Tulsa’s Gorgeous Backdrop

Every day it seems that more and more pictures are posted from various weddings on Facebook and I guess that comes with it being the summer, also known as the “wedding season.”  I do have to say, however, that some of these pictures are the best that I have ever seen!  While much credit must be  given to these wonderful Tulsa photographers, we also must give credit to the amazing Tulsa backdrop.  It is this backdrop that has captured my attention and provides so many of the gorgeous, charming, and unique pictures that I see so often posted on the internet.  Below is a list of 3 of the best places in Tulsa to take pictures!

The Philbrook Museum continues to come up in our blog…and that is probably because its one of Tulsa’s most treasured locations.  The backdrop doesn’t get much prettier than this.

http://hudsonphotos.blogspot.com/2009/07/tulsa-wedding-and-bridal-photos.html

Woodward Park spreads over 34 acres and has some of the most gorgeous scenery in Eastern Oklahoma.  The park contains the Tulsa Rose Garden, the Tulsa Garden Center, and the Tulsa Arboretum.

Between 4th and 6th on Boston Avenue in Downtown Tulsa provides a different feel than the other two locations mentioned above.  However, the turn out is unique and just as gorgeous.  This area of downtown holds some of the neatest old buildings.

Check out these locations and begin capturing some memories! Also, not to mention that the Fall is quickly approaching…and this particular season in Tulsa is beautiful.

Unexpectedly at Home at Hotel Ambassador

I recently had a few close friends come out to visit from Tulsa, as I am spending my summer at home in Southern California.  Unexpectedly, with them they brought something indescribable that made me feel even more at home than I already was.

With one of these friends I ended up getting into a conversation about home.  She communicated to me that she felt the same “at home” feeling while in my presence, yet she was away from home.

What is home?  For me, I believe I find home in the people that I love.  It is in my relationships that I find my home.  My home is no longer just my house in Mission Viejo, California.  I feel at home just talking while hanging out in my pj’s with my close friend, Elissa, from California or while grabbing breakfast in Utica Square with my close friend, Alison, from Tulsa.

Well, while I was having this conversation, I was reminded of Hotel Ambassador (in part because I needed a new blog topic).  When I first experienced Hotel Ambassador—as a individual who had no connection whatsoever to the hotel—I remembered having that unexpected “at home” feeling.

This became my original draw to Hotel Ambassador.  I can’t seem to put my finger on what exactly it is that creates this homey atmosphere but I believe that it is created through the staff’s attention to detail and their focus to  build relationships.  From the genuine friendliness, to the complementary water bottles, to the free parking, to the free transportation, I was,and am still, extremely impressed.  I could go on and on about the amenities; however, the main point is that the staff at the hotel does their absolute best to make whatever occasion spent at the hotel feel comfortable.

A Cure for This Summer’s Blockbuster Flop

The summer can be known as the “blockbuster season.”  However, it seems that most of this summer’s films that have caused the most hype have also caused the most disappointment.  Almost all of the blockbusters have flopped!

Two of my favorite locations in Tulsa are offering alternate opportunities for your summer entertainment needs on Thursday and Friday nights.  Instead of paying 7 or more dollars for a disappointing movie, here are two more options that even offer a more social, interactive, and cultural experience.

1) Tulsa’s gorgeous Philbrook Museum is offering films on the lawn every Friday of this month.  The gates open at 7:30 and the films will start at dusk.  Next on the list for this summer’s showings are Cleopatra (1934), Startgate (1994), The Mummy (1932), and The Prince of Egypt (1998).

2) Utica Square offers live music every Thursday night, 7-9pm, all summer long for what is called “Summer’s Fifth Night.”  Utica Square is packed with awesome restaurants and also has an amazing outdoor atmosphere.  Grab a bite to eat or pack a picnic and head out to hear some of Tulsa’s local bands…FOR FREE!

*If you happen to being staying at the Hotel Ambassador for either of these nights, please note that we have free transportation to reach both of these locations .

Where are you watching fireworks this 4th of July?

Ever since I can remember fireworks have been a mandatory part of my 4th of July celebration.  A few years back I moved from Southern California to Tulsa  and it became a question of where the best place to watch fireworks was.  Are you looking for some place to celebrate your 4th of July with fireworks? Here are 3 phenomenal locations to do so!

Chandler Park is located on top of a hill in West Tulsa allowing you to see for miles. Therefore, this is a great place to camp out, especially with your significant other, and watch fireworks!

This year 41st and riverside is hosting  a wine tasting before the firework display…how fun!  What a great place to lay a blanket down on the grass, sip some wine, and spend some time to relax!

Tulsa Country Club is members only BUT it only costs $10 a person to watch the fireworks while being surrounded with beautiful scenery!

 

Where are you watching fireworks this year!? Happy 4th of July and enjoy your three day weekends everyone!

