Brookside : The Ida Red Shop offers surprising products

 By Laurine Chapuis

Freshly arrived in Tulsa, I travelled for the first time to Brookside. As an exchange student from France, I wanted to discover my new hometown for the semester. As I wandered with my friends on the streets of Tulsa, and after having visited several museums and shops,  I stopped for a while in this extraordinary and unique place : The Ida Red Shop.

Ida Red Shop waiters preparing milkshakes

I was greeted as soon as I walked through the door.  I could have stayed for hours looking at all those funny and original items they sold. The most surprising and eccentric thing I saw was the soap named « No Ragrets. Smells like a bad tattoo ».

After looking at all the amazing tee-shirts, cards, funny socks and candies, I moved forward into the store. I had discovered a bar,  in which the kind waiters would serve you a milkshake or a coffee. Be careful, they don’t have a lot of seats !  But don’t worry, you can also buy take-away drinks.

Located on South Peoria Avenue, The Ida Red Shop is the place to be if you’re looking for an original gift or hoping to just have a good time in Brookside !

Find the soap which describes you the most

Pancho Anaya Bakery: Your Local Sugar Fix

By Skylar Fuser

On the corner of Lewis and Admiral, Pancho Anaya Bakery fills the hungry stomachs of pastry connoisseur's all over Tulsa.

The take-and-go system is a pair of tongs and a tray. This was daunting to me, as I felt each slice of cake and morsel of cookie begging me to grab them.

There are countless delicacies to choose from. Glorias are traditional, cake-like loaves with raisins on top. Orejas are crispy, thin pastries shaped like a "U" with sugar both baked in and on top. Two pieces of traditional bread molded together in a sphere with sugar and a delicious layer of icing becomes a yoyo.

Finally, churros, which are bought with either Bavarian crème filling, strawberry filling, or no filling at all, are also local favorites. This is just to name a few.

Most of the customers are locals of Hispanic heritage, as opposed to me and my friends. The easy-going nature of the store allowed the three of us to feel comfortable grabbing tongs and jumping right in to the party.

Pastries are also labelled with their traditional name as well as an explanation of what the dish is. This helps inexperienced guests get excited about choosing the pastry they think sounds the most scrumptious.

Pancho Anaya is a family business and has been baking goods for five generations. Each hand-made pastry is evidence of the wisdom that comes with their experience.

For more information about Pancho Anaya's menu or other locations around Tulsa, visit http://panchoanaya/menu/.

Dwelling Spaces sells local art, unique gifts

By Shiqi Gong

Outdoor of the dwelling spaces

An artistic shop called Dwelling Spaces is located in the Blue Dome District in downtown Tulsa at 119 S. Detroit St.

It sells T-shirts, postcards, some local stuff and artists’ paintings. It has been opened for seven years, according to Mary Beth Babcock, the owner of the shop.

Mary hosted a birthday party for her dog Molly, 15, in the Dwelling Spaces last month. She invited friends and took photos with Molly.

Dwelling Spaces holds a concert on the first Saturday night every month. I have enjoyed looking at the art and hearing the live music there.

A coffee bar called Joebot's is also located in the Dwelling Spaces.  

For more information, go to their website.

Giving The Perfect Touch in South Tulsa

By Grace Doyle 

Usually neglected in the past, South Tulsa is now home to many little treasures. The Perfect Touch gift store is one of those little treasures located at 91^st and Yale. Once you walk in you are struck with the wonderful aroma of candles, lotions and perfumes.  

Owners, Des Bennett and her husband, Pat, have made the store their passion. Since March of 1993, The Perfect Touch has grown into a happy community that strives to satisfy customers with the best service around. Once you become a regular, they know you on a first name basis.

Main front entrance of The Perfect Touch where holiday goodies are put on display. 

The Perfect Touch is the perfect place to find any type of collectable. The store holds everything from frames, Vera Bradley, Brighton, candies, and plenty of gifts for family, loved ones, and friends. 

Bennett states that she wants “customers to leave happier than when they entered”. I did just that when I left the store with a Bunny figurine for my mom, some chocolate caramels for me, and a smile on my face.