The Rising Sun -- March 14, 2016

Great California Sushi Rolls!

While reading the Tulsa World's restaurant reviews, Scott Cherry reviewed a new restaurant downtown by TU called “The Rising Sun.” Noting that one of the owners had gone to culinary school in London, it seemed to be a good idea to try this new restaurant out.

The Rising Sun is across the street from the football stadium at TU. The name of the restaurant is stenciled onto the building and the building appears to be an old converted service station. From the outside appearance, this is not a place I would expect to find fine food.

However, I have had a past experience in Madison, Wisconsin where a chef who had studied in France had a small restaurant in the back of a service station and had the best food in town. The best Mexican food I have had was in Roland, Oklahoma in the back of a service station … so the appearance of the building sometimes says little about the quality of the food.

The interior decorated in an appealing mix of frugal and simplicity

Walking into The Rising Sun the staff greeted us warmly. This was spring break, so it was not expected to be very busy. The Rising Sun had good traffic.

Being a person who likes curry, I ordered the Curry Chicken, Miso soup and hot green tea. Lance, who was with me, ordered green tea, Spicy California roll and Chicken Katsu sandwich.

I was served the miso soup right away and it was wonderful. I was surprised by the amount of appetizer that Lance was served. Not liking uncooked fish, I did not order the sushi, however Lance was served 12 sushi rolls that he seemed to really enjoy.

The main course arrived and looked wonderful. The Chicken Katsu sandwich that Lance ordered came with a fresh homemade bun and a plate full of french fries. I received a huge plate of rice and a small bowl of Curry Chicken. The food was amazing. I really wanted to have more Curry Chicken, as I am not a fan of rice and enjoy curry, but the flavor was amazing and was well worth the price.

An abundance of rice with the curry chicken

The Rising Sun has amazing service. The green Tea was kept full at all times. This restaurant is a good place to go when one wants to enjoy well prepared Asian food.

Philbrook Museum of Art -- Second Saturday, March 12, 2016

Philbrook Museum of art is a wonderful Tulsa attraction. Oilman Waite Phillips donated his Italian Renaissance villa on 23 acres to the city of Tulsa. The villa is a wonderful demonstration of the talented craftsman of the early 20th century.

On the second Saturday of every month, there is free admission to the art exhibits and villa grounds. This March has been warm and Saturday the 12th of March was a perfect day to spend enjoying this Tulsa treasure.

To begin the day a visit to LaVilla Restaurant seem like a great idea. Fortunately, when we arrived, there was not a wait we were seated immediately. Lance and I both ordered the Strawberry Kale Salad with Granola. Preparation of the salads took about 15 minutes time to enjoy the ambiance of the beautiful grounds. The salad was fantastic; very well done.

After having the salad a tour of the permanent exhibits, grounds and the temporary exhibits was in order. Being a person who really enjoys the architecture of the early 20th century, I am really disappointed that much of the inside of the villa's rooms has been covered up with walls that hide the original craftsmanship. A couple of the rooms are kept as close to original, but it would be nice to see all of the rooms restored to their original condition. The art exhibited is world class however.

The temporary exhibit is currently, “The Essence of Things” February 14, 2016 – May 1, 2016. The exhibit was very interesting showing one the simplicity of design.

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL - Tulsa, Oklahoma 3-4-16

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL

Delsandros -- March 4, 2016

Friday, March 4, 2016 a friend and I enjoyed Dalesandros Italian Cuisine on 1742 South Boston in Tulsa Oklahoma. Delsandros has been in Tulsa many years and keeps a fine reputation.

When one walks in to the restaurant, one immediately feels like one is welcomed into a warm and inviting environment. The tablecloths are brilliant white and the silverware sparkles. The staff is warm and inviting and one can tell the premises is keep clean with loving care.

Arriving at about 6:45, we were immediately seated. The wait staff left a presentation of the wine menu. Asking what was on tap for beer, I was told they have no beer on tap, but brought me a very good choice of bottle beer that they keep on a beer menu they presented. We were brought some fine Italian bread to enjoy as we looked at the menu to choose from a great selection.

