Shawkat's Restaurant & Bakery: Most Authentic Lebanese Cuisine AND Pita Bread Bakery!!

I've driven by this place a million times and have never stopped in until now. You know what they say...timing is everything. Shawkat's has been under new ownership for about a year now and something tells me I'm glad I waited :-D




     Upon entering, patrons are greeted by the nicest people working behind the counter. That's always a good start.  I always notice the appearance of restaurants too. This place is VERY clean and all you smell are the aromas of delicious Mediterranean food.

     I always like ordering a plethora of items off a menu, sort of my own "tasting" if you will.  They were accommodating as they were kind and passionate about their food. Also a good sign of the flavors to come.

     I ordered a Cabbage Roll, Tabouli, Homos, Kebi, Chicken Kabob and some crispy, round, flat-bread like deliciousness. 

     Let's start with, what I consider to be, "THE BEST CHICKEN KABOBS EH-VERRRR".  The chicken had flavor all the way through and you know how white meat chicken kabobs cooked over fire tend to be dry? Yeah, not these. These were the juiciest chicken kabobs I've ever had.  Must be in their prep technique.

      Even the rice was buttery, gar-licky goodness...so amazing!!

     Next, the Cabbage Rolls, with the Homos, Tabouli and Kebi. Words can not describe the deep, delectable flavors of the food being served up at Shawkat's. But, I'll do my best. The Cabbage Rolls...meat seasoned to perfection, not too dry, not too wet. And the cabbage was also firm but not too soggy.  The tomato sauce was rich and insanely flavorsome.  The homos was rich and creamy with a slight tangy-ness that rivals other top Tulsa Mediterranean restaurants.  

     Let's talk about that gorgeous tabouli. Seriously...you know how some people make it with mostly bulgur and less greens (parsley/mint)?  Look at those gorgeous green leaves and beautiful tomatoes.  It seriously tasted fresh...well, ALL of their food tastes fresh because it's made fresh.

Er my gersh...this was the best cabbage roll I've ever eaten...EH-VER!

      I also had some stuffed grape leaves and kebi. Ah, kebi...perfect crunchy-ness on the outside and so soft and tasty on the inside.  New favorite word (and food)...KEBI!!

Kebi...yum.

 Beautiful house-made pita bread, crisped and dusted with secret seasonings... fabulous!

     You can purchase pita bread both soft and crispy among other things in this heavenly Mediterranean restaurant and bakery.  Everything is house-made, yes, even the pita bread. It's the only place in Oklahoma making house-made pita bread!!

     You will also find some beautiful Lebanese art and cultural items adorning the walls.

      I seriously love this place and plan to make it my "go-to" Mediterranean restaurant AND ingredient shopping place...you know for when I'm feeling bold enough to whip up my own Lebanese cuisine.  Two thumbs up for Shawkat's Restaurant and Bakery...Sahteyn!! (to your health!!) 

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse: Seriously...best steak in town!

     Yes! Coming back to this awesome steakhouse is always a treat.  Known for their steaks but yearned for their Lobster Mac and Cheese!!!!






     I'll keep this short and sweet since I've blogged about Mahogany Prime Steakhouse before...but now I have better photos.  We all shared the Lobster Mac and Cheese, the Sampler Platter which includes fried calamari, shrimp, and crab cake balls. I had a Wedge Salad with their house-made ranch dressing and of course a steak. I like a good fatty rib-eye any day.

     

Freddie's Bar-B-Q Steak House: I Know Where the Beef Is!

     A colleague treated me out to lunch after a client meeting. It's been about six years since I've been here.  I have one word...okay, two words. 

1.  Steak

2.  Tabouli

     I love places that remind me of the goodness of Oklahoma. Businesses like Freddie's definitely does that. From the warm welcome to the down to earth service and fresh food.  My colleague is a regular there so it was almost like a diner, with Flo and Mel, except the food is steakhouse quality. 

     I had the steak and you get all the trimmings with it. They brought out smoked meats, hummus with veggies, tabouli and house salad. Then, the steak...seasoned so perfect.

