There’s a fine line between breakfast and dessert, though the two rarely intersect. At Syrup, however, sometimes the two intertwine seamlessly, creating decadent, sweet breakfast treats that are sweet enough to induce a toothache. The Home Sweet Homa, a stack of five sweet potato pancakes drizzled with marshmallow cream and topped with pecans, is one such dish. A bite of the cakes – slightly crisped on the outside with a tender, moist crumb on the inside – is only heightened by the ooey-gooey marshmallow cream that runs down the sides. According to Syrup manager Torree McDowell, the “breakfast boutique’s” best-seller is the Morning Glory, a Belgian waffle topped with an egg prepared to order (though McDowell recommends scrambled), pecan-smoked bacon or crumbled sausage and shredded Tillamook cheddar cheese. Only open six months, Syrup has garnered quite the cult following. 123 E. Main St., Norman. 405.701.1143
Give Sleep A Chance
When we think of what items we place in a bedroom, it may be on the basis of aesthetics. However, what is in a bedroom or, more importantly, what’s not in a bedroom, can directly affect the quality of sleep an individual receives nightly. Think about items that inspire calm: Serene colors, soft textures and plush pillows can set the mood for a restful night’s sleep. A nightstand can be equally important. Some like to have a carafe of water for those late-night coughs; others, a sleep mask or eye pillow to keep out any distracting light. A lamp is also a great item to have on a nightstand, especially if reading is a soothing pre-bedtime activity.
While stocking the bedroom with appropriate linens, accessories and the right mattress are very important, it’s also essential that one know what not to place in the bedroom. Televisions are a no-no, as they can encourage you to watch the late news as opposed to getting much needed shut-eye. It’s also a good idea to keep laptops and other work-related items out of the bedroom. Sleep is designed to rejuvenate and recharge the body for the next day. Give yourself the best opportunity to rest and relax.
What We're Eating
The Fatty
BurnCo. BBQ
When you hear talk of rolling up a fatty, it’s usually not associated with a culinary technique. But when Adam Myers, co-owner of BurnCo. BBQ, uses the phrase, it’s in regards to one of the restaurant’s most popular dish. The aptly titled fatty is a massive roll of meat – smoked sausage, hot links and brats wrapped in sausage, then wrapped in bacon and smoked. It’s cut and served on a sandwich with a healthy portion of BurnCo’s barbecue sauce. Heart-healthy? Not exactly, but it’s definitely worth a try. Insider’s note: come early. BurnCo. is only open for lunch and regularly sells out of most everything – especially the fatty – very quickly. 3208 E. 11th St., Tulsa. 918.574.2777
Poncho Dog
Mutt’s Amazing Dogs
In the Oklahoma food scene, you can find just about anything: fried avocado taco, a bulgogi gyro mash-up, even meatloaf cupcakes. There are countless eateries that devote themselves to a specific food niche, so it should be no surprise that there is a restaurant specializing in that most ballpark of American foods: the hot dog. Mutt’s Amazing Hot Dogs definitely lives up to its name, topping dogs with everything from grilled onions and queso to peppers of all heat levels. The Poncho Dog, a bacon-wrapped dog rolled in a tortilla along with cheese, Dijon mayo, onions and poblano then given a toast on the flattop grill. It’s definitely not a traditional mustard-and-ketchup dog, but who would want something so vanilla when you could have Poncho? 1400 NW 23rd St., Oklahoma City. www.mutts-hot-dogs.com
Anatomy of a Fatty
See how BurnCo. BBQ makes its most famous concoction.
The Jazz City
It’s little wonder that what began as a musical festival has evolved over the past four decades into an all-out musical, cultural and heritage festival celebrating the very things that make up the foundation of both New Orleans itself and the 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington were the major names at the inaugural event in 1970, and to this day, the festival attracts the best-known names, not just in jazz, but in numerous other musical forms from the U.S. and abroad as well. In time, the festival has come to represent the breadth of New Orleans’ culture and of the music it fostered and inspired.
