed you with zany interiors including mismatched paint and clever props like road signs that said “Keep Right” but had an arrow pointing left. And it satisfied you with a style of sandwich that was completely unique.

City Bites was quite possibly my first introduction into the value of a quality, local, neighborhood restaurant. At age eleven, I was pretty struck by the hard work of the owners who, legend has it, painted in mismatched colors because they were stretching their dollars by using whatever paint they could find laying around. And I was pretty smitten with the BBQ beef sandwich (grilled sirloin steak with grilled onions, green peppers, BBQ sauce and provolone) which they still serve today. I hadn’t had anything like that before.

Through my high school days at Putnam City West just down the road, City Bites was a staple of our “open campus” life. I also had several friends who worked there. It was just all an all around great place.

So, of course, City Bites has a lot of great memories for me, but the question now is, how has their growth impacted what they offer? Their 17 locations are, all but one, still in the Oklahoma City area, so they are very much still a “local” restaurant, though they are a chain and opening up to franchising. So, do they still offer something unique to our city?

I think they do. I still visit City Bites semi-regularly. The quality of their food remains high, in my opinion. Their pricing has gone up, naturally, and now you don’t get as much value as you used to in the early days, but they still serve a great, unique sandwich in their signature zany style.

I still love signature sandwiches like the Philly Cheesesteak with grilled sirloin, grilled onions and green peppers, crushed cherry peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. I know it’s not not an “authentic” version, but I don’t mind so much when it is so good. Another, healthier option is the California Club with fresh alfalfa sprouts, bacon, turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and sliced avocado. They’ve kept items like these consistently good from the beginning, while adding and inventing new sandwiches and new items like loaded salads and potatoes over the years.

And of course, every sandwich comes on that amazing bread. I remember first trying the City Bites bread and realizing I’d never had anything like it. Fresh baked, sub-shaped, but flatter and easier to get your mouth around. Their bread just seems perfectly engineered to hold a ton of sandwich contents. They’ve added some neat bread options over the years, like sun-dried tomato (my favorite), and jalepeno … etc. But all of them relate to the classic City Bites style. The bread alone is worth the visit.

They’ve also got giant cookies and brownies you can’t find anywhere else. And, they’ve recently equipped all of their restaurants with reliable, free wifi. This last point has driven me back to City Bites more than anything as I know I can get good food, some good iced tea, and free wifi whenever I have the need for a working lunch or dinner.

Though my personal feelings for City Bites are influenced heavily by my long history with them, I still feel they continue deliver a quality, unique Oklahoma City dining experience almost 25 years later. I’m sure many of you have tried City Bites at one time or another. Tell us what you think in the comments.

I knew pretty much right away I was going to like The Shartel Cafe as I approached the beautiful, dessert-laden counter to place my order.  But with my New Year’s willpower still i tact, I bypassed those desserts, placed my order, filled my cup with tropical herbal iced tea and made it to the table.  I was safe.  I had no idea this place was a bakery, too.  Why didn’t someone warn me?

My attention was soon drawn from the dessert display to the displays of fresh flowers sitting around the counter tops.  My trusty sidekick, Mom, began her visual appraisal and critique of the dining area while we waited on lunch, and the flowers were the first things she praised.  I agreed — fresh flowers add class and beauty to any place. In fact, I’ve been known to purchase a bouquet — to me, from me — on occasion, for my stuffy office.

Soon, the owner served us our entrees, and it was great to have a discussion with her between bites.  Mom’s Greek Veggie Salad ($7.25) arrived first, all fresh, crunchy and appetizing.  It consisted of fresh greens, roma tomatoes, Greek olives, red peppers, pepperoncini, cucumbers, red onions, artichokes and feta cheese, accompanied by a nice, thick, Greek dressing.  The lady next to us said she eats this salad here every day.  My Island Jerk chicken wrap ($7.25) arrived a few minutes later.  It consisted of jerk-marinated chicken, pineapple cream cheese, onion and lettuce on a whole wheat honey wrap.  Although it was good, I think I might have added a little something else for moistness and extra flavor, say like sliced tomatoes or a warm, pineapple compote.

Patrick and Deneen Nault opened Shartel Cafe three years ago and haven’t had time to look back (one can see Patrick serving as chef back in the kitchen).  Deneen says the brisk business stems from surrounding areas such as the OU Medical School and area high schools during the week.  Then, families from surrounding neighborhoods meet there on weekends.  It’s gotten to be a rather homey place for many of their customers, including Betsy, who has created her own special of a hamburger steak with mushroom gravy and the veggie of the day.  Although it’s not located anywhere on the menu, anyone is welcome to ask for it.  The Naults are also happy to cater to any special dietary needs that they can.  Some of their customers come for breakfast, get a to-go order for lunch to take to work, then call in dinner to pick up on the way home.  This is exactly the type of place I wish would open somewhere in far Northwest Oklahoma City.

Deneen saw that Mom and I hadn’t ordered dessert and insisted that we try something. So, of course, I immediately agreed, happily waving goodbye to any non-dessert resolutions I had earlier possessed. In fact, I watched them fly right out the big windows that line the front of the store.  I sent Mom to the counter and she returned with a slice of lemon creme cake ($2.95), a monster cinnamon roll ($1.95), and a white chocolate, cranberry walnut cookie ($1.50).  All delicious.

Deneen went on to say that lots of people come just for the Shartel Mac and Cheese ($7.95), the Oh, My Reuben ($7.25) and any of the burgers, which all looked great.  The Mac and Cheese is tossed with sweet peas and ham, and the Reuben is served on their homemade swirled rye bread.  The breakfast menu is loaded with options — everything from oatmeal, yogurt and granola to pancakes, breakfast quesadillas and quiche.  Pretty much anything is available for a wide variety of tastes.

