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Springtime Cinema

By
Drew Joseph Allen
-
© 2022 Nintendo and Universal Studios

April showers bring May flowers – and films? I don’t know, middle-of-the-year intros become so difficult. But we’ve got some good movies to explore let’s month – let’s go! 

Starting out the month in super fashion, get ready for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Based on the Mario franchise of video games from Nintendo, the computer-animated film sees several mainstays, including Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) take on Bowser (Jack Black) and his army of minions. This will be the first film based on Mario since the universally panned (slash cult classic) live-action Super Mario Bros. film, released in 1993. Although the voice cast has been extremely divisive – particularly since Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario for over thirty years, is being relegated to cameos – the animation looks absolutely wonderful and the plot seems to be going for ultimate nostalgia when it hits theaters on April 5. 

If you’re a fan of anime, you’ll want to see Suzume on the big screen. The story focuses on a high school girl and a mysterious young man who try to stop a series of disasters from happening in Japan. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, known for other well received anime films like Your Name and Weathering with You, the film will likely cover similar ground in terms of character beats and story (involving teens in Japan doing supernatural stuff and falling in love), but the animation looks so beautiful that it almost certainly won’t matter. It was released in Japan last year, but the States will finally get it on April 14. 

For your action fix, check out The Covenant. Starring Jake Gyllenhall as Sergeant John Kinley, the story revolves around his mission to rescue his interpreter from behind enemy lines. The trailer abandons all the normal jokes and pizzazz director Guy Ritchie’s films are known for. Instead, it looks to be a very serious thriller with gritty undertones and stoic performances. We’ll see if Ritchie can make the turn when it releases on April 21. 

If you need a coming-of-age story, look no further than Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Based on the eponymous 1970 Judy Blume book, the story follows sixth-grader Margaret Simon as she begins a quest of religious self discovery. Blume rejected several offers to adapt the book over the years until director Kelly Fremon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen) came along. The film stars newcomer Abby Ryder Fortson alongside Rachel McAdams and releases on April 28. 

Lastly, the surreal comedy horror Beau Is Afraid will be a must-see for any A24 fans. Set in an alternate present, Beau (Joaquin Phoenix) travels home after his mother suddenly dies, and he experiences supernatural elements on his journey. The trailer is, in my opinion, wholly bonkers and feels like a fever dream of insane proportions. The stacked cast also includes Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan and Patti LuPone. Written and directed by Ari Aster, known for Hereditary and Midsommar, this film will unquestionably be an unhinged voyage when it drops on April 21. 

It’s Baseball Season!

By
Mary Willa Allen
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Oklahoma City Dodgers v Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. (Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos) Photo courtesy the OKC Dodgers

Baseball reigns supreme this month. For professional games, visit ONEOK Stadium on April 6-8 and 18-22 for the Tulsa Drillers as they take on early season foes. At Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, cheer on the OKC Dodgers April 1-2, 11-16 and 25-30. 

Collegiate fans can catch the University of Oklahoma play at home at L. Dale Mitchell Park in Norman on April 1-2, 11, 14-16, 25 and 28-30; the Oklahoma State University Cowboys take the O’Brate Stadium field in Stillwater April 1-2, 4, 11, 14-16, 18 and 25. 

Don’t forget about softball! The NCAA reigning champs, the OU Sooners, return in fine form at the Marita Hynes Field on April 1-2, 6-8 and 28-30. And OSU storms the Cowgirls Stadium April 11-12, 14-16 and 18. 

Other goodies in Tulsa include the Oklahoma Buckskin’s Bloomin’ Blowout 1-2 at Expo Square; the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Spring Show on April 5-7 at Expo Square; Tulsa Oilers hockey April 7-9 at the BOK Center; and the Smoke and Guns charity MMA and boxing event on April 22 at BOK Center. 

You can catch the last of the OKC Thunder’s season on April 2 and 9 at the Paycom Center, or visit the SWOSU Rodeo on April 13-15 at the Don Mitchell Rodeo Arena in Weatherford.

Photo courtesy the OKC Dodgers

Flower Power

By
Mary Willa Allen
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Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden

It’s the perfect weather for outdoor community events, and we’ve got plenty. 

