The OK Gazette has opened nominations for their annual Best of OKC list.  There is a huge range of categories – over 100 – but I have a few that I can offer some suggestions on.  I don’t claim to be an objective source on this, in fact, my suggestions are heavily biased.  Still, if you find your self agreeing with me then please follow the link and show your support by nominating them.


Best book by a local author > OKC: Second Time Around

Is there any question on this one? Steve Lackmeyer and Jack Money unravel the history of Oklahoma City’s last 50 years.  From the big dreams and destruction of the 1960’s and 70’s to the rebirth of the city with the passing of MAPS.  The book is a tremendous accomplishment and helped to substantially fill some of the gaping wholes in the history of Oklahoma City’s growth and development.  I should have already written a whole review, but thankfully Doug Loudenback has already done so – here – and it is more thorough then I could ever hope to be. If you haven’t read it, you should pick up a copy at…


Best local bookstore > Full Circle Bookstore

Unless something has changed in the last two years, then Full Circle continues to be the best local bookstore worthy of your vote and patronization.


Best casual-dining restaurant > Interurban Grill

Even if my father-in-law was not the proprietor of the Edmond, Memorial, Yukon, and (new) Norman locations and I would give this place my praise.  I cannot resist their Honey Chicken Sandwich.  You may have had one in the past at the Arts Festival, and perhaps also enjoyed their incredible tequila bread pudding or any of the other many items on their loaded family menu.  If you eat there and enjoy it – nominate them.  If you haven’t eaten there, try it – and then nominate them.

Interurban is also a perfect choice for a host of other categories…Best restaurant in Edmond? Norman?


Best Mexican restaurant > Casa Perico

You likely don’t know it yet, but the best Mexican food in Oklahoma City is at Casa Perico.  I have consistently enjoyed this place for a decade now and highly recommend it.  Value-wise it simply cannot be beat.  Give it a shot at either of their two locations: 63rd and Meridian, or 122nd and Penn.


Best Blog > OKCCentral.com / Doug Dawgz / The Lost Ogle / Dustbury

I live in Boston.*


UPDATE:

Best Coffee > Cafe Evoke Catering
Best New Service Business > Cafe Evoke Catering

Jason and Jenni turned this coffee liker into a coffee lover! Their coffee catering service moved from Bozeman in 2008 and they have been brewing it up for the people of OKC since. They just opened a new space – 1708 – in the Plaza District. You should definitely check them out for your next event!


Okay, start nominating over at OK Gazette.com!

* Seriously though, while I have a good post from time to time.  Day-in and day-out these guys are making it happen and contributing great content to the OKC blog scene.  They are deserving. (Don’t let the mommy blogs win).