Week 6: Cafe' Do Brazil

For this week, I wanted to find a fun location. For those of you who read my blog and completely understand my passion for food, you will know that the best food isn't necessarily found in the ritzy restaurants. In fact, all of my favorite places in California were small places that didn't look like much on the outside.

Scott and I are always looking for something new and flavorful. It is our weekly goal to try to find the greatest food we can while we live here in Oklahoma. And when you don't live in Tulsa, sometimes it can prove to be difficult.  Oklahoma City is a sporadic grid of houses and restaurants which, we have found, are a hit or a miss. 

So this week we decided to try out one of the places we have heard a bit of good press about. Cafe' do Brazil. It is located in the heart of Oklahoma City, right across the street from McNellies pub.  

Walking up to the place, I was feeling excited. The first time I ever ate Brazillian food I was in Utah. There was a very popular, very nice place that was just as entertaining as it was delicious. They came by your table with giant skewers of meat and carved off the pieces you liked. They had huge bowls of sides for you to scoop from and you ate until you weighed considerably more that when you first walked in.

I wasn't expecting all of that from this small place. Something about it was less flashy. It was almost like going to a friends house (large house, mind you) who happened to be from Brazil. It felt more homey.

Scott and I went for breakfast on a Saturday morning. We walked in, famished, and I instantly felt happier. The decor was truly wonderful.

The artifacts, trinkets, worry dolls, and paintings made me feel like it was a tiny slice of Brazillian heaven that we just walked into. The walls were painted with a shocking yellow, and very few things in the room were muted. Colors clashed all over the place, fighting to be the brightest and catch your eye. Even at 12 in the afternoon, there were vibrant drinks at almost every table. The atmosphere inside was that of a gathering with friends. Brazilian or not, when you walked inside the main hall, you felt like you were being welcomed home. 

Scott and I eagerly sat in the middle of the room, looking around us for about ten minutes. There was so much to look at! We struck up a conversation with our waitress about the place. How does a little gem like this not get tons of press? In Oklahoma, something this unique is rare. Who started it and why? Why here?

She laughed, and explained that a small Brazilian lady started the restaurant. She came to Oklahoma in 1982 and opened up a muffin shop. More than Muffins was her pride and joy and she made a name for herself making cheesebread and muffins in a variety of unique flavors, like butterscotch. 

Once she had become very known for her pastries, she decided to make the shift to the savory side, and bring a bit of her home to Oklahoma. She now is making a name for herself by showing off everything that she loves about Brazil.

Everything about Cafe do Brazil was bold to me. Intense colors, loud music and flavors that could never be called bland. As I was soaking in my surroundings, our food came... and it was an even bigger slice of heaven.

Scott got the Migillas. A traditional dish of beans, eggs, green chilie salsa and tortillas. I stole a few bites, and it took me to my own little pocket of memories of eating breakfasts with family. My grandmother was Mexican, as is her whole side of the family, and one of my favorite memories of my childhood was going to a family reunion in Mexico. She taught us how to make mexican eggs called 'Titas' (or chilie quillies if you are in the Berkson family ;)) which consists of fried tortillas, eggs, peppers, salsa, onions and whatever else you have lying around. it was a favorite of mine growing up and I still eat it to this day. 

Scott's breakfast made me happy like few things can (white rice!!) and the flavors were exceptional.

I am continually on the hunt for the best Eggs Benedict that I can find. Hollandaise sauce, to me, is bliss in liquid form. I love everything about the dish, and pathetically, get very excited every time I cut into the poached egg and its golden insides come running out, spilling all over my plate. I love sopping everything up with my english muffin and to me, both the flavor and texture combination are hard to beat. My meal came with bacon instead of ham and the hollandaise was beat with thyme instead of tarragon. It came with a side of fresh fruit drizzled in a passionfruit and raspberry sauce and sprinkled with walnuts for good measure. 