They also serve several flavors of Java Dave’s coffee, hot and iced teas, smoothies and cappuccino.  And they provide catering.

I found Shartel Cafe to be a great neighborhood restaurant. They have something for all tastes and something for just about any time of the day. Have you tried it? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Isn’t it weird how sometimes you overlook places to visit that are the closest to you?  Having lived in the Deep Deuce for a few years, I’ve only visited the Deep Deuce Bar and Grill just twice, which seems odd. Not only that, but Sage has been open for a few months now and I haven’t been able to push myself to eat there until just recently.   I don’t know if it’s the fact that dining in Bricktown typically costs an arm and a leg or if the view of the wall full of alcohol through the windows made Sage seem more like a bar than a restaurant, but something has kept me away … until now.

The fact that Sage is also a ”market” did peek my interest since OKC has a dearth of healthy, organic markets (Whole Foods are you reading this?!).  I put market in quotes because the market section at Sage probably isn’t much bigger than my kitchen.  In spite of its size, they do offer a selection of goods that can’t be found at your normal supermarket or Wal-Mart.  They feature locally grown organic foods, a nice selection of cheeses, gourmet dressings, organic coffee, oils, and even beer.  Speaking with the sous chef, I found out that the owner has plans to expand the market in the future once the other tennant in the building ends their lease, but that’s still a few years in the works (unfortunately).

So, how’s the food?  Well, Greg visited on a separate occasion and had this to say:

“I had the 3-cheese mac and cheese ($9 for lunch and $11 for dinner) and thought it was wonderful. The gorgonzola gave the whole dish a great tang that really differentiated it from “normal” mac and cheese. The dish was very heavy, though, so I could hardly imagine it as an entree. I really thought it worked best when shared. It might be too rich for me to eat all alone.

I also tried the roasted seasonal vegetables ($7.50), which were pretty good. I was less impressed by the eggplant, but the green tomatoes were a revelation. Sweet and tart, warm and crisp. I would get this dish again in a heartbeat. Also great was that it came with a small side of hummus, which was thicker and tastier than some I’ve found locally.

Wrapping up my appetizer meal were the Greek turkey meatballs with tzatziki sauce ($7.50). They were dense, but flavorful, and the sauce really added a nice, fresh burst. The best part was, by sharing with friends, my bill was only $9 — pretty good for a fancy lunch.

Looking around, I saw some giant sandwiches that I am eager to go back and try. The roast beef was piled high and the portobello sandwich was really calling to me as well. Almost any sandwich topping is also available on a salad and the Ahi tuna salad looked pretty appetizing, but I’ll have to go back for a taste before I can pass judgment.”

I have to agree with Greg about the mac and cheese dishes, they’re pretty good.  I had the Grilled Shrimp Pesto version ($10.50 for lunch and $13 for dinner) and was definitely satisfied with the taste.  The accompanying waldorf salad (celery, apples, walnuts, grapes in a light mayo sauce) matched well with the mac and cheese and kind of helped to break up the heavy creamy flavor. I just wish it came with a bit more salad.  If you’ve ever read the menu and wondered why their mac and cheese is called “The Original” it’s apparently because (they believe) Sage is one of the original and only restaurants in OKC to offer gourmet mac and cheese.  I’m interested to see if there are any other readers or restaurants out there who might debunk this claim.

Talking about original offerings, Sage also has a salt bar where you choose from three of their eleven premium salts from around the world for $2.  I honestly don’t know what these different salts will do to change the flavor of my food, but it’s definitely something I’d like to try out another time.

On a subsequent visit during happy hour (everyday from 2-6pm) I was happy to find the $3.50 margaritas and mojitos.  I think everyone needs to try out the mojitos because they come in an awesome mason jar!  Honestly, it’s a nice touch.  I also made a meal of the $3.50 appetizer selections.  The grilled chili lime chicken wings and greek turkey meatballs are definitely enough to share with several people.  If you want to enjoy this happy hour deal, make sure you place all your food orders before the cutoff because the computer will automatically adjust prices at 6pm sharp.

Now, for the bad news. If you’re looking to visit Sage with a large group, be advised — I had a birthday party with a group of 13 and I must say the service was less than stellar.  I reserved our spot a good week ahead of time so I feel the staff had plenty of time to prepare for our party.  To start, those ordering mac and cheese dishes were told that they were out of the accompanying waldorf salad (disappointing news), but then one of my friends got some other person’s dinner and it came with the waldorf salad (aggravating news). In addition, I think our server took everyone’s orders about 3 or 4 times and blamed the ticketing system that was acting funny (this is the second visit on which I’ve encountered issues with the computer system). As a result, we all sat around waiting much longer than we really wanted.

I know big groups are always a challenge, but at a higher-end establishment like Sage, you expect them to be a bit more prepared, especially with advanced notice. My friends were pretty disappointed with the service, but I still think the quality of the food might bring some of them back again.

Overall, Sage offers unique dining, a convenient gourmet market and mini-deli, a pretty nice bar and some pretty good desserts choices. Aside from sub-par service with a large group, I can’t offer much complaint.  I will continue to anticipate the expansion of their market or just hope for a Trader Joes or a Whole Foods to open up.  If you’ve had a good (or bad) experience at Sage, we would like to know your thoughts.  Please leave us a comment below.

Let’s start off by clarifying that we — myself, Sarah and Tim — went to Sauced in February (yes, it’s taken us that long to publish this review). We know that February isn’t the greatest month for sitting out in the ample patio, drinking a beer and eating a slice. So, if that’s what the charm of Sauced is really about (and we suspect it is), we clearly missed out.

