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Archive for February, 2023

Food Friday: MentaliTea and Coffee

Update: They have moved to a new address. They are now in a new building along with The Produce Gal. Still a quiet place to write, read, or relax. They do have a larger menu, not just for drinks for food and baked goods. The Produce Gal also runs a small market with local products and produce. I had a frappe latte with lavender which was really good. I also loved my bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon. So check them out, still good food and great service, just a new location.

I often write in my office at home but sometimes I need someplace quieter with no distractions. I have found a great place to get some coffee, breakfast, and some quiet, MentaliTea and Coffee in Bethany.

On NW 36th Street just to the east of Southern Plaza retirement center, this small building looks industrial but inside is a quiet inviting space. I ordered one of their signature drinks, a lavender latte with a breakfast biscuit that had bacon added. I took a seat in a cozy nook near a window, with a comfy seat and a table to work from, I could look out the window when writers block struck. My latte came out in a cute white mug, with a latte art flower on top. I let it cool while I waited for the biscuit, which soon followed. The biscuit was huge, covered the small plate. It was homemade, buttery and flaky, the bacon added a bit of smoky flavor to it. The latte was smooth, the lavender just added a smoothness to the drink. Even though some people came in, the vibe stayed calm. I stayed for almost 2 hours, just thinking, writing, and enjoying my food.

This will be a new go-to place for me when I need to clear my mind. I will give them 5 strips of bacon, and some peace and quiet.

Address: 3823 N. College Ave., Bethany.

Food Friday: Luigi’s Pizzeria

While out on a road trip to see small towns in Oklahoma, I went through Blair just north of Altus. Cute town, lots of old buildings still being used, including a few restaurants. It was lunch time so I was early for Backdoor Steakhouse (it opened at 5p, I would like to try it though), so I tried the small Luigi’s Pizzeria right next door.

Located on their Main Street, just to the east of US Highway 283, if you aren’t looking for it you’ll miss it. Painted up in blue, you go in through the front door and are greeted with a beautiful tin ceiling. There are vintage signs around the small dining room with a cool old Coke machine in the corner. We were told to sit anywhere, so we sat next to that Coke machine. We were quickly brought some toasted garlic bread with a vinegar and olive oil dip. It was so good, crisp on the outside and buttery soft in the middle. We ordered a medium pizza with a garlic crust, alfredo, pepperoni, black olives, and mushrooms. We waited about 15 minutes for the pizza to be done, and it came out piping hot. Everything was great and the garlic crust gave it a bit of extra flavor.

Luigi’s has been serving pizza and other Italian dishes to southwestern Oklahoma for over 20 years, they have a second location on the east side of Altus. I loved the atmosphere of the Blair location, quiet with an old time charm. I’ll be happy to drive to Blair to get a pizza with them again, 5 strips of bacon.

Address: 118 E Main St., Blair; 20650 US-62, Altus.

Food Friday: Birrieria Diaz

If you are looking for some really good Mexican food in Bethany, head to downtown Bethany across from SNU and check out Brirrieria Diaz. I have heard of it for quite some time and a few months ago was our first visit. We’ve been back several times because it is so good.

It’s located on the east corner of the downtown area, just a small restaurant. You can park on NW 39th or drive around back to the larger parking lot. Once inside, we are always seated quickly. Fresh corn tortilla chips along with really good queso and salsa are brought to the table. The salsa is fresh and not to spicy, the queso is creamy with a touch of sharp flavor. I have gotten the beef enchilada dinner a couple of times and it has been great. Always cooked to perfection, the ground beef has a nice flavor. But my new favorite is the tacos diaz, 3 flour tortillas filled with steak, ham, bacon, onions, peppers, and mozzarella cheese. These are wonderful, the different flavors just compliment each other. The meat is grilled and is tender, the veggies are also grilled and liven up the taco. It’s served with rice and beans. The rice is good but I really like their beans, I have tasted bits of bacon in them which I love.

I highly recommend trying them out, they have a breakfast menu that I need to try soon. I give them 5 strips of bacon.

Address: 6700 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany.