Restaurant Review: Mom's Family Diner

There is a brand new place in town that serves some of the best comfort, diner-style, food.  I am happy to say, I was able to give them try within a week of them opening their doors.

For the last six months, give or take, I've watched what used to an old gas station at the corner of 41st and Mingo into a quaint little diner.  Both mom and I were wondering when, or if, they were ever going to open because of how long it took.  But, I can say this, the wait is well worth it.

When it comes to diner food, many people think of meatloaf, fries, chicken fried steak and other common items loaded down in grease.  Not in the case of Mom's Diner.  Nope, not in the slightest. *cue big grin here*

I've eaten there twice and plan to go back for more.

What I had the first time was their Broccoli and Chicken Alfredo.  Don't cringe on me just yet.  There was plenty of pasta, enough for two people, easy, with just enough of the Alfredo sauce to keep things together instead of a puddle of extra to sop up with a dinner roll or garlic bread.  The sauce was thick and creamy, just enough pepper to give it zing, and lots of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.

You would think there would be tiny pieces of broccoli and chicken with that much pasta.  Again, nope.  There were good sized pieces of chicken, some needed to be cut down to fit in my mouth, which was tender, juicy, and very well seasoned to compliment the sauce.  Even the broccoli was in large chunks and the most beautiful green color, not that dead over-cooked gray some try to pass off as fresh.  This was all fresh as far as I can tell.  I highly doubt they used frozen because of how good it tasted.

Mom had this beautiful, thick and juicy, hamburger.  Hand patted and seared perfectly, it couldn't have looked better in our own kitchens.  To save a little money, she got the combo which came with an order of fries and a drink.  The fries weren't tiny little shoe strings like certain fast food places.  These were thick and they gave a lot of them, too.

Today, we went back after our appointments were done and enjoyed their breakfast menu.  We both had omelets.  I had their Fajita omelette and mom had their Max Omelette.

Both were huge and served with home fries (chunked potatoes that are pan-fried) and a single biscuit and gravy.

First off, their white gravy is to die for.  Thick, creamy, with enough pepper to go with practically anything.  Many places the gravy is like sausage flavored paste.  This wasn't.  Even as it cooled, it didn't congeal; which is a huge plus in my book.  There was just the tiniest hint of sweet behind the pepper that made it awesome.  It definitely had the taste of being freshly made.

Secondly, the biscuits were fluffy and big.  But, they were the perfect size for the amount of gravy we were given.

Third, the home fries... Yum is the only word I can use to describe them.  They were golden brown and soft without that mealy feel, and very buttery in flavor; which is how I love my fried potatoes.  Best thing, they weren't tiny cubes, but decent sized pieces which I dipped in my gravy.

Lastly, the main entrée of the meal!  The omelette was big and stuffed full of yummy goodness.  Mom's was the same way.  In mine, there was beef, green pepper, mushrooms, onions and lots of cheese.  Oh my there was a lot of cheese!  I was in heaven.  :)  All of that wasn't just placed in the middle and the egg folded over, there was plenty cooked into the eggs as well.  What was in the middle was extra.

It took effort to eat all of that.  To say I was stuffed would be an understatement.

Yes, I enjoyed both visits and left very happy.

If you're wondering about the service, well wonder no longer.  The wait staff is attentive.  Our waitress came by the table to make sure our glasses stayed full and to ensure the food was to our liking.  The one small mistake they made (giving mom hash browns instead of the home fries) was fixed very quickly.  And, they quickly learn who you are.  As soon as we walked in, they recognized mom and our waitress did remember me after our first visit.  Before you know it, they'll be like our waitresses at Village Inn, the moment they see our cars pull up, they'll have our drinks waiting and taking bets on what we'll be eating.

Location: 4101 S Mingo Rd, Tulsa, OK 74146 (right on the corner in front of the Techridge office complex)

Hours of Operation:  Monday through Sunday 6am to 3pm

Rating: Five stars in food, service, convenience, prices, and decor  You are getting more than what you pay for.

#writemotivation Mondays

I know I updated just Saturday night.  But, may as well set things up for this last week of August.

As you know, work is kicking my but settling down into a routine which will allow me to get more writing done.  On top of insurance, I’m considering a part-time job to help beef up the day job.