But at the same time, a restaurant can’t be completely about atmosphere and experience. They do, after all, serve food as well, and the the food just didn’t strike us as all that memorable.

Now, it’s not the worst thing in the world for food to be “OK.” The worst thing is when it out-and-out sucks and it’s expensive. The food at Sauced does not out-and-out suck and is maybe only a little expensive, so it doesn’t have everything going against it — it just doesn’t have that much going for it.

Sauced is fine. It’s OK. It’s good. The food is just not memorable. And that’s unfortunate for a place that has so much going for it in the “experience” department.

The pizza ($16.50 for cheese plus $1.50 per topping) — we split a half-pepperoni and sausage and half-garlic, mushrooms and brocolli pie — was on the dry side. It’s a big pie with a very thin crust, but that crust was quite bland and there was very little sauce on it (ironic, considering the name of the restaurant). We did appreciate the availability of some unique toppings, like broccoli and carrots, but overall, it just fell short. That, plus the hefty price tag, make this a poor pizza value in our opinion.

You might see the large diameter of the pizza as improving the value, but the super-thin crust means that, even at a large size, it’s not very filling. The three of us easily finished every last bite of our large (which cost $21) and could have had more. Put it all together and it’s average pizza at a pretty substantial price.

We also tried the hummus and chips appetizer ($3.10). It wasn’t anything to write home about, either. These were ballpark-style tortilla chips and some pretty bland hummus with a little seasoning tossed on. Frankly, I didn’t taste anything.

The one thing I did have that was great was the coffee and I’d gladly get another cup of that. Again, this adds to the appeal as a hang-out or coffee shop as opposed to a dining establishment.

If I lived in or near the Paseo, I would go to Sauced because it’s a neighborhood kind of place. I like the funky art on the walls. I like that it has a great beer list and a place to sit outside. But I don’t live right there and I don’t know that Sauced has enough to pull me back for another taste. A restaurant needs to make that first impression count and while I wouldn’t necessarily ward anyone away from Sauced, I am not going to push people in that direction.

I have a feeling we’ll get some pretty spirited comments on this one. Please, let us know what you think in the comments, whether you agree or disagree with our review.

It often seems that restaurants employing slick marketing and clever concepts fall short on the quality of food. This was the issue I raised in my review of Red Pin, for example, where I even titled the article “concept over cuisine.” It’s not necessarily that the food is terrible, it’s just that the concept can easily overtake the food in importance, which doesn’t sit well with me.

I also lamented this issue in my review of Lotsa Noodles. One person even commented on that review that slick marketing means lower quality food. I’m not sure I would follow that logic to the extreme, but I do think there is potential for a correlation. A restaurant can go too far toward a concept or a marketing direction to the detriment of the food.

When I stepped into Cafe 7, I instantly knew this was an obstacle they would have to overcome. Their concept is clever and it’s polished to the hilt. Can the food shine through in such an environment? That was the question I eagerly sought to answer.

First, here’s the concept. Seven items in each category (sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and pastas), in seven minutes or less, seven days a week, and everything is priced $7 or under (tax included). Now, right off the bat, I love the $7 including tax. That’s a value if the meal is decent. The idea of making every single thing on the menu fit that model is pretty intriguing.

But then, not everything really does fit the model. Side items (chips, soups, salads, fruit, baked potato … etc.) cost extra. And, of course, drinks are extra as well. This, plus some fine print in the “build your own” sections of the menu made what could have been a very simple selection a bit complex.  I had to spend a good amount of time figuring out how to put together the order I wanted without pushing the price up.

Then, there’s the fact that you’re supposed to write down your order on a paper order form and take it up to the counter. I’m not sure why this step is necessary. It made things more confusing. For example, on the paper form it looked like adding different meats to the pasta would increase the price, but the lady at the counter said it really didn’t and I could do whatever I wanted for $7. I love the fact that it’s a pasta free-for-all for seven bucks, but why didn’t the paper form make that clear? Maybe it’s still new and they’re working out the kinks. I’ll cut them some slack here, but I’d recommend taking another pass at this process and cleaning up some of the confusing areas.

I wound up building my own pasta — spaghetti with tomato marinara, meatballs, Italian sausage, mushrooms and green peppers — all for $7. I also added a cup of fruit for $1 and had water for an $8 total. Not bad, and there’s no tipping since it’s limited service.

The pasta was very tasty with a nice, fresh, tangy marinara sauce. It was well presented and served at the perfect temperature. The amount of meat included was very generous (in fact, I would probably go with less meat next time), though the meatballs did have an almost crusty exterior that was strange. They weren’t bad. I haven’t figured out if I liked it or whether it was even supposed to be that way. At the very least, they weren’t the most tender meatballs I’ve had.

The fresh fruit was nice as well. Nothing fancy, but for $1 it was certainly tasty enough. My friend had a sandwich, which looked decent. Nothing really special, but it was presented well and I think (not 100% sure) it may have come with the side of chips for $7.

So, the verdict? I felt that the food here exhibited a bit of extra care and attention that I wouldn’t expect at a concept-driven place. So, I think they’ve got a shot at overcoming the polished, concept stigma and really providing something special. I doubt it’s going to be anyone’s all-time favorite restaurant, but with a solid $7 inclusive price point, they don’t have to be. If they can just provide some options that are a cut above the norm, I think they’ll have a winner. And, from what I’ve seen, it looks like they’re on the right track.

Have you been to Cafe 7? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Do you remember that band you used to like? They were totally cool until everybody else found out about them and then, suddenly, they were much less cool. And then their song was on an iTunes commercial and then the radio started playing them (and radio almost never plays the good stuff) and you started to wonder if, since everybody else liked them now, maybe they weren’t as good as you thought.