 

Tulsa Restaurant Gems

Tulsa most definitely is not lacking in the restaurant department.  When I first moved to Tulsa, one of the first things I noticed was the number of restaurants.  With many choices of dining options comes some definite indecision on where to eat.  After conducting some research and consulting with some other Tulsa locals, I have put together a list of five of Tulsa’s most note-worthy restaurants.

Doe’s Eat Place—Located off of Cherry Street, Doe’s is known for their hot tamales and steaks. In addition, they also have a HUGE selection of scotch malt whiskeys.

http://www.doeseatplace.com/index.htm

Mary’s Italian Tratorria—Mary’s, also located off of Cherry Street, is a super romantic, little hole-in-the-wall place where everything, including the pasta, is made from scratch.  Rumor has it that the eggplant Parmesan is worth ordering and the tiramisu is phenomenal.  Lastly, their wine selection is great.  Mary’s in continually reviewed as the best Italian food in Tulsa.

White River Fish Market—White River Fish Market has been open for over 75 years and is most definitely the BEST seafood in Tulsa.  That being said, I would like to point out that I grew up on the Pacific Coast in Southern California, so I can tend to be picky with seafood.  With a selection varying from frog legs to flounder, this is the spot go to for seafood.  Not to mention, they have the most incredible hush puppies.

http://www.whiteriverfishmarket.com/

La Hacienda—One thing I continually hear about La Hacienda is how good their salsa is, and I agree!  In my opinion, this is best salsa in Tulsa.  La Hacienda’s menu is all-around good, but watch out for their burritos because one is about as big as my forearm!  La Hacienda also has a great Mexican beer selection.

Caramel—This is a great place to get lunch, dinner, and unbeatable desserts.  Carmel is located on Brookside and is one of the best places for romantic dessert.  Caramel is best known for their caramel cheesecake and fruit crisps with homemade gelato.  The bakery and dessert bar is owned by Tulsa-famous Doreen Duano who has worked as a chef at the Luxor in Las Vegas as well as at the Ritz Carlton.

http://www.carameldessert.com/

Refresh Your Summer

Summer time is a season packed with all kinds of events.  From weddings, to vacations, to picnics, to pool parties, to dinner parties, the event possibilities hit all sorts of categories.  There have been a few events that I have already attended this season, all very different, but one thing remains the same…fruity cocktails are a hit!

As a hotel we are very lucky to have one of Tulsa’s best restaurants attached to us!  The Chalkboard understands the summer’s demand for fruity cocktails and is supplying its customers with some great summer cocktail options that can only be made better by being paired with one of the delicious bar appetizers or by being enjoyed on the patio.

Here are a few summer friendly cocktails being offered by The Chalkboard this summer:

10 Cane Pomegranate Mojito:

Ingredients

10 fresh mint leaves

½ of a lime (4 wedges)

1 cup of ice

1 ½ oz. of 10 Cane Rum

½ oz. of Pama Pomegranate Liquor

½ cup of club soda

(Served in a pint glass and garnished with a lime wedge)

Tropical Martini:

Ingredients

1 ½ oz. of Grey Goose Orange Vodka

1 ½ oz. of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

1 ½ oz. of Peach Schnapps

1 ½ oz. of pineapple juice

½ oz. of cranberry juice

(Served in a martini glass and garnished with either an orange or pineapple slice)

Bloody Cucumber:

Ingredients

2 oz. of cucumber flavored Hendrix Gin

4 oz. of Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix

2 lime wedges

Celery salt

Cucumber slice

Cup of ice

*You may add a dash of Tabasco for a spicy kick!

(Served in a chilled martini class and garnished with a cucumber slice and lime wedge)

With these three summer cocktails introduced, we would like to extend an invitation for you to join us at The Chalkboard to fulfill your summer cocktail desires!

Lastly, just because we are on the topic of cocktails, I would like to suggest a recipe for another, easy-to-make, must-have cocktail for all of your summer events.  For many of us, I am sure that watermelon was a part of many of our past summer memories.  Therefore, without any further ado, here is the recipe for the Watermelon Martini, compliments of drinksmixer.com.

Watermelon Martini (1 serving)

½ oz. fresh lemon juice

1 oz. Midori melon liqueur

1 oz. citrus vodka

1 ½ oz. fresh watermelon juice

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve.

ENJOY!

Memorial Day Special:

This Memorial Day Hotel Ambassador is offering a deal that is good for your soul, your taste buds, and your pocket!

Hotel Ambassador is inviting you to stay two nights and get the third night at 50% off.  Included in this special is a $25 daily food credit to be used at the Chalkboard, a restaurant nestled into the lower level of the hotel.  The Chalkboard Restaurant is continually being named “The Best” by Oklahoma Magazine.  Not to mention, the restaurant has an extensive wine list and a charming European-style bistro atmosphere.

Enjoy this Memorial Day weekend by indulging in the luxury offered by the suites at Hotel Ambassador and savoring food offered by one of Tulsa’s most premiere restaurants.  This is an opportunity to experience relaxation at its best at a price that won’t hurt your wallet!

*This offer is valid Thursday, May 27, through Monday, May 31.  Call today to make your reservations at (918)587-8200.