For the next 25 minutes... I truly was in Brazillian heaven. The music, the flavors, the drinks, the company. It was by far one of the best brunches I have had in a very long time. I was a bit embarassed to lick the plate clean and use my fingers to get the last little bit of sauce that was lingering... but it was truly that good. 

We walked out of there happier than we had been when we entered, and that is a very good sign of an incredible restaurant. The cafe opens at night with dinners that made my mouth water and they have live music at the rooftop bar. Scott and I will be returning to see if the dinners were as delectable as the breakfast was.

And for the rest of that Saturday... I thought about the little Brazillian lady that took a chance and did something bold. Opening up a restaurant is always difficult, especially one that is so different than anything else in Oklahoma. I give the restaurant an A and highly reccomend it if you are ever looking for a great place to eat brunch. Just be sure to thank the tiny Brazillian lady in the back for the incredible meal. :)

Cafe do Brazil
http://cafedobrazilokc.com/
440 NW 11th St. Ste 100, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
405) 525-9779

Week 5: Chefs Feast!

They call me George.
S. George.... and I am an international spy.
My mission this week was to infiltrate an exclusive gala. I was to go unnoticed, and would be receiving my assignment once inside. Once my mission was completed, I had to escape without anyone ever knowing that I was there. And then write about it.
This is my story.
I know very little about the man I work for. I simply know him as "Chef Evil". The government recently captured a snapshot of Dr. Evil doing who knows what. This is the only known photo of him on earth. You should consider yourself lucky to be viewing it.

For those of you wondering what an international spy does in preparation of a mission, there are many steps you must take before you are ready to execute.
1) you must research your target. 
I came to find that my target was put on by the national food bank. It was a charity gala called 'The Chefs Feast' which featured over 20 chefs showing off their stuff, an auction for tons of great prizes and drinks from many liquor companies. All proceeds went to Food 4 Kids, helping elementary school children have healthy snacks for weekends and holidays when they cannot be at school to eat lunches and breakfasts. (this made me feel a bit bad about my mission, but a spy's gotta do what a spy's gotta do).
2) make sure you dress for the occasion.
Since I was told to blend in, I dresses in all black clothing. I wore rubber-soled shoes that are slip proof for in the kitchens and made sure I didn't stand out. (Which is why, at the last minute, I decided against the black ski mask as a finishing touch)
3) mentally prepare yourself /cover all possibilities
*I personally have many ways to psych myself up for game time. I will write myself notes all over the house and leave them for me to find, similar to the way your mom would leave you notes in your lunchbox.
*I shut off all but one light in my house and sing kumbaya.
*I jazzersize.
*I comb through my mind, envisioning every scenario that may happen and then force myself to only think about the happy ones. (Ever read The Secret?)

Exciting, isn't it? Right at this very moment you are picturing yourself becoming a spy. Don't worry, we all do it. But enough about the prep work, allow me to fill you in on how my night went.
I managed to sneak my way inside the building by using a fake badge with my scanned picture on it. I followed the large mass of people filing into the elevator and offered to carry a box for someone (pretend to be sweet so that they don't question you being there). Once we stopped, I entered a large hallway where all of the chefs were fervently working on plating bite size delights that showcased their talents.
I pretended to take an urgent phone call and walked inside the large arena where the event was being held.

I surveyed the scene around me and realized that I was going to need to act like I was doing something. Everyone was hastily gathering goods, setting out food, arranging alcohol and making sure their table looked incredible.
Just as I turned to busy myself with a 'job' Chef Evil appeared at my elbow.
-A word of warning to those who are looking to become a spy.... when the man you are working for can sneak up on you like a ghost in the night... DON'T double cross him and ALWAYS do what he says.
'George' He said in a low voice that only I could hear.
'Evil' I said in acknowledgement.
We stood side by side, pretending that we were admiring one of the many paintings hung on the massive walls, as he gave me further details of my mission.
'Did you bring your camera?' He asked me while nodding hello to a few chefs who had waved at him.
'Of course. The discreet one that doubles as a pen.'
'Good. Here is your assignment for the evening.' Chef Evil handed me a small black envelope sealed with black wax. 'You are to be a fly on the wall here. Nobody is to know what it is that you are doing or to know that you ever existed.' He turned to look at me 'I am known by many people here. You will not mention my name and if anyone brings up that they saw us speaking, you will convince them that they were mistaken.' He gave me the evil eye 'Do I make myself clear?'
'Crystal.'
The Chef vanished as quickly as he had appeared. I looked down at the envelope and plucked the wax off the back. I pulled out a black, weathered looking piece of paper with silvery scrawling script on it.