Will a second job cut into my writing time?  No, not really.  I found a work from home sales job that isn’t difficult or requires me to spend a lot of time keeping track of product and sales numbers.

The product is one I can back up.  An old friend of mine from way back is selling the same thing and uses it.  So far, no bad side effects plus she’s done rather well since starting back in April.  The company is legit and back up their product as well.

So, alternative income to consider to help get all my bills caught up and savings building for a real vacation, new vehicle, and a house some day soon.

I won’t re-post my goals in this post.  Nothing has changed except for more reading done on studying the craft.

Once I get this post done, I’m pulling out my copy of Black Friday and an empty journal, then I’m going to go through to gather all the named characters and figure out their relation to my main three (Karina, Nick, and Marcus) and figure out which are my secondaries.  After that, the red pen of death will be coming out to bleed all over those beautiful printed pages and make notes in the rest of the journal.

We’ll see how much more is done come Wednesday.  :)

With my mornings starting so early thanks to school, I now have a little extra time to sink into a story and write.

How has your month gone so far?

#writemotivation Late Update Week 3

I know this is awesomely late this week.  The way things are looking, I am going to have to keep my lists short until I can balance my new job, writing, and home.  As it sits now, work and home are cutting deep into my writing time.

Selling insurance is not very easy to do.  We have several no cost items to help us get into the door, but once inside, getting people to go through the whole presentation becomes the challenge.  Most just want the no cost stuff (it isn't free.  Huge difference), and don't want anything more.  But, I do get several who will allow me to show them what we have to offer to help fill in the gaps in their existing insurance.

Mostly, I need to work on my presentation so I am asking for anyone who lives in NE OK to volunteer to sit through a full presentation.  Who knows, you find what I show worth buying, but there is no pressure to buy.  I only show the need for buying that first policy or getting additional insurance.

If I am to succeed, I have to practice, practice, practice.  Anyone with kids or a mortgage, please, let me practice with you.

Other than work, I have three restaurant reviews to go over.  One is a brand new place right around the corner from my apartment and the other two are very well established.

On to the goal check!

Header image and thumbnail photograph by Hugh Lee and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sahlg

oode/

1) Write two chapters to “Black Friday 2″. (Two chapters a month sound reasonable enough to keep this one around)

I have written part of chapter 12.  This one is coming from Nick and Nahana's POV and what they see while gathering wood in the building storm.  So, YAY, progress!

2) Work on "Dark Crystal" contest submission

Still a no-go on this one.  Barely times for my other WIP, so I'm crossing this off for now.  We'll see how things look come NaNo time.

3) Word on edits/revisions for the last half of SoNL

I have started on this one.  Only a few paragraphs into the second half of the book.

4) Keep trying to exercise twice a week

There is a lot of walking involved in this job, so, this is a definite yes.  Not to mention, I walk Colin part way, most days, to school.

5) Work on edits for “Black Friday” for republication.

Nothing done on this one, yet.

6) Study the craft of writing.

Been reading up on it this week!

7) Get art and items prepared for August Elks Swap in Pryor.

It'll be, at the very earliest, November before I can get to an Elk Swap Meet.  Bills come first, then my little hobby items can be stocked up.  I'll let you know when I have soaps and lotions ready for sale, or sampling.

#writemotivation Goal Check 1 and 2

Or is that 1 and a 1/2?  *shrug*

Anyway, there isn't much to report for last week or this week.  The main reason being is that training at work has me staying late; after six or seven in the evening but until after nine if I'm not very lucky.  The first few days were fine when we left at around four in the afternoon on a long day.

But, when we started actual field training, in which I made a nice sale at the first appointment (YAY!), I didn't see home until after dinner.  Call nights, when we go through referrals and leads sent in by the many unions around the state, to set up appointments the next day we could be there until nine which is the mandatory time when we HAVE to stop.  The 'No Call Law' made to prevent telemarketers and bill collectors from bugging you at all times of the night kicks in.

Before you say it, no, I am not a telemarketer nor am I soliciting life insurance.  Yes, I want people to buy (Mostly because I don't want to see them going through the hell I do because of no insurance more than for the money), but I am not pushing for sales.  I honestly do have some wonderful stuff that is no cost and very useful to the average person.  I wouldn't be calling them unless someone they knew pointed me in their direction.  At the beginning of that chain is someone who is/was in a union that started the ball rolling.

