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Whisky tasting tips, the best places for whisky, and all things whisky including interviews with whisky sommeliers and other prominent figures.
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Red Crop Top c/o Chicwish | Similar Denim Skirt, this one is super affordable! Hey there, fellow Oklahomies! And a special hello to anyone else looking to visit my home-sweet-homa. It's time for my monthly OKC by the Districts post.....I've shared my favorite local establishments in Midtown, The Plaza, Uptown 23rd, Automobile Alley and the Paseo but today we're heading to the Western Avenue District! I actually live in the district just a few blocks off Western so it is near and dear to my heart. When I first started working on this post, I thought the Western Avenue district was only Western Avenue itself from I-44 to NW 36th street but I was so wrong! The district as a whole encompasses all of Classen Curve and Nichols Hills Plaza and stretches from Wilshire to NW 36th and from Penn to Broadway Extension. The Western Avenue district is filled with places to eat, shop, browse, and explore from high-end boutiques to local antique stores to major retailers like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. It really has a little bit of everything! I'm here to let you know about my personal favorite spots and help you plan a day on Western from start to finish. Osteria Breakfast & Brunch Stella Nova - a fantastic coffee shop (I live for their almond milk lattes) that also offers breakfast, bakery bites and sandwiches! They have a variety of sugar free syrups, too, if you're counting calories/macros. Stella Nova has a handfull of OKC locations but the Crown Heights one is my go-to! Whiskey Cake - weekend brunch heaven! Whiskey Cake is actually a small chain with several locations in Texas but you wouldn't know it. Their food is farm to table fresh and so yummy. I love the B.E.L.T. sandwich (BLT w/an egg) and the fried green tomatoes. Their craft cocktails are always top notch, too! Osteria - one of the newer kids on the block, Osteria has a great brunch menu and the biggest cinnamon roll I've ever seen! It is covered in caramel creme and praline (insert drool emoji). I haven't gotten to try it yet, but their breakfast pizza looks amazing, too! En Croute En Croute Saint Mark's Chop Room Truffle Honey Fried Chicken Wings at Saint Mark's Chop Room Lunch & Dinner En Croute - one of our favorite places for a date night! They have an amazing cheese & charcuterie board, great cocktails ad the juiciest burger. The best part, though, is the mushrooms and truffle on toast appetizer. It will make your mouth water like nothing else I've ever tasted! P.S. They're open for brunch, too! Saint Mark's Chop Room - a great place for a special occasion or fancy night out! They have a fantastic steak house type menu and a nice, intimate setting. Their dinner dishes are great but what really steals the show is the truffle honey fried chicken wings appetizer that comes with a garlic aioli! My taste buds will never be the same. The Sandwich Club - I think this restaurant is OKC's best kept secret! It has very limited hours but if you can make it there when they're open you won't regret it! Their sandwiches are very unique and creative....not to mention they're ginormous! My favorite is The Mix Tape with sprouts, gouda, chicken and pesto but honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. The Drumroom - if you like fried chicken and waffles this is the place for you! It's a bit dark and dingy but sooooo worth it. Come hungry! Republic Gastropub - Republic is one of the first restaurants in OKC that turned me into a foodie and (I believe) the first Gastropub in the city! They've been around for years and have recently opened a new location in Chisolm Creek. Their macaroni and cheese with bacon and andouille is absolutely fantastic and their knife and fork BLT is what dreams are made of. All of their food is pub style (but I'd call it high-end craft pub style) and is meant to compliment their extensive beer menu. Iron Star - one of my favorite BBQ spots in town! If you're trying to be healthy / low fat, their smoked turkey is a fantastic option. If you're not watching your calories, the jalapeño cheddar sausage and macaroni has my stamp of approval! Cafe 501 - a great place for a light lunch with a friend! They have delicious sandwiches, wraps and salads. I love the Coyote Crunch wrap! Upper Crust - a local wood fired pizza joint that is perfect for date night. It has a a bit of an upscale vibe to it in comparison to other pizza places. They also have the yummiest cookie pie for dessert! I'm usually not a thin crust kinda girl, but the toppings at Upper Crust make the pizzas extra yummy and unique. The Numbers is my go to - it is topped with jalapeños, pepperoni, spicy sausage and prosciutto. Sushi Neko - my favorite sushi place in OKC! Most sushi places taste the same to me haha, but Sushi Neko has forever been a favorite and it feels like a "nice" place for a date night or special occasion! Hopdoddy and Slapfish are two of my Nichols Hills Plaza favorites, too, but since they are larger chains I didn't include them. The Merrett Brandy Ice at Saint Mark's Chop Room Drinks Flip's Wine Bar - to be honest, I've only ever had beer and wine on their patio. BUT, it's a really cute patio with brick and ivy everywhere and is super enjoyable to sit on in the evenings when