UK Shop Brings International Flavor to Broken Arrow

By Jesika Byerly 

Wandering the streets of Broken Arrow, I discovered a small slice of international culture here in Oklahoma. Things UK Ltd. is a British-themed shop tucked into an average strip mall, hidden between other businesses, small and uncongested. 

The doors to the shop are below an inexpensive sign with the name of the business. The sign bears the British flag, a signifier of the goods sold there. As I peer through the windows before stepping inside, I see the distinctive red phone box, a popular symbol of the country’s culture, alongside a red double-decker bus. 

I walked inside, not knowing what to expect, and was greeted by a cordial gentlemen of around 60 years of age. At that moment, the cultural shift hit me. The man’s voice brought a different accent to Broken Arrow. The pitch and tone of his words was definitely English. This was a good sign of the shop's authenticity. 

Every product I examined was a product of British culture, but these products were not so different from American goods. The products included chocolates, creams, teas, and flour. Since these products were all imported, the prices seemed steep. That makes sense. This is not the place for regular groceries, but it is a place to find something uniquely British, something new and different.

Hip and Cozy: The Coffee House on Cherry Street

By Laura Yeradi 

    
I visited a local coffee shop in Tulsa called Coffee House on Cherry Street (CHOCS).  I convinced my friend Kylie, coffee expert and TU student, to take a study break to enjoy an iced dirty chai at the hipster-infused coffee house located on 15^th Street. 

CHOCS looks like it was furnished from a thrift shop, yet remains charming and trendy.  The rustic furniture provides a cozy atmosphere to the colorful range of customers.  I observed the customers surrounding me: a young, redheaded man with long hair listening to music, two middle-aged women discussing business, and a girl in her 30s reading a book. 

CHOCS is a perfect place to study, go on a date, or hang out with friends because of the privacy.  The couches, chairs, and tables create isolated nooks all around the coffee shop, allowing for quiet conversation or focused studying.  The inviting character of the coffee shop makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. 

There are specialty drinks named “The Honey Badger” or “The Polar Bear” that spice up your average latté menu, along with a variety of fruit smoothies.  They also have a delicious array of desserts and sandwiches.  Next time, instead of your routine Starbucks run, try CHOCS – you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Guys, Wings and Big-Time Sports in T-town

By J. L. Calderwood

A few of us decided to go to Buffalo Wild Wings a few nights ago. We are poor college students, so 60-cent traditional wings are a winner for us. We were lucky to get there before the Oklahoma City Thunder game started, so we had no trouble getting a table. 

I checked out the television screens. I noticed they had multiple games playing, both basketball and hockey. But they didn't have my favorite hockey team on any set. I asked the staff and they were happy to put on the Chicago Blackhawks game, which made us very happy.

 With the game on there wasn’t much conversation, but we were enjoying the game because the Hawks were winning and our food was outstanding. Beyond our table, I noticed everyone enjoying their evening out. I saw a couple on a date sharing a plate of wings, a table of six guys drinking whatever beer was on special for the night, and a family out of the house for the night.

 Buffalo Wild Winds allows you to enjoy yourself, relax from a stressful day, and enjoy your favorite sports team. Most importantly for us, Tuesday is 60-cent traditional wings.

Good Food, Good Times in Brookside: Senor Tequila

 By Lauren Nehf

Walking up to Señor Tequila in Brookside, you can feel the vibe of an authentic Mexican restaurant. Entering through the front door, you smell the kitchen where a divine Mexican feast is being prepared. Smiling faces greet you at the host stand. The restaurant is flanked with paintings and decorations of Mexican culture, which complement the rustic brick coating of the walls.

As I was seated at my table, I noticed right away the respectful yet tentative nature of my server as he brought drinks, took our food orders, and promptly served our food. My cheese and chicken quesadilla was topped with fresh lettuce, guacamole, and salsa. I finished my meal with out a single complaint.

When I leaned back in the cozy booth I looked around and noticed the wide variety of activities. At a large table, a birthday party was taking place and behind them, a young couple seemed to be on their first date. To my right were two middle-aged couples on what appeared to be a double date.

Leaving the restaurant, full and happy, I was able to catch a snap shot of the neon sign out in front of the restaurant. I have never seen a Mexican restaurant with a neon sign but it sure does draw people in. Beyond the sign, Tulsans come for the delicious food, kind staff, and colorful environment.