The company I'm with deals with unions and associations and will only go to people outside of them on a referral basis.

It is really a very niche market and AIL is running with it all the way.  I have to learn a lot about this niche and perfect my presentation before I'm allowed to step out and bug people on my own.  ;)

So far, I'm enjoying it and encountered only a couple of people who irritated me.  One was an elderly woman whose husband was injured and laid-up for a while.  The dramatics she put on (That so tired sigh with the back of her hand against her forehead and the mock pained glances toward her husband) were way over the top.  It was easy to tell she didn't want us there.  I could hear it in the tone of her voice and the clipped answers she gave.

Her husband was giving her those looks of 'would-you-stop-the-drama-before-I-kick-your-butt' kind of looks.  He was listening and being cordial.  He wanted us there.  I found his expressions amusing and, to be frank, if I were him, I would have said something about it with us there.

The one whom I have trained with the most in the field, and who helped me make that first sale, is a sweet gentleman.  He's patient and gave many good pointers which I've used.  He's young and married, but he's supportive and guides.  My boss, who I've also trained with makes me nervous and is far too much the alpha male.  He expects perfection out of the gate even though he says he doesn't.  His body language and attitude in general says otherwise.

If you've been in retail and fast food for as long as I have, you pick up on those or the job will chew you up and spit you out on the streets.  The same reasons why I don't like people is also why I enjoy the job.  Working is my only social time with others.  (I don't count write-ins as work.  That's fun-social which I need more of)

Tomorrow, I'll be in the field with a girl is, more than likely, half my age.  She's pretty, vivacious and bubbly without being annoying.  I can imagine her being a cheerleader in school with her get-up-and-go attitude to getting the job done.  She and I had one preset appointment each then we hammered out the rest (for eight appointments total) in an hour and a half.

So, that is what I was up to for the last week or more.  That will explain why I haven't done anything on my goals, too.  They're bad excuses, but they are true.

Header image and thumbnail photograph by Hugh Lee and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sahlgoode/

1) Write two chapters to “Black Friday 2″. (Two chapters a month sound reasonable enough to keep this one around)

I did get started on this one around the first.  Sadly, nothing was written at all in the last few days of July.  The way things look, until I can do presentations on my own, I won't be able to do much unless I manage to get home early or on a Sunday.  When school starts, I won't be doing anything after midnight so I can get up at six to get Colin off to school.

2) Work on "Dark Crystal" contest submission

The same on this one.  The only exception is, I just cannot come up with anything.  I have the premiss but the story isn't there.  I do like the character, however, so I may use her in one of my fantasy stories at some point, or see her cameo in a current work in progress.  Nothing at all last month either, so this one will probably be dropped until I can focus more on my writing again.

3) Work on edits/revisions for the last half of SoNL

I started re-reading this one to get an idea of where it's going.  This one, after I get the first half back for revisions, is going to be going through the wringer in a few other writer's groups I found on Facebook.  A few are critique and help groups for just such problems.

4) Keep trying to exercise twice a week

This one I can say I have been doing.  There is a lot of walking involved plus some extra on the side just to help keep my knees and rump from getting sore on call nights at work.

5) Work on edits for “Black Friday” for republication.

Some has been done, but not enough to put it in the green.  I need to do more than a word or two to call it progress.  But, at least there is some progress to speak of.

6) Study the craft of writing.

This one has been easy to do.  I've managed to read through four books on writing.  I've gone over speaking and dialects, show and tell, how to write a scene, and how to show emotion and action.  There's still more to read and many more books to buy when I have the spare change again.

7) Get art and items prepared for August Elks Swap in Pryor.

This one could not be done.  I had to work and Saturday's appointments were all in Bixby, OK.  A lovely little town with such a cozy friendly atmosphere and countryside that makes you want to kick off your shoes and go running through the fields.  *sigh*  When I finally build a house, it will probably be in Bixby on several acres of land.  I saw a plot there I would love to have, now, but there's no money for it and terrible credit to get it.

The September Swap will be out of the question for now.  I'm going to aim for November (Yes, during Nano) so I'll have some set back and plenty of change to get supplies I need to make soap.  Yes, you read that right, I'm making homemade soap.  For now, using a premade base until I can get the things I need to make it from scratch without ruining the good cookware.  There will be more than just homemade soap.  I'll delve into lotions, oils, bubble bath, and liquid soap as well.  Basic bar soaps are all I have for now.