the weather is nice! Republic Gastropub - I mentioned them above, but I wanted to note that they have over 100 beers on tap and 250+ bottles from around the world. They also have a big wine list and lots of cocktails! It's a great place for happy hour, especially if you're lucky enough to get their outdoor patio seats. The Merrett - pop, fizz, clink! The Merrett is OKC's first and only champagne bar! They serve more than just champagne, though, I'm a huge fan of their craft cocktails. They can get preeeetty packed on weekend nights when there is a DJ, but I love to stop in for a pre-dinner drink when they aren't as busy. The interior is very fancy with marble, glass and gold everywhere! Osteria - I mentioned them above, and although their cinnamon roll is fantastic, the cocktails are what really sets Osteria apart! The espresso salted caramel martini is like drinking a dessert and everything else I've tried has been fabulous, as well. Saint Mark's Chop Room - though they have a great cocktail and wine menu, the Brandy Ice is what I want to talk about! I'm not sure why Brandy Ice in general isn't more popular because its AMAZING. It's like a liquor milkshake dessert haha. I had to include it here because Saint Mark's is one of the few places I've found it at! Green Goodies Roxy's Ice Cream Desserts Green Goodies - quite possibly my favorite cupcakes in all of Oklahoma City! Their icing is thick and yummy but the actual cake part stands up to the icing perfectly with it's own flavor and perfect (not too dry, not too mushy) texture. They even have coffee and gluten free, sugar free or vegan options! I will forever be a fan of their salted caramel cupcake but I've never met a Green Goodies cupcake I didn't like haha. Their seasonal flavors (like spiced pumpkin maple or carrot cake) always fulfill my cravings! Green Goodies was even featured on the TV show Cupcake Wars! Roxy's Ice Cream - I've mentioned Roxy's no less than 50 times on this blog. They were a part of my Plaza District post (that's where their original brick and mortar location is) but I had to include them here, too, since they opened a store in Classen Curve! The Salted Caramel flavor will always have my heart (it seems like I'm recommending salted caramel things from every place I mention haha) but lately I've been loving the Graham Cracker flavor. Tucker's - if you want a classic diner style milkshake, this is the best place to go! Koda Crossfit Boardroom Salon for Men Services & Activities Koda Crossfit - my favorite place to workout! I can't recommend Koda enough. Their coaches take the time to ensure people are comfortable, have good form, and avoid injury. I've been working out at Koda for five+ years and genuinely love it. Gloss Nail Salon - the only place I go for dip nails! Their dip lasts for 3 weeks and always looks amazing. The salon itself is clean and well decorated with pink and navy walls, chandeliers and pretty white counters. It feels very fancy. I love it there! Drybar - for when you aren't in the mood to wash and dry your own hair! Boardroom Salon for Men - now I can't attest to this myself, but C has been multiple times and says they give great scalp massages! The space is very manly with wood walls, a dark aesthetic and a pool table in the middle of it all. The also offer shaves and spa services for men. There is also an Orange Theory Fitness, Cycle Bar, Pure Barre, barre3 and Pilates on Western....they just aren't my personal fitness preference so I can't very well comment on their studio or classes! Shopping at Classen Curve Shopping Classen Curve - adding a sublist here because there is too much to mention! There are a ton of high-end chains here like Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Anthro, West Elm, Francesca's, Athleta, Evereve, Rustic Cuff, Sur la Table, Warby Parker, Scout and Molly's and more! The Impeccable Pig - a great southern clothing boutique that I frequent! Code AMANDA20 gets you 20% off their website. On A Whim - a fantastic home, clothing and gift store with high end products like MacKenzie Childs, Rebecca Minkoff, Gorjana, Lafco and more. Red Coyote - the best running store in town! They offer great running clothes, fantastic shoes, a free gait analysis to help you choose the right running shoe, weekly group runs and marathons training programs. Mockingbird Manor Antiques - I'm not normally much of an antique store kinda girl but I love wandering through Mockingbird Manor! It is the CUTEST old house/building with twists and turns and stairways. They always have really unique finds. Vada Boutique - a great place for clothes, jewelry and accessories! I bought a pair of orange earrings here several years ago and wear them to almost every OSU football game. Savory Spice Shop - OK ya'll know I'm not much of a cook but I had to include this because C frequents it! They have almost any spice you can think of and they often let you customize or sample them before buying. They also have an awesome loyalty club. I don't know anything about this garage but they are located on Western so I'm including this photo :) WHEW! SO many good places! Now you can see why I spend so much time here (in addition to living and sleeping here haha). If you're local, what Western Avenue District place is your favorite? Are there any I left out that you love? If you're not local.....what place would you like to visit if you're ever in town? I'd love to get your input! What district would you like to see next??