Welcome to Falcone’s. People raved for the last few years about the New York style pizza, the authentic sandwiches with meats you’ve only heard about on The Sopranos and the owner who seems like he arrived in Oklahoma via the witness protection program. But once word got around, suddenly people seemed less interested.

Let me tell you — that’s bunk. Falcone’s may have expanded from just one tiny storefront to three locations, but the pizza is just as good as ever. Better yet, there’s probably tons of stuff you never took the time to try.

The problem with pizza, especially if you’re eating alone or have a short time frame, is that you can’t wait for an entire pizza to show up, nor can you (or maybe you can, but you shouldn’t) eat one all by your lonesome. In that respect, Falcone’s has you covered. Their mammoth by-the-slice business is perfect.

Now, I like a “supreme” pizza from most places, but don’t recommend it at Falcone’s. What you want, even if you don’t know it yet, is a slice of cheese pizza. It’s all of $2.50 for a big slice. If you do want a topping, you’ll pay an extra 50 cents.

If, for some reason, pizza is not your thing, I suggest a sandwich. Some like the calzones ($5.50 for cheese, $6.50 with pepperoni or sausage) but, in my opinion, they aren’t as tasty as the pizza. The sandwiches, on the other hand, will give you something you’re not likely to find elsewhere — variety.

Try the capicola ham ($7.99), sweet or spicy, with fresh mozarella, and enjoy. Fresh mozarella really is something to experience and it will put you off the stuff they sell at the grocery store for good. Cold sandwiches run between $7 and $8, but they’re worth it. Hot sandwiches are all $8 and include chicken parmesan, meatball, sausage and pepper and a few other specialties. I prefer the cold sandwiches myself.

While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and try a rice ball ($2.50). It’s a big ball of rice mixed with cheese and seasonings, then fried and covered in marinara. I love them and it’s a struggle not to get one every time I go in.

There are some problems with Falcone’s, which you probably know if you’ve been. It’s chaotic, for one. I think the Bricktown location has the easiest set-up while my visits to the Edmond store are mostly exercises in patience. Once you’re in line, you’re probably good, but the servers can get a little short with customers. They expect you to know what you want, which can be daunting for pensive orderers.

And if you’re thinking of ordering a pizza to go, I’d defer to the wisdom of my fellow reviewers, who say the pizza deteriorates quickly. It’s like some sort of Indiana Jones plot — the pizza is perfect, unless you leave the store. On the other hand, their deli offers a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and even some prepared foods by the pound. That may be a better option if you’re looking to take something home.

So I say choose wisely, grab a chair, and eat some of the finest New York style pizza you’re going to find in Oklahoma City. If you’ve experienced Falcone’s, let us know what you think in the comments.

I’m not much of a dessert guy, so dining at an ice cream shop generally isn’t my first choice. That, plus the fact that the outside temperature is often below freezing this time of year, is enough to keep me away from anything with “frozen custard” in the name. But I heard about Bodensee Frozen Custard and the fact that they serve much more than sweets. I also heard that this single-location cafe runs a very clean shop so when I found myself meeting a friend for dinner on the south side of town the other day, I decided to give it a try.

I discovered that Bodensee offers a nice selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, sides, and a full espresso and coffee selection. Not only that, but I found an incredible value in the $5 lunch combo. This selection (which managing partner, Lloyd Tidwell, tells me they actually offer any time of day, not just at lunch) gives you a choice of any full sized sandwich, choice of side, drink (with free refills), and a taste of custard, all for $5 even. I can tell you that if I lived or worked anywhere near this restaurant, I would definitely take advantage of this value regularly.

I had the Prussian Cheese Steak sandwich. It’s $4.69 by itself but you can get it, in its full size, as a part of the $5 combo described above. This seems like a crazy price discrepancy to me, but hey, I’ll take it. The sandwich isn’t huge, but it’s certainly an adequate portion. Neither is it amazingly unique, but it is very tasty and fresh. The bottom line is, I wouldn’t be head over heels about this sandwich at $4.69, but at $5 with everything else included, I’m in awe.

My friend had the club ($4.59 on it’s own). It was pretty basic, but again, tasty and fresh. That seems to be the standard here. You’re not going to be writing home about the sandwiches you discover, but you’re going to get something fresh, healthy, well prepared, and at a terrific value.

On every sandwich, you get to choose your bread, dressings, veggies and cheese. It’s actually a lot of choices to make and a little awkward (in my opinion) when you have to spend so much time setting the specifications for your order, but if you’re into customization, this is the place for you.

Of course, the calling card of Bodensee is the frozen custard, so I had to try some. It was about 10 degrees outside when I was there, but I sacrificed for the sake of this review and ordered a parfait ($2.99 small, $3.49 regular, $3.99 large). There are about fifteen to choose from and I got the Bodensee. It’s sweet creme custard, banana slices, and strawberry topping in a parfait glass. I’m no custard expert, but still I can tell you it’s very good. It’s so creamy it’s almost hard to believe. The place obviously knows what they are doing as a creamery and, naturally, this is where the heart of their business lies.

You can get the custard in a bunch of other forms like mixes, sundaes, malts, shakes, floats, freezes, cones, smoothies, and the like. Again, tons of choices to make in flavorings, toppings and mixins. They also make a no-fat, no-sugar-added frozen yogurt that you can substitute into most of their selections.

