Tulsa is OK by me

Greetings from green and sprawling Tulsa, OK. Lee and I are here doing AdSpeed support team (actually, she's doing most of the work, and I am learning along with the rest of them).

We've eaten at some pretty sweet spots so far. First off is a restaurant at Utica Square, a shopping area that has a Neiman Marcus, Williams Sonoma and other stores of that ilk, as well as eateries such as The Wild Fork, a very delicious and eclectic place. I had a Pear Salad (with bleu cheese, walnuts, pears ["I wasn't expecting beets," I remarked to Lee. She pointed out that those were the pears. Oops.], and of course lettuce. It was delish. I also got the vegetable stir fry (onions, two types of mushrooms [stay away, Amanda], broccoli, peppers and more), which had a nice kick to it. Had to order some extra water. If you like berry cobbler, skip it at the Wild Fork. Well, skip it if you prefer a pie crust as opposed to a cake-like one. Lee got the tuna, which, she said, was "overcooked," but that was her only complaint. We sat on the breezy and tree-lined patio, which shared a grassy courtyard with Starbucks. From our plastic seats, we got to hear a David Gray soundalike strum his guitar and croon the evening away. It was quite lovely.

If you like BBQ ribs -- and some of us do -- then eat at Elmer's BBQ on Peoria, near 41st street. Its tagline is "It Be Bad!" and if this be bad, then I don't want to be good. For a true Southern BBQ experience, get the sweet tea and baby bick ribs. You won't be disappointed. Sides included cole slaw (crunchy and sweet) and potato salad (which appeared to have mashed potatoes).

There's also a good Greek place within walking distance of the paper, as well as various delicatessens. Oh, and there's a bonafide drive-in movie theater off the highway that plays double features (the theater does this, not the highway).

Hotel-wise, we are staying at the Candlewood Suites near 71st Street, about 30 minutes from the paper, taking traffic into consideration. There is weekly maid service and no breakfast. The laundry machines are free, according to the front desk; soap must be purchased. There is a workout room with one elliptical, one bike machine, and one walky thingy. (Brain getting fried.) We are hoping to stay at the Hampton Inn down the street (my fave hotel chain); it's directly across from the mall (hello, Macy's) and in back of the DSW shoe store.

For a kick, visit the ginormous stone hands that grace (ha ha) the entrance of Oral Roberts University. The U is next to a Star Treky-looking hospital. Very '70s sci-fi, if you're into that kind of thing.

I've got 3 more weeks here. I'm looking forward to exploring more of this city.

And yes, Virginia, there is a Panera Bread.

p.s. Some recommendations from an OK native I met on the plane: Pomodori's Italian restaurant downtown at 5th and Cheyenne. The Utica Square area in general (music Thursday nights) between 15th and 21st on Utica Avenue. The Wild Fork (mentioned above) and Queenie's (a neighborhood place) are both there. There is also an Asian restaurant on Utica called Teckai's (inexpensive rolls on Wednesday nights) -- not sure I got the spelling right on that one. Lambruzco's deli at 41st and Peoria. If you like beer, McNelly's has beer tasting (not sure where this one is). Kilkenny's nearby is also a good little pub. The Brady area north of downtown is a "fun" area with lots of restaurants. Lola's is supposed to have good music. Cherry Street is known for its antiques, bead shops, etc.