As with most Italian restaurants, I had to request olive oil for the bread. Unfortunately in the USA, folks are not use to dipping their bread in fine olive oil. Little known in the USA is due to the lack of purity laws in regards to olive oil, the USA is a dumping ground for the less good. The olive oil lacks the rich flavor I am accustom, there should be a better choice when one asks for olive oil for the bread … however this is a very small issue. In every other aspect Delsandros is amazing!

There are flowers at each table. I fully expected the flowers to be man made, however they are fresh live flowers … Delsandros pays attention to detail and presents themselves with pride.

Normally when going to a fine Italian restaurant, I choose something other than lasagna. However, reading the menu, I noticed the fresh goat cheese and home made Italian sausage. Immediately, I know this must be special. My friend chose the stuffed shells which Delsandros is known for as being their specialty.

As I took the first taste of the lasagna, it was clear Delsandros cooks with pride. The fresh diced tomatoes are cooked to perfection, retaining the texture one expects with a chef cooking with the correct ingredients. The fresh garlic and basil is wonderful. The homemade Italian sausage is spiced to perfection and there was just enough to satisfy the pallet.


Delsandros is a wonderful place to go in downtown Tulsa and has a great environment and provides a memorable experience. Great job to the staff!

India Palace -- February 27, 2016

India Palace is a mainstay in Tulsa sharing great reviews since since 1994. Friday the 27th of February 2016, was my first time enjoying the Indian cuisine that India Palace has to offer.

A friend and I arrived early, shortly after 5pm and where greeted in a most comfortable manner. Looking over the menu, the food looked amazing. Not having the pleasure of eating at an establishment that serves Indian food, I chose to be brave and order a dish that included spinach, Chicken Saagwala. Also, wanting to explore the cuisine of India, I chose to order an appetizer sampler. The traditional cracker and cilantro sauce was amazing.

I noticed that there was an import beer from India, the Taj Mahal and ordered. I was especially happy to receive a pint. The cost was $9 … and being one who is a traditional connoisseur of beer a pint is the only way a beer should be served. (McNellie's would be wise to learn … having beer served in a 4 ounce glass is an embarrassment.) Having dinner with a friend is an even so I started to feel comfortable.

The appetizers arrived promptly. The service staff is amazing and friendly attending to every need … however the appetizers are all heavily breaded and having a sampler … there is no way to distinguish what each one is. Not knowing, I thought it wise to take a little bite of each. I still am not sure what each one is. The spice is amazing, however the texture did not seem like the appetizers were made fresh.

Within less than four minutes of receiving the appetizers, we were served our main course. There was no opportunity to have good conversation and enjoy the experience of being out of the home and having time with good company. The staff was amazing … but one goes to a restaurant for more than the food and one gets the feeling of being rushed out. Being early, there was no crowd, however this is no excuse not to be given the opportunity to enjoy the experience.

The flavor of the main course is amazing. But with the speed that the main course arrived at the able, it was clear that the dish was not prepared when ordered. The chicken was rubbery and it was clear that the main dish was not prepared fresh.

As I was eating, I looked at the décor of the dining room. It was clear that there has not been any updates to the dining area in a very long time. The ceiling tiles are discolored and not very appetizing to look at. It's clear that attention to detail is lacking in certain areas.

To sum it up, the staff is amazing. One could not ask for a more friendly and courteous staff that is attentive to every need. However, management seems to be lacking in upkeep and ensuring that the food is served fresh and not from a steam table or microwave. The recipes are far above average and spicing is outstanding. www dot nativeprism dot com.

George's Pub

George's is a great pub in downtown Jenks. Old town atmosphere and friendly staff. Good food as well.

Goose Island IPA

Great fried mushrooms!

A walk down Riverside

One of the most enjoyable things to do, living in Jenks, is to take a walk down Riverside. Jenks had the fore-site to leave the old bridge up to create a pedestrian walk. It was a great day!