One thing I really like is the “taste” of custard that comes with the $5 lunch special. It literally is a taste — a very small paper cup barely bigger than what you’d get as a sample most places with a little scoop of custard. But honestly, this is about how much dessert we all should really eat. It’s nice that they include it on the combo so that you can get a taste of their specialty, which of course may entice you to come back and try something else.

The one thing I’m not really fond of at Bodensee is the atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant is really disjointed and doesn’t give the impression that they really spend much time on environment. There is a front room that is done up to look like you are outdoors in Vienna somewhere. A painted mural on the wall and patio tables with umbrellas (though you are indoors) establish the motif. Now, it’s not super well done, but it still provides at least a bit of decor.

The problem comes when you move into the back room, which is almost completely bare and features a hodgepodge of coffee tables, benches, tables and chairs with no decoration whatsoever. This is a room you can reserve as a meeting room for many different party and group meeting options they offer. There is a ventless gas log fireplace in this back room, which would have been great on the cold day I was there, but there was nothing really cozy about it. It was just kind of stuck in the corner. There is so much more that could be done to the interiors to make this place more inviting. I also feel that adding free wifi connectivity could really help as they are promoting themselves as a cafe and coffee shop.

That said, I can’t render too much judgment on the “feel” of the place as I was definitely not there in their peak season. I imagine the mood is so much more lively on a hot summer night when lots of people show up to enjoy the cool, refreshing, and excellently prepared custard.

The bottom line for me is that Bodensee is a great value. I’m not sure the $5 lunch combo (which I’m told is available all day) can be beat anywhere, by anyone. It’s so much better than fast food — it’s fresh, custom made, healthy and tasty — and yet they are delivering it at prices that beat most fast food restaurants. Seriously, where can you go to get a complete meal, drink included, for $5 even?

This amazing value, plus the uniqueness of their dessert offerings, make Bodensee worth a try for those who live nearby. Please let us know what you think in the comments.

Mom has been trying to get me to go to Neighbors Cafe for about five years now, and I’ve refused on the grounds that I’m not old enough yet. I mean come on, it’s where she and my granddad went for lunch every Friday. So, with the recent passing of my granddad, she wanted to go “for old time’s sake,” and since my brother conveniently lives in Dallas, I was the only person handy enough to take her (sigh). So off we went.

First of all, if Mom didn’t have that handicapped sticker, we wouldn’t have found a parking place. Of course, skeptic that I am, I wrote the crowded parking lot off to the fact that it’s in a strip mall and all of the other cars were obviously there for the other businesses. But I was proven wrong as we walked in and grabbed the only booth left by a window. By the time our menus were dropped off, I noticed all of the tables in the dining room were taken. I was beginning to think that perhaps I judged this place too quickly. After all, they were doing some serious business.

But it’s tough to let go of your preconceptions, so I began perusing my menu options with the blase’ attitude still firmly intact. Given my experience with most corner cafes, I figured that even the carpet in this place was likely loaded with grease. So, I was very pleasantly surprised that the first items on the menu were fresh-squeezed juices and handmade fruit smoothies ($2.99), followed by specialty coffees ($1.99) — not your typical greasy-spoon menu items. Still needing something reasonably low-fat but more substantial than fruit juice, I proceeded on down the menu and hit the salad section. Naturally I doubted how good a diner salad could be, but that’s what sounded good and some of the my mom’s “senior” friends who we ran into out in the parking lot were raving about the salads. So, I ordered the Santa Fe salad with grilled chicken ($5.99). Mom chose the veggie omelet with home fries ($4.59). I told her the fries cancel out the veggies. She ignored me and added three packets of sugar to her decaf.

A group of younger guys occupied the table next to us. They ordered the Friday special — fried catfish. I stole two or three looks at their plates and it looked pretty good. As I was eating my huge salad with the homemade chipotle dressing (very tasty and spicy), I continued down the menu looking for additional reasonably healthy choices. The omelets can also be ordered with egg whites or egg substitute — that’s good. And the other breakfast entrees come with a choice of a side of fresh fruit. That’s good too. There’s also a nice variety of burgers, which looked really good on the little man’s plate behind mom.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with my “senior” dining experience here. Neighbors Cafe serves quite a bit of quality food at great prices. I think you’ll definitely be surprised as I was if you go in expecting your typical greasy spoon experience. The owners were on vacation the day we went in, so I didn’t get to do my usual interview, but that will give me a reason to go back next Friday and try the burgers.

So, if you take your parents out and they want to go here, bring them. Now, I can’t say I would bring my hip, big-city brother here, but for a handy little place with a homey atmosphere and pretty good food, it’s nice. By the time we left, there was a line of people clear out the door waiting for tables. I suppose I should learn not to pre-judge a place before I see how crowded it is.

“This ain’t Subway.”

That is what I heard George Hobson, owner of Hobby’s Hoagies, tell a customer more than a decade ago. There’s no production line at Hobby’s. You can ask for something to be left off, but if you don’t say anything, they’ll make it the same way they always do — delicious.

I’ve had the pizza at Hobby’s. I’ve had the spaghetti. But if you’re going to Hobby’s Hoagies, do yourself a favor and get a sandwich, because it’s one of the best you’ll ever have.

Most sandwiches come in two sizes at Hobby’s — 7-inch or footlong — and they all come with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, oils, spices and Hobby’s special hoagie peppers on a homemade Italian roll.

That pillowy bread is a big part of the appeal. Unlike some of the stale rolls you’ll get at other sandwich shops, Hobby’s rolls are soft and satisfying, soaking up the oils and flavors of the sandwiches.

Don’t wait too long to eat the Special Italian ($6.59 for a 12-inch), or the ends will get wet with juice — not that that’s ever stopped me before. The Special Italian has capicola, ham, salami and provolone, but the ingredients I love most are those special peppers. They make every sandwich spicy and sweet with just enough heat to keep things interesting.