Tulsa Botanic Blooms runs through April 16 at Tulsa Botanic Garden. Guests can enjoy over 200,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring bulbs. The Azalea Festival ushers in spring from April 1-30 at Honor Heights Park in Muskogee; visitors can view 40 acres of manicured gardens boasting over 30,000 azaleas. Tulsans can also venture to Expo Square for the Spring Home and Outdoor Living Expo, running April 21-23; the Tulsa PAC for the Orbit Arts Festival on April 15; and Tulsa Town Hall’s Jonna Mendez speaking event on April 28. 

In OKC, you can get plenty of flower power at the Tulip Festival on April 8-9 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Keep the good times rolling at the Norman Music Festival on April 27-29, with over 100 local and national bands. And those looking for fitness and inspiration in equal measures should visit the OKC Memorial Marathon, running April 28-30 at the OKC National Memorial and Museum. 

Around the state, entertaining events include the Cimarron Territorial Celebration and Cow Chip Throwing Contest, April 1-8 at the Beaver County Fairgrounds; the Festival of Colors, April 8 at 14805 W. Industrial Rd. in Guthrie; the Red Dirt Film Festival, April 13-16 at the Sheerar Museum in Stillwater; and the Artesian Arts Festival, April 22 in Sulphur’s Artesian Plaza. 

Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden

Musicals, Concerts and Movies

By
Mary Willa Allen
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Photo courtesy Celebrity Attractions

With spring in full swing, performing arts are around every corner. 

In Tulsa, Celebrity Attractions brings two shows to the PAC this month. The first, Ain’t Too Proud from April 4-9, follows the life and times of vocal group The Temptations – from their roots in Detroit all the way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Second, see Legally Blonde the Musical April 19-20, celebrating all things girl power as Elle Woods heads to law school. Stick around the PAC for Tulsa Symphony’s The Princess Bride in Concert, where guests can enjoy the classic film with a live score. You can also experience the Glenn Miller Orchestra on April 18 and Chamber Music Tulsa’s presentation of the Neave Trio on April 23. At the TCC Van Trease PACE, Signature Symphony hosts its fourth annual Tulsa Sings! competition on April 8 – and guests can vote for the winner!

In OKC, the Civic Center touts a variety of shows. First is OKC Broadway’s presentation of Riverdance on its 25th anniversary tour, running April 5-6. Then, OKC Phil comes in hot with two shows – Joshua Bell on April 15 and Black Panther in Concert from April 28-29. The first celebrates a lauded violinist, and the second offers a screening of the beloved Marvel film with a live score. Also in OKC, visit Lyric at the Plaza from April 5-29 for Lyric Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong, or venture to Edmond for Celtic Throne, running April 30 at Armstrong Auditorium.

Stillwater’s McKnight Center for the Performing Arts also hosts two events this month – a live score screening of Peter Pan on April 2, and An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. on April 28-29. 

Photo courtesy Celebrity Attractions

Szechuan Story

By
Mary Willa Allen
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Photo courtesy Szechuan Story

Get an authentic Chinese cuisine experience at Szechuan Story, a small and cozy joint on OKC’s Classen Boulevard. The menu is jam-packed with flavor, starting with appetizers like crab rangoons, pork wontons, soup dumplings and spicy noodles. Cold dishes include beef and ox tripe, steamed chicken and pig ear, with a range of soups including hot and sour. The chef’s specials are the shining star of the menu, running from sizzling beef short ribs to squid, steamed tilapia and spicy beef hot pot. Finish off with a slice of cheesecake, sweet potato cakes or steamed buns. 2800 N. Classen Blvd., OKC; szechuanstoryonline.com