Are You Burnt Out and Suffering From Zombie-like Symptoms?

Something about this time of year—transitioning from the spring into the summer—is stressful.  I see it on so many people’s faces…they are tired and walking around like zombies with saggy, puffy eyes, dragging their feet and slouching their shoulders.

Lately I’ve found myself wanting to begin living the life of a mole.  I picture myself vegging out in a dark room with vanilla-scented candles, just sitting, sipping my coffee—as we discussed in the last blog, coffee holds a special part of my heart—all while being accompanied by some Michael Bublé on my iPod with NO distractions.  I could do this for days!

A band called The Rocket Summer sings a song called “I Need a Break…But I’d Rather Have a Breakthrough.”  I believe that this song title encapsulates how so many of us feel. Let’s face it…while we could all attempt to take a break and begin living the life of a mole, we have jobs, responsibilities, and well, frankly, a lack of time.  So for those of us with too little time for a break, it’s time for a breakthrough! Below are described three spa services offered by Omni-Oasis at the Hotel Ambassador, each of which is a sure-fire way to cure you from your zombie-like state:

1. Aromatherapy Massage: If this doesn’t sound like relaxation, I don’t know what does!

The aromatherapy massage is a soothing treatment that will pamper your senses and provide a relaxing massage utilizing a blend of essential oils that will calm the mind, relax the body and lift your spirit.

2. Anti-Aging Facial Spa treatment (For those of us who wear our stress on our face): Damaged surface cells are scrubbed away to reveal more radiant smooth even-toned younger looking skin using a formula containing gentle pumice crystals and micronized buffing beads.   A deeply hydrating facial cream containing anti-aging and firming ingredients is used with a slow upward massage technique to work against gravity for the ultimate facial treatment.  Better yet, this treatment includes a customized massage.

3. Detox Black Baltic Mud Wrap: This warm black mud wrap promotes detoxification, extracts pore clogging impurities, and improves skin texture.  This mud wrap is composed of organic silts, which are collected from deep underneath 30,000-year-old fresh water lakes in Eastern Europe.  Again, this treatment includes a customized massage.

*If these treatments don’t appeal to you, these are just three of the many treatments offered by Onmi-Oasis.  Check out their full spa service menu at http://omnioasis.com/bodytreatment.aspx

All of these treatments are available in-room at the luxurious Hotel Ambassador.  This means that the Jacuzzi tub, cozy white robes, and beds you will practically melt into are all at your disposal. (P.S. The rooms have iPod players, so Michael Bublé can still be present.  It’s your time for a breakthrough…you work hard and you deserve it.

Fostering The Ultimate Environment-Tulsa’s Top 4 Coffee Shops

Regardless of my mission, whether its relaxation or business, coffee is almost always involved.  There is something to be said about a coffee shop that cultivates my ability to achieve my mission.  A coffee shop is so often more than just a place to pick up a cup of coffee.  A coffee shop can serve as a place that pushes productivity or even a place that allows me to escape into the plot of a good book or into the pages of my journal.

Here at the Hotel Ambassador, we want your experience to reach its fullest potential.  Therefore, if you are anything like me, in that coffee jump starts your day as well as plays a part in the success of your mission, we figured it would be of help to provide you with a list of four of Tulsa’s finest coffee shops. Here’s some good news…Hotel Ambassador offers a FREE shuttle service by either Lincoln Town Car or Cadillac Escalade that can take you to each of these locations!

1. Starbucks at Utica Square—The words coffee and Starbucks can almost be interchanged.  While Starbuck’s reputation speaks for itself, the location of this particular Starbucks is superb as Utica Square has a unique charm and beauty with its village-like design and tranquil greenery.  This is a great place to get work done…especially outdoors!
2. Double Shot—With the claim, “To provide exquisite, fresh-roasted coffees for people who know the difference,” Double Shot holds true to its company mission.  Double Shot truly offers one of the most quality cups of coffee in town, in addition to providing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere with free Wi-Fi.  The inside is full of quirky furniture, funky art, and books and newspapers for your reading pleasure.  There is plenty of room for groups yet also a nook or two for the individual.
3. The Coffee House on Cherry Street—This coffee shop offers more of an urban atmosphere and is a particular favorite among the locals.  Its walls are covered by the work of many local artists, and its interior is broken into small sitting rooms with tables and chairs, setting the stage for a stimulating conversation or an enjoyable place to spend some time alone.  The coffee house has free Wi-Fi as well as offering a variety of foods for both breakfast and lunch.
4. Panera Bread—I know, when you think about Panera Bread, you don’t necessarily identify it with coffee.  However, Panera Bread, unlike a lot of food chains, has a coffee provider that is committed to sustainability and quality.  In all of Panera’s locations, each of the coffee urns indicates the brew time as well as the origin and the source of the coffee.  Kudos to Panera for providing a location that offers quality coffee, good food, and an appropriate atmosphere—along with Wi-Fi—where time can be spent and savored!