Restaurant Review: Shish Kabob

Location: 31st and Garnet, Tulsa, OK, in the shopping center with Harps.

Ever since I came back to Tulsa, I've known this little restaurant was there; tucked away in its little corner beside the Subway.  Every so often, I would catch the scent of good Mediterranean food.  But, it took until Adam's last day with us before we decided to go there and give the food a try.  Well, that five year wait was well worth it.

Ever since I moved out of Oklahoma to suffer in AR for a while, I've missed having good, authentic Greek food.  Not just Greek food, but Mediterranean food with its bold flavors and succulent cooked meats.  What In honestly missed was having someplace to go when I wanted an awesome gyro.

When I lived in North Carolina, we had such a place.  It was a small hole in the wall that served recipes that were passed down for generations.  You could taste it in the food and feel it in the cozy atmosphere.

When I came back, there really wasn't a place that served authentic Greek or Mediterranean food.  People knew what it was but fell short.  One place, the food was dead on, but not very good on the pocket. (I'll save them for another review post)

found at twopeasandtheirpod.com

Well, a couple of Friday's ago, we took Adam to Shish Kabob.  He wanted Greek, and that was the one place we hadn't tried.

Between mom and my sister, who joined us for dinner, we tried both of their appetizer samplers.  We were not disappointed in the least.  Soft, warm pita bread was served with fresh made hummus, a chutney that a nice kick to it, cabbage roll, stuffed grape leaves and the absolute best tabouli ever made.  Those alone would have filled us and still be worth every penny.

Adam and I tried the gyro and were not let down.  Those had a very savory lamb with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables.  Wisely, I had a salad while my son had fries.  My sister tried their vegetable falafel and they were divine.  I forget what everyone else had, but needless to say, it was good.

We all left there stuffed to the gills.  But, Dave and I just had to give their baklava a try.  When our server said it was a small piece, they weren't kidding.  But, for us, that was just right.  It was sweet enough to make your sweet tooth happy for a month and I only had half of it.  My curiosity of what baklava tasted like being satisfied in the best of ways.

While the Gyro Palace just down the street off Sheridan was good, Shish Kabob put them to shame in quality, flavor, and presentation.

found at clipartblog.com

The staff there were very open and friendly.  Each were more than happy to explain what each dish was, what came with them, and even did their best to help save a few cents where they could.  Even though we arrived just before close (something which would have irked me) they never made us feel rushed or unwanted like some places do.  We didn't realize how late it was until we glanced at the door to see the hours.  We found on our way out that they took over the establishment just a few months before and kept the recipes the same.  They only added a little more pop and love which shows.

All this leads me to believe that the best Greek food will be found in the small, hole-in-the-wall, places where you are either led by your nose or from word of mouth.

Overall, I give Shish Kabob five stars.  They have the comfortable, cozy, atmosphere, authentic food, patience, knowledge of the cuisine, and a warm and welcoming attitude.  You have to give them a try.  I'm sure you'll love their food as much as I do.

You can find them on Facebook and at their own web site at http://www.shish-kabobs.com.

Fun Saturday

After spending a week of feeling so very tired like I didn’t get much sleep, I woke up feeling rather rested and refreshed.  Still feel fatigued in general but not nearly as bad as I was.  It was the kind of tired that had me feeling numb and barely awake.  If I sat in my chair, I was asleep in minutes.

Found at seevanessacraft.com
Don’t forget to add the lime!

Almost 12 hours helped cure that feeling and I got a nice boost from a healthy drink, too.  Found the recipe on Facebook, believe it or not, and it is super easy to make and it tastes good, too.

All you need is a gallon container or four 24oz bottles, one cucumber, one lemon, two limes, and a bunch of mint.  Slice the cuke, lemon and lime and put them in the container(s) with cold water along with the crushed (or rough chop) mint.  Let it steep overnight then viola! Instant detox drink.  It is a good replacement for water and is very good tasting.

Since I only  have a two quart pitcher, I made do and added more water when it got low.  Also, since I didn’t have any fresh mint, I used dried and it still came out good.  I didn’t mind drinking tiny bits of reconstituted leaf.  But, then again, mint leaf is good for an upset tummy, too.  I also added in some lemon basil which gave it an extra little zing.

