Tulsa Food Talk

Food for Thought – Tulsa, Oklahoma

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  • Debra Laizure 9:03 am on September 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    Learn Pitmaster Secrets, Eat Championship BBQ, and Party at the Rock ‘n Rib Festival 

    FREE ADMISSION, 14 BANDS, EXPANDED PARTY PATIO, AND LIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS HIGHLIGHT ANNUAL BARBEQUE CELEBRATION

    WHERE: Outside BOK Center, Third Street and Frisco Avenue

    WHEN: September 13-15, 11 a.m. to midnight
    September 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    COST: FREE. All day, every day.

    Oklahoma’s premier celebration of barbeque returns to Downtown Tulsa this week. The Rock ‘n Rib Festival, presented by Rib Crib, is September 13-16 on Third Street and Frisco Avenue and will feature championship barbeque, mouth-watering concessions, cooking demonstrations, a kids zone, and performances by fourteen bands on the ONEOK Outdoor Stage. Admission to the festival is free – all day, every day.

    This new annual Tulsa tradition is a celebration of award-winning barbeque ribs, with seven teams from across the country showcasing their championship recipes on the streets outside the arena. These professional “pitmasters” (who have been featured on the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel and Food Network) compete around the world and pride themselves on their cooking techniques, secret recipes, and unique barbeque sauces and rubs.

    In addition to barbeque ribs, beef, shrimp, catfish, chicken, and a variety of delicious concessions will be available. Sno cones, grilled corn, funnel cake, popcorn, cotton candy, corn dogs, deep-fried pickles, taco salads, kettle corn, smoothies and fresh-squeezed limeade will be for sale. A selection of soft drinks will be offered, along with margaritas, mixed drinks, wine and beer for guests over 21 years of age.

    LIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
    The Curtis Culinary Stage will feature free live cooking demonstrations from the legendary pitmasters as well as local restaurant chefs. Wanting to make outstanding barbecue at home? Come get tips from the barbeque experts and learn trade secrets on a variety of barbeque-related topics. Crowd-favorite “Pit-mistress” Donna Rice of Desperado’s BBQ will make her encore performance on the stage this year sharing family BBQ scerets.

    TULSA POKER RUN
    Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts will participate in this year’s Tulsa Poker Run on Saturday, September 15. Benefiting the Tulsa Area United Way, the race is presented by American Airlines and the Transport Workers Union and will conclude at the Rock ‘n Rib Festival entrance. Registration information for this race is available at http://www.getsaucedtulsa.com.

    OUTDOOR BAR; FOOTBALL ON THE JUMBOTRON
    The Jack Daniels Saloon & Shiner Bock Party Patio will return for guests over 21 years of age. The expanded adult-only party zones will have liquor, mixed drinks and high-point beer. Located on the box office plaza near Frisco Avenue, the party zone will offer a prime view of the outdoor stage. This area will also feature a large a GoVision Jumbotron showing the weekend’s best college and NFL football teams in action.

    FREE ENTERTAINMENT
    One of the festival’s greatest features is free live entertainment scheduled daily on the ONEOK Outdoor Stage. The stage will feature marquee performances from The Fabulous Mid-Life Crisis Band, the Red Dirt Rangers, Cruize Control (a Jimmy Buffet cover band), and The Spectrum Band. A full list of bands and an entertainment schedule is available at http://www.getsaucedtulsa.com.

     
    • Patrick 9:28 pm on October 29, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I actually found myself moving from one thing to another. I was completly entertained.

  • Debra Laizure 2:50 pm on July 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply  

    What Would You Do for Free Food? 

    We all know the jingle for Klondike ice cream, right? Sing it with me…”What would you do, ooh ooh ooh, for a Klondike bar…”

    I’d definitely jump on one foot or do a hand stand for the delectable ice cream treat. But I don’t think I would dress up as a cow for a Chick-fil-A sandwich.

    Don’t get me wrong, I like Chick-fil-A. And I like their clean restaurants and polite servers that answer any request with, “It’s my pleasure.” But dressing up like a cow?

