Cookies

Barbee Cookies
Asking one to choose a favorite cookie from Barbee Cookies is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child – you may have one, but it feels like sacrilege to speak of it. With so many flavors and varieties, the cookies each offer something different to the palette. The cinnamon-sugar warmth provided by the Cinnamon Roll Cookie, the airy texture of the sugar cookie, the dense richness of the Barbee Original: a cookie baked with milk chocolate, white chocolate and pecans. Barbee Cookies are known for their plumpness in the middle, creating a cookie that is a balance between a firmer outer texture and light, crumbly center. 8222 E. 103rd St., Suite 136, Tulsa. www.barbeecookies.com

Catfish

Red’s Southern Diner
Does southern home cooking conjure up images of heaping plates of fried okra, mashed potatoes and biscuits served along fried chicken, pot roast or barbecued chicken? If you’re at Red’s Southern Diner, those images are spot-on. This restaurant serves its limited menu family-style: just choose your meat entrée, and leave the rest up to Red’s. Platters mounded with okra, potatoes and biscuits and bowls of creamed corn, gravy and salad, served family style, accompany every entrée. The fried catfish at Red’s – fried light and flaky in a cornmeal batter – is the perfect accompaniment to the other aspects of the meal. 840 W. Danforth, Edmond. www.redssoutherndiner.com

Antique Shop

Antiquing can be a fun afternoon activity, whether looking for the perfect piece to fit in with existing décor or a fun find that can spark the imagination. In Tulsa, Charles Faudree and Zoller Design and Antique are the places our readers go to for their antique shopping. Antique Warehouse by Dale is also a favorite, as are Lou’s Antique & Fine Furnishings and The Market.

In Oklahoma City, it’s RINK Gallery that’s the favorite for those looking to score a unique piece. The Market at Quail Springs and Antique Co-op are also top choices.

Car Dealer

Vehicles are one of the most expensive purchases we will ever make, so it’s wise to buy from a trusted name in the industry. Lexus of Tulsa was once again named Best Car Dealer by Oklahoma Magazine readers for top-notch sales staff and service. BMW of Tulsa also received high marks for its stellar car-buying experience, while Don Carlton Honda and Jim Norton Toyota also received nods.

Bob Howard Auto Group in Oklahoma City, a purveyor of a wide variety of cars, trucks and SUVs, was the top vote getter in Oklahoma City, followed by Bob Moore Auto Group and Jackie Cooper BMW.

Children’s Clothing Store

Where’s the best place to keep your kiddo in fashionable threads? In Tulsa, try GapKids, the place our readers voted tops in this year’s poll. Kathleen’s Kids and The Lolly Garden also make a showing on this year’s list.

Uptown Kids in Oklahoma City sells the top brands in children’s clothing, including Little Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Diesel for the kiddies. GapKids and The Children’s Place round out the top three.

Department Store

Once again, Saks Fifth Avenue sits atop of the heap of best department stores in Tulsa. Dillard’s and Macy’s come in tied at a respectable second, while Utica Square anchor Miss Jackson’s is a strong third.

Oklahoma City department store Balliet’s wows its customers with a new location in Classen Curve. Dillard’s and Macy’s, with multiple locations in the area, come in at second and third, respectively.

Eyeglass Store

There are a few places in Oklahoma to get glasses that are unique and completely stylish. Visions Unique Eyewear is Tulsa’s No. 1 place for great frames and great service. Hipster-chic Black Optical, located in Center 1, also received plenty of votes in Tulsa, as did Empire Optical and Hicks Brunson Eyewear.

The Oklahoma City location of Black Optical, in stylish Classen Curve, is the top place for specs. LensCrafters and Eyes, Ltd. also receive nods.

Fine Jewelry Store

When shopping for a great piece of jewelry for that special someone, Bruce G. Weber Precious Jewels is the place to go for those most precious of precious stones, according to our readers. Moody’s Jewelry also received a nod, as did Star Jewelers and Cunningham Fine Jewelry.