Red Crop Top c/o Chicwish | Similar Denim Skirt, this one is super affordable! Hey there, fellow Oklahomies! And a special hello to anyone else looking to visit my home-sweet-homa. It's time for my monthly OKC by the Districts post.....I've shared my favorite local establishments in Midtown, The Plaza, Uptown 23rd, Automobile Alley and the Paseo but today we're heading to the Western Avenue District! I actually live in the district just a few blocks off Western so it is near and dear to my heart. When I first started working on this post, I thought the Western Avenue district was only Western Avenue itself from I-44 to NW 36th street but I was so wrong! The district as a whole encompasses all of Classen Curve and Nichols Hills Plaza and stretches from Wilshire to NW 36th and from Penn to Broadway Extension. The Western Avenue district is filled with places to eat, shop, browse, and explore from high-end boutiques to local antique stores to major retailers like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. It really has a little bit of everything! I'm here to let you know about my personal favorite spots and help you plan a day on Western from start to finish. Osteria Breakfast & Brunch Stella Nova - a fantastic coffee shop (I live for their almond milk lattes) that also offers breakfast, bakery bites and sandwiches! They have a variety of sugar free syrups, too, if you're counting calories/macros. Stella Nova has a handfull of OKC locations but the Crown Heights one is my go-to! Whiskey Cake - weekend brunch heaven! Whiskey Cake is actually a small chain with several locations in Texas but you wouldn't know it. Their food is farm to table fresh and so yummy. I love the B.E.L.T. sandwich (BLT w/an egg) and the fried green tomatoes. Their craft cocktails are always top notch, too! Osteria - one of the newer kids on the block, Osteria has a great brunch menu and the biggest cinnamon roll I've ever seen! It is covered in caramel creme and praline (insert drool emoji). I haven't gotten to try it yet, but their breakfast pizza looks amazing, too! En Croute En Croute Saint Mark's Chop Room Truffle Honey Fried Chicken Wings at Saint Mark's Chop Room Lunch & Dinner En Croute - one of our favorite places for a date night! They have an amazing cheese & charcuterie board, great cocktails ad the juiciest burger. The best part, though, is the mushrooms and truffle on toast appetizer. It will make your mouth water like nothing else I've ever tasted! P.S. They're open for brunch, too! Saint Mark's Chop Room - a great place for a special occasion or fancy night out! They have a fantastic steak house type menu and a nice, intimate setting. Their dinner dishes are great but what really steals the show is the truffle honey fried chicken wings appetizer that comes with a garlic aioli! My taste buds will never be the same. The Sandwich Club - I think this restaurant is OKC's best kept secret! It has very limited hours but if you can make it there when they're open you won't regret it! Their sandwiches are very unique and creative....not to mention they're ginormous! My favorite is The Mix Tape with sprouts, gouda, chicken and pesto but honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. The Drumroom - if you like fried chicken and waffles this is the place for you! It's a bit dark and dingy but sooooo worth it. Come hungry! Republic Gastropub - Republic is one of the first restaurants in OKC that turned me into a foodie and (I believe) the first Gastropub in the city! They've been around for years and have recently opened a new location in Chisolm Creek. Their macaroni and cheese with bacon and andouille is absolutely fantastic and their knife and fork BLT is what dreams are made of. All of their food is pub style (but I'd call it high-end craft pub style) and is meant to compliment their extensive beer menu. Iron Star - one of my favorite BBQ spots in town! If you're trying to be healthy / low fat, their smoked turkey is a fantastic option. If you're not watching your calories, the jalapeño cheddar sausage and macaroni has my stamp of approval! Cafe 501 - a great place for a light lunch with a friend! They have delicious sandwiches, wraps and salads. I love the Coyote Crunch wrap! Upper Crust - a local wood fired pizza joint that is perfect for date night. It has a a bit of an upscale vibe to it in comparison to other pizza places. They also have the yummiest cookie pie for dessert! I'm usually not a thin crust kinda girl, but the toppings at Upper Crust make the pizzas extra yummy and unique. The Numbers is my go to - it is topped with jalapeños, pepperoni, spicy sausage and prosciutto. Sushi Neko - my favorite sushi place in OKC! Most sushi places taste the same to me haha, but Sushi Neko has forever been a favorite and it feels like a "nice" place for a date night or special occasion! Hopdoddy and Slapfish are two of my Nichols Hills Plaza favorites, too, but since they are larger chains I didn't include them. The Merrett Brandy Ice at Saint Mark's Chop Room Drinks Flip's Wine Bar - to be honest, I've only ever had beer and wine on their patio. BUT, it's a really cute patio with brick and ivy everywhere and is super enjoyable to sit on in the evenings when the weather is nice! Republic Gastropub - I mentioned them above, but I wanted to note that they have over 100 beers on tap and 