    This Friday, July 13th, Chick-fil-A will be giving away a free meal if you are completely dressed in a cow costume for their Cow Appreciation Day. They will even give you a free entree if you are dressed in a partial costume. In fact, they are helping by supplying a cow costume kit you can print, cut out and tape to your body.

    So, what would you do for free food? Let me know. Oh, and if it’s dressing up like Bessie this Friday, here’s the cow kit to get you started.

    https://www.cowappreciationday.com/assets/pdf/Cow_Starter_Kit.pdf?emailsource=cta1&utm_source=email&utm_medium=promo&utm_campaign=cad2012.

     
    • dstrimple 5:50 pm on July 10, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Don’t forget that Carl’s Jr. had a “dress like spiderman” day for July 4th for their Grilled Cheese Burger.

  • Debra Laizure 11:58 am on November 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Win FREE Tickets to Tonight’s CAKE BOSS Performance! 

    Win a Chance to See TLC’s, Cake Boss…TONIGHT!

    -

    Curtis Restaurant Supply has 2 extra tickets for tonight’s performance for the CAKE BOSS.

    Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s show, “Cake Boss” and “The Next Great Baker” will bring a live, interactive cooking show to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center on November 8th.

    The family friendly show will include live demonstrations of the techniques Valastro uses on his show and in his bakery “Carlo’s Bake Shop” in Hoboken, N.J. Along with elaborate cakes, the show will feature Valastro sharing stories from behind the scenes of his TV show and Italian family.  He will also answer audience questions and invite audience members on stage.

    HOW TO WIN

    Post a message below or to Curtis Restaurant Supply’s Facebook page (Click here).

    We will use a random number generator to pick the winner by 3:00PM.

    YOU MUST PICK UP THE TICKETS AT CURTIS RESTAURANT SUPPLY (1 block east of 40th and Sheridan) NO LATER THAN 5:00PM TODAY!

    An Evening with Buddy Valastro

    November 8th, 2011 – 7:30PM

    Tulsa Performing Arts Center
    Chapman Music Hall
    110 E 2nd St
    Tulsa, OK 74103
    http://www.tulsapac.org
     
    • Debra Laizure 3:07 pm on November 8, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      CONGRATULATIONS to Kelcie Scott-Moton. Via random number generator, she has won the Cake Boss tickets for tonight’s performance. Thank you to the Tulsa Food Blog for helping us get the word out.

      Curtis Restaurant Supply

  • Debra Laizure 11:46 am on October 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Jazz Up Your Boring Cupcakes 

    Want to jazz up your boring cupcakes?  I found these cute paper liners at Wal-mart for $3 / 24pk.  There are a myriad of choices ranging from wedding designs, flowers, and of course, birthday wishes.

    Though beautiful, I had to share some tips for using these interesting liners.

    #1 – The liners are big so stagger your cupcakes in the muffin pan

    #2 – Only use 3 tablespoons of batter. This was a hard one for me but you have to restrain yourself. Over filling doesn’t make the prettiest cupcake

    #3 – Hold the liner in your hand while filling. It’s a whole lot easier and less messy

    #4 – The liner “petals” made it really hard to ice. If you have one, use a piping bag. If not, do what I did and take a Ziploc bag and cut the tip off. Then you can pipe the icing with control. Smooth the icing, if you wish.

    So, the next time you make cupcakes, add a fancy liner. You’ll impress your friends and family.

    Have fun!

    Debra

     

     
    • Brian S. 3:03 pm on October 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      You can also jazz them up with gold paint!! This edible paint can also be used on your steak or duck or whatever, and comes in silver and red too. Not available in the U.S. because of the FDA.
      http://www.the-deli-garage.com/ESSLACK_detail_16.html

      • Debra Laizure 9:33 pm on October 28, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        I heard about this on the radio today! KFAQ, I think? They were talking about the silver apples and gold turkey. I didn’t believe it until I clicked your link. Thanks, Brian!