In Oklahoma City, family-owned BC Clark Jewelers is the top place to go for those sparklers, followed by boutique Naifeh Fine Jewelry and Mitchener-Farrand.

Gift Store

Where are the best places to go to pick up a gift, large or small? In Tulsa, our readers say Margo’s Gifts, located in Utica Square. Following are gift shop Nielsens, Pottery Barn and On A Whim.

In Oklahoma City, Classen Curve’s On A Whim is voted top gift store, followed by Blue Seven and Collected Thread.

Grocery Store/Market

Most of us visit them on a weekly basis; since we spend so much time in grocery stores, it’s no surprise that readers have definite opinions on who is the best. In Tulsa, it’s Petty’s Fine Foods that received the most votes this year. Whole Foods Market makes a showing in second, following by popular chains Reasor’s Foods and Food Pyramid.

Oklahoma City’s new Whole Foods Market, having only been opened for a few months, has earned the trust of Oklahoma City shoppers, who have named the grocery store best in the city. Crest Foods and Forward Foods slip into second and third, respectively.

Men’s Boutique

There are plenty of places to go for a great suit or a pair of stylish trousers. In Tulsa, Travers Mahan and Abersons both received top votes for Best Men’s Boutique. Saxon Judd and R. Lockwood come in second, while Jos A. Bank Clothiers and Pinpoint Resource slip into third.

Oklahoma City males head to Gil’s Clothing Company for jeans, button-down shirts and accessories. Coming in second is Spencer Stone Company, followed by Mr. Ooley’s.

Pet/Pet Supply Store 

Where do you go for Fido’s food or the cat’s toys? In Tulsa, it’s PetSmart that our readers most recommend, followed by Petco and Southern Agriculture.

Oklahoma City readers also recommend PetSmart, followed by Petco and Edmond’s own Kickingbird Animal Hospital & Supply Center.

Shopping Mall/Center

Shopping malls and centers are great for their philosophy of one-stop shopping. Tulsa readers visit Utica Square to accomplish their shopping needs. Woodland Hills Mall and Center 1 also received votes, followed by Promenade Mall and Kings Pointe Village.

Oklahoma City’s Penn Square Mall comes into first this year, followed by the stylish Classen Curve and Quail Springs Mall.

Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store

Academy Sports & Outdoors and Bass Pro Shop see a two-way tie this year for Best Sporting Goods Store in Tulsa. Sun & Ski Sports and Backwoods share second, followed by Ascent, New Balance, Lululemon and local running store Fleet Feet.

In Oklahoma City, Academy Sports & Outdoors earns top spot, followed by Bass Pro Shop. Backwoods shows up in third this year.

Stationery Store

Invitations and thank you notes, greeting cards and envelopes: Where can you find the best in the state? In Tulsa, Margo’s Gifts is the top vote getter, followed by fellow Utica Square tenant Miss Jackson’s and The Inviting Place.

No Regrets claims the top spot in Oklahoma City, followed by Occasions and Paper N More.

Toy Store

Most parents look for a mix of fun and learning when it comes to choosing toys for their children. Toys “R” Us wins this year’s vote. The toy superstore is followed by locally owned Kiddlestix and Snow Goose.

Okahoma City readers also chose Toys “R” Us as top toy store, followed by Learning Tree and Copelin’s.

Wine/Liquor Store

Tulsa readers head to the confines of Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits to stock up on wine, spirits and quality beer. Old Village Wine & Spirits and The Crossing Wine & Spirits also received high marks for their wide selections. Parkhill Liquor & Wines rounds out Tulsa’s top three.

In Oklahoma City, Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, known for its huge facility and selection, once again claims the top spot. Broadway Wine Merchants and Beau’s Wine Bin claim second and third, respectively.

Women’s Boutique

Every woman needs a go-to place for everything from an LBD to the perfect pair of jeans. In Tulsa, our readers head to Abersons for a stylish selection of essentials. On A Whim and Rope are also popular places, as is the Western-themed Bella Dames.

On A Whim takes the cake in Oklahoma City for Best Women’s Boutique, followed by TEN14 A Boutique and Cayman’s Collection, located in Norman.