These days, I usually opt for the Philly Cheesesteak ($7.59 for a footlong) with its tender steak which is cooked on the flat grill with peppers and onions. Every bite is good, but every few bites you get that perfect blend of onion, steak and cheese that makes you stop and close your eyes. It keeps me coming back every time.

That cheesesteak is so good, in fact, that I order a cheesesteak whenever I see one on any menu. I am routinely disappointed. Nobody in the area seems to be able to capture the same juicy, flavorful quality you get at Hobby’s.

My wife loves the deli menu, often ordering a grilled cheese ($3.69) which comes on crisp, thick-cut toast. It’s not a complex dish, but Hobby’s does it well. I’m also partial to the reuben on rye ($6.29) and for vegetarians, there’s the veggie ($4.19) with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, sprouts, pickles, peppers, oil and spices.

This is no knock on the pizza or the pasta — Hobby’s does a good job at both — but I don’t know if I’ll ever get past those sandwiches. Who cares about gas prices? Hobby’s Hoagies is worth the trip.

PLEASE NOTE: We have learned that the Red Moon Cafe is closing or may already be closed.

Whenever I hear of a new, locally-owned restaurant opening in the Oklahoma City area, I really try hard to like everything about it. I want really badly for it to succeed, and therefore I tend to overlook a lot of things and give it many chances before I write it off. But unfortunately, even after giving it many, many chances, I’ve got to say that Red Moon just isn’t quite up to par. On the other hand, my husband is a huge fan of the place, so obviously not everyone agrees with me.

Here’s the thing … the food is good. I’m not saying that you can’t get a decent meal here. The menu contains a nice variety of “cafe-type” foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and breakfast is served all day. It always tastes good and it is always hot. I like just about everything I’ve tried including soups, salads, omelets, sandwiches and daily specials (though my experience with the desserts has not been as great — more on that below).

“So, what’s the problem?” you ask. Well, two things. First, the owners have tried something new by setting up their restaurant in the lobby of the Legacy Bank building. I can’t decide if this is “a go” or not, as I still feel as if I’m eating in the lobby of a bank. It needs just a touch of something, but I’m not sure what.

Second, and most importantly, my main complaint is with the service. At best, I would describe it as inconsistent. At worst, it can be downright frustrating. It’s never crowded when we’re in there, but for some reason, it takes a really long time for our food to arrive. And it seems the less crowded, the longer it takes. And it’s an order at the counter then seat yourself place, so I never can tell where the bottleneck is coming from.

Of course, there were also what I refer to as our two “mustard incidents.” I’ve known my husband for 25 years, and he has never, ever eaten anything remotely resembling mustard. In fact, he can’t stand the sight or smell of it. So of course, the first time he ordered a hamburger here and asks for the mustard to be held, our server brought his burger teeming with mustard. He very politely explained to her that he asked for the mustard to be held, and she grabbed the plate, huffed off, and in a minute returned, sliding his new burger across the table without so much as another word. I wrote it off as opening-day jitters.

But then, a couple of months later, he ordered a chicken sandwich without the mustard. Someone from behind the counter brought it out, again full of mustard. My husband sent it back with the person, and a few seconds later, the server from incident number one appeared at our table with the replacement sandwich and proceeded to pick a big argument with him, accusing him of ordering mustard. I couldn’t believe my ears. It was so ridiculous that even the other customers were looking our way. If I had my wishes, it would have been the last time we went. But since my husband loves the place so much, we continue on.

Since then, the rule of the day has been wrong orders. If I order the vegetable soup, I get the black bean. If I order the Caesar salad, I get the house, etc. Recently, at least, they have been nice enough to try and make things right (without scolding us), but I wonder how hard this stuff can be when there is only one other table with customers.

So, the service is poor but the food is good. As I mentioned above, just be careful with the desserts, because they are not always fresh. They are displayed on a turning wheel right beside the cash register, making them very tempting because they look so good. However, last time we were there, my husband ordered a huge cupcake that was very dry. He took it back to the counter, and, to their credit, they did promptly exchange it for something else.

Finally, I will give them credit for serving appropriate portions. It’s always refreshing to find a place that sizes their meals according to what we all should be eating, rather than the gargantuan-sized, chain-restaurant meals that take up an entire table.

In conclusion, if the Red Moon could vastly improve their service, and make the place look a little less like a bank, then I’d say they’ve got a great shot at a winner. But as it stands now, whenever my husband says it’s time to go to the Red Moon, I just sigh and put my mind into Seinfeld-episode mode and try to get myself mentally prepared for another adventure. At least the last couple of times we’ve been out there, we haven’t seen or heard from the hostile wait-person, who could be compared to Seinfeld’s soup nazi. Instead, we just encounter a bunch of young kids whose only crime is wrong orders. But I’ll take that any day over being yelled at for mustard.

** Note: the kids who work here are very nice, but are sometimes unsure of things. Hence, the “probable hours” in the opening paragraph. I called today to get the hours and got completely different times than when we went tonight for dinner and I asked. The hours listed at the top are what the kid told me tonight. My best suggestion if you’re thinking about going later in the evening – call first to make sure they’re open. Then get ready for an adventure.

Dear Reader: the following review was written by my wife. Though it is posted under my name, I take no responsibility for its content and I adamantly deny that I have ever been to this restaurant.