Agent George ~

Your assignment is to sample each cuisine that every table offers and find out as much as you can about this 'Chefs Feast'. We want to know who is turning out great stuff, and who's is sub-par. Document as much as you can and report back to Chef Evil when finished. 

This message will self destruct.

And it did.

The message imploded in my hand and a tiny puff of black smoke rose up as I turned to survey the scene.

There were tables lining the walls filled with colorful foods in tiny portions. Chefs were visibly stressed out, trying to make everything on their table look more amazing than the ones next to them. There were ice sculptures, carving stations, wine tasting booths, top shelf liquors, and foods in every variety and flavor.

I was just finishing walking around the vast room before the entrance doors opened and huge waves of people began to fill the room. 

Sensing that it would be more difficult to take photos once swarms of people began to snatch everything off the beautiful display plates (for those of you who have lived/or been to Laguna's Art Walk.... you know what happens when free food and drink is offered.) I went into stealth mode and ran around the perimeter of the room, snapping photos with my camera pen as quickly as possible.

Rattlesnake bites

Barbecue, apple turnovers and beef wellington

Salmon mousse with capers

Civeche (it was amaaaazing!)

Can you really go wrong with chocolate?

One of the SEVEN ice sculptures that were done by the best ice sculptor in OKC.

The tube chills the shot as it is poured.

Custard Brulee.

The centerpiece of the room.

Agua Fresca being poured out of a pistol. Shot glasses were below.

Yet ANOTHER great sculpture.

MEEEEEAT.

I had to document this because it was the largest bottle of champagne I had seen. 

I thought it was cool at least. :)

One of the many tables on display

I took this picture with my dear friend Glenna in mind. She is also a spy in case you wondered.

This was not the pig on my porch.

(that is code and you have to be a spy to understand. Sorry civilians)

Loaded baked pots

Filled pots

Another well displayed table

Stuffed roast

Seared beef southwestern salad

Mango martinis. No alcohol, LOTS of sugar.

Mini cheesecake cups

I sampled it all. Almost everything was superb and I even chatted with a few people (blending in is key... and sometimes hard to do when you are wearing blue surgical gloves....I couldn't leave fingerprints, of course.)

Just as I was taking my last bite, a black envelope with a wax seal fluttered down and landed on the floor in front of me as if by magic. I shoveled the last bite of short ribs on corn polenta in my mouth and opened the envelope while I chewed.

You have been compromised

In one fluid motion, I dropped the envelope and turned for the door. Time stretched as I began to sprint forward. In the few seconds it took for me to get to the door I watched life in slow motion. I heard a deep, low rumble and felt the ground shake as I grabbed the sleek handle of the door. I pushed it open just as I felt the heat and heard the deafening explosion roar behind me. The blast shot me forward and I tumbled out onto the street. I rolled across the concrete, skidding to a stop at the base of the large statue in front of the building. 

After a long moment I looked behind me at the event hall which had been leveled. I shook the debris out of my hair and looked at the huge pile of smoking rubble that, just a moment ago was a swinging party. The ringing in my ears made me slightly dizzy and I squinted up at the statue looming over me.

I know exactly how he feels.

I got on my feet, brushed off my pants, and began my long walk to my car. I heard sirens in the distance approaching slowly but I knew I would be long gone before they arrived. I reflected on my evening, I felt slight melancholy for the way it had ended..... those were really great short ribs and I would have loved to go back for seconds.

But when you are a spy.....

