The Pelican "Brief"

Okay, I'm not talking about the movie.  But, I'm talking about a fabulous restaurant that is a local unknown gem!  Last week I accompanied "A" to an awards ceremony ("A" was up for a big award.....Best Featured Actress among others in her category from various plays held at the Jewel Box Theater).  The ceremony took place at Tinker Air Force Base.  We got there too early to enter (high security), so we drove around to waste some time.  On our drive, we passed a restaurant that I grew up on (and had forgotten about.  it's in Midwest City, which I don't frequent that often).  It brought back memories, and a great idea!  This past three weeks we took a walk down memory lane on our childhood favorites (meals cooked at home).  So, these next three weeks we are going to frequent establishments that either A. We grew up on or B. That remind us of those special occasion restaurants we grew up going to.  Pelican's was that for me.

To spin it even further, myself and "A" decided to make it a surprise for "J"!  He's worked so hard over these past 22 weeks (yes folks, 22 weeks going strong!).  We thought it would be fun for him to take a needed break and enjoy the "ride".  So, we strapped him in.  Blind-folded him.  And off we went!  Along the way "J" was getting every turn and exit we were making.  So, "A" directed me (with motions only, so he wouldn't know...ha) to take an earlier exit, and drive around the long-way.  That definitely got him turned around!  When we arrived, and the blind-fold was removed, he had NO clue where we were.  Of course, no idea what restaurant we were at....but also, no clue where we were directionally speaking.

This is "J" getting out of the car and removing his blind-fold for the first time.  Although the storms were heavy, the sun was really bright for being blind-folded in a 30-minute car ride!  It took him almost 10 minutes to get acclimated and comfortable with where he was.  So funny.

This is Pelican's!  Isn't it so quaint?

The cute, and extensive (lots of great offerings), menu!

The best part of Pelican's is their salad bar.  It is amazing, and all the items are the freshest.  I mean, look at this salad!  The salad bar comes with each entree, plus one side.  Great deal!

What I remember most of Pelican's is their French Onion Soup.  It was on the salad bar that night, but the waiter hooked me up, with putting croutons and cheese on top and heating it up.  Great waiter!  And, great memory came true again.  It was fabulous, as I remembered it to be.

We just HAD to order the Fried Zucchini as an appetizer.  They could have been more thinly sliced, for me (I like them potato chip thin).  But, they were good.

I ordered the Petite Teriyaki Sirloin.  My side, a baked potato.  This potato was cooked perfectly!  Don't you just love when you get a huge potato, and it's cooked to perfection.  The butter and sour cream melt, and it becomes an ooey gooey dream!  My tab included this steak, which came with the baked potato, salad bar and soup, plus a beer and my total was only a little over $18.00.  Great deal!

Now I'm sorry, but I have no idea why the next two photos are flipped.  I saved them rotated, and the blog still uploads them upside down!  Nevertheless, this is "J's" meal.  Coconut Fried Shrimp.  It was yummo!

"A" enjoyed the special they offered that night, the Orange Roughy. 

It was a fun trip, and both "J" and "A" (so they say) really enjoyed it.  If you are local, I recommend a trip to Midwest City to enjoy this establishment.  It's located off of Air Depot, in the parking lot of the old Heritage Park Mall. 

I couldn't write this post, without posting the picture that started it all.  Congratulations to my beautiful friend, "A".  She didn't win the category of Best Featured Actress, but she won something BETTER!  "Best Newcomer"!  It was a total surprise (didn't even know the category was up), and priceless.  The presenter started talking about the character she played, and she looked at me and said "hey, they are talking about me!".  Her acceptance speech was perfect.  "A": I'm so proud of you, but even prouder to call you my friend.  Love all around (and on our side, as this dang picture is flipped again!).  ha! 

Until next time.....A la cuisine!

I'd also like to send thoughts, via this blog, to the Oklahoman's that faced the horrible storms last night.  Many lost their homes, and some lost loved one's.  We are praying for you.