  • Debra Laizure 8:54 am on September 18, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    $25 RibCrib Gift Certificate Giveaway! TODAY Only! 

    You ready to get sauced?

    Today is the final day of the 2011 Rock ’n Rib Festival.

    Come out to hear the Spectrum band at 11:30am, eat some smokey BBQ, and then stop by the Curtis Culinary Stage to see Remmi, the culinary kid make an easy and delicious salsa. She’ll be giving away some great prizes.

    – CONTEST –

    Simply like Curtis Restaurant Supply’s Facebook page, or if you are already a fan, tell us what condiment other than the traditional BBQ sauce that you use for your smoked meat. Is it salsa? Mustard? Please don’t say ranch dressing :)

    The winner will receive a $25 RibCrib Gift Certificate!

     

     
    • Brian S. 11:47 am on September 19, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Oh I missed it. Nobody said if you could eat ribs there. I mean, cooking classes and bands are great, but I wanted to EAT.

      • Debra Laizure 11:11 am on October 4, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Brian – I think they are going to add a rib eating contest next year. Maybe some other “eating” events. Any ideas I can pass along?

    • Kelly 11:50 am on September 19, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      How do we find out the winner of the gift certificate?

      • Debra Laizure 11:10 am on October 4, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Sorry, just saw this post. Kelly Rice won the $25 RibCrib Gift Certificate. Are you the same Kelly?

  • Debra Laizure 8:36 am on September 18, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Today at 12:30pm! KidsQ Cooking Demonstration with Remmi, The Culinary Kid. 

    Today at 12:30PM! KidsQ demo with Remmi Smith, the culinary kid

     

    Today at Rock n Rib BBQ Festival

    Come to the Curtis Culinary Stage today the Rock n Rib BBQ Festival at 12:30pm to see Remmi Smith, “The Culinary Kid” do a KidsQ demonstration on how to make an easy and delicious salsa.

    There will be a couple drawings during the event, too!

    Location:
    Outside the BOK Center, Third Street and Frisco Avenue, Downtown Tulsa
    BOK Center Address: 200 S. Denver, Tulsa, OK 74103

    Admission:
    Free Admission all days and hours of the festival

     

     

     
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  • Debra Laizure 1:05 pm on September 17, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Rock n Rib BBQ Festival Continues Today with More Pitmaster Cooking Demonstrations 

    The fun continues at the Rock n Rib Festival with music, BBQ, and competition cooking secrets from three pitmasters and a cocktail demo from award-winning bartender, Stuart Stewart from Cosmo Cafe.

    Saturday – Curtis Culinary Stage Schedule

    5:30pm – BBQ 101: – Texas-Style BBQ and Grilling Tips- Pitmaster Enrique Vega of Cowboys BBQ Company
    6:30pm – Competition Secrets: How to make award winning brisket – Pitmaster Brandon Manly of RibCrib
    7:30pm – Cool the Heat: How to Make a Limonana cocktail – Bartender Stuart Stewart of Cosmo Cafe
    8:30pm – Competition Secrets: Pitmaster Dan Johnson, Johnson BBQ, Chesapeake, VA

    .

    Check out last night’s photos below. And make sure to stop by the Curtis Culinary Stage tonight!

     
  • Debra Laizure 11:29 am on September 16, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Pitmaster Secrets Unveiled at the Rock n Rib BBQ Festival 

    Pitmaster Pat Nelson of Big Boned BBQ Company

    Last night at the Rock n Rib BBQ Festival, three award winning pitmasters unveiled some of their best BBQ secrets at the Curtis Culinary Stage.

    Rain or Shine!

    Tonight, enjoy local celebrity chefs as they show you how to create inventive sides and culinary specialties such as BBQ pizza, salmon, and a delicious beef brisket parfait.

    Plus, pitmaster Brandon Manly from RibCrib will on stage to share his secrets for making award winning ribs. He’s promised us some insider secrets, so don’t miss it!