This year’s 10-day festival runs April 26-May 5 with a busy lineup of performances April 26-28 and May 2-5, with other event components continuing between the two music-driven weekends. Performers include such well-known names as John Mayer, George Benson, Billy Joel, Jill Scott, Allen Toussaint, Dave Matthews Band, B.B. King, Gipsy Kings, Maroon 5, The Mavericks, Willie Nelson, Fleetwood Mac, Frank Ocean, The Black Keys, Hall & Oates and dozens of others, in addition to jazz stylists of all stripes and performers from around the globe.
New Orleans’ fair grounds will play host to the festival with numerous stages, plenty of local and regional cuisine, cultural exchanges, arts and crafts representing numerous cultures. Numerous special events also take place in conjunction with the Festival, including the 15th annual Jazz & Heritage Gala on April 25.
The Festival is notably self-contained, permitting guests to enjoy New Orleans’ vaunted cuisine right on site with countless offerings representing the many culinary influences of the region – notably Creole and Cajun, French, African and Southern American flavors. In combination with thousands of enthusiastic music lovers, terrific performances and a host of entertainment and recreation options, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is sure to make for a quintessential immersive travel experience.
Stay In Style
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is the official host hotel of the Jazz Festival and centrally located for convenience. Some 1,100 non-smoking guest rooms include 53 suites, and many have views of the Mississippi River or French Quarter. The Sheraton Fitness club lets guests stay in shape while enjoying local cuisine and libations, and the Club Lounge permits busy professionals to stay firmly linked in. Comfort and service are excellent, and the concierge service is sure to be well prepared for the occasion. www.starwoodhotels.com
Astor Crowne Plaza is a Four Diamond hotel located at the corner of Canal and Bourbon streets in the midst of the vaunted French Quarter. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, concierge, 24-hour room service and wireless high speed internet. Classic Southern hospitality blends with French-inspired flourishes for a comfortable and convenient stay in the Crescent City. www.ichotelsgroup.com
Bienville House Hotel is a historic boutique hotel in the French Quarter for those looking for a quieter experience away from the festival. A romantic tropical courtyard and pool, four landscaped terraces and wrought-iron balconies set a distinct New Orleans tone carried on by warm, personalized service. www.bienvillehouse.com
At a Glance
Schedule: April 26-May 5, 2013
Location: New Orleans, La.
Venue: Fair Grounds Race Course
Getting There: The Jazz Fest Express provides round-trip shuttle service to the festival from several designated sites in the city, including the official host hotel, the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. For more information, call 800.535.7786
Lineup: A veritable who’s who of the jazz and general music greats including John Mayer, George Benson, Billy Joel, Jill Scott, Allen Toussaint, Dave Matthews Band, B.B. King, Gipsy Kings, Maroon 5, The Mavericks, Willie Nelson, Fleetwood Mac, Frank Ocean, The Black Keys, Hall & Oates and scores of others, in addition to performers from around the world.
Hot Picks
Plan: It’s a good idea to plan your accommodations with consideration of pick-up locations for the Jazz Fest Express sites – it is the easiest way to access the Festival.
Protect: Spring under the open sun in New Orleans can be rough, so come prepared with sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes.
Ingest: Make sure to enjoy prototypical New Orleans dishes such as crawfish, gumbo, alligator, a po-boy, jambalaya, muffuletta and beignets to name but a few essentials.
Visit Online
www.nojazzfest.com
Lori Phillips
Phillips’ high-powered career as vice president of operations for Midlands Claim Administrators is important, but even more important to her is the role she plays as the mother of Connor, 8, and Landyn, 5. Connor was born with Down syndrome, and his diagnosis spurred Phillips to become involved with Down Syndrome Congress, Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities. “Each of these (experiences) provides an opportunity for me to advocate for those with developmental disabilities,” says Phillips.
Laura Moss
When you’re up bright and early in the mornings, you can tune to Channel 8 and see Moss’ smiling face. But just know that no matter how early of a bird you are, she’s got you beat. This on-air personality is up and at ‘em around 2 a.m. each weekday to host the news and lifestyle programs on KTUL. When she’s not at work, Moss enjoys wakeboarding, among other hobbies. Her advice for young professionals is to figure out the dream job and make it a goal. “Decide what your resume needs to look like to achieve that goal, and fight like heck to make it happen.”