250+ bottles from around the world. They also have a big wine list and lots of cocktails! It's a great place for happy hour, especially if you're lucky enough to get their outdoor patio seats. The Merrett - pop, fizz, clink! The Merrett is OKC's first and only champagne bar! They serve more than just champagne, though, I'm a huge fan of their craft cocktails. They can get preeeetty packed on weekend nights when there is a DJ, but I love to stop in for a pre-dinner drink when they aren't as busy. The interior is very fancy with marble, glass and gold everywhere! Osteria - I mentioned them above, and although their cinnamon roll is fantastic, the cocktails are what really sets Osteria apart! The espresso salted caramel martini is like drinking a dessert and everything else I've tried has been fabulous, as well. Saint Mark's Chop Room - though they have a great cocktail and wine menu, the Brandy Ice is what I want to talk about! I'm not sure why Brandy Ice in general isn't more popular because its AMAZING. It's like a liquor milkshake dessert haha. I had to include it here because Saint Mark's is one of the few places I've found it at! Green Goodies Roxy's Ice Cream Desserts Green Goodies - quite possibly my favorite cupcakes in all of Oklahoma City! Their icing is thick and yummy but the actual cake part stands up to the icing perfectly with it's own flavor and perfect (not too dry, not too mushy) texture. They even have coffee and gluten free, sugar free or vegan options! I will forever be a fan of their salted caramel cupcake but I've never met a Green Goodies cupcake I didn't like haha. Their seasonal flavors (like spiced pumpkin maple or carrot cake) always fulfill my cravings! Green Goodies was even featured on the TV show Cupcake Wars! Roxy's Ice Cream - I've mentioned Roxy's no less than 50 times on this blog. They were a part of my Plaza District post (that's where their original brick and mortar location is) but I had to include them here, too, since they opened a store in Classen Curve! The Salted Caramel flavor will always have my heart (it seems like I'm recommending salted caramel things from every place I mention haha) but lately I've been loving the Graham Cracker flavor. Tucker's - if you want a classic diner style milkshake, this is the best place to go! Koda Crossfit Boardroom Salon for Men Services & Activities Koda Crossfit - my favorite place to workout! I can't recommend Koda enough. Their coaches take the time to ensure people are comfortable, have good form, and avoid injury. I've been working out at Koda for five+ years and genuinely love it. Gloss Nail Salon - the only place I go for dip nails! Their dip lasts for 3 weeks and always looks amazing. The salon itself is clean and well decorated with pink and navy walls, chandeliers and pretty white counters. It feels very fancy. I love it there! Drybar - for when you aren't in the mood to wash and dry your own hair! Boardroom Salon for Men - now I can't attest to this myself, but C has been multiple times and says they give great scalp massages! The space is very manly with wood walls, a dark aesthetic and a pool table in the middle of it all. The also offer shaves and spa services for men. There is also an Orange Theory Fitness, Cycle Bar, Pure Barre, barre3 and Pilates on Western....they just aren't my personal fitness preference so I can't very well comment on their studio or classes! Shopping at Classen Curve Shopping Classen Curve - adding a sublist here because there is too much to mention! There are a ton of high-end chains here like Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Anthro, West Elm, Francesca's, Athleta, Evereve, Rustic Cuff, Sur la Table, Warby Parker, Scout and Molly's and more! The Impeccable Pig - a great southern clothing boutique that I frequent! Code AMANDA20 gets you 20% off their website. On A Whim - a fantastic home, clothing and gift store with high end products like MacKenzie Childs, Rebecca Minkoff, Gorjana, Lafco and more. Red Coyote - the best running store in town! They offer great running clothes, fantastic shoes, a free gait analysis to help you choose the right running shoe, weekly group runs and marathons training programs. Mockingbird Manor Antiques - I'm not normally much of an antique store kinda girl but I love wandering through Mockingbird Manor! It is the CUTEST old house/building with twists and turns and stairways. They always have really unique finds. Vada Boutique - a great place for clothes, jewelry and accessories! I bought a pair of orange earrings here several years ago and wear them to almost every OSU football game. Savory Spice Shop - OK ya'll know I'm not much of a cook but I had to include this because C frequents it! They have almost any spice you can think of and they often let you customize or sample them before buying. They also have an awesome loyalty club. I don't know anything about this garage but they are located on Western so I'm including this photo :) WHEW! SO many good places! Now you can see why I spend so much time here (in addition to living and sleeping here haha). If you're local, what Western Avenue District place is your favorite? Are there any I left out that you love? If you're not local.....what place would you like to visit if you're ever in town? I'd love to get your input! What district would you like to see next??