Thank you,
Andrew

As the wife of the creator of Oklahoma City’s shady restaurant series, you can imagine how often I have been pulled into strange, scary, and unsafe eateries. Sometimes I get tired of all these weird meat and cheese offerings and just want a pretty little sandwich on a non-disposable plate. A Spot For Tea offers just that. It’s a fancy little tea and lunch shop that a girl can go to and have a chance to eat real food. I am very happy that I found this place. Their slogan — “Bringing You Joy In a Teacup” — really sums my experience.

A Spot For Tea is a luncheon spot that also offers party hosting services like bridesmaid luncheons, receptions, and even little tea parties for moms and their little girls. They also have great food to accompany the fancy “fru fru” atmosphere. The food offerings include quiche, chicken salad, tuna salad, fruit salads, club sandwiches, croissants … you know, everything that my husband would label as “girly food.” Truth be told, he would probably really like the food here, even though he would never go in here (he just requested that I reinforce the fact that he adamantly denies ever eating here. So, there you have it). It’s sad that just because they don’t serve fried goat or squirrel, or whatever other weird thing he is always talking about, that he will miss out on fresh, unique, and yummy food. My sandwich came with a muffin accompanied by apricot butter and a frozen cranberry salad. Yum!

The story behind the start of this place is great. You can read all about it on their web site (which is actually pretty dynamic for a restaurant web site). The owners want this place to be the picture of hospitality, and for people to view it as a ministry as much as a restaurant. I plan on having a little dress-up party with my little girl and her little friends here soon. What a fun idea!

A lot of what you see here you can buy to take home for yourself — from the aprons the staff is wearing to many of the tea sets on display. I had the chance to walk around and look at things while Andrew drove across the street to get a mystery-meat kabob from that scary hookah bar he keeps talking about. A Spot for Tea really does have a neat set up that is a great setting for banquets, receptions, and parties.

I can’t wait to try more of their many teas. They had what appeared to be over a hundred different types of tea. You can purchase their teas by the ounce to take home and brew yourself. They also include directions on how to brew the perfect cup of tea. The food is great too, and I want to try more. I’m sorry I don’t have many adjectives to describe food. I mostly use the words “yummy” and “really yummy” to describe food. I don’t know all those fancy French terms my husband likes to throw around (he really doesn’t know what they mean either).

I hope you get the chance to try A Spot For Tea. If you have a little girl like I do, take her with you. It will be a special memory for both of you. If you have a husband like mine who is scared of “girly food,” send him across the street to eat kabobs and pita bread, or leave him at home and go enjoy one of the funnest and yummiest lunch spots in town.

Is there any place in Oklahoma City that you will drive completely out of your way just for the cookies? Ingrid’s Kitchen is that place for us. We can be clear on the north side of Edmond, and my husband (the founder of Sweet Tooths of America United), will have a sudden and uncontrollable urge for the chocolate thumb print cookies made famous at Ingrid’s. So we make our way to the corner of Youngs and NW 36th Street in OKC, before driving home way back on the far west edge of town. It’s nuts. But it’s worth it. These cookies are the creamiest, most fudgy and totally illegal things you will ever enjoy. And an inside tip from my Mom – request the ones from the non-refrigerated case. They’re better, she says.

My mom and my husband are the self-appointed dessert connoisseurs of the family. You know, the type that look at the dessert menu first, before deciding on a main dish. They also choose restaurants based on how good the crunchy, burnt topping on the creme brulee is. The conversations in the car as we try and decide where to eat are mind-numbing. Mom will smack her mouth and tongue trying to decide what taste is on her pallet for the evening, kind of like when Johnny Carson used to put that huge turban on and place the card to his forehead to see what answer would ultimately come to him. And the funny thing is – Mom can’t smell or taste, so does it really matter? She says yes, because now texture is everything. And thus, the love for the creamy thumb prints.

Anyway, Ingrid’s specializes in a variety of German foods and dishes. Their official name is Ingrid’s Kitchen – European and American Bakery and Delicatessen/Restaurant. They also have their own catering company, Lee’s Gourmet To Go.

Every time we go to Ingrid’s, I tell myself I’m going to try the German food since it’s something they specialize in, but I have yet to make it past the grilled Turkey Reuben sandwich on the menu. I will leave the German review to Andrew, my co-hort in tasting. He will post his findings soon.As for me, I can tell you that the Turkey Reuben is hot, stacked high with meat, cheesy, bubbly and delicious. And I’m sure it’s not legally on my diet. If you’re not a big meat eater, you could easily split it with someone else and add a side of their tabouli or German potato salad. Or, you could order it as a part of the half sandwich and cup of soup. I recommend these options as ordering the whole reuben for myself, plus a side salad and drink set me back over $10 for lunch, which is a little more than what I like to pay here around town.

If you’re ever in the mood to see old guys playing live music on a Saturday, then Ingrid’s is the place. Go for breakfast or lunch, then grab your partner and hit the dance floor for a number or two. We like to go for the brunch buffet on Sundays. You can always count on a nice variety of main dishes, salads and “a full dessert table featuring pure concocted indulgence,” with “more outstanding creations” offered on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Easter. They even take reservations for large parties. The buffet is $13.95 for adults (less for kids) but it is a good value with all of the offerings they provide.

The counter help is part of the fun, as they are all talky and very helpful, especially the man at the cash register. Part of the Oklahoma City charm of this restaurant.

Last year, I even ordered my entire Thanksgiving meal from Ingrid’s. Being someone who enjoys cooking, I was a little wary of a holiday restaurant meal. But Ingrid’s didn’t disappoint. And I will not hesitate to order more holiday food from them again if needed. It sure beat sitting in Denny’s eating one of those skillet meals with nine million fat grams.