    – CONTEST–

    Win a meat injector from Curtis Restaurant Supply, BBQ sauce, and Rock n Rib event t-shirt. Check out http://www.tulsafood.com or Tulsa Food Facebook page for details.

    Friday Demo Schedule

    5:30pm – Tasty Sides: Local celebrity chef demo – Chef Zane Kelley of Main Street Tavern
    6:30pm – Competition Secrets: How to make award winning ribs – Pitmaster Brandon Manly of RibCrib
    7:30pm – Gourmet Grilling: Peach-Chipotle Barbecued Salmon & Beef Brisket “Parfait”- Chef Devin Levine of BOK Center
    8:30pm – Grilled Pizza: Local celebrity chef demo – Chef Cody Stell of In The Raw

    The Rock n Rib BBQ Festival is FREE and continues through Sunday.

    For a complete list of chef demos, live music, and other fun festival information, visit http://www.GetSaucedTulsa.com.

     

     
  • Debra Laizure 7:04 pm on September 13, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , Bobby Q, BOK, , , , , , , , Restaurant Supplies   

    Pitmasters and Local Celebrity Chefs Hit the Stage at the Rock n Rib BBQ Festival! 

    GET SAUCED TULSA!

    Ever wanted to know the perfect way to flame kiss your ribs? Secrets to creating the perfect rub? Fun BBQ ideas for kids?  Look no further.

    Curtis Restaurant Supply is sponsoring the Culinary Stage at the Rock ‘n Rib Festival, September 15-18th, in downtown Tulsa at the BOK Center. The intimate covered stage will be located near the intersection of Third & Denver and will feature live demonstrations from national award-winning pitmasters, local celebrity chefs, and real BBQ connoisseurs.

    Win Prizes!

    Stayed tuned to Tulsa Food Talk for a chance to win some cool kitchen goodies, BBQ gift certificates, and cool prizes. Keep your eye on Curtis’ Facebook page, Tulsa Food Talk, or Tulsa Food website this week for information.

    About Curtis Restaurant Supply

    Cook like a restaurant chef! Curtis Restaurant Supply is always OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  Stop by the Tulsa showroom, just 1 block east of 40th & Sheridan (Directions) to save money on restaurant quality kitchen supplies.

    CURTIS CULINARY STAGE SCHEDULE

    Thursday, September 15, 11:00AM-12:00AM
    6:30pm – BBQ 101: How to choose the Right Meat – Pitmaster Pat Nelson of Big Boned BBQ Company
    7:30pm – BBQ 101: Preparing Award-winning Pulled Pork – Pitmistress Donna Rice of Desperado’s BBQ
    8:30pm – BBQ 101: How to Properly Use and Apply Dry Rub Like a Pro – Pitmaster Jon Bigalk of Willingham’s BBQ

    Friday, September 16, 11:00AM-12:00AM
    5:30pm – Tasty Sides: Local celebrity chef demo – Chef Tack of Main Street Tavern
    6:30pm – Competition Secrets: How to make award winning ribs – Pitmaster Brandon Manly of RibCrib
    7:30pm – Gourmet Grilling: Peach-Chipotle Barbecued Salmon & Beef Brisket “Parfait”- Chef Devin Levine of BOK Center
    8:30pm – Grilled Pizza: Local celebrity chef demo – Chef Cody Stell of In The Raw

    Saturday, September 17, 11:00AM-12:00AM
    5:30pm – BBQ 101: – Texas-Style BBQ and Grilling Tips- Pitmaster Enrique Vega of Cowboys BBQ Company
    6:30pm – Competition Secrets: How to make award winning brisket – Pitmaster Brandon Manly of RibCrib
    7:30pm – Cool the Heat: How to Make a Limonana cocktail – Bartender Stuart Stewart of Cosmo Cafe
    8:30pm – Asian Fusion BBQ: Local celebrity chef demonstration – TBD

    Sunday, September 18, 11:00AM-3:00PM
    12:30PM – KidsQ: Cooking with Remmi, the culinary kid – Chef Remmi Smith

     
    • Brian S. 11:10 am on September 14, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      They also have music until way past 11 PM, including such bands as Red Dirt Rangers, Mike McClure, Midlife Crisis and King Cobra.