Whiskey is often a family business. Whether its distilled in Islay, Bardstown or Dublin, generations have handed down…
Adding fruit to bourbon is a great way to kick it up a notch. Here's how to make a peach infused bourbon to take your summer cocktails to the next level.
Covering the Bases is a popular New York lifestyle blog with the latest styling tips & deals, travel reviews... Click here now for the latest posts!
Earlier this week, I popped over to the Victoria Vitale’s lovely blog, Scissors & Sage, to share a blood orange whiskey cocktail recipe I developed. When she asked if I’d guest-post on her lifestyle blog, I couldn’t resist. She posts weekly DIY tutorials, crafting projects, recipes, and design ideas. It’s pretty much a one-stop for […]
Hello from Bentonville, Arkansas! This post has been on my to-do list for entirely too long. My parents moved to Northwest Arkansas about four years ago....and it is total a hidden gem. I love to visit and explore the area. It is jam packed with good food, shopping and outdoor activities. Bentonville is known as the birthplace and headquarters of Walmart but the city is so much more than that. It boasts a unique aesthetic that I can only describe as historical southern charm mixed with eclectic hipster vibes. Arkansas is the "Natural State" and Bentonville is located in the Northwest corner of the state on the edge of the Ozark Mountains. It is absolutely beautiful (especially in the fall) with tons of trees, hills, lakes, rivers, trails and curvy roads. It is an easy drive from Oklahoma, North Texas, Missouri, Kansas or even western Tennessee. There are also lots of other small towns surrounding it including Rogers, Bella Vista, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and Springdale, all which are charming in their own ways! Apologies in advance for not having a ton of good photos for the activities and restaurants....since my parents, my brother, and a few close friends live in NWA (NW Arkansas), I'm usually more focused on the people in front of me and less focused on taking pictures for the blog or Instagram when I'm in town. The below photos have been taken over the last couple of years! What to Do Crystal Bridges Museum - disclaimer: I have yet to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum..... but I know it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in NWA! They strive to unite the power of art with the beauty of nature. The museum is nestled in 120 acres of Ozark woods and surrounded by 3.5 miles of walking trails all while being right in the middle of downtown Bentonville. During the holidays, they put on the "North Forest Lights" display on the surrounding trails. The Walmart Museum - located in the original Walton's 5 & 10 building on the square (which opened in 1900), the museum always has free admission and tells the story of Sam Walton / the beginning of Walmart. I love that it still looks like a mom and pop shop on the inside and includes a yummy ice cream soda shop! Sam Walton and the Walton family really helped make Bentonville what it is today and their story of starting small and growing to be such a major commercial retailer is truly inspiring! Note: at the time of posting, the museum is closed due to covid. Bike & Hike - There are soooo many trails in NWA - 140 miles to be exact (both paved and unpaved)! Tanyard Creek Nature Trail (which is actually located just north of Bentonville in Bella Vista) is my personal favorite for a quick hike. It is only 2.2 miles but has a gorgeous stream and waterfall - it is especially pretty in the fall when the leaves are turning colors. Biking is a BIG deal in Bentonville, people come from miles around to mountain bike the Ozark mountain trails. You can rent bikes from Phat Tire if you don't have your own! Find trail info here. Go to the Lake - NWA is home to tons of lakes, streams rivers to explore! Many are open to the public and offer beaches or boat rentals (like paddle boards, kayaks, paddle boats or canoes). Find lake info here. Where to Eat & Drink Onyx Coffee Lab - my favorite coffee OF.ALL.TIME. I buy their beans to use at home and always have to make a stop at the coffee shop for an Onyx Delight (a honey, cinnamon, vanilla latte)! It's also just super aesthetically pleasing with pretty tile counters, greenery