It's all in a days work.

Week 4: Cuppie Cakes galore!

In the past couple of years, a new phenomenon has hit America. By now you either own, work in, are a customer of, or at least have heard of.... cupcake shops. In 2007, a small (and I mean standing room only) cupcake shop opened in Beverly Hills, CA. Within six months of opening, the shop was THE buzz in southern California. Everyone from Katie Holmes to Oprah was talking about the little shop around the (expensive) corner that sold cupcakes in incredible flavors, with simple modern candy dots as decoration and recycled goods for packaging.

As we all watched this brilliant idea become a successful business, other entrepreneurs got the idea and in the past few years cupcake specialty stores have been popping up like daises. http://sprinkles.com/ shows off their cuppies and their wide range of decorative toppers. They also offer elegant cuppies for weddings (another growing trend) and organic pet friendly cupcakes with yogurt 'frosting'. Sprinkles advertises to be the worlds first cupcake store, and they have influenced many other stores to follow suit.

This week I was assigned to eat at two very different stores that serve cupcakes and was told to spot the differences in each store. Both stores were located in Oklahoma city and I had a great partner in crime...

My sister! Kimberly 'Kimmers' George. All I had to say was the word 'cupcakes' and she signed up immediately.
When we pulled up to our first target, we were impressed. It was an attractive two story house that proudly displayed the business' name: Sara Sara Cupcakes.

The first thing we noticed when we walked inside was the interior decoration. Giant mushroom lamps hung overhead emitting soft lighting. White floors, white walls and white chairs gave the inside a sterile, clean look and the giant stainless steel milk machine finished off the modern decor.

The most impressive part of the store had to be the display wall hanging next to the service counter that showed off all of the cupcakes they make in small, clear boxes.

Their menu was extensive and full of variety. It ranged from a classic vanilla bean cupcake with buttercream frosting, all the way to the bizzare- bacon, egg and cheese cupcake that they descibe as "a savory classic in a cupcake! (cheddar)."
a few of their flavors that I found extra fun were strawberry shortcake, pineapple upside-down, and cherries jubilee. But alas! Kimmer and I chose none of those flavors..... our eyes were pulled to the fresh cupcakes on display behind the counter and deciding which ones we wanted was as dramatic as that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where the Grail Knight says to Harrison Ford "choose wisely, for while the true Grail will bring you life, the false Grail will take it from you"

The grail knight from Indiana Jones.... He is my homeboy.




So. After Kimberly and I finally chose, confetti started falling, balloons appeared out of nowhere and a sign dropped from the sky that read 'YOU CHOSE WISELY!'
Just Kidding.
But wouldn't that be so cool???
Anyway, I chose the Cowboy Carrot cupcake with a toasted walnut on top and a frosty glass of milk. Kimberly was drawn to the Blueberry Honey cupcake with chamomile tea. We were dished out our cuppies and we walked away from th counter like we had just won the lottery!

my slice of heaven

frosted glasses for my leche.

The MILK BAR! (it took us about five minutes to figure out how to get the milk out)

Kimmers delicious cuppie

What compliments a cup cake better than tea??

oh thats right.... milk.

We quickly dug in and were truly blown away by the incredible flavors that met our tastebuds...

My sister loves her some cupcake.

the moment that I realized my true purpose in life....to eat.

We traded bites of one another's cupcake and compared notes. Here is what we came up with:

Cowboy Carrot-

Surprising. Many carrot cakes have the intense sweetness that allows you to only indulge in a few bites. But the cream cheese frosting on this was understated. Enough to allow the actual cake to shine. You could clearly taste the quality of the cake and it was delectable. 

Blueberry Honey-

Unbelievable. It tasted almost like a sweet blueberry bread. Or possibly a very modest blueberry muffin. The buttercream frosting they used on top tasted like honey butter and tied everything together. It was nothing that we expected and was so good that I kept stealing bites from Kimberly every time she turned away. We both agreed that we could have this cupcake at any time of the day and would probably eat 14 more of them if we didn't need to go to a second shop.