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  • Debra Laizure 1:33 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Artistic and Delicious Crab Appetizer at Waterfront Grill 

    Waterfront Grill's Crab Appetizer

    The crab / mango / avocado stack at Waterfront Grill is beautiful as well as delicious. I went there last night with some girlfriends and we ordered this to share before dinner.

    Our server suggested ordering a basket of tortilla chips and use the “stack” as a dip. What a great suggestion. We ordered the chips and it made the perfect nibble to share before dinner.

    The fun part was trying to cut the stack. As soon as you try, it collapses like a deck of cards. (It doesn’t take much to entertain us)

    The weather was perfect out on the patio, so we enjoyed some lively libations, including a pomegranate martini, raspberry/blueberry mojito and jalapeno margarita.

    Definitely a fun girl’s night out!

     

     

     
    • Brian S. 3:19 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      So pretty… would it make a light meal for one person? It’s sold as an appetizer.

      • Debra Laizure 7:35 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Brian – it is actually pretty large and would make a great entree. It was fresh and delicious.

    • Ryan Myers 3:33 pm on September 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      That’s my favorite dish on their limited menu. My wife and I love to sit outside, have the chips and onion straw appetizer and then I’ll get the stack as I entree. Paired with the cucumber martini it is hard to beat.

  • Debra Laizure 4:05 pm on August 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    School Kick-off Event at Yolotti South 

    My new favorite indulgence is stepping up the fun on Saturday night.

    Stop by Yolotti Frozen Yogurt tomorrow night between 6pm – 8pm for their School Kick-off Event. They will have delicious frozen yogurt as well as free prizes (iTunes cards, Yolotti prizes) and live music by Corey White Music.

    Yolotti Yogurt @King’s Landing
    9918 Riverside Parkway, Jenks
    http://www.yolottiyogurt.com

     

     
  • Debra Laizure 3:55 pm on August 21, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! 

    This is so wrong. I’m not a fan of fake cheese. Sorry, I can’t handle Cheez Whiz, Velveeta, American processed cheese food slices or that orange goo they put on nachos at the high school football game.

    So, imagine my shock when I pulled out a slice of Big Eye Swiss when making a sandwich today. Big Eye Swiss? More like Big FAKE Swiss!

    So tell me…have you ever been “Food-Lied” to?

     

     
  • Debra Laizure 4:45 pm on August 18, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Thai me down and treat me cheap 

    My Thai Kitchen

    I love Thai food. My friend talked me out of going to my favorite restaurant and took me to My Thai Kitchen. It is a quaint little restaurant in a strip shopping center at 30th and Harvard. We immediately got a table at 11:30am but it was standing room only at noon.

    I had the red curry with shrimp. It was all very fresh and the curry was delightful. We had three people in our party. With tea and a couple seafood dishes, the bill only came to $29.25 before tax. Just perfect for lunch.

    The service was wonderful.

    My Thai Kitchen
    3023 South Harvard Avenue
    Tulsa, OK 74114-6139
    (918) 794-7093

     
  • Debra Laizure 2:55 pm on July 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply  

    Eating a Bubba Bucket is not Ladylike, but it IS delicious! 

    The Bubba Bucket w/Crab at Crabtown, OKC

    OK, ladies. I’m giving you this information with a grain of salt…or Old Bay seasoning.

    I was in Oklahoma City this week on business and we all decided to go to Crabtown, located in the Bricktown area by the baseball field. When you walk in, it feels like you are walking into a dark, New Orleans eatery. It’s casual and cool, and has a huge bar and lots of kitschy decor.

    The menu has a large variety of choices (click here). I’m not a huge fan of Cajun food, so I was looking at the pasta and salad…you know, nice “lady food.” But I kept coming back to the Bubba Bucket. It was like a magnet drawing me in saying, “It’s, OK. Eat me…you know you want to.”  I succumbed to the little voice and ordered it with the premise that I would share the included pork chop with my male dining companions, because it was simply too much food.