and wood + yellow accents. Note: at the time of posting, Onyx is open for takeout only due to covid. Oven & Tap - local pizza restaurant named for it's wood fired pizza oven and beer tap wall! Tavola Trattoria - super yummy Italian food. Come hungry and ready for all the carbs! I recommend the saltimbocca .... insert drool emoji. It will leave you miserably full from all the rich creaminess but it is worth the pain. Tusk & Trotter - an American Brasserie with casual yet upscale food made with local ingredients when possible. Everything I've had here is always drool worthy, full of rich flavor and very unique! Louise - this cafe is located in the Thaden Fieldhouse at the little Bentonville airport! The diner-style cafe faces the runway so it is really fun to watch planes take off and land while you are eating. It is named for a Bentonville native, Louise McPhetridge Thaden, who was one of the greatest female aviators of her time. They have a great brunch, lunch and dinner menu with lots of healthy, vegetarian and vegan options. Pressroom - this cute, bright and airy restaurant has a little bit of everything! A great coffee/beer/wine/cocktail drink menu as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner, Pressroom will please everyone! Crepes Paulette - my family talked about this restaurant so much that by the time I tried it, I had extremely high expectations......and I was not disappointed! They offer authentic French crepes (all handheld) with a fusion of other cuisines and flavors inside! They are owned by a Bentonville local + her French husband! They started as a food truck and have expanded into a brick and mortar location. Scotch & Soda - a great place for a craft cocktail! This whiskey bar has a contemporary, upscale tavern vibe. They have over 300 whiskies available and offer whisky flights and yummy bites. Don't worry, if you aren't a whiskey person they offer other liquors as well! 8th Street Market - this "food hub" is such a fun place to visit and hang out at! They have a ton of food stalls, food trucks, a brewery, a giant life size shuffle board game, lots of lounge areas to sit in.... the local culinary school is even located here! I LOVE Markham & Fitz (a chocolate shop with the best chocolate bars + hot chocolate drinks), Yeyo's (delicious tacos), The Holler (the ultimate "hang out" area with food, drinks and life size shuffle board), and Bike Rack Brewing. There are also lots of little food stalls and shops (including an amazing cheese shop). Where to Shop Elysian - this is my favorite boutique in Bentonville! They have such chic, stylish, and unique pieces. Remedy Road - this boutique has the coolest ethical and unique gifts, clothes and accessories. Swanky Chic - a classic boutique with original locations in DFW. They pride themselves on keeping prices affordable and all of their pieces are in-style and adorable! Label - this store has SUCH good premium designer brands (think: Free People, Lack of Color, Barefoot Dreams, etc.) but the prices are stern! I usually just look, drool and get outfit inspiration! Where to Stay 21c Museum Hotel - if you've been around for long you may recognize the name "21c" from a lot of my OKC posts! This boutique hotel chain has a location in Bentonville, too, which of course comes with it's own modern museum and bar/restaurant (The Hive)! I've not personally stayed at the Bentonville location (because I stay at my parent's house when I am in town), but if it is anything like the OKC location, I know it would be a wonderful home base for your NWA stay. 21c always has big, lofty rooms with lots of natural light plus they are pet friendly and they provide bike rentals! Bentonville (and all of NWA) is the perfect weekend getaway destination for a family, a couple, or a group of friends! It is big enough to keep you occupied and entertained but small enough that you can squeeze it all into a few days. They also have a lot of fun events throughout the year (when covid isn't happening) so be sure to check out Visit Bentonville's calendar! If you have been, I'd love to hear what your favorite spots are. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?!
This tangerine whiskey sour combines the tartness of lemon and tangerine juice with a sweet touch of honey, and delicious bourbon whiskey.