Definitely try this detox drink.  I’m adding this to what I normally have during the day to help boost energy and clean out my system.

But that isn’t what made today fun.

Found on bestclipartblog.com

Today, I went to the 1st Annual Catoosa BBQ Cook-off.  Dylan’s Legacy, a group which helps raise awareness of charities and groups raising money and awareness for their cause.  Catoosa’s fire department was not just raising awareness for the charity they were working on but also bring some attention to their city.  I have to agree with them, there is very little to bring people to Catoosa other than the Port or passing through on 44/66 to where ever, or the Casino.

This was their trial run.  It was a small gathering; maybe 50 people total were there and five, I think, contestants showing off their smoking and grilling skills.  I must say, the $5 fee to get in was well worth it.

Their only problem is they didn’t make quite enough food.  Everyone got one plate which sampled everything from pulled pork, brisket, and ribs to baked beans and grilled corn on the cob.  The smokers couldn’t get a plate.  But they know everyone liked the food.  Not a single plate had anything left on it.

They do this again next year, I’m going to be there.

I talked with the coordinator and got word there may be a chili cook off later on.  I may enter my chili just to see how it compares.  There is a reason why I call it the Cold Cure.  While not spicy hot, it has kick and it drives away what ails you within a couple of days.

Just ask my mom and Dave.  They ask for it when they’re not feeling well.

Back to the cook-off today.  The members of their smokers (grilling not cigs) club put up the money to pay for everything.  There were no sponsors to help lessen the financial burden.  The logo for it was donated by a friend of theirs who refused to put his name on it for credit even though it would be good advertising for them.

Mom and I have already volunteered to help with future events and even offered a few suggestions to help out.  We can do many things such as help take donations or entry fees, or even serve food so the coordinators can do their job of keeping things moving and tend to problems that may arise.

If you live in or near Tulsa, or plan on coming our way, keep watch on the group Rockin M Ranch or Catoosa Firefighters on Facebook for news on what is coming up in the future.  For us authors, these will be great people watching events.  ;)  Not to mention just plain fun away from the house.

How’d y’alls day go?

Book Review: Making a Scene: A Guide for Fiction Writers

I would like to apologize for posting this review so late.  This should have been done much sooner, like last night, but a migraine popped up with the force of a sledge hammer to the back of my skull.  I things don't seem very clear, it is because the migraine is lingering but on its way out.

Considering that I am no fan of non-fiction, I found myself enjoying books from Brent Spencer.  I have read several of his books about writing.  This one, Making a Scene: A Guide for Fiction Writers is just what someone who wonders if they are making a scene right or not.

This is a short, quick read, with plenty of examples from works by other authors, both contemporary and classic.  At only 34 pages in length, it is packed with information and advice for the novice writer.  He starts it off in the most simplistic of ways and builds from there.

Judging by the way he discusses the process of making a scene, keeps it simple.  The K.I.S.S method came to mind immediately and it definitely worked.  He starts with differentiating types of scene: exposition, summary, and a full scene.

Exposition, he describes as something very general and short.  Example: We were mad.  Then the summary.  Example: Because the car was totaled, we were mad.  Then, he shows a short but expressive scene.  Example: The front end of the car was pressed inward around the thick trunk of the tree the thief crashed into.  Steam was spewing out of the cracked radiator and the engine was dying one loud knock at a time.  Carl and I were furious that our brand new car was in such a sad state.  While Carl clenched and unclenched his fists, he eyed the unconscious thief as if he was a prize lamb and he was the wolf.  Myself?  I was angry, but someone needed to keep a level head or we'd both end up in jail.  (Yes, I know, not the best but it is a brief example)

I found this book to be both entertaining and informative which is what I like.  Many times I wished all my teachers in high school could have done the same.  Ah, well, we live and learn, and this book makes it easy to learn.

My only problem with the book is that it was too repetitious.  It stuck to that single concept and repeated it with different wording over and over.  Considering it is a single subject book, I understand why, but it didn't have to be a one note idea.

Overall, I give this one a 3.5 star but it is one that I will read again and again.  As I mentioned, it is repetitious but, it doesn't really explain how to make a scene.  It more shows and lets you figure it out from there.

Making a Scene can be found on Amazon for 99 centers.  It is worth buying.