    First was the Caesar salad. It was spiked with Cajun seasoning which was quite unexpected, but very tasty. Next came the BUCKET. I tried the red beans and rice and they were amazing. Seriously, the next time I go there, I will be ordering a giant bowl of this creamy, spicy, satisfying concoction.

    Next, were the Buffalo hot wings. I admit I have never eaten a hot wing in my life. It’s boy food. But I tried one and it was very good. Very meaty and not greasy at all. It was spicy, but not Man v. Food spicy. Then I noticed the pork chop that I promised to give to my dining companions. It was NOT a pork chop at all, it was a pork shank. [Side note: I live in Bixby, home of Jake's Place BBQ, home of the famous pig wing, aka BBQ pork shank]. I love BBQ pig wings, umm, pork shanks, so I ate it hoping my dining companions were too busy talking to notice it was gone. No such luck, they noticed. Luckily, they were pacified with the remaining hot wings.

    The crab legs were last. Salty and sweet, they were delicious. The one thing I did not like was the lame crab tool I was given to open the shells. It was a weird poking tool, not a cracking tool, so I had to use my hands. Please, don’t tell my mother…

    My dining companions had similar fare. The Jambalaya got rave reviews, as well as the fresh fish and pasta. My friend had my “other” choice, the crab cakes, which were greasy and not so great, so I was thankful I went the Bubba way.  As the dinner wrapped up, I excused myself to the bathroom to wash my hands (and forearms) and to send myself back to womanhood with a fresh coat of lipstick.

    The service was good, and I definitely recommend it the next time you are in Oklahoma City.

     
    Crabtown
    303 E. Sheridan
    Oklahoma City, OK 73104
    In historic Bricktown, across from Hampton Inn and the Ballpark on Sheridan
    Website: http://www.funfresh.com/pearls-crabtown
    (405) 232-7227                                                                                   
     
     
    • Brian S. 3:15 pm on July 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Thank you. I enjoyed reading this and next time people ask for a recommendation for Oklahoma City I’ll tell them to get this Bubba bucket.

  • Debra Laizure 11:04 am on July 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Commercial cooking equipment, Curtis Equipment, , , Tulsa kitchen supplies   

    A Look Inside the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile 

    Interesting article by Meathead, the “Rib Guy”. For more Meathead articles, and BBQ tips and tricks, check him out on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ribguy or http://www.amazingribs.com

    Enjoy!

    Debra Laizure
    Curtis Restaurant Supply
    Sponsor of the Rock ‘n Rib Festival, Sept 15th – 18th at the BOK Center

    2011-07-27-wienermobile15.jpg

    This month Oscar Mayer is celebrating 75 years of the Wienermobile. The first Wienermobile was the brainchild of Oscar’s nephew Karl Mayer, and on July 18, 1936, the 13 foot hot dog built by GM started cruising the streets of Chicago and the Midwest. Today’s marketing experts consider it one of the most successful marketing gimmicks in history.

    When Noelle Overly emailed and invited me to ride “shotbun” in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in Chicago’s 2009 St. Patrick’s Day Parade I was sure it was a prank. I demanded her phone number to make sure she was official. As soon as it was clear she wasn’t punking me, I immediately swabbed myself in mustard and emailed all my friends to make them jealous. I filled the letter with all my worst puns: “You know I’m going to relish this!” “Come to the parade and ketchup with me!” I gloated.

    Today there are six copies of the 2004 model cruising the nation bringing delight to children and hot dog lovers like this Meathead. The fiberglass 27′ hot dog rests on a toasted bun wrapped around a Chevy W4 Series chassis powered by a 300 Vortec 5700 V8 engine with a 4 speed tranny and anti-lock brakes. It is equipped with a bitchin’ sound system and wireless microphone and external speakers. There’s a hot dog shaped instrument panel with voice activated GPS, an exterior rear view camera, a “bun roof”, gull wing door with retractable steps, and a horn that toots the Oscar Mayer Wiener Jingle.