Red Crop Top c/o Chicwish | Similar Denim Skirt, this one is super affordable! Hey there, fellow Oklahomies! And a special hello to anyone else looking to visit my home-sweet-homa. It's time for my monthly OKC by the Districts post.....I've shared my favorite local establishments in Midtown, The Plaza, Uptown 23rd, Automobile Alley and the Paseo but today we're heading to the Western Avenue District! I actually live in the district just a few blocks off Western so it is near and dear to my heart. When I first started working on this post, I thought the Western Avenue district was only Western Avenue itself from I-44 to NW 36th street but I was so wrong! The district as a whole encompasses all of Classen Curve and Nichols Hills Plaza and stretches from Wilshire to NW 36th and from Penn to Broadway Extension. The Western Avenue district is filled with places to eat, shop, browse, and explore from high-end boutiques to local antique stores to major retailers like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. It really has a little bit of everything! I'm here to let you know about my personal favorite spots and help you plan a day on Western from start to finish. Osteria Breakfast & Brunch Stella Nova - a fantastic coffee shop (I live for their almond milk lattes) that also offers breakfast, bakery bites and sandwiches! They have a variety of sugar free syrups, too, if you're counting calories/macros. Stella Nova has a handfull of OKC locations but the Crown Heights one is my go-to! Whiskey Cake - weekend brunch heaven! Whiskey Cake is actually a small chain with several locations in Texas but you wouldn't know it. Their food is farm to table fresh and so yummy. I love the B.E.L.T. sandwich (BLT w/an egg) and the fried green tomatoes. Their craft cocktails are always top notch, too! Osteria - one of the newer kids on the block, Osteria has a great brunch menu and the biggest cinnamon roll I've ever seen! It is covered in caramel creme and praline (insert drool emoji). I haven't gotten to try it yet, but their breakfast pizza looks amazing, too! En Croute En Croute Saint Mark's Chop Room Truffle Honey Fried Chicken Wings at Saint Mark's Chop Room Lunch & Dinner En Croute - one of our favorite places for a date night! They have an amazing cheese & charcuterie board, great cocktails ad the juiciest burger. The best part, though, is the mushrooms and truffle on toast appetizer. It will make your mouth water like nothing else I've ever tasted! P.S. They're open for brunch, too! Saint Mark's Chop Room - a great place for a special occasion or fancy night out! They have a fantastic steak house type menu and a nice, intimate setting. Their dinner dishes are great but what really steals the show is the truffle honey fried chicken wings appetizer that comes with a garlic aioli! My taste buds will never be the same. The Sandwich Club - I think this restaurant is OKC's best kept secret! It has very limited hours but if you can make it there when they're open you won't regret it! Their sandwiches are very unique and creative....not to mention they're ginormous! My favorite is The Mix Tape with sprouts, gouda, chicken and pesto but honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. The Drumroom - if you like fried chicken and waffles this is the place for you! It's a bit dark and dingy but sooooo worth it. Come hungry! Republic Gastropub - Republic is one of the first restaurants in OKC that turned me into a foodie and (I believe) the first Gastropub in the city! They've been around for years and have recently opened a new location in Chisolm Creek. Their macaroni and cheese with bacon and andouille is absolutely fantastic and their knife and fork BLT is what dreams are made of. All of their food is pub style (but I'd call it high-end craft pub style) and is meant to compliment their extensive beer menu. Iron Star - one of my favorite BBQ spots in town! If you're trying to be healthy / low fat, their smoked turkey is a fantastic option. If you're not watching your calories, the jalapeño cheddar sausage and macaroni has my stamp of approval! Cafe 501 - a great place for a light lunch with a friend! They have delicious sandwiches, wraps and salads. I love the Coyote Crunch wrap! Upper Crust - a local wood fired pizza joint that is perfect for date night. It has a a bit of an upscale vibe to it in comparison to other pizza places. They also have the yummiest cookie pie for dessert! I'm usually not a thin crust kinda girl, but the toppings at Upper Crust make the pizzas extra yummy and unique. The Numbers is my go to - it is topped with jalapeños, pepperoni, spicy sausage and prosciutto. Sushi Neko - my favorite sushi place in OKC! Most sushi places taste the same to me haha, but Sushi Neko has forever been a favorite and it feels like a "nice" place for a date night or special occasion! Hopdoddy and Slapfish are two of my Nichols Hills Plaza favorites, too, but since they are larger chains I didn't include them. The Merrett Brandy Ice at Saint Mark's Chop Room Drinks Flip's Wine Bar - to be honest, I've only ever had beer and wine on their patio. BUT, it's a really cute patio with brick and ivy everywhere and is super enjoyable to sit on in the evenings when the weather is nice! Republic Gastropub - I mentioned them above, but I wanted to note that they have over 100 beers on tap and 250+ bottles from around the world. They also have a big wine list and lots of cocktails! It's a great place for happy hour, especially