El Rio Verde

By
Mary Willa Allen
-
Photo courtesy El Rio Verde

El Rio Verde remains one of Tulsa’s most beloved spots for Mexican cuisine. (If you’re not sure about it, the nearly 2,000 reviews on Google with a 4.6 out of 5 star rating should do the trick.) Start your meal off with one of many ‘botanas,’ or appetizers, running from chips and guacamole to shrimp, nachos or taquitos. Healthy diners can opt for the taco or fajita salads, while fans of the classics can make their own taco combos, with fillings like Cajun chicken, grilled shrimp, beef or fish. Burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and mariscos round out the menu – or you can come early for the breakfast fare, served until 11 a.m. daily. 38 N. Trenton Ave., Tulsa; facebook.com/elrioverdetulsa

Photos courtesy El Rio Verde

Sedalia’s Oyster & Seafood

By
Mary Willa Allen
-
Photo courtesy Sedalia’s Oyster & Seafood

Described as “seasonal, modern and seafood-centric,” Sedalia’s Oyster and Seafood beckons diners for a unique experience. Oysters are plentiful, served raw or grilled, as are other delicacies like pickled Spanish mackerel, octopus antichuchos and the anchovy plate. Other goodies include the poached white asparagus with egg and mussel escabeche, alongside a yummy focaccia with Szechuan oil, and beef heart anticuchos. Cocktails are playful and light, with options spanning from spritzes to beers and a curated wine list. Top off your meal with the succulent sorghum custard. 2727 N.W. Tenth St., OKC; sedaliasokc.com

Photos courtesy Sedalia’s Oyster & Seafood

Copaneazi’s Pizzeria

By
Mary Willa Allen
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Photo courtesy Copaneazi’s Pizzeria

Copaneazi’s serves up pizzas Neapolitan style – “tender, light and moist with a slight char on the crust,” according to its website, all created in a stone-fire oven. All about inclusion, diners can find options that are friendly to all: omnivores, vegans, vegetarians and those gluten-free. The pizzas are broken up into “reds” and “whites,” depending on sauce. Red highlights include the Fughettaboutit, with roasted red pepper, artichoke, grilled onion, mushroom, arugula and balsamic; and the Bronx Tale, with sweet and spicy Italian sausage, roasted red peppers and pesto. From the white side, try the Irishman, with mozzarella, fried potato, onion, pepperoncini and fried rosemary, or the Wise Guy, with grilled cauliflower, castelvetrano olives, red onion and calabrese pesto. Start with garlic bites, bruschetta, roasted cauliflower or a Caesar salad, then wash it all down with a craft cocktail or glass of wine. 522 S. Boston Ave., Ste. 104, Tulsa; copaneazis.com

A Long and Winding Road

By
Brian Schwartz
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Tiffany Taylor leads the kitchen at upscale steakhouse the Hemingway on Tulsa’s Cherry Street. Photo by Stephanie Phillips

Most chefs have fond memories of watching their grandma at the stove – Tiffany Taylor, however, does not. 

“My grandmother was a horrendous cook,” she remembers with a laugh. “And I was an incurably picky eater. For five years, all I would eat was peanut butter and honey sandwiches.”

Fast forward to adulthood, and Taylor found herself married and working at a job she hated. In her off hours, she became enthralled with food – not eating it, but learning about it. 

“I wanted to know about every spice, its uses, its history. My husband got fed up with my complaining and forced me to take a day off and visit a cooking school,” she says. “I visited the school and quit my job the next day.” 

Upon graduating from OSUIT’s culinary program, Taylor found work at Southern Hills Country Club; Justin Thompson’s Juniper and Freya; and Rivea, a Las Vegas restaurant owned by Alain Ducasse. After her Vegas stint, Taylor paired up with Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, who was then-host of the number one show on the Food Network. She cooked meals for the film crew.

“They were all giant foodies. I made lunch and dinner for them six days a week, and it wasn’t sandwiches,” she says. “It was a full gourmet spread. Then I got pregnant and couldn’t do those hours. Ree knew this, and found me and my husband little makework jobs just so we’d continue to get a salary.”

And then one day, a world-famous film director came to town. Martin Scorsese was filming a movie in Osage County and needed a private chef. Taylor beat out dozens of applicants to get the job, and she spent 14 hours a day cooking in a little trailer on the prairie. 