    The interior is plush, carpeted, with comfy mustard and ketchup colored captain’s chairs for six, and a blue-sky ceiling dappled with clouds. Surprisingly, there is no fridge or grill on board. In 2008 the company also launched a mini Wienermobile that are only 15′ long built on a Mini Cooper chassis.

    2011-07-27-wienermobile006.jpgAs we waited for our turn to roll out, the iconic vehicle was surrounded by laughing kids and parents posing in front of the giant orange sandwich. Even the Miller Light girls checked us out and posed with the public (right).

    The large Wienermobiles are staffed by two “hotdoggers” hired right out of college for the world’s best first job, motoring across the country collecting waves and smiles. Driving on this bright clear sunshiney 40-something Saturday, March 14, 2009, was 22 year old Molly Fergus of nearby Des Plaines, IL, a recent journalism graduate of the University of Missouri, of Irish descent, from County Mayo no less. Her partner was Amanda Maurer, 23, of Yorktown, PA, and a marketing grad from James Madison.

    2011-07-27-winermobile010.jpgAlong for the ride were Molly’s Mom Peggy, Dad Brian, and Brother, my friend and guest, Mary Ann Brauneis, the now retired owner of a landmark Southside Chicago hot dog pushcart, and Sunshine, an eight month old Yellow Lab my wife and I were raising for Leader Dogs for the Blind. In the picture, that’s Mary Ann on the left, Molly’s brother, Molly, her Dad, Mom, and in the bun roof, “Hamanda”. Sunshine has since graduated from Leader Dog School in Rochester, MI, and is dragging a blind man around Madrid, Spain. Click here to see a photostory of a day in the life of Sunshine when she was training at age 3 months.

    As we headed down Columbus Avenue through Grant Park behind the Art Institute, Amanda scrambled up on the roof with her microphone and led the crowds in singing the jingle and chanting. “I say Oscar and you say Mayer” she exhorts” and the five-deep crowd dressed in green responds every time. “Who likes mustard?” she asks, and they cheer loudly. “Who likes ketchup?” and they boo louder. Then she sings, and the crowd joins in:

    Oh I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener,
    That is what I truly want to be.
    Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener,
    Everyone would be in love with me.

    The girls clearly love their job because after months behind the wheel, Molly still smiles broadly and sings the jingle without the loudspeaker, even when nobody is watching. College students can apply for the job on their website and anyone can follow their blog there. Sadly, they do not publish their schedule on the web because it brings out the PETA crazies. You know, the ones who protested when President Obama killed a fly.

    How did I wangle the invite? I think it had something to do with the fact that I gave their formulation of the all-beef “Premium” Frank a good score in my blind tasting of 30 franks (the other styles they make did not fare so well). Click here to see my all-beef frankfurter blind tasting results.

    Now that I’ve been in the St. Pat’s Parade, and I’ve ridden in the Wienermobile, I’m thinking my life is complete. What could be cooler for a guy nicknamed Meathead? I must have been quite a sight with my head sticking out the bunroof grinning ear to ear. Have you ever sausage thing?

    Source: HuffPost Food, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/food

     
    • Brian S. 12:18 pm on July 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      You’re such a good writer, why don’t you write us something about local Tulsa food? Like the posts you did about a pie in Kiefer or a delicious vegetable at Waterfront Grill. I’d sooner grab a dog at Siegi’s or Dog House or Fassler’s, all owned by local people, than buy Oscar Meyer weiners, owned by Kraft Foods.

      • Debra Laizure 1:51 pm on July 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Actually, I am writing up something on Crabtown in OKC and a couple other places. This article (that I did not write) appealed to me because of happy 1970′s childhood memories. Don’t you love the song, Brian? It almost makes eating lips and “other things” pleasant :)

        • Brian S. 3:13 pm on July 29, 2011 Permalink | Reply

          I never paid much attention to the song but I have eaten my share of Oscar Meyer wieners. they are good actually.

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