if you're lucky enough to get their outdoor patio seats. The Merrett - pop, fizz, clink! The Merrett is OKC's first and only champagne bar! They serve more than just champagne, though, I'm a huge fan of their craft cocktails. They can get preeeetty packed on weekend nights when there is a DJ, but I love to stop in for a pre-dinner drink when they aren't as busy. The interior is very fancy with marble, glass and gold everywhere! Osteria - I mentioned them above, and although their cinnamon roll is fantastic, the cocktails are what really sets Osteria apart! The espresso salted caramel martini is like drinking a dessert and everything else I've tried has been fabulous, as well. Saint Mark's Chop Room - though they have a great cocktail and wine menu, the Brandy Ice is what I want to talk about! I'm not sure why Brandy Ice in general isn't more popular because its AMAZING. It's like a liquor milkshake dessert haha. I had to include it here because Saint Mark's is one of the few places I've found it at! Green Goodies Roxy's Ice Cream Desserts Green Goodies - quite possibly my favorite cupcakes in all of Oklahoma City! Their icing is thick and yummy but the actual cake part stands up to the icing perfectly with it's own flavor and perfect (not too dry, not too mushy) texture. They even have coffee and gluten free, sugar free or vegan options! I will forever be a fan of their salted caramel cupcake but I've never met a Green Goodies cupcake I didn't like haha. Their seasonal flavors (like spiced pumpkin maple or carrot cake) always fulfill my cravings! Green Goodies was even featured on the TV show Cupcake Wars! Roxy's Ice Cream - I've mentioned Roxy's no less than 50 times on this blog. They were a part of my Plaza District post (that's where their original brick and mortar location is) but I had to include them here, too, since they opened a store in Classen Curve! The Salted Caramel flavor will always have my heart (it seems like I'm recommending salted caramel things from every place I mention haha) but lately I've been loving the Graham Cracker flavor. Tucker's - if you want a classic diner style milkshake, this is the best place to go! Koda Crossfit Boardroom Salon for Men Services & Activities Koda Crossfit - my favorite place to workout! I can't recommend Koda enough. Their coaches take the time to ensure people are comfortable, have good form, and avoid injury. I've been working out at Koda for five+ years and genuinely love it. Gloss Nail Salon - the only place I go for dip nails! Their dip lasts for 3 weeks and always looks amazing. The salon itself is clean and well decorated with pink and navy walls, chandeliers and pretty white counters. It feels very fancy. I love it there! Drybar - for when you aren't in the mood to wash and dry your own hair! Boardroom Salon for Men - now I can't attest to this myself, but C has been multiple times and says they give great scalp massages! The space is very manly with wood walls, a dark aesthetic and a pool table in the middle of it all. The also offer shaves and spa services for men. There is also an Orange Theory Fitness, Cycle Bar, Pure Barre, barre3 and Pilates on Western....they just aren't my personal fitness preference so I can't very well comment on their studio or classes! Shopping at Classen Curve Shopping Classen Curve - adding a sublist here because there is too much to mention! There are a ton of high-end chains here like Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Anthro, West Elm, Francesca's, Athleta, Evereve, Rustic Cuff, Sur la Table, Warby Parker, Scout and Molly's and more! The Impeccable Pig - a great southern clothing boutique that I frequent! Code AMANDA20 gets you 20% off their website. On A Whim - a fantastic home, clothing and gift store with high end products like MacKenzie Childs, Rebecca Minkoff, Gorjana, Lafco and more. Red Coyote - the best running store in town! They offer great running clothes, fantastic shoes, a free gait analysis to help you choose the right running shoe, weekly group runs and marathons training programs. Mockingbird Manor Antiques - I'm not normally much of an antique store kinda girl but I love wandering through Mockingbird Manor! It is the CUTEST old house/building with twists and turns and stairways. They always have really unique finds. Vada Boutique - a great place for clothes, jewelry and accessories! I bought a pair of orange earrings here several years ago and wear them to almost every OSU football game. Savory Spice Shop - OK ya'll know I'm not much of a cook but I had to include this because C frequents it! They have almost any spice you can think of and they often let you customize or sample them before buying. They also have an awesome loyalty club. I don't know anything about this garage but they are located on Western so I'm including this photo :) WHEW! SO many good places! Now you can see why I spend so much time here (in addition to living and sleeping here haha). If you're local, what Western Avenue District place is your favorite? Are there any I left out that you love? If you're not local.....what place would you like to visit if you're ever in town? I'd love to get your input! What district would you like to see next??
This tangerine whiskey sour combines the tartness of lemon and tangerine juice with a sweet touch of honey, and delicious bourbon whiskey.
The best easy chicken recipe! Whiskey Orange Chipotle Chicken Thighs and Drums are savory, spicy, sweet, and so so good.