We like Ingrid’s as much for the atmosphere as we do the food. But we wouldn’t drive clear across town if the food wasn’t worth the price of the gas to get there. One of my co-workers’ favorite things to do is eat lunch at Ingrid’s, then go next door to shoe shop at Linda’s Birkenstock. >Men, take note – you won’t find a faster way into a woman’s heart than a tasty meal she didn’t have to cook and new pair of comfy shoes.

Driving down Council Road you don’t see many restaurants. A few fast food joints, one of those unitarian joints (a “lets have every type of food imaginable” place), a diner or two, and that’s about it. There is a place, however, that you have probably driven by a hundred times and never even seen. Oma’s Pantry is hidden in the middle of a little shopping strip in Bethany, hardly a hot bed for unique restaurants. Oma’s Pantry is a gourmet food shop specializing in European imports. I have always counted on Oma’s to provide me with Aromat seasoning, different European Knorr mixes, specialty cheese, and a variety of infused oils, but it is what they just recently began providing that I have decided to share with the world. Oma’s has started serving fresh hot Panini-style sandwiches that are amazing. They also have a Soup Von De Dag (Soup of the day), real imported German Knockwurst and Bratwurst, and a variety of homemade pastries.

The Paninis are made with fresh meats, bread and cheese. For instance, today I ordered the Flamin’ Hot Pastrami Sandwich. First off, name another place in the city where you can get fresh shaved Pastrami. There aren’t many. Place a healthy portion of pastrami with a couple thick slices of Grueyere, some hot sauce, some of Oma’s coleslaw, all on a couple slices of Holzofen Art Brot (Stone Baked Farmer’s Rye Bread) and you have a lunch that will make any other deli sandwich in town seem pretty ordinary. The coleslaw is fresh, it has chunky pieces of cucumber, cabbage, carrot, etc., and it’s FULL of flavor. Very refreshing when you picture that soggy shredded cabbage concoction we are all so used to. My wife had the Mediterranean Panini which is smoked turkey, a goat’s milk Gouda, onions, tomatoes, and a black olive relish grilled on an Italian bread. There are many other choices involving Black Forest Ham, cheeses such as Havarti and Provolone, French Dip, and of course, a Reuben.

If you are not in the mood for a hot sandwich, they have a cold sub-style sandwich as well. For instance, the Roast Beef with Blue Stilton Cheese deserves a try. You don’t get the chance to eat Blue Stilton Cheese very often in life. Sandwiches are paired with a bag of chips, potato salad, or you can get the German Potato Salad. And did I mention the real German Brats and Knacks? Sorry, I’m very excited that they started offering these. You can buy them frozen and take them home as well to cook yourself if you are like me and hate the offerings our lame grocery stores in this city offer us in the way of sausages. And yes, there are vegetarian choices as well. In fact, the Veggie Melt that stacks grilled asparagus, fresh spinach, mozzarella, roasted sweet red peppers, and an eggplant spread tempts even a hardcore carnivore such as myself. Pair that with a cup of French Onion soup and an apricot turnover if you really want to kick it up a notch.

Oma’s Pantry is a food-lovers paradise. Where else in town can you get a wide variety of imported cheeses, spices, imported meats, treats, as well as fresh pastries, soups, and sandwiches? If you know of another, please tell me. Thankfully, for my sake, Oma’s is right by my house. Too bad there aren’t more places in town like this. This isn’t a budget sub shop. Expect to pay 6 or 7 bucks for a sandwich, but also expect to be VERY satisfied with a tasty hot sandwich straight from the old country.

As I’ve said before, I much prefer local restaurants. But I’ve got to give credit when a chain restaurant really goes above and beyond. In the case of Panera Bread, I feel like I pretty much owe them some recognition considering that they’ve given me thousands of hours of great office space, virtually rent free.

You see, I’m actually at Panera right now, working on my laptop on their free wireless internet network. I like to get up early every day and get some personal work done before heading into the office. A while back, I was self-employed, and I’d spend even more time here, sometimes using their space for entire days at a time. Sure, I’d buy lunch here, but that’s a pretty good rate for 8 hours of rent. Especially when the rest of the time I’m just working and making use of free iced tea refills.

Since moving back to Oklahoma City, I’ve looked around for a local alternative to fill my early morning office / cafe need. But I haven’t found anything better than Panera yet. And here’s why:

Hours of Operation. Panera opens at 6am every day and stays open until 8pm or 9pm. It’s just hard to beat that availability. I have yet to find a local alternative that opens at 6am. The closest I’ve found is 6:30 and when you’ve only got until 8, that extra 30 minutes makes a world of difference.

Food. As opposed to Starbucks or other coffee shop options, Panera serves real food. And the food is great. The multitude of bagel options for breakfast are creative, made with quality ingredients and prepared well everyday by someone who must get here at 3am or something to get all of this baking done. Even better, if you’re around for lunch or dinner, there are great sandwiches, soups, salads and now some artisan pizza in the evenings. It’s nice to have a place that can satisfy at any time of day.

Free wireless internet. A few years ago, someone up at Panera headquarters must have made what I consider to be the most brilliant decision ever — to offer free wireless internet in their stores. It’s not only free, there’s even a support number to call if you have trouble (ask for the internet brochure). Now that’s service! A reliable, high-quality wireless network at no cost. This single offering has earned them my loyalty and repeat business and I’m sure there are many others out there who feel the same way. Way to go, guys!

Iced tea. Their tea is great, and they fill up two huge containers of it on their drink station so they never run out. When you’re officing at Panera, $1.50 or so buys you a whole days’ worth.

I’d love to find a local alternative that can rival these offerings for my morning ritual. If you know of one, leave a comment and let me know. But even if I find one, I doubt I’ll leave Panera completely. I’ll have to visit them at least once a week. They’ve just been too good to me.