Coffee Geeks - A Day In the Life of a Head Roaster

By Skylar Fuser

I walk into Cirque Coffee Roasters, a bustling coffee shop in Tulsa, OK, on one of its renowned “roasting days.” I am greeted by a vibrant 25-year-old man named John Pierce, who has been happily roasting coffee beans by hand all morning. So young, yet an owner of this new, popular shop in Tulsa. 

He quickly picks out a “quaker,” a bean that is discolored and can give the coffee a rancid taste. I quietly watch as the experienced hands sort through the entire batch and listen as he tells me his story.

After gaining experience in roasting from a master in Kansas City, MO, John moved back to Tulsa. It was here that he encountered an old high school friend, Garrett O’Dell, and decided to pursue a shop of their own.

“We both quit our jobs,” John said excitedly.

What sets Cirque apart from the rest of the shops in Tulsa, and maybe in the entire state, is the amount of time and thought put into each drink.

“I know a lot about coffee, so it would be a disservice to my customers if I didn’t go through all the steps,” John said.

Each barista goes through six weeks of intensive training. Morgan Steele, who has worked at Cirque for around eight months, said she had “never felt more prepared for a job.”

All signature drinks are invented by the baristas. Morgan shared with me about her Chai, which she co-created with John. She worked to spice a house-made syrup for the drink, a very unique process that sets its flavor apart from all others.

One frequent customer, Louie Carreno, shared with me about his favorite drink at the time. Louie’s favorite drink was the “Ode to Arnold,” an interesting take on a classic Arnold Palmer.

“The flavors of the drink were sublime,” Carreno said of one of Cirque’s first signature drinks.

John also gave a glimpse as to the future of Cirque, which is about to experience a few renovations.

They have recently leased the unit next door to make space for training new team members and larger areas for roasting.  This will also allow the shop to expand customer seating and keep up with the ever-growing clientele.

If you would like more information about Cirque, or to shop its exclusive, specially-chosen coffees, visit http://www.cirquecoffee.com/.

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

Duncan man moves to Tulsa for work and finds much more

By Abby Hickman

Growing up in Duncan, just miles north of the Texas and Oklahoma border, Duane Harris moved to Tulsa three years ago to work at a local trucking company, but found love, friendship and happiness also.

After a year in northeast Oklahoma, Harris met his girlfriend who is a student at the University of Tulsa. Since they met two years ago, he has attended countless TU basketball and football games. He love taking his son, Malachi Harris, to the games. Malachi has previously been featured on the "Simba cam" during TU basketball games.

Harris enjoys spending his free time at local restaurants such as “Tacos Don Francisco,” “Tally’s Café” and “Ted's Cafe Escondido.” He considers “Woody’s Corner Bar” the best bar in downtown Tulsa.

When asked about future plans, Harris quickly said, “I’m not leaving Tulsa, ever.” His love for Tulsa does not sway his dedication towards the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners have his loyalty, but Tulsa seems to have his heart.

Duane Harris(left) and Malachi Harris(left) 

Unique Tulsa Shopping is MADE

By Paige Bennett

MADE: An Indie Emporium is a growing Tulsa shop that sells unique handmade items and offers craft classes to people of all ages and interests.

MADE was started as a pop up shop but after a successful start, was moved to a permanent storefront in Downtown Tulsa’s Deco District (on South Boston Avenue) in January 2012. In December of 2012, the shop expanded to another location in the Pearl District of Tulsa (on 6^th street). This second location is within walking distance to the popular coffee shop among TU students and midtown Tulsa residents alike, The Phoenix. This blooming neighborhood offers a unique shopping and dining experience.

The Pearl District location storefront.

The store sells handmade goods from more than 80 vendors. Also, the Pearl District location offers DIY classes for any skill level or age. Currently enrolling classes include a wheel spinning class to make your own yarn and a DIY dream catcher class.

MADE has limited storefront hours but is worth planning a stop in. Hours for the Pearl District location are Wednesday to Saturday from noon to six. Hours at the Downtown location are Thursday to Saturday from noon to six.

The Downtown location storefront.

More information for aspiring vendors and/or students can be found on the store’s web page at www.shopatmade.com. 

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.

Homestyle Cooking at Affordable Prices: Ron's Burgers and Chili

By: Meghan McLaughlin

Rootbeer and Cheesburger at Ron's

Enjoying a burger at Ron's

If you are in the mood for a quick, affordable burger and ice cold root beer, Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili is sure to hit the spot Delicious food, friendly service, and a casual atmosphere are some of the reasons that Ron’s has been voted one of the best burgers in Oklahoma. 

Started by a husband and wife over 25 years ago, today Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili has 18 locations in Oklahoma, and one in Arkansas and Texas. This locally operated and family owned chain of diners have been extremely successful in the restaurant industry. A seat yourself style diner, Ron's is the perfect spot for an affordable family dinner, or casual, quick bite to eat with friends. While they are most famous for their old-fashioned style hamburgers, which are thin, greasy and full of flavor as the chili is also highly recommended and has even won some awards in Tulsa at chili cookoffs. Additionally, the fried okra and chili cheese fries are always a crowd pleaser.  

One twist they have on their normal burger is their sausage burger, which was invented years ago by mistake, when one of the employees bought sausage instead of beef. Today, people come from all across Oklahoma to enjoy this burger.

I highly recommend Ron's Burgers and Chili as different yet high-quality switch up to your normal "go-to" fast food restaurant. For more information, locations, and to see a menu, check out www.ronschili.com.

Classic Cigars Offers the Best Cigars in Tulsa

By Otto Harrison

While a cigar bar’s aim is to cater to cigar aficionados, Classic Cigars in Downtown Tulsa has established an atmosphere to suit the businessman or the college student. 

Tulsa’s only 5 star cigar bar features a full bar, an outdoor patio, and a large indoor humidor. The environment is ideal for studying or for private discussion amongst peers.

I was able to overhear much political and private discussion between patrons at Classic Cigars; it seems to be a close-by getaway from the hectic and stressful urban life in the Metropolitan area.

Hundreds of rare high-quality cigars

Inside the large humidor you can find a cigar for any budget

Classic Cigars & Lounge is located at 118 N. Boston Tulsa, OK, United States, 74103

Ron's Hamburgers and Chili: One Man's Dream Becomes a Family Tradition

Enjoying a famous Ron's burger

                                        

                                           

By Olivia Lyons

Ron's Hamburgers and Chili started as one man's dream to open and run his own restaurant quickly became a family tradition and voted one of Tulsa's favorite burger places. 

Ron's came into business in 1975 and has grown to eighteen locations throughout Oklahoma, including two locations in Arkansas and one in Texas. Not only is Ron's a family business, but its
quaint atmosphere is welcoming to families and friends wanting good food and easy conversation.

Ron's Hamburgers and Chili was awarded four stars by the International Chili Society and was voted "Best Hamburger and Chili" by the Urban Tulsa Weekly. I have been going to Ron's ever since I was little and have continued to go with my friends and family throughout the years.

When visiting Ron's a few nights ago, the restaurant was alive with conversation from the regulars to the group of firefighters coming in to enjoy a delicious and inexpensive dinner. All and all Ron's is a staple to Tulsa's community and is just a small part of what makes Tulsa special. 

For more information, go to www.ronschili.com

Ron's Hamburgers and Chili