Tiffany Taylor leads the kitchen at upscale steakhouse the Hemingway on Tulsa’s Cherry Street.
Photos by Stephanie Phillips

“All he did each day was answer questions, solve problems non-stop,” recalls Taylor. “His mealtime was his only rest from that, his only time to decompress. I did my best to make it happen. Instead of facing him with yet another decision, I’d have the menu planned and ready to plate.” 

And what’s he like to cook for? 

“Oh, he’s a wonderful man. Very quiet. He’s a very adventurous eater, he’s traveled the world and knows all about food,” she says.

 After the movie was over, says Taylor, “I didn’t know what to do.” But she soon saw the ad for the Hemingway, and here she is – executive chef of that glorious, glamorous steakhouse on Cherry Street, a place whose dining room is so elegant that people go quiet for a moment when they first see it. 

But she doesn’t see herself as the boss. 

“You can say I’m executive chef,” she says, “but that’s just a title. I work alongside my team. After all that time working alone on a film set, it’s such a joy to be part of a team. And the team we have now, it’s beautiful, and I’m honored to be a part of it. 

I haven’t yet put my touch on the menu, though I’ve planned seven or eight new items I’ll roll out soon. I wanted to take the time to know my team, know the restaurant before introducing new things. It’s not about what I like to cook, but what’s right for the restaurant. And what’s right for the diners.” 

Photos by Stephanie Phillips

Corn Cakes

3 cups – Cut corn (thawed if frozen)

2 cups – Water, divided

2 cups plus 2 tbsp. – Semolina

2 tbsp. – Corn starch

1 tbsp. – Kosher salt

½ tsp – Ground coriander

½ tsp – Ground cumin

¼ tsp – Paprika

¼ tsp – Cayenne

¼ cup – Chives, minced

1. Blend 2 cups of cut corn with a ½ cup water in a high-power blender until mostly smooth.

2. Transfer corn mixture to a medium-sized bowl. Stir in remaining 1 ½ cups water. 

3. Add dry ingredients to corn mixture and stir to just combine. 

4. Gently stir in remaining 1 cup corn and minced chives. Set aside.

5. Over medium-high flame, heat a teaspoon of avocado oil in an 8-inch nonstick saute pan. (This is my preference, you can easily substitute canola oil. Just don’t use your nice olive oil here.)

6. Spoon ¼ cup mixture into pan. You should be able to fit 2-3 cakes at a time. 

7. Let cook until bottoms and edges are starting to turn golden brown, about 4 minutes. 

8. Use a spatula to carefully flip to other side. Cook until bottoms and edges are golden brown, about 4 minutes. 

9. Remove from pan and transfer to a cooling rack on a half sheet tray. Keep cakes warm by keeping sheet tray in an oven set to Low (200F) while cooking off the rest of the batter. These can also be reheated in a dry nonstick saute pan or in an airfryer.

Palmyra Mediterranean Grill 

By
Brian Schwartz
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Photo courtesy Palmyra Mediterranean Grill

Faisal Abdelsamad is an energetic young man with a warm smile. Growing up in Amman, Jordan, he took on roles around the house. 

“My mother had a full-time job,” he recalls. “So my brother and I tried to cook to help her.” 

He quickly fell in love with it.

“Whenever I feel stressed, I cook,” he says.

When he first came to Tulsa six years ago, the only job he could get was washing dishes at a restaurant. His first day at work, he remembers, “I began thinking, one day I must be an owner.” So he worked from eight in the morning till 11 at night, day after day, year after year, until now – running his own bright, new restaurant on 11th Street.

He uses family recipes, and sometimes he makes mansaf, the unofficial national dish of Jordan. But for the most part he does “a mix of food from Syria, Jordan and Lebanon,” dishes we all know, such as kebabs, tabouli, hummus and babaganoush – and he does them well. 

The ground beef kebabs are fine and beefy; the chicken kebabs are redolent of spice; the babaganoush has a rich, smoky flavor; the fuul is a rich, flavorful bean stew; and the other small plates, especially the hummus, just beg to be eaten. 

What’s Abdelsamad’s favorite? 

“I love the mixed plate, because it has everything,” he says. 

2623 E. 11th St., Tulsa; palmyragrilltulsa.com

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