W H AT W E ’ R E E AT I N G
S I M P LY H E A L T H Y
Florence Park Café Growing up, Jonathon Haring’s mother insisted that her sons learn how to do three things: sew, cook and laundry. Haring later worked as a photographer for the Tulsa World, but he never lost a passion for cooking and baking. Joking that he needed a vocation with tighter deadlines and more stress, he opened Florence Park Café earlier this year in the location that previously housed Luna Bread. Haring’s slogan – “Nothing fancy, but everything fresh” – speaks volumes about his philosophy regarding food. “I want food to taste like food. There’s nothing out of a mix or with a lot of preservatives,” he says. “Everything starts from scratch.” Although Haring caters private dinners, the restaurant focuses on breakfast and lunch. Florence Park Café serves breakfast all day along with sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh bread and more. Haring also offers vegetarian and vegan options each day. 3144 E. 15th St., Tulsa. 918.619.6300 – Jill Meredith
The Lunch Spectrum
FLORENCE PARK CAFÉ OWNER JONATHON HARING BRINGS FRESH TASTES TO CUSTOMERS. PHOTOS BY BRANDON SCOTT.
DISHES LIKE CHICKEN CONFIT MEDITERRANEAN ARE SUCCULENT AND PERFECT AT LA BAGUETTE BISTRO & BAKERY. PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS.
La Baguette Bistro & Bakery Some say the best part of any meal is dessert. While the desserts at Oklahoma City’s La Baguette Bistro & Bakery have assumed an exalted status, the rest of the menu is also worthy of exploration. Started in 1988 by brothers Alain and Michel Buthion, this happy little melt of French and American cultures is a regular stop for many Oklahoma City dwellers picking up French bread loaves, cakes and pastries from the bakery portion. The bistro is also a favorite place for locals to bring out-of-towners for authentic French flavor. From simple dishes, such as French onion soup and Croque Monsieur – a kind of ham and cheese sandwich – to more complex fare, like mussels or succulent roast duck, La Baguette Bistro brings a delicious twist to tradition. And if dessert is still on your mind, the chocolate mousse cake is a local favorite. 7408 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City. www.labaguettebistro. com – Karen Shade
Even as school cafeterias offer more choices to students, some parents still opt to send their children to school with a packed lunch. No matter the reason, parents strive to pack lunches that are healthy and appealing. “Eating a rainbow” is more than a pretty metaphor. With fruits and vegetables, different colors generally signify an abundance of specific nutrients. Orange produce is high in vitamin C and beta-carotene. Red is indicative of heart-healthy foods. Yellow foods tend to be high in potassium and aid in digestion. Green foods are often high in iron and help strengthen the immune system. Purple vegetables and fruits could be called “brain food” – not only are these foods good for your memory, they can also help prevent some forms of cancer. Make these healthy foods appealing for kids by threading them on a toothpick or skewer and providing a healthy dip. Ranch dip is a good choice for veggies, while a simple yogurt dip is scrumptious with fresh fruit. – Jill Meredith
Luscious Low-fat Yogurt Dip 1 1-2 tbsp. 1/2 tsp. 1-2 tsp. 1/2 tsp.
small container vanilla yogurt lime juice finely grated lime zest honey vanilla
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Serve with fresh fruit. Makes about one cup.
AUGUST 2014 | WWW.OKMAG.COM
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