Women’s Shoe Store

The only way to make a great outfit better is to put the perfect pair of shoes on your feet. Tulsa readers vote Saks Fifth Avenue top place for women’s shoes. Abersons and J. Cole were also top vote getters this year.

In Oklahoma City, chic boutique Gordon Stuart received the most votes for Best Women’s Shoe Store, followed by Balliet’s and Shoe Gypsy.

Sangria is a wine punch, historically credited to Spain and Portugal, and traditionally served at informal get-togethers. It’s never too late to begin your own tradition with refreshing, summery sangrias.

Most sangrias are made with red wine and different fruits, usually berries, limes, apples and peaches. A sweetener such as honey or orange juice is also added. The ingredients usually are chilled for an entire day, before ice is added and the sangria is served.

For those who want to experiment this summer, try some simple variations. If red wine is not a favorite, then use white wine to make sangria blanca. Changing the fruits can make a big difference too. If someone loves mango and pineapple, make a tropical sangria. If someone is allergic to berries, keep them out. Lower calorie sangria can be sweetened with agave nectar. 

For a stronger kick, add some brandy or rum. Some people may wish to add club soda for carbonation. Ginger ale provides spice and a sweeter flavor. Since alcohol content depends on what recipe you use, take care to enjoy safely. Above all, make enough for a summer party, or just for one on a patio.

Quinoa is a delicious, super-nutritious food that suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. Neither a pasta nor a grain, it is actually the seed of the goosefoot plant that is related to beets, spinach and Swiss chard. Native to areas around the Andes Mountains, including Chile, Bolivia and Peru, quinoa was first eaten by the Incas some 5,000 years ago. Instead of serving regular rice pilaf as an accompaniment to chicken or fish, try this tasty version using quinoa. Prepare as directed below or experiment with different vegetables, depending on personal taste.

Quinoa Pilaf

Makes 4-6 servings

2 c. low sodium chicken broth
1 c. quinoa
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. yellow onion, chopped
1/2 c. carrot, peeled and chopped into 1/4-inch cubes
2 tbsp. shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp. chopped Italian parsley
Salt and pepper

In a large saucepan, combine broth and quinoa. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium. Once hot, add oil. Add onion and carrots; season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until onion is translucent and carrots are softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add vegetables to quinoa in saucepan. Stir in pistachios and parsley; adjust seasonings as needed, fluff with a fork and serve.

Flo Rida, Wild Ones – This Floridian rapper has made a name for himself, and contributed to the decline of the English language, with catchy tunes featuring prominent collaborators. Songs including “Low,” “In The Ayer” and “Right Round” became instant club anthems and permeated popular culture. His fourth album has already produced two major hits, “Good Feeling,” which prominently samples Etta James, and  “Wild Ones” featuring Sia.

Zac Brown Band, Uncaged – This Atlanta-based jam band frequently tops the country music charts, but with elements of Southern rock, folk, reggae and bluegrass, their music had broad crossover appeal. The group’s fifth studio album is said to be the first conceived as a unified work. It’s also the first for new band member Daniel de los Reyes, and includes guest vocals by Amos Lee and an appearance by Trombone Shorty.

Matisyahu, Spark Seeker – At first blush, a reggae singing, beat boxing, Hasidic Jew with a penchant for stage diving sounds more like a Saturday Night Live skit than a Grammy nominated recording artist, but one listen proves Matisyahu is anything but a joke. For his fourth effort, the eclectic performer continues to meld ancient themes with modern technique and a jaunty Jamaican beat in a globe trotting tour de force produced by Kool Kojak – the producer behind Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha.

The Very Best, MTMTMK – Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya and Swedish-born British producer Johan Hugo met by chance and later formed The Very Best – a project combining the traditional music of Malawi with Western dance, hip-hop and pop. That initial effort featured collaborations with indie darlings Vampire Weekend, Architecture in Helsinki and M.I.A. and was quickly followed by a debut album. This sophomore album was recorded in Malawi and features prominent African pop musicians, including Baaba Maal and K’naan.