Sara Sara Cupcakes exceeded our expectations as far as the food and drink went, but another thing that stuck with us was their story...

The chef that runs the cupcake store had a daughter named Sara Caroline Brinson. When she was only 18 years old, she died unexpectedly of sudden cardiac dysrhythmia on April 9, 2007. As the family grieved and reflected on their daughter's life, they remembered how she loved to bake cupcakes. 

We spoke to her uncle, who was helping behind the counter and he gave me a brochure with Sara's picture on it. He spoke of how Sara always dreamed of opening her own bakery and so, in honor of her, the family did just that. They sell T-shirts and souvenirs in the shop and all proceeds from those sales will go to the Sara Caroline Brinson- Children's Heart Research Fund. A fund they created in her name to help other families keep the precious children in their lives. The brochure talked all about Sara and the fund. How to donate and how it will help others. 

Sara Brinson

This truly was a remarkable store. Family owned and run that had a story that was close to their hearts. It truly showed in the cupcakes that we ate. They were baked with care and attention to detail.  Overall, Kimberly and myself were very impressed and we will be returning there often.

The next store that we went to was in the Paseo Art District of Oklahoma City. It was a small building that had a parking lot in the rear and only a small sign in front welcoming customers inside. It is called 'Cuppies and Joe'

Walking inside this store was wonderful. Large, leather sofas were scattered around, and rustic dining tables were present to dine at. Instant warmth spread to our bones (It was 29 degrees outside with a wind chill of 18 degrees) and the smell of fresh coffee and pastries made our mouth water.

The cupcakes here were slightly smaller and we chose instantly. Kimberly opted for a fudgy brownie cupcake with chocolate frosting and I chose one named "the Boom-Boom Pow", a vanilla bean cupcake with chocolate frosting, a dollop of caramel and crushed sea salt sprinkled on top.

We got our coffees and cuppies and eagerly looked for a place to sit, possibly next to the fireplace, and finally found the ONLY open seat......

Outside.

CRAAAAAAAP! (did u remember that the wind chill was EIGHTEEN DEGREES???)

And because I am the worlds smartest person, I chose to get a FROZEN drink..... yeah..... cuz I am a genius.

Kimberly sat across from me and happily drank her steamy cup o' joe and kept asking me how I liked my drink (she is really very mean to me, as you can see).

And once we got past the initial shock of icy wind slicing through our clothes and causing an almost hypothermic state, we ate our cupakes. 

They were both very very sweet. It was better that they were much smaller than our first cupcakes because we would have never been able to finish them. Kimberly's tasted like a double fudge brownie with chocolate icing and nuts. Mine reminded me of a chocolate covered pretzel. The salty and sweetness played well together. The drinks were superb (although I could only drink a small bit of mine while being turned into a Popsicle outside) and because the George girls are total wimps, we left before finishing because we were too damn cold.

When we went back inside to return our dishes we looked around a bit more and saw all of the fun art displayed by local artists. They had t-shirts for sale and even some very cute aprons that looked handmade. I really liked that they supported local artists so much, it reminded me of shops in Laguna. 

My sister, the happiest soul on earth.

As we drove away fat and happy, there was no doubting that cupcake stores were hot right now. The second store was so popular that we had to sit outside! So if your thinking of making a career change and think that opening up a cupcake shop is for you, act fast, because we don't know how long this sensation will last. The only thing that I ask of you, dear readers, is that if you DO decide to open up a shop that serves these delicious treats.... make sure you have heated seats for your outdoor chairs. :)

Thank you, as always, for reading and I hope that if you walk away from anything from reading this post, it is that you are hungry!

Sara Sara Cupcakes

7 NW 9th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

(405) 600-9494

www.sarasaracupcakes.com

Sara Caroline Brinson- Children's Heart Research Fund

(405) 271-2300 for more information

Cuppies & Joe

727 NW 23rd Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

(405) 528-2122

www.cuppiesandjoe.com


Sprinkles.com