Cork...Under New Ownership and Tasty as EVER!

     

     So, I have clients that have been telling me I need to visit Cork...for sometime now. I finally did and was so glad I didn't wait any longer.

     I had lunch with a client and we decided on Cork.  It's hidden, nestled between a couple of businesses in a strip mall.  In fact, there was no one else dining in the restaurant when we got there.  Can I just say, I hope that changes because I do NOT want to see this great little eatery go out of business. 

     Since it was lunchtime, I couldn't partake in a glass of wine, but I did look over the wine list and it's impressive. With a delectable food menu as well as a full bar and great wine/cocktail/beer menu, this place better stay open.

     My client and I started off with the Hot and Crunchy Avocado. Yum doesn't begin to describe this amazing bite of goodness.  It's super crunchy, then there's the creamy, savory avocado...swirled in that ancho and mango jalapeno aioli. WOW.

Hot and Crunchy Avocado   10

Avocado, creem cheese and pepper jack blend rolled in our signature breading with an ancho and mango jalapeno aioli

     Wait, we didn't stop there for a starter...we also decided to try the Duck Bacon and Corn Wonton. They were like crunchy decadent empanadas, made with wonton dough...so freaking good.

Duck Bacon and Corn Wonton   12

Six Crispy wontons over a bed o mixed bean and corn succotash

     Aaaand we didn't stop there. No. She ordered her own meal and I ordered my own meal.  Thank goodness the holidays are over and I can't use that as an excuse to eat what I want...because this day I did :-D

     My client ordered the Basil-Havarti Grilled Cheese w/Cup of Tomato Basil Soup. I ordered the Grilled Pork Chops with a Tahlequah mustard cream. 

Basil-Havarti Grilled Cheese wtih Cup of Tomato Basil Soup   11

A Cork twist on the grilled cheese. Drizzled with local clover honey and served with a cup of creamy tomato basil bisque

Grilled Pork Chops   26

Two hand cut, bone in, center loin pork chops seasoned, grilled, and mopped with our Tahlequah mustard cream and served with garlic mashed potatoes and haricot verts

     Our server was awesome and he informed me they were going to be tweaking the menu a bit more plus, they have entertainment at night on certain evenings.  I give it two out of three noms.

    

Indigo Sky Casino's Shawanoe Restaurant & Bar: Worth the Drive!

                                                                     I know we have casinos in Tulsa...but this one is worth the short drive to Wyandotte, OK. Indigo Sky Casino has a beautiful, lavish and modern hotel with all the amenities, fluff and pampering you can imagine. This casino has several restaurants within the casino...this review is on Shawanoe Restaurant and Bar.

     One of my favorite clients to see handles the Indigo Sky Casino & Hotel. I love that she let's me treat her to lunch and she always selects Shawanoe Restaurant and Bar.  They serve a variety of items from traditional Indian Tacos to delicious salads, pastas, and proteins including steaks, seafood, pork and chicken.  I opted for the Caesar Steak Salad and my client chose the Chicken and Cheese Tortellini...yes, she let me have a bite of hers :-D

     Below is the Chicken and Cheese Tortellini...so much flavor. It think if a dish contains chicken breast it's healthy...no? I'll just think it and allow myself to feel good about eating this rich, delicious dish, even if only for a minute.

Chicken & Cheese Tortellini

Tri-colored cheese tortellini tossed with garlic,

parmesan cheese and basil-cream sauce with an

herb-encrusted chicken breast and served with garlic

flatbread. 8.99

     I did only have ONE bite of that deliciousness.  The dish I ordered for myself was the Caesar Salad with steak...don't judge. The flavor of the steak was so perfectly seasoned and just went so well with that fresh crisp salad.

 Caesar Salad

Romaine tossed with Caesar dressing, tomato,

parmesan cheese and croutons. 5.99 / Add steak or

chicken 2.99

     The prices reflect the lunch menu but the dinner prices are not much more. It's affordable, delicious food and so worth the drive.  For you casino frequenters, this place is definitely worth the drive and stay in the hotel. After all, isn't